Babaevskii - surprising everyone

Expectation:
The bar looks very interesting (in a good way) and I have not tasted many Russian chocolates. Curious is probably the workd that best describe my expectations.


First impression:
The wrapping is good. Nice picture on the cover and like most of this kind it is tempting. Does not stand that much out of the crowd other than it being Russian.

Wrapping: 4


How does it look?
Again good, but not special. Like the size of the pieces that you break this chocolate into. Everyone will get a fair share even if you are a good group of people. If you are alone you get many pieces. ;-)

Appearance: 4


Is it yum-yum?
What is the opposite of yum-yum? This is very close to that! The cinnamon taste does not work at all and you better have something to drink beside this one. This is a taste you want to forget!

Taste: 2


Did I need one more?
Hopefully this will never be a chocolate that I ever will taste again. Hopefully I'll remember it so I don't have to take one by mistake.

Frequency: 1


Does it cost your shirt?
Not expensive, but value for money is not what you get. Give it to the neighbor you dislike.

Price: 2


Final statement:
See it, remember this post and do not buy this one.

Total score: 13/30
Average score (round off): 2,6

Ducd'O - impressive, impressive indeed

Expectation:
The box looks quite good and exclusive, that also brings up expectations. Either a great investment or a total failure.


First impression:
The box looks good, exclusive, but I've seen better in the class and it does not have cover over the single parts. That makes the score go lower than it's potential.

Wrapping: 3



How does it look?
The pieces looks really tempting. Even the more strange looking was pieces I could not wait on tasting.

Appearance: 5


Is it yum-yum?
Delightful! Really good taste. It fills your mouth and really lives up to expectations!

Taste: 5


Did I need one more?
Of course I had to taste more than one. But after the second one you find yourself wanting to stop. You want more and you want to stop. A few is enough.

Frequency: 4


Does it cost your shirt?
It's not a bad price when you get quality chocolate like this, and you get to try many different types. Bring it for special occasions and share it with your friends.

Price: 4


Final statement:
You will have big expectations and this box will deliver. For those who ants pure chocolate and nothing fancy this is not for you at all.

Total score: 22/30
Average score (round off): 4,4

Non-stop - you can stop, but your kids won't!

Expectation:
Non-stop? Looks like a combination of two chocolates that they have made before. They offer non-stop as the small chocolate bites you see, but here they combine it probably with their standard milk chocolate.


First impression:
Looks like a chocolate to get some attention from kids. They love to combine things, and since they already love non-stop and milk chocolate from before. This will probably be a favorite for them. For me it looks quite standard and not that special.

Wrapping: 3



How does it look?
It looks very good. Great chocolate and with small non-stop chunks. I really wanted to try it!

Appearance: 4


Is it yum-yum?
Yup. It is yum yum. Good chocolate, and when you bite the small chunks you get a 'kick' from a different type of chocolate. Good good!

Taste: 5


Did I need one more?
Yup, one more right away. But the chocolate is big and you get a bit too much sweet chocolate. You will like the taste, have one more and then probably stop. If you are a kid you will after the second one run like nuts all over the room.

Frequency: 3


Does it cost your shirt?
It cost about the same as all other you can compare it to. Not a bad price, but also not cheap-cheap.

Price: 3


Final statement:
You will like it if you like sweet chocolate, and your kids on the other hand will finish it all right away and have a great time!

Total score: 18/30
Average score (round off): 3,6

Cuba - for people who want chocolate with their milk

Expectation:
Cuba looks a bit more special, and it costs a bit more. Friends claim it is the best chocolate to have to... milk! I will try it without milk, but still expect it to be good.


First impression:
It looks like a chocolate for more grown ups, and the wrapping is quite good. It has it'sown wrapping inside to protect the chocolate and I like that very much.

Wrapping: 4



How does it look?
It looks quite plain. Two types of chocolate (milk and nougat) makes it look interesting (in a good way). But I would bet people who buy this know what they are getting and does not need anything fancy.

Appearance: 3


Is it yum-yum?
The nougat taste gives you a good start, and the chocolate follows up. It does not fill your mouth at first, but the taste stays and you will have a good long nougat taste.

