Chocolate Box Inserts Made to Fit Your Box

What are chocolate box inserts?

An insert is the part of a chocolate box that holds the chocolates. It sits on the floor of the box and gives each piece its own pocket, so the pieces stay apart and stay upright.

This page is for inserts ordered on their own. Some makers have boxes they love but a tray that no longer fits a new range. Others buy plain stock boxes and want a better tray inside. Either way, we draw the insert to fit the box you have.

The photos show a long five-piece card insert, a six-cavity insert under a patterned lid and an empty dark insert in a blue rigid box, which shows the cavity shapes clearly.

If you would rather buy the box and insert together, see printed chocolate boxes with inserts.

Which type of insert do you need?

Card inserts keep everything paper and can carry print. PET trays hold the chocolate more closely and come in several colours. Divider grids are the flexible choice when your pieces change shape from batch to batch.

How do we fit an insert to an existing box?

The box sets the outer size, so the first job is measuring the inside of it accurately. From there we decide how many pieces fit and how much room each one gets.

1. Measure the inside length, width and depth of the box in mm.
2. Measure one finished chocolate across and from base to top.
3. Tell us how many pieces you want in the box.
4. We check the count fits and propose a layout by email within one working day.
5. A free proof shows the insert drawing before anything is made.

What if the count does not fit the box?

Sometimes twelve pieces will not fit a box drawn for nine larger ones. When that happens we tell you straight away and suggest the nearest count that works, or a slightly smaller cavity if your pieces allow it.

We would rather say so on the quote than send an insert where the pieces touch the walls.

Another answer is to change the layout rather than the count. Twelve pieces that will not sit four by three may sit six by two in the same box, if the box is long enough. We look at every arrangement before suggesting a smaller number.

Which colour should a PET tray be?

Black trays are the most common choice for milk and white chocolate, because the contrast makes each piece look sharper. Gold suits darker chocolates and gift ranges. Clear trays let the colour of the box show through, which works when the box floor is printed.

White trays suit pastel bon bons and wedding ranges. If you are unsure, ask for two colours on the proof.

The tray colour also changes how the box feels when it is opened. A black tray under a cream lid looks formal and suits a gift. A clear tray over a printed floor feels lighter and more playful, which suits a bright brand or a children’s party favour.

Can card inserts be printed?

Yes. We print card inserts in food-safe inks, so you can add a pattern, your logo on the rim or small numbers beside each cavity to match a flavour key.

A plain insert in a coloured board is also smart, especially in a box that already has a busy printed lid.

Printing the insert is a small touch that customers notice when they lift the lid, because it is the first thing they see once the outer box is open.

• Plain white or cream card
• Coloured board to match the box
• Printed pattern on the deck
• Numbers or symbols beside each hole
• Logo on the rim of the insert

How deep should the cavities be?

A cavity should hold roughly the lower half to two thirds of the chocolate. Shallow cups let pieces rock in transit; deep cups make them hard to lift. For tall pieces such as cones or domes, we deepen the cup and check the box depth leaves air above the top.

In a card insert the depth comes from how high the deck is raised off the floor. In a PET tray it is formed into each cup.

How do inserts arrive?

Card inserts arrive flat with a fold to raise the deck. PET trays arrive nested in stacks, which takes little space. Divider grids arrive as flat strips that slot together.

Production takes 4 to 6 working days after proof approval, then free tracked UK mainland delivery takes 2 to 3 working days.

Store PET trays flat and away from heat so the cups keep their shape. Card inserts are happiest in a dry cupboard. Both can be packed straight into the box on the day, with no glue or tape needed.

What mistakes should you avoid with inserts?

Measuring the outside of the box instead of the inside is the most common one. Board thickness takes a few millimetres off every side, enough to stop an insert sitting flat.

The second is sizing to the mould instead of the finished piece. Decoration, dusting and transfer sheets all add width.

The third is ordering a card insert for very soft chocolates that will be posted. A PET tray will serve them better.

How do you order chocolate box inserts?

Send the inside size of your box, the size of one piece, the count and the type of insert you prefer, using the panel near the top of this page, our quote form or a WhatsApp message.

We reply by email within one working day. Minimums are low and quoted per job. Misprints or damage reported within 10 days are reprinted or refunded.