Salmiakki - chocolate with liquorice

Expectation:
I like chocolate, I think Fazer produces good chocolate and I also like liquorice. This should be good!


First impression:
The boxes that Fazer makes are good. This one is alot more boring than your average Fazer box, and it looks well... old style. Like someone has tried to make it cool, but it is not.

Wrapping: 3


How does it look?
The chocolate looks ok, but it does not really make me eager to eat one right away.

Appearance: 3



Is it yum-yum?
Hmmm.... I liked it and didn't like it. I like the chocolate, I like the liquorice, but they just didn't combine as well as I wanted.

Taste: 3


Did I need one more?
I did try one more, and I will probably have some more later since I've opened the box, but this just didn't keep the class of other fazer chocolate.

Frequency: 3


Does it cost your shirt?
The price isn't bad and you may find yourself picking this one up at the airport to take advantage of their "buy 2 get 1 for free!" campaigns. In that case it is worth the effort if you think this combination can be for you.

Value for money: 3


Final statement:
It's not bad, but I have other I prefer.

Total score: 15/30

Gold coin - please Sir may I NOT have another

Expectation:
I got the feeling of poor chocolate like in christmas calenders or that kids get on halloween and it does not taste anything. Are the gold coins going to change what I think of this kind?


First impression:
The wrapping is not bad, and kis will love it. It looks like a coin! and it is made of chocolate! They will ask you why not all coins are like this.

Wrapping: 4


How does it look?
Here I start with my negativism. Just looking at the chocolate makes me regret tasting it.

Appearance: 2



Is it yum-yum?
No. If you are like me you will know what it tastes. It taste quite bad. I would rather have a carrot.

Taste: 2


Did I need one more?
No, I do not want to have one more ever again.

Frequency: 1


Does it cost your shirt?
It cost a bit when you compare it to other similar size chocolate. I could have buyed some good chocolate for this price.

Value for money: 1


Final statement:
Oliver Twist did not have enough money or food... I have stolen his line, changed it and I say: Please Sir, may I not have another.

Total score: 10/30

Crispo - crispy and good

Expectation:
It is a bit like cheating when you are testing a chocolate you have tested before. I know this will be good, not among the best, but good, value for money and yes... I will buy it again.


First impression:
The wrapping is quite standard, and I just do not like the colors and such. Actually that kept me from tasting this when it first came out.

Wrapping: 3


How does it look?
It looks quite good (but then again I know what it taste). Good chocolate and you are eager to find out if it is as crispy as you expect.

Appearance: 4



Is it yum-yum?
I like this one. It is not special in any way, but it is still good enough that you will think... mmm... I remember I liked that one.

Taste: 4


Did I need one more?
Again, it is quite good and I like it. I had one more bite right away, and more later that evening watching a film. I will probably finish this one soon. But do not be surprised if it goes a bit before you buy it again.

Frequency: 4


Does it cost your shirt?
It was not bad at all. Standard price for this size of chocolate here in Norway. So value for money ain't bad.

Value for money: 4


Final statement:
I like it, you will like it, but non of us will think it is the best in the world. However we will both try it again.

Total score: 19/30

Serenade - latvian effort

Expectation:
Latvian? I am not sure... I am biased and my expectations are not high.


First impression:
Very boring. Looks like something you could have gotten at an old circus.

Wrapping: 2


How does it look?
It looks really boring as well. So in that way it keeps track with the wrapping. Where is the chocolate smell?

Appearance: 2



Is it yum-yum?
This chocolate continues on the boring side. It's not awfull and you will manage to eat it, but if I where alone in the room it would have been thrown into the garbage.

Taste: 2


Did I need one more?
I did not need the first one and I certainly do not need one more.

Frequency: 1


Does it cost your shirt?
Not bad price as it is Latvian. So price vice it is not going to make you go bankrupt, but as value it is not up with the rest.

Value for money: 2


Final statement:
Latvian - keeping up with tradition that eastern european chocolate is not what I fancy.

Total score: 9/30

Hand made from St.Petersburg chocolate store

Expectation:
Hand made and special from the store? Expectations through the roof. But be aware, that every box that we had was different and I only am going to try one of them. Your result may differ!


First impression:
The box is nothing special. But they have made an effort with some design and every piece placed by itself.

Wrapping: 3


How does it look?
The pieces look quite tempting and I could not wait to try one.

Appearance: 5



Is it yum-yum?
No no no. What is this? Do they not know what good chocolate is? Everyone was bad. Disappointing indeed.

Taste: 2


Did I need one more?
I tried four different kinds and I have one more box at home. I will probably give it away to the postman one day he is late delivering my post.

Frequency: 1


Does it cost your shirt?
Hand made and from a chocolate store. Yes it cost a bit so you won't get your moneys worth here.

Value for money: 2


Final statement:
If you go to St.Petersburg try the nice cheese, the ham but stay away from the chocolate stores at Nevskiie Prospect.

Total score: 13/30

Premieum 86% cocoa

Expectation:
Another of the group premium from Freia. I like Freia, I like dark chocolate so I probably will like this one.


First impression:
The wrapping is standard for the premium group, it's

Wrapping: 4


How does it look?
The chocolate has decent large pieces that you can share easily or just grab for yourself. It looks classic and nice.