Taste: 4


Did I need one more?
This is a good chocolate with a good taste, but for some reason it is not a chocolate that I would prefer over the other ones. Maybe I am just missing the milk to make it great?

Frequency: 3


Does it cost your shirt?
It does not cost alot compared to other small bars, but you won't find this in larger size. Hence the price is a bit higher than it's competitors. But fans of this won't mind.

Price: 3


Final statement:
The taste it quite good and you will not be disapointed. I think most people will say it is good, and a very small group will have it as a favorite!

Total score: 17/30
Average score (round off): 3,4

Stratos - happy blue ox gets high score

Expectation:
It looks like nothing special, but a happy blue ox on the front with delightful chocolate. I bet it will be good.


First impression:
The cover looks a bit childish actually. This is a chocolate more for kids it seems. Ok wrapping, but nothing fancy. Protects the chocolate good enough.

Wrapping: 3



How does it look?
It looks quite tempting even if it not special in any other way. Just a nice chocolate that I think everyone would think is tempting.

Appearance: 4


Is it yum-yum?
I like this a lot! It melts in your mouth, and unlike many other chocolates who only gives a bit test, this one fills your mouth. It has got bubbles and they claim it helps in the taste and I am willing to trust them on that. A nice long taste. Mmmmmmm!

Taste: 5


Did I need one more?
Yes! Stratos is a chocolate that will go fast once it is opened. It is actually great to have with potatoe chips.

Frequency: 5


Does it cost your shirt?
It is less expensive than other milk chocolates, but only by a bit. But this price won't scare you away when you know what you are getting.

Price: 4


Final statement:
I've had it before, and I will have this again. If I go abroad I will bring it to friends and family so they can taste it. It is only sold in Norway and it is really good!

Total score: 22/30
Average score (round off): 4,4

Lindt - Milch extra au lait

Expectation:
Don't know where I got this from, but I don't mind testing it! Milk chocolates are usually good, but hard to be anything special. I'll bet this one is a bit above the normal milk chocolates as it is a Lindt chocolate.


First impression:
Really boring. It is extra milk, but I don't like the boring blue and the picture of the bites swimming in milk.

Wrapping: 2



How does it look?
Again a bit boring and standard. It's nice, but it won't excite your friends.

Appearance: 3


Is it yum-yum?
As expected it is quite good. It has a nice taste, and you can actually feel it is a bit more milky than your average milk chocolate. It keeps what it promises and this is a chocolate probably everyone will like.

Taste: 4


Did I need one more?
I liked it and had one more right away (not a whole bar, but a bite). I won't mind having one again, but if I get the option of some other chocolates I prefer or something new this will not be the one I pick. But if I want a safe one to give away this might be it.

Frequency: 4


Does it cost your shirt?
It's not expensive as it is quite standard. You might have to pay just a tiny bit more since it is Lindt (but hey! You probably can get someone to buy you one or one for yourself when flying abroad).

Price: 4


Final statement:
Overall it keeps what it promises and you will get a nice good chocolate. A safe buy for everyone!

Total score: 17/30
Average score (round off): 3,4

Kim's - My own chocolate!

Expectation:
Another luxurious chocolate in a small golden box. I saw this box in the store and just had to buy one. Actually, I bought two. Nice present for my neighbour. My own chocolate - nothing can beat this, right?


First impression:
The wrapping is excellent and the name says it all.

Wrapping: 5





How does it look?
The pieces is well worth the look. 8 wonderful pieces that looks delicious. Typical Belgium luxurious chocolate. Unfortunate, some of the test chocolate looked a bit old.

Appearance: 5


Is it yum-yum?
I don't know what went wrong. The expectation, the wrapping, the appearance... But the taste... Terrible! The pieces was tasteless or just wrong. We where 4 testers, and none liked it. Some of the cause to this might be that the chocolate was a bit old - but is was still on the right side of the date stamp. So there can be no excuses...

Taste: 2


Did I need one more?
No

Frequency: 1


Does it cost your shirt?
It was a rather expensive chocolate and you'll get a terrible chocolate for the price. Not worth it (tastewise)

Price: 1


Final statement:
The box is stunning, the taste terrible. Stay away.

Total score: 14/30
Average score (round off): 2,8

Truffes - bitter classic - a Classic!

