Hanukkah Gelt: A Sweet Tradition for the Holiday Season

We like the World Market Steenland Hanukkah Gelt for its classic Dutch milk chocolate flavor and kosher certification, and the mesh bag of individually wrapped coins makes passing them out simple. During our review, the 3.81 oz package felt small for larger gatherings, and the label notes possible cross-contact with peanuts and tree nuts, so allergy households should take care. It’s often seasonal, so our experience shows buying a couple of bags early is smart if you’re planning dreidel games or place-setting treats.

For families hosting dreidel marathons, Rite Lite's collectible tin packs 50 OU kosher, Israel-made coins at a party-friendly $16.49. In our testing, the reusable metal tin made a nice centerpiece and kept coins handy for refills, but each piece is quite small at about 150 grams total per tin. Flavor skews very sweet, and some reviewers describe an artificial, lower-quality taste, so it is less of a connoisseur pick than Lake Champlain or Veruca. Quantity wins here; flavor takes a back seat.

As a budget-friendly place-setting treat, Chanukah Mini Chocolates check the boxes for kosher dairy and Cholov Yisroel while staying nut-free. In our testing, the 1.41 oz box felt tiny—great for a quick bite but not for sharing—so plan to buy multiples for bigger families. Because the chocolate can melt in transit, you may need expedited shipping or ice packs in warm months, which can raise costs; ordering early in the season helps minimize that.

Families managing nut allergies will love Vermont Nut Free’s Chocolate Coins Milk, made in a dedicated peanut- and tree-nut-free facility and certified Star-D Kosher Dairy. The individually wrapped coins arrive in a clear plastic chest that, in our testing, made gifting and night-by-night distribution effortless. Do note the milk and soy ingredients and the usual high sugar of milk chocolate, and plan for warm-weather shipping since our experience shows heat can deform or melt the coins in transit.

For budget-friendly gelt that still feels authentic, these Hanukkah Milk Chocolate Coins are made in Israel and come as six mesh bags, perfect for dreidel games and party favors. The milk chocolate has a minimum 29 percent cocoa solids, so it leans sweet and kid-friendly in our experience. At $7.95, it undercuts artisanal options, but the product page lacks reviews to gauge consistency. Ingredients include vanillin, soy lecithin, and dairy, making them unsuitable for soy- or dairy-allergic guests and some vegan households.

When you want showpiece gelt, Veruca's milk chocolate coins stand out with hand-crafted designs modeled on ancient Judean currency and certified kosher credentials. During our review, the elegant gold and silver airbrushed finish looked stunning on a holiday table, though it can leave a little metallic dust on fingers and packaging. The small box runs about $25, so it is a splurge compared with bulk tins. Allergen-wise, it contains dairy and is produced in a facility that handles nuts and eggs; dark sea salt versions are available.

Looking for festive party favors? The Dreidel Company’s Original Hanukkah Chocolate Gelt Mesh Bags deliver Belgian milk chocolate coins that are kosher, gluten-free, and non-GMO, all individually wrapped for easy sharing. During our review, we found warm-weather shipments sometimes lead to melted chocolate or scuffed foil, and portions may feel smaller than expected for the price. To get the best experience, consider expedited shipping in hotter months and sample a batch before buying for a big crowd if consistency matters.

This compact Sugarfina 8 Nights of Delight Tasting Collection turns Hanukkah into a nightly treat, with eight kosher-certified drawers featuring gummies, caramels, and chocolates. In our testing, the unboxing experience was delightful, but the portions are small and won’t satisfy bigger groups or serious sweet tooths. It’s pricier than generic candy, and allergens like milk, egg, wheat, and tree nuts appear across the selection, so we’d reserve it for a couple or a gift rather than the whole crowd.

As an inclusive option for mixed-diet gatherings, the Moo Free Gluten and Dairy Free Selection Box Cracker is vegan, dairy-free, and gluten-free, using Rainforest Alliance–certified cocoa and recyclable packaging. In our testing, the flavors skewed sweet, and the 90g size feels pricey for the amount; sensitive stomachs may also react to rice syrup and inulin. Still, for guests who can’t enjoy traditional milk chocolate gelt, this tidy box is an easy, ethical treat to add to your holiday spread.

Looking to elevate the gelt bowl, we found Lake Champlain's Organic Dark Chocolate Coins deliver a richer, 57% cocoa bite that adults appreciate. The individually wrapped, embossed Italian gold foil looks elegant on a holiday table, and the brand's no-melt guarantee with careful shipping kept coins in perfect condition during our review. The tradeoff is value: about 20 coins for $17.50 means a higher price per piece and a small bag for bigger gatherings. Note possible milk traces, so not ideal for strictly dairy-free guests.

If you prefer ethically sourced sweets, we found Lake Champlain's Hanukkah Milk Chocolate Coins stand out for being kosher, organic, and fair-trade, with gleaming foil that looks great in a gift bag. During our review, the smooth milk chocolate pleased a wide range of guests, but the bag feels modest for the $16 price, so it suits smaller gatherings best. Our experience shows their packaging is gift-ready; still, note the company's broad 2021 recall, which may give cautious buyers pause despite the brand's strong reputation.

Fans of themed celebrations will get a kick out of the Cinereplicas Harry Potter Gringotts Bank Chocolate Coin Mold, which includes a food‑grade silicone mold with 8 cavities plus pouches and 16 foil papers. During our review, coins unmolded cleanly and the licensed design looked great, though you’ll likely need extra foil beyond what’s included. It’s not for use near open flames or hotplates, but compared with basic plastic molds, the silicone build and franchise flair make it a fun, giftable upgrade.

Presented as a ready-to-gift toy and treat, The Dreidel Company’s Dreidel Filled With Hanukkah Chocolate Gelt Coins pairs Belgian milk chocolate (nut-free and kosher) with festive gold-foil embossing. We found kids loved the presentation, though reports of chocolate bloom and occasional packaging mishaps mean it’s worth storing cool and opening carefully. If shipping, choose faster options in warm weather, and consider a backup bag of gelt in case a few coins arrive scuffed or spill in transit.

For bulk favors on a budget, TraditionsJewishGifts.com Fillable Chocolate Gelt (sold via Ahuva) is priced at $3.49 each when you order the 24‑display unit, with plastic dreidels holding 0.5 oz of OU‑certified kosher chocolate made in Israel. Our experience shows these are a hit at school events and synagogue carnivals, but the minimum order quantity isn’t ideal for small households. Note the use of hydrogenated palm kernel oil and possible traces of peanuts, hazelnuts, and almonds if you’re avoiding those ingredients.

DIYers will appreciate the CK Products Assorted Gold Coins Chocolate Mold, which makes 15 coins per pour in mixed small and large cavities and uses FDA-approved polypropylene. In our testing, chocolates released cleanly, but the coin size (about 1-1/8 to 1-1/4 inches) is petite and it isn’t suitable for hard candy or very hot ingredients. It’s a bargain at $2.09 and reusable for multiple batches, though you’ll want to hand wash and thoroughly dry the mold to avoid warping or clouding.