Hosts setting out a self-serve table
An individually wrapped assortment lets guests choose a piece from a bowl or cake stand. Tesco Groceries describes its 550g Celebrations tub as individually wrapped.
Who is each format for?
The serving style, guests’ preferences and any allergies matter more than the appearance of the box alone.
Hosts catering for different tastes
A mixed assortment offers more choice than a box containing one type of chocolate. Celebrations / Mars names eight centres in its 500g tub, including Mars, Twix and Bounty.
Hosts managing food allergies
Ask guests about relevant allergies before choosing an assortment, then check the declaration on the exact pack. Celebrations / Mars advises relying on back-of-pack information for allergy decisions.
What should you check before buying?
Decide how guests will choose their chocolates, then compare the pack format with the number of people and the rest of the tea menu.
| Priority | What to check | Your needs |
|---|---|---|
| Assortment | Compare the named chocolates and textures. Celebrations / Mars lists eight mini-bar centres in its 500g tub; Tesco Groceries describes the 550g Quality Street tub as chocolates, toffees and fruit cremés. | I want guests to choose between different flavours or textures, rather than serving just one kind of chocolate. |
| Pack quantity | Check the weight and any stated piece or portion count. Sainsbury’s lists 24 pieces in its 269g Ferrero Collection box; Celebrations / Mars describes approximately 20 portions for its 500g tub. Portions are not individual pieces. | For a smaller gathering, I can plan around a stated piece count. For a larger self-serve table, I need to consider how much other food is being served too. |
| Serving format | Check whether pieces are individually wrapped and whether a tub or box will work on the table. Tesco Groceries identifies individual wrapping on its 550g Celebrations tub. | I’d like guests to pick a chocolate without having to cut or plate each one. |
| Allergens | Read the exact pack’s ingredients and may-contain statements, including any relevant nut information. ASDA Groceries lists milk and hazelnuts for its Quality Street tub and warns that all sweets may contain nuts. | Someone at the tea may have an allergy, so I need a pack they can assess before anything is served. |
| Portion information | Use the pack’s nutrition panel to compare values on the same basis, such as per 100g or per serving. Check what the stated serving size represents. | Chocolate will be one part of the afternoon tea, and I want to decide how much to put out at a time. |
What can catch hosts out?
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Assuming a mixed box suits every guest
Different chocolates in one assortment can have different ingredients. ASDA Groceries lists hazelnuts and milk for its Quality Street tub and warns that all sweets may contain nuts.
Ask about allergies before buying. Keep the outer pack available at the table so guests can check the current ingredient and may-contain declarations; Celebrations / Mars advises using back-of-pack information for allergy decisions.
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Choosing by box appearance without counting pieces
A fixed-count gift box and a sharing tub answer different serving needs. Sainsbury’s lists 24 pieces in its Ferrero Collection box, whereas tub listings commonly state weight rather than a guaranteed piece count.
Consider the guest count and the rest of the menu. If you need a particular number of chocolates, check the piece count on the pack rather than treating its weight as a count.
Brand and assortment references
These examples describe particular packs, not every product made by each brand.
Quality Street
Tesco Groceries lists a 550g tub containing chocolates, toffees and fruit cremés for a mixed sharing table.
- The assortment offers different types of sweet in one tub.
- ASDA Groceries lists milk and hazelnuts and says all sweets may contain nuts; check the exact pack for guests with allergies.
Celebrations
Celebrations / Mars lists eight familiar mini-bar centres for its 500g tub, while Tesco Groceries lists a 550g individually wrapped tub.
- Named centres make it easier to judge whether the selection suits guests’ preferences.
- Use the current back-of-pack declaration for allergy decisions, as the manufacturer advises.
Cadbury Heroes
Cadbury UK describes its 550g Heroes tub as a sharing selection of milk-chocolate treats.
- Cadbury UK labels this 550g tub vegetarian-friendly.
- Check the current pack for its exact assortment and allergen declaration before serving.
Cadbury Roses
Cadbury UK describes its 550g Roses tub as a sharing selection of milk chocolates.
- Cadbury UK labels this 550g tub vegetarian-friendly.
- It is described as a milk-chocolate selection, so check the assortment if guests specifically want dark chocolate.
Ferrero
Sainsbury’s lists a 269g Ferrero Collection gift box with 24 individual pralines, a format suited to planning a smaller table by piece count.
- The stated 24-piece count helps with serving plans.
- Check the exact pack’s nut and other allergen information before offering it to guests.
Joybuy options for the tea table
This Ferrero Rocher box is a fixed-count option for a presentation-led tea table. It contains one type of chocolate, rather than the mixed Ferrero Collection assortment or a sharing tub.
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Ferrero Rocher T24 300g
The stated 24-piece count can help you plan servings for a smaller afternoon tea. This 300g box contains Ferrero Rocher chocolates with hazelnut, milk-chocolate and wafer components, not a mix of chocolate varieties.
The listing names hazelnuts, milk, soya and wheat. Check the current pack for guests’ allergies, and confirm the wrapping format if individually wrapped pieces are important to your serving plan.
Afternoon tea chocolate FAQs
How much boxed chocolate should I buy for an afternoon tea party?
Use the guest count and the rest of the menu to choose a format, then check the pack for a piece count if you need one. Sainsbury’s lists 24 pieces in its Ferrero Collection box; Celebrations / Mars describes approximately 20 portions for its 500g tub, which does not mean 20 individual chocolates.
Are assorted chocolates suitable for guests with food allergies?
Do not assume an assortment is suitable without checking the exact pack against each guest’s allergies. ASDA Groceries lists milk and hazelnuts for its Quality Street tub and warns that all sweets may contain nuts; Celebrations / Mars advises relying on back-of-pack allergy information.
How can I set out chocolates for a self-serve tea?
An individually wrapped assortment can be placed in a bowl or on a platter for guests to choose from; Tesco Groceries identifies individual wrapping on its 550g Celebrations tub. Keep the outer pack nearby so guests can read its ingredient and allergen declarations.