Expectation:
A golden box of chocolate? Expectations going through the roof!


First impression:
Quite good wrapping. Not only is the box golden and looking very tempting, but inside the box all the chocolate is concealed within an air-tight golden plastic bag. I like the wrapping.

Wrapping: 5


How does it look?
The chocolate is a bit standard looking, but with chocolate dust all around. Expect your fingers to get dirty with chocolate just trying to grab one of them. It will melt in your hand!

Appearance: 4


Is it yum-yum?
Great chocolate! Quite sweet but fills your mouth with a great sweet taste that lasts quite a bit.

Taste: 5


Did I need one more?
I sure would have liked one more, and if I get the offer later I will take one. One is not enough, but as this is probably only presented in parties like new years eve and christmas (and you get your fingers dirty) I can handle myself.

Frequency: 4


Does it cost your shirt?
It cost a bit like all exclusive looking chocolate do, but the price is not scary and you will get your moneys worth. Everyone likes this one.

Price: 4


Final statement:
Generally this will impress your friends even if they know nothing. They will not say they don't like it, even if they will not think it is special. The box and chocolate is tempting, and the taste is good. Overall a great choice for special occasions with friends.

Total score: 22/30
Average score (round off): 4,4

Center Strawberry, Lemon and Chilly

Expectation:
Just after Center won the duel (Smil was defeated), I found this version of the chocolate in the shop. Strawberry chocolate has potential. Don't think I have ever eaten a good lemon chocolate. And Chilly? This can be a surprise or a trip down under.


First impression:
The wrapping is quite nice and colorful. It is sealed and overall good quality.

Wrapping: 4


How does it look?
The chocolate smells wonderful (a little fruity flavor) and I just want to eat one right away. It can easily be shared with your friend, and it just looks tempting. The filling looks like caramel, no red goofy filling with small chilli seeds (phew)

Appearance: 5






Is it yum-yum?
The first taste is definitive strawberry, the I can taste the lemon. Mmm. Quite good. But where is the chilli? Oh, there it is. You'll need to wait a few seconds for the chilly to kick in. It isn't strong, and after a couple you can't even taste it (no, no ,no, thats not because it is THAT strong). This is clearly a chocolate you do or do not like.

Taste: 4


Did I need one more?
I needed several just to make my mind on how good it was. And I could easly eat a few more. I like the original Center, and I like this one

Frequency: 4


Does it cost your shirt?
Mine was quite expensive (I was in an expensive shop), but I belive it has the same pricetag as the original Center. Maybe a few bucks more.

Price: 3


Final statement:
This is a chocolate you like or hate. It has a nice first impression, and then there is that crucial moment when you'll try your first piece. If you like Center and new flavor, you'll probable love it. Else you'll never buy it again. I don't think this will be a success, and it will disappear from the market within months.

Total score: 20/30
Average score (round off): 4

Duel: Smile vs Center

Expectation:
Apple or Microsoft? Intel or AMD CPU? Center or Smil - questions that always starts a flame war when discussed in forums. iChocoholic accepts the challenge and gives you the answer for this important question! (the chocolate question, silly...)

Smil (eng: Smile) is a chocolate produced in Norway (Freia) since 1955. Smil is a roll containing chocolate bits with toffee filling. The slogan is "Made to be shared", so we are still puzzled why it contains 13 pieces.

Center is a almost an identical chocolate from Cloetta and has been produces since 1941. This chocolate has been one of my favorite for years. Is it still my favorite?


First impression:
Both chocolates has an identical shape and contains 13 pieces. The wrapping isn't really special and doesn't stand out in the crowd. But we have to select a winner, and the winner is Smil! I like the yellow wrapping a little more than the red.

Wrapping:
Smile: 3
Center: 3

















How does it look?
Another boring story. Nothing to write home about. The pieces are plain ordinary. Again, we have to select a winner, and Smile steals the ball and shoot it in the net. Gooooal! It just looks a little bit better...

Appearance:
Smil: 3
Center: 3

















Is it yum-yum?
yum yum yum! They both taste good, but I think the Center is a little better. It's is a bit more soft and the taste just suits me better.

