Chocolate lovers are always on the lookout for new and exciting products to satisfy their sweet tooth. But with so many brands and varieties to choose from, how do you know which one is worth your money and taste buds? In this article, we will review some of the chocolate products offered by Lidl, a German discount supermarket chain that operates in many countries around the world. We will look at the quality, taste, price, and sustainability of Lidl’s chocolate, and compare it with some of the competitors in the market.
Lidl’s chocolate range includes several lines, such as J.D. Gross, Fin Carré, Way To Go!, and Deluxe. Each line has different features and characteristics, such as single-origin, fair trade, organic, or premium. Lidl also sells seasonal and festive chocolate products, such as chocolate Santas, Easter eggs, and advent calendars. For this review, we will focus on three products that represent Lidl’s chocolate range: J.D. Gross Single Origin Dark Chocolate Bar, Fin Carré Way To Go! Milk Chocolate Bar, and Deluxe Chocolate Truffles.
Contents
J.D. Gross Single Origin Dark Chocolate Bar
This product is part of Lidl’s J.D. Gross line, which offers single-origin chocolate bars from different countries, such as Madagascar, Peru, Ecuador, and Grenada. The bars are made with 70%, 60%, or 46% cocoa solids, depending on the origin, and are certified by Fairtrade, which means that the cocoa farmers receive a fair price and better working conditions. The bars are also vegan-friendly, as they do not contain any milk or animal products.
The J.D. Gross Single Origin Dark Chocolate Bar comes in a brightly coloured cardboard box that opens up like a book, revealing a golden foil-wrapped bar. The box features a gold-foiled logo and the cocoa origin information, as well as a graphic of an animal or a landmark that represents the country. The box also contains some information about the flavour profile and the history of the cocoa beans.
We tried the 70% Madagascar Single Origin Dark Chocolate Bar, which claims to have a fruity and acidic flavour with hints of red berries and citrus. The bar has a smooth and glossy appearance, and breaks easily into 10 squares. The texture is creamy and melts nicely in the mouth, releasing a rich and intense chocolate flavour. The flavour is indeed fruity and acidic, but not too overpowering. The bar has a good balance of sweetness and bitterness, and a pleasant aftertaste.
The J.D. Gross Single Origin Dark Chocolate Bar is a good option for dark chocolate lovers who appreciate the nuances and complexities of different cocoa origins. The bar is also reasonably priced, at £1.29 for a 100g bar, which is cheaper than some of the artisan and premium brands in the market. However, the bar is not very exciting or innovative, and may not appeal to those who prefer more flavourful or adventurous chocolate products.
Fin Carré Way To Go! Milk Chocolate Bar
This product is part of Lidl’s Fin Carré line, which offers basic and affordable chocolate products, such as plain, nut, or fruit bars, as well as chocolate chips and buttons. The Way To Go! sub-line is Lidl’s attempt to compete with Tony’s Chocolonely, a Dutch brand that is known for its ethical and sustainable chocolate production. The Way To Go! bars are made with fully traceable and sustainably sourced cocoa from Ghana, and are certified by Fairtrade and UTZ, which are organisations that promote social and environmental standards in the cocoa industry. The bars are also organic, which means that they are free from artificial pesticides and fertilisers.
The Fin Carré Way To Go! Milk Chocolate Bar comes in a colourful and eye-catching wrapper that features a map of Ghana and the slogan “Chocolate with a conscience”. The wrapper also contains some information about the cocoa farmers and the impact of the product on their lives and communities. The bar has a quirky and uneven shape, with different-sized chunks that are meant to symbolise the inequality in the chocolate industry.
We tried the Milk Chocolate Bar, which claims to have a creamy and smooth flavour with a hint of caramel. The bar has a light brown colour and a soft and crumbly texture. The taste is sweet and milky, but not very chocolatey. The bar lacks the richness and depth of flavour that you would expect from a milk chocolate product. The bar is also quite greasy and leaves a sticky residue in the mouth.
The Fin Carré Way To Go! Milk Chocolate Bar is a commendable effort by Lidl to create a more ethical and sustainable chocolate product, and to raise awareness about the issues and challenges in the cocoa industry. The bar is also cheap, at £1.99 for a 180g bar, which is lower than Tony’s Chocolonely’s price of £3.50 for a 180g bar. However, the bar is not very satisfying or enjoyable, and may not appeal to those who value quality and taste over ethics and sustainability.
Deluxe Chocolate Truffles
This product is part of Lidl’s Deluxe line, which offers premium and indulgent chocolate products, such as pralines, truffles, and liqueurs. The Deluxe Chocolate Truffles are made with Belgian chocolate and fresh cream, and are coated with cocoa powder. The truffles are sold in a gold and black box that features a window that showcases the truffles inside. The box also contains a gold ribbon and a tag that says “Made with love”.
We tried the Deluxe Chocolate Truffles, which claim to have a smooth and velvety flavour with a melt-in-the-mouth sensation. The truffles have a round and uniform shape, and are dusted with a generous amount of cocoa powder. The texture is soft and creamy, and the chocolate melts easily in the mouth, releasing a rich and decadent flavour. The flavour is sweet and buttery, with a slight bitterness from the cocoa powder. The truffles are very indulgent and satisfying, and are perfect for a special occasion or a treat.
The Deluxe Chocolate Truffles are a great option for chocolate lovers who enjoy a luxurious and indulgent chocolate product. The truffles are also reasonably priced, at £2.99 for a 200g box, which is cheaper than some of the similar products from other brands in the market. However, the truffles are not very original or innovative, and may not appeal to those who prefer more diverse or adventurous chocolate products.
Conclusion
Lidl’s chocolate range offers a variety of products that cater to different preferences and budgets. Lidl’s chocolate products are generally good quality, fair trade, and affordable, and some of them are also organic, single-origin, or sustainable. However, Lidl’s chocolate products are not very exciting, innovative, or enjoyable, and may not compete with some of the more established and popular brands in the market. Lidl’s chocolate products are suitable for everyday consumption or occasional indulgence, but they may not satisfy the needs and expectations of more discerning or adventurous chocolate lovers.
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