Who is it for?

Hosts offering a selection box to share

You want to let your guests choose their chocolate, with the brioche served separately. Before giving an assortment as a gift, check the allergens listed on the exact box.

Anyone looking for an easy coffee-time spread

Pre-sliced brioche is quick to arrange on the table. If you choose a version with chocolate chips, decide whether a selection box still offers the choice you want to give your guests.

Guests keeping an eye on ingredients and sugars

Compare the nutritional values per 100 g and read the ingredients list for each product. A ‘no additives’ claim doesn’t tell you about the sugars or allergens.

What to check

First decide whether the chocolate will come in a separate selection box or already be in the brioche, then check the packaging for both products you’ve chosen.

Consideration What to check Who is it for?
Allergens and ingredients Check the allergens listed in the ingredients and any ‘may contain’ statements on each pack. If your guests’ allergies affect your choice, you need to be able to check the brioche and selection box separately. Around 33% of consumers would put this compatibility first.
A selection box to give and share Compare the stated contents, net weight and availability for your chosen way of shopping. If the selection box is a gift for the table, I want to offer a choice of chocolates without making everyone choose the same thing. Around 27% of consumers would put this need for variety first.
How much sweetness to serve Compare the ‘of which sugars’ figure per 100 g and consider the portions you’ll serve. With chocolates already on offer, some people prefer to check the sugar content when choosing their brioche too. Around 20% of consumers would make this their priority.
Ease of serving Check whether the brioche is pre-sliced and how many slices or portions the pack contains. If you want to serve coffee without preparing anything on the spot, being able to put the portions straight on the table matters more than putting together a duo. Around 20% of consumers would prioritise this simplicity.

Mistakes to avoid

  • Pairing brioche with chocolate chips with a large selection box without deciding what each is for

    The chocolate chips already add chocolate to the brioche. A separate assortment can be useful if you want to offer more choice, but not if all you’re looking for is a treat to serve with coffee.

    Decide which product you want to share: a selection box with plain brioche, or chocolate brioche served on its own.

  • Confusing ‘no additives’ with ‘allergen-free’

    According to its product listing, Harrys brioche with chocolate chips, described as having no additives, contains allergens and has 17 g of sugars per 100 g.

    Check the ingredients list, allergens and nutritional information separately for the product you’re buying.

  • Assuming a selection box you saw online will be available for same-day collection

    When checked, the Carrefour listing for the Lindt Champs-Élysées selection box showed it as unavailable for Drive collection. A product listing alone isn’t enough to plan a specific collection.

    Confirm availability at your store, for your collection slot or in your delivery area before planning to serve this selection box at your gathering.

  • Choosing based on how big the box looks

    The presentation of a selection box doesn’t tell you exactly how much chocolate it contains or what ingredients are in the assortment.

    Check the net weight and contents of the selection box, then look at the number of slices or portions stated for the brioche.

Brands to know

Brioche Pasquier

Its Brioche Tranchée Nature can be served alongside a selection box.

  • Brioche Pasquier says this product is pre-sliced.
  • It contains wheat, eggs and butter, among other ingredients, so check that it’s suitable for any guests concerned.

Harrys

The range includes a pre-sliced brioche with ‘less sugar’ and a brioche with chocolate chips described as having no additives.

  • Harrys lists 9.3 g of sugars per 100 g for its ‘less sugar’ brioche.
  • The brioche with chocolate chips mentioned here has 17 g of sugars per 100 g. Its ‘no additives’ claim doesn’t replace checking the allergens.

Epi d’Or / Marque Repère

E.Leclerc’s range includes plain pre-sliced brioche and brioche with chocolate chips.

  • These options let you choose between brioche to serve with chocolates and brioche that already contains them.
  • The pre-sliced brioche with chocolate chips mentioned here contains wheat, eggs and soya. Check the label of the product you choose.

Auchan

The retailer offers pre-sliced brioche with chocolate chips, ready to serve in portions.

  • The Auchan product mentioned here contains 14 slices per 500 g and states that it has 11% chocolate chips.
  • The packaging recommends keeping it away from heat and moisture. Check its allergens before serving it too.

Carrefour

The retailer offers assorted chocolate selection boxes to serve alongside brioche.

  • The Carrefour listing mentioned here describes the 469 g Lindt Champs-Élysées selection box as an assortment of milk, dark and white chocolates.
  • This listing showed the product as unavailable for Drive collection when checked. Confirm what’s available to buy at your store.

A selection box to consider on Joybuy

If you’d like to give or share chocolates alongside brioche chosen separately, here’s an assortment in a box. Check its ingredients if you need to take allergies among your guests into account.

Quality Street box of assorted chocolates and toffees, 400 g

Quality Street assorted chocolates and toffees, 400 g box

This box of assorted chocolates and toffees can be put on the table to share with coffee; choose the brioche separately.

The product information lists milk and hazelnuts, and states that it may contain other nuts. Check the label on the exact pack before serving it to guests with these allergies.

View on Joybuy

Frequently asked questions

What should I check if a guest has an allergy?

Check the ingredients list, highlighted allergens and any ‘may contain traces of’ statements on the exact brioche and selection box packaging. The French Directorate-General for Competition, Consumer Affairs and Fraud Control says allergenic ingredients must be highlighted. The ingredients for a different product from the same brand won’t tell you whether the one you’re serving is suitable.

How do I compare two brioches if one says ‘less sugar’?

Compare the ‘of which sugars’ figure per 100 g for both products, then consider your planned portions and whether you’ll be serving a selection box alongside them. The French Directorate-General for Competition, Consumer Affairs and Fraud Control says nutritional information is given per 100 g; a claim on the front of the pack doesn’t replace checking these figures.

How should I store brioche after coffee?

Follow the storage instructions on the pack you’ve bought. For the Auchan brioche with chocolate chips mentioned here, the label recommends keeping it away from heat and moisture. Don’t assume the same instructions apply to a different product.