Taste:
Smil: 4
Center: 5


Did I need one more?
There isn't any more left... Add yes, I will buy them again.

Frequency:
Smil: 4
Center: 4


Does it cost your shirt?
These are common goods in your local shop. The price have increased quite a bit since the last time I bought them. They are almost identical in price, so they both get an average score.

Price:
Smil: 3
Center: 3


Final statement:
Ladies and gentlemen... We have a winner! Center! There weren't really a big difference, but Center juste tasted a little bit better. We also had a crowd when testing, and their decision where divided (50/50). What do you think?

Total score:
Smil: 17 (out of 30)
Center: 18 (out of 30)

Average score (round off):
Smil: 3
Center: 4

Ecuador - failing to live up to expectations

Expectation:
70% - now this should leave a strong taste in my mouth! The nice wrapping and also having the word "Belgian" written on it makes this one that have to impress.


First impression:
The outside makes you just look at it and think "I've seen it before, but at least you try". But then when you open the nice paper wrapping you notice they have done more than the average one. Having the name Ecuador on it on the outside and on the inside have a map, information about Ecuador and a description of what to expect from it. I like it!

Wrapping: 5









How does it look?
It looks stylish, but not going overboard trying to make it into something exclusive. Also it is not boring and does not have the name on it. So if you have friends that do not like to try anything foreign, then you can surprise them with this one.

Appearance: 3

Is it yum-yum?
I actually forgot what it tasted like at the first try. I remembered it to be dark and nice, but hmm... This one as well miss the little kick to make your mouth water right away. The taste also does not fill your whole mouth. I expected more. Nice, but a bit disappointing even if I knew I was going to have to great expectations. The wrapping says "surprising character" and "unique flavor and aroma". I found nothing of this. The aroma is not noticeable even!

Taste: 3


Did I need one more?
I had to take one more to answer the question above properly, and that is not good enough. Forgetting what it tastes right away after tasting it makes you forget it the next time. This one will not be one of my favorites even if it was nice.

Frequency: 2


Does it cost your shirt?
It cost a bit more than the average, but consider before you buy it. Do you want to pay money for a nice one, or do you want to pay a bit extra for a good one! Price is higher than what I should say, but I won't buy this again and I think I prefer other chocolates that I have. Your kids will throw this one away and ask for something more, and your friends will go back to old favorites so prepare to eat it alone (for some people that is actually a great thing!).

Price: 3


Final statement:
Nice wrapping and ok chocolate, but impress your friends and treat yourself with something better. The score is only as 'high' as 16 due to the wrapping, and remember we prefer to eat the chocolate rather than look at the wrapping ;-)


Total score: 16 (out of 30)
Average score: 3,2

ION - Ghana 60% - nothing special but good

Expectation:
I like trying new chocolate where it has a name of outside Europe. Also I like dark chocolate very much so Ghana had to be on my list. Note: This is not a fairtrade chocolate. I expect a strong and good dark taste, but as it is 60% it will probably not have a long aftertaste.


First impression:
The wrapping is very standard, and hence nothing special when you first look at it. Open it and you see a aluminum protection, and that is always positive. It makes the chocolate stay good for a longer period.

Wrapping: 3








How does it look?
The look is as standard as the wrapping. ION nicely written on the chocolate and nothing scary or unexpected.


Appearance: 3



Is it yum-yum?
If you like dark chocolate you also like to have a good longlasting strong taste in your mouth. This one goes out of the starting blocks at once, and it stays. But keeping this in your mouth does not give the expected long lasting great taste. Don't get me wrong, I like the taste, but this is not worth keeping in minute after minute.

Taste: 4


Did I need one more?
When it comes to chocolate you of course want one more. You almost feel like you should never think one is enough. This one won't fullfill all your dreams at the first try, and neither will it on the second. Take one more if you like, but do not expect the sequal to be anything else other than the first one in a bit more boring version.

Frequency: 3


Does it cost your shirt?
This is not expensive, but it tries to stand out of a crowd a bit. Bought it in Greece and it was not expensive, but it won't be the cheap one you need if you have little or no money.

Price: 4


Final statement:
Tried it, like it, but not preferred over other similar chocolates.