Appearance: 4



Is it yum-yum?
It's a nice dark chocolate and even if I can understand that for some this is not just over the top but far far away from theire %-limit I like it. No surprise.

Taste: 4


Did I need one more?
Yup, but you do not need a third or fourth.

Frequency: 3


Does it cost your shirt?
The premiums cost a bit more than the standard and if you find the one you like you will get value for the money.

Value for money: 4


Final statement:
It kept what I expected so of course I was happy after tasting it. I will probably buy this again later sometime, I haven't forgotten it and will look for it if I am in the store and want to buy a chocolate my friends won't be to tempted to take away from me.

Total score: 19/30

Mandel stang (almond bar)

Expectation:
I really like almonds and I really like chocolate. This had to be a new favorite, or...

First impression:
Really really boring. You get to see the chocolate bar as you can see through the wrapping, but are we back to the sixties here?

Wrapping: 1


How does it look?
Is it me or is it just something wrong with the color? It should look good, but this one just seems to have been to much in the sun (and this period has been really rainy).

Appearance: 2



Is it yum-yum?
Awful. Really awful. I guess we have been unlucky with it, but this is the opposite of yum-yum.

Taste: 1


Did I need one more?
I probably need to try this again as I probably was unlucky with the bar, but else I would not recommend this to anyone trying it even one time.

Frequency: 1


Does it cost your shirt?
The price is not bad and if you like awful chocolatebars you will get a decent value for your money.

Value for money: 3


Final statement:
Do not even consider it. Eat some carrots instead and live a healthy life.

Total score: 8/30

Sport lunch - competing with quick lunch

Expectation:
Not sure what to expect. Having tasted kvikk lunsj and kitekat earlier this one was the underdog.


First impression:
The wrapping is ok and as with many others a bit boring. Boring as it does not standout in anyway neither positive or negative.

Wrapping: 3


How does it look?
It looks quite good, but it crumbles more when you try to share it. I hate losing chocolate that way.

Appearance: 3



Is it yum-yum?
A surprise. It really made it hard to see what I prefer over its competitors. I think this one has a bit sweeter taste.

Taste: 4


Did I need one more?
I wouldn't mind one more, but if I had kitekat or kvikk lunsj it would lose out. Its not bad, but I just cannot see my buying this again when I have the other options.

Frequency: 2


Does it cost your shirt?
Not pricy at all. So you can safely go out and find it. But as for value for money it is all down to what you prefer. I would say kitekat (for kids) and kvikk lunsj (for grown ups) would be a safer choice.

Value for money: 3


Final statement:
It surprised me with a good taste, but it did not convince me that I should buy it again.

Total score: 15/30

Kvikk lunsj (quick lunch)

Expectation:
This is a chocolate that is a favorite for norwegians while hiking or skiing. If is so popular it is called the hiking-chocolate. So it should be pretty good.


First impression:
The wrapping is ok. They have skipped the aluminumfoil they had before but the wrapping is ok. A bit boring look, but it has kept its look for ages so people recognize it right away.

Wrapping: 3


How does it look?
The great thing about it is that it is so easy to share. It has four pieces that easily will break of and in just the right size for anyone. It looks quite good as well.

Appearance: 4



Is it yum-yum?
I like this one. It is good and delivers what it promises. It might not be the big sportsbar for those running the marathon, but we are not marathon runners. But this is not a chocolate that you bring to fancy parties and the one you usually picks up in the store, unless of course you are going hiking during the weekend.

Taste: 4


Did I need one more?
I really wanted one more as we tried it while hiking, but we shared all four so no more for me. I do not mind one on my next hiking trip.

Frequency: 4


Does it cost your shirt?
It not cheap or expensive. This one is in the middle. And since you can share it with anyone (most people will enjoy one) you do get value for your money.

Value for money: 4


Final statement:
Great in the nature, boring at home.

Total score: 19/30

Premium milk - Thin - Intense

Expectation:
It looks like a very nice chocolate. Not fancy, but a chocolate that should have a nice taste. Having the word intense on the cover also brings up expectations.


First impression:
The wrapping is standard to the premium chocolates. It's got a nice cover, and most important that silver wrapping around the chocolate. A bit boring, but not bad.

Wrapping: 3


How does it look?
First of all this is really tempting, but the pieces are a bit to thin in my opinion, especially when you see the size of the chocolate. I prefer ticker and smaller pieces. But as I was about to give this a 3 I smelled it. It smells really good. So I had to change the score.

Appearance: 4


Is it yum-yum?
It is not intense. It does taste chocolate, but does not fill your mouth at all and does not give you the feeling that this one was something extra special. It was better when I took a big pieces instead of a small, but not good enough to impress.

Taste: 3


Did I need one more?
It is a bit to weak in the taste and also too sweet, so this is not one I will be hungry for in the stores. I have other I will prefer. But if you buy it for me I won't say no.

Frequency: 3


Does it cost your shirt?
The price is not bad, but too expensive when the taste is not top notch. For those who really like this chocolate it will not be expensive, but for me... not worth it.

Price: 3


Final statement:
Sweet, nice, but does not stand out in any way.

Total score: 16/30
Average score (round off): 3,2

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

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

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

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)