Anyone putting together a food hamper
Chocolate powder can go well with a mug, biscuits or a separate selection of treats if the recipient enjoys chocolate drinks. It’s one item for the hamper, not the equivalent of a box of chocolates.
Who is each option for?
Hot chocolate fans who like a rich cocoa flavour
The recipe matters more than the look of the packet. Chocolat Poulain states that Grand Arôme contains 32% cocoa; check this information on the pack size you choose.
Anyone mindful of ingredients and allergens
Always check the label for the exact product. Banania states that its Original powder contains wheat and gluten; you can’t tell whether a product suits someone’s preferences or dietary requirements just by looking at it.
What should you check before buying?
For Mother’s Day, first decide whether you want a gift that’s ready to enjoy or one for making drinks and recipes. Then check the other details on the specific product you’re considering.
| Criteria | What to check | Who is it for? |
|---|---|---|
| Gift format | Know the difference between chocolates ready to enjoy and powder that needs to be prepared. If you’re putting together a hamper, check what’s included and the net weight of each item. | If I want to give chocolates that can be enjoyed straight away, presentation and selection come before powder for later; around 42% of consumers would prioritise this ready-to-give format. |
| Recipe and flavour | For powder, read the ingredients list and check the cocoa content if it’s stated. Pay particular attention to any cereals if their flavour matters to you. | If the recipient often makes hot chocolate, I want to choose a recipe to suit her tastes rather than relying on the brand name alone. Around 33% of consumers would prioritise the powder’s flavour profile. |
| Sugars and allergens | Compare sugars per 100 g across similar powders and check the allergens on the packaging of the product you buy. | Before giving powder to someone with dietary requirements, I want to know what it contains. Around 25% of consumers would prioritise checking the ingredients, sugars or allergens. |
Mistakes to avoid
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Confusing chocolate powder with a ready-to-give gift box
Powder is used to make a drink or a recipe; on its own, it isn’t a selection of chocolates to enjoy.
Give it on its own if you know the recipient will use it. Otherwise, consider a separate gift box or add the powder to a hamper.
You may need an extra item to create a gift-ready presentation or a selection of treats to enjoy.
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Judging the ingredients by the Nutri-Score alone
According to the French Ministry of the Economy and the DGCCRF, displaying the Nutri-Score is voluntary in France. The nutrition declaration on prepacked foods and the ingredients list provide different information.
Check the sugars per 100 g and the allergens for the product you’ve chosen, whether or not its packaging displays a Nutri-Score.
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Assuming a recipe suits everyone’s dietary requirements
Banania states that Original contains wheat and gluten and may contain traces of milk and soya. Chocolat Poulain states that Grand Arôme may contain milk.
Ask about the recipient’s dietary requirements and check the packaging before giving it as a gift.
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Assuming sugar content means a tax applies
The French Ministry of the Economy describes a levy on sugary drinks. This doesn’t mean that a tin of chocolate powder is subject to it.
Use the sugar content as nutritional information to compare similar products, not as proof that the powder is taxed.
Brands to know when comparing powders
Poulain
Chocolat Poulain describes Grand Arôme as a cocoa powder for drinks and recipes, with a stated cocoa content of 32%.
- The brand lists the ingredients and nutritional values for Grand Arôme.
- This recipe contains sugar and may contain milk. Check the pack size you buy; it isn’t a box of chocolates.
Banania
Banania describes its Original powder as a recipe combining cocoa, cereals, banana and honey.
- The ingredients make it easy to decide whether this recipe suits the recipient’s tastes.
- Original contains wheat and gluten; traces of milk and soya are also listed.
Carrefour
Carrefour France stocks a range of powders and cocoa, including Carrefour Classic’, Carrefour Original and Carrefour Bio.
- These products offer a range of recipes and pack sizes to consider.
- Compare the details for the exact product; the range varies by store and ordering method.
Gift boxes and powders available on Joybuy
These products suit two different Mother’s Day gifts: a selection of chocolates to enjoy, or chocolate powder to add to a hamper for someone who likes making their own.
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Lindt Connoisseurs assorted chocolate rochers gift box 189 g
For giving chocolates that are ready to enjoy: this gift box contains milk, dark and white chocolate rochers with praline fillings. It includes hazelnuts, almonds, milk, soya and barley, among other ingredients; check all the allergens listed for the recipient.
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Poulain intense-flavour cocoa 400 g
Worth considering for a hamper for someone who makes chocolate drinks or recipes, rather than as a gift on its own. The product listing states at least 47% cocoa and 52 g of sugars per 100 g; check the allergens on the packaging of the pack size you buy.
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Benco chocolate powder granules 400 g
A powder to compare if the recipient enjoys chocolate drinks and you’re putting together a hamper. The product listing states 21% cocoa and 50 g of sugars per 100 g; the product range name doesn’t replace comparing nutritional values on the same basis.
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Poulain intense-flavour cocoa 450 g
To add to a gift for someone who uses powder in drinks or recipes. The product listing for this pack size states at least 32% cocoa and 67 g of sugars per 100 g; it isn’t a selection of chocolates. Check the allergens on the packaging.
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Bananina Original chocolate powder 400 g
Best suited to a hamper for someone who enjoys this recipe made with cocoa, cereals, banana and honey. The product listing states 19% cocoa and 69 g of sugars per 100 g; it also lists gluten and possible traces of milk and soya. Check these details on the pack you’re giving.
Frequently asked questions
Is the Nutri-Score mandatory on chocolate powder in France?
No. According to the French Ministry of the Economy, displaying it is voluntary in France. The DGCCRF states that a nutrition declaration is mandatory for most prepacked foods. Check the nutritional information and ingredients even if there’s no Nutri-Score.
Does the tax on sugary drinks apply to a tin of chocolate powder?
The levy described by the French Ministry of the Economy applies to sugary drinks; this rule alone doesn’t establish whether it applies to dry powder sold in a tin. When comparing powders, use the sugar content shown per 100 g and don’t assume this determines the product’s tax status.
Which allergens should you check before giving chocolate powder?
Check the packaging of the exact product you plan to give. Banania states that Original contains wheat and gluten and may contain traces of milk and soya; Chocolat Poulain states that Grand Arôme may contain milk.
Can chocolate powder replace a gift box for Mother’s Day?
Not if you’re looking for chocolates that are ready to enjoy and presented as a selection. However, powder can be a good addition to a hamper if the recipient enjoys making hot chocolate or recipes. Choose the format and ingredients to suit how they’ll use it.