Total score: 17 (out of 30)
Average score: 3,4

La Trufflina - Belgian luxery

Expectation:
Belgium chocolate, absolutely one of my favorite. This beautiful box is from the famous manufacture Guylian who makes the seashell chocolate (I have eaten tons of those). This box looks even more luxurious, so I'm sure I'll experience some magic


First impression:
The chocolate comes in a small box containing 16 small pieces. The box is of excellent quality, and it contains two sealed containers each with 8 pieces of chocolate. The first impression couldn't be better

Wrapping: 6








How does it look?
There are three different pieces. One with white chocolate, one with light brown and one dark. The didn't look quite as good as the picture, but better than average.

Appearance: 4
















Is it yum-yum?
Oh boy, this is one fine chocolate. It is very smooth and creamy and easily melts in your mouth. It does taste much like the seashell version, which is good thing (at least for me). Great chocolate flavor.

Taste: 5


Did I need one more?
I sure did. And there is 3 different kind. You must try all three (even if they taste almost the same). And then you have to try the first again just to try to taste the difference. I could easily eat more. But since it is an exclusive chocolate, I'll probable don't want to buy a lot of this.

Frequency: 4


Does it cost your shirt?
They will cost you a dollar a piece (probable more), so I'll guess it is one of the most expensive chocolate we will try in a long time

Price: 1


Final statement:
This is a nice chocolate for those nice occasions


Total score: 20 (out of 30)
Average score: 4

Boca - premium chocolate with premium taste

Expectation:
The box looks rather outstanding and it stands out from most standard chocolates. It's a dark chocolate that really gives an expectation that it will be full of flavor.


First impression:
The wrapping is quite good. It makes the chocolate look a bit exclusive, but not over the top. Also it clearly is a wrapping looking to tempt adults and not kids. It is also wrapped in silver paper making the chocolate look fresh.

Wrapping: 5


How does it look?
The follows the exclusive look. It has probably been designed to look classic and it succeeds. Standard classic but nice.

Appearance: 4


Is it yum-yum?
Do not eat it all right away but let the chocolate melt in your mouth for the best long lasting taste and you won't be dissapointed. Enjoy it while eating it and it will last even after you have swallowed it. 70% is just enough for a strong dark taste while not losing the sence of being a chocolate for everyone.

Taste: 5


Did I need one more?
You can take one more, or you can stop. It is a good chocolate to have with your coffee or tea, or as an after dinner delight. It's for grown-ups wanting to enjoy one chocolate, the real chocoholics will prefer an other alternative.

Frequency: 3


Does it cost your shirt?
The look is exclusive and the price follows the image. This chocolate is for the special occations or if you have a bit too much money.

Price: 2 (not far away from the very special)


Final statement:
This chocolate does not dissapoint if you like it dark. But is not the alternative for does who like it really dark or only milk chocolate. It's for the mid range and most people will enjoy it and be pleased.


Total score: 19 (out of 30)

Kinder - not only for kids

Expectation:

The kinder chocolate is a popular chocolate that almost everyone loves and knows. The chocolate focus group is clearly towards kids (hence the name. Kinder in german means kids!).

First impression:
The wrapping is a bit boring. It's white with some red color to attract your attention. Nothing fancy at all.

Wrapping: 3


How does it look?
The chocolate bar is standard looking. White chocolate inside brown coating. Note! The brown chocolate coating will easily melt in your hand! After opening the wrapping, eat instantly! Store it in your fridge for no nasty surprises.

Appearance: 3


Is it yum-yum?
The taste is very sweet. It has a mild taste of milk, the chocolate is not dark and hence the taste is not strong. As it does not fill your mouth with chocolate taste you will eat it up fast.

Taste: 5


Did I need one more?
The bar is too small, and the taste too mild to satisfy you with one small bite. Count on your kids to ask for one more bar! For grown-ups; you can handle yourself.

Kinder is not a chocolate you easily get bored of.

Frequency: 5


Does it cost your shirt?
Kinder is a chocolate that does not cost much for one bar, but the size is not large. But as it is an international chocolate it's not the cheapest one around.

Price: 3


Final statement:
This is a good chocolate that you buy while traveling, but while being at home it is not the one you hide in your drawer.


Total score: 19 (out of 30)