With two new Blond chocolates to choose from in shops I feel we are being spoilt here in the UK. There's the Nestle Les Recettes De l'Atelier Blonde with Whole Roasted Almonds & Hazelnuts available from Sainsbury's (currently on offer for £3 - still too pricey for me!) and this more affordable, and probably better quality Marks & Spencer Swiss Blond Chocolate that costs £1.50 for 100g.
Described as "A unique recipe with aromas of caramel, shortbread and fresh toasted notes - which stands it apart from milk and white chocolate" this sounded very tempting indeed. It's basically a white chocolate made with caramelised sugar to give it the "Blond" effect.
Now the first thing that springs to mind when trying this was always going to be Caramac - because it's a bar that many of us in the UK grew up on and has been available forever. It's always had a special place in my heart, despite the poor quality and use of cheap ingredients over the years. So it was quite a revelation for me to finally try something of a higher standard made with not just any ingredients, but M&S approved ingredients!
The first ingredient listed is cocoa butter, and taking a bite of the chocolate it's immediately evident in the texture. The chocolate melts in the mouth beautifully, it's so silky and creamy, moreso than most white chocolates. The description of shortbread is quite apt because it definitely tastes quite biscuty, as well as of caramel. The flavor is superb, it's the perfect middle ground between milky white chocolate and toasty buttery flavours. It just works, and in comparison to a Caramac it doesn't leave you feeling sick or like you've dirtied yourself by eating it. It tastes clean, smooth and downright delicious!
Overall, this is a winner from good old M&S and I'm pretty certain it will become a big seller for them. It's unique on the market and I'm so pleased they brought it out. Whilst Nestle L'atelier's Blonde Chocolate may be getting all the attention, this deserves it just as much. If you like white chocolate or Caramac - seek this out!
Ingredients: Cocoa butter, sugar, dried whole milk, caramelised sugar (5%), dried whey, emulsifier soya lecithin, flavourings. Milk solids: 23% minimum.
Nutrition Information (per 20g): 119 Calories, 8.3g Fat, 9.8g Carbohydrates, 9.8g Sugars, 1.3g Protein.
9 out of 10.