When I first tiptoed back into the playground, as a parent, I met another mum who told me her child would only eat chocolate spread on white-bread sandwiches. Inwardly, I judged (if anyone is interested said child went on to get straight A*s). Then one day I found myself with a child with rather, shall we say, discerning tastes that took the form of saying no to lots of foods. Chocolate spread got a yes and, of course, I got them the very best chocolate spreads. But still. (Said child will also drink a green smoothie, so there is no common denominator.)
On the lookout for a more nutrition-packed spread, I found Meridian’s Chocca Crunchy Chocolate, £3.59, in the supermarket which has: a) less sugar than many chocolate spreads, and b) more protein thanks to the huge amounts of nuts therein. It also tastes wonderful while not detracting from its chocolatiness.
If I go for inclusions, I go for milk chocolate, too, but Eponine’s Peanut Brittle dark chocolate bar, £6, is a great combination. Who hasn’t overdosed on peanut brittle? So it’s got quite sickly connotations, but here the roasted peanuts in their salty, caramelised coats are held in check by the 66% cocoa to make for a really good bar that’s indulgent, but you can stop after a few bites (I did anyway).
At the other end of the scale, Sainsbury’s Taste the Difference Ugandan 90%, £1.45, is an impressive find. This is a very high cocoa content bar, but it’s also kind on the palate, as well as being true to its packet description of ‘intense & smoky’.
Follow Annalisa on Twitter @AnnalisaB
