Hosts who want to serve something with no preparation
A pre-sliced brioche, such as the one from Brioche Pasquier, is easy to hand round. An assortment of bite-sized treats lets you serve chocolate without having to cut anything up.
Who are these formats for?
Fans of a variety of chocolates
If choosing between different chocolates matters more to you than serving a pastry to share, check exactly what’s in the box: the recipes vary from one product to another.
People who pay attention to ingredients
Compare the ingredients and nutritional information for the products you’re considering. If someone needs to avoid an allergen, also check the details on each product’s packaging.
What should you check before choosing?
First decide whether you want to serve a pastry or offer bite-sized chocolates. Then compare the formats and ingredients to choose between the options.
| Criteria | What to check | Who is it for? |
|---|---|---|
| Serving and sharing | Slices, pieces or bite-sized treats; enough for everyone. | When the film starts, I want to be able to hand round a treat without preparing it first. Around 50% of consumers prioritise ease of serving. |
| Variety of chocolates | The types of chocolate and fillings listed on the box. | If everyone should be able to choose a different treat, a brioche with chocolate chips won’t meet the same need. Variety is the top priority for around 33% of consumers. |
| Ingredients | Ingredients, allergens and nutritional values per 100 g. | Before buying, I need to check what the product contains and compare its nutritional information. This is the top priority for around 17% of consumers. |
Mistakes to avoid
-
Assuming brioche and a box of chocolates are interchangeable
Chocolate brioche is a pastry to share; a box of chocolates focuses on bite-sized treats and chocolate recipes.
Before choosing a format, think about what everyone will want to enjoy during the film.
-
Relying on the front of the pack for allergen information
The words ‘no additives’ don’t tell you everything about allergens. For the Harrys brioche in question, Auchan lists possible traces of milk, sesame, nuts and soya.
Each time you buy, read the ingredients list, check which allergens are highlighted and look for any ‘may contain’ statements on the packaging.
-
Assuming a listed product is in stock
A product listing doesn’t guarantee that the item you want will be available when you shop.
Check availability at the shop or through the shopping service you plan to use.
Brands and retailers to know
Brioche Pasquier
According to Brioche Pasquier, its braided brioche with chocolate chips comes pre-sliced.
- The slices make it a practical pastry to hand round.
- The product listing names wheat, eggs and milk among the allergens.
Harrys
The chocolate chip brioche listed by Auchan is pre-sliced and described as having no additives.
- The pre-sliced format means there’s no need to cut the brioche when serving.
- Auchan’s listing mentions possible traces of milk, sesame, nuts and soya.
Epi d’Or / Marque Repère E.Leclerc
E.Leclerc lists a 500 g chocolate chip brioche, pre-sliced into 16 pieces.
- Knowing the number of slices makes it easier to plan for a group.
- Check the allergens on the packaging. E.Leclerc notes that the Nutri-Score D shown for this product is based on the previous calculation method.
Carrefour
Carrefour lists boxes of chocolates, which are different from a brioche to share.
- Check the ingredients for each product if you’re looking for several types of bite-sized treats.
- Check that your chosen box is available before planning your shopping around it.
Lidl
The all-butter pain au chocolat listed by Lidl is an individual pastry, not a brioche or a box of chocolates.
- This format may suit you if everyone wants their own individual pastry.
- Lidl says this product is available at stores with an in-store bakery that stock it. Check with your local store.
Chocolates to consider on Joybuy
These products are chocolates and confectionery you can serve during your movie night, in a box, bag or bar format. They’re not a substitute for brioche if you want to serve a pastry.
Image unavailable
Quality Street chocolates and sweets, 400 g box
This box brings together chocolates and sweets, making it easy to offer an assortment of bite-sized treats during the film. If allergens are a concern for your guests, check the label, particularly for information about milk and nuts.
Image unavailable
Nestle KitKat Strawberry Short Cake, 9 pieces, 104.4 g
The nine pieces are easy to share among guests who fancy a confectionery treat with a strawberry shortcake flavour. To compare sugars and saturated fat with another product, check the values on the packaging. Also check the ingredients if anyone needs to avoid wheat, milk or soya.
Image unavailable
M&M’S PEANUT milk chocolate sweets, 330 g
This bag is another way to share chocolate and peanut confectionery, rather than choosing a box of assorted treats. It contains peanuts and milk. Check the packaging for other allergen information and to compare nutritional values.
Image unavailable
MALTESERS milk chocolate sweets, bag
These honeycomb-centred bites are easy to share, with no cutting required. Check the net weight on the packaging to work out how much you’ll need, and look for information about milk, wheat and soya.
Image unavailable
Toblerone Milk, 3 × 50 g
The three bars make it easy to share milk chocolate among several guests, though they’re not an assortment of different recipes. Check the label if milk, soya or nuts are a concern for anyone.
Frequently asked questions
Chocolate brioche or a box of chocolates: which should you serve during a film?
Choose a pre-sliced brioche if you want a pastry to hand round; opt for a box if guests would like to pick their own chocolate treats. Either way, compare the net weight and the number of slices or pieces with the number of people you’re serving.
How can you compare the nutritional information for two formats?
Start by comparing the values per 100 g, particularly sugars, fat and salt. The DGCCRF says this makes it easier to compare products; values per portion may be based on different serving sizes.
Where can you find allergen information on pre-packed food?
Read the ingredients list and any ‘may contain’ statements for the specific product you’re buying. For food labelling in France, the DGCCRF says allergenic ingredients must be highlighted.
Is a brioche described as having ‘no additives’ automatically suitable if someone needs to avoid an allergen?
No. This claim doesn’t replace checking for allergens. Auchan’s listing for the Harrys chocolate chip brioche mentions possible traces of milk, sesame, nuts and soya. Check the information on the packaging you buy.