Chocolate letter

A chocolate letter "A" from the Netherlands

Chocolate letters are a form of candy associated with the Dutch holiday of Sinterklaas (Saint Nicholas). Celebrants of the Sinterklaas celebration are traditionally given their initials (or occasionally the neutral letter S (for Sinterklaas) or P (for Zwarte Piet) made out of chocolate. Various sizes, types and flavours are available.

In order to use the same amount of chocolate for each letter the manufacturer varies the thickness or the depth of the grooves in the letter. This way one letter is not favoured over another, for example the W, or the M over the I or the J. It also occurs that two of a small letter (like I) come in one package to make up for its smaller size.

An often used typeface is Egyptienne.

External links

• St. Nicholas Center, explains the origin and current use of chocolate letters in the Netherlands.