A Little Chocolate Tasting at Home

Hands Off is already one of my favourite chocolate brands. I have received products from them before, and their Almond Bites have since made their way into my shopping basket more than once. So when a new parcel arrived with three flavours to try, I decided to make a little occasion of it.

Nothing elaborate: a wooden tray, three small bowls, a linen napkin and a cup of coffee. A chocolate tasting just for me, at home. The sort of small pleasure that needs very little organising, but feels lovely once you sit down to enjoy it.

The new arrival I was most curious about was Veggilaine’s Rocky Road Bites, created with Hands Off. Alongside them were Granola Bites and my already much-loved Almond Bites. Three bowls, three quite different experiences - and a clear favourite by the end.

These were absolutely delicious. The texture was satisfyingly crunchy, and I could clearly taste the sea salt: exactly the sweet-and-salty combination I love.

The discodip adds something playful, while the pecans give it a distinctly autumnal feeling for me. There is something about that combination of chocolate, nuts and crunch that fits beautifully beside a coffee at this time of year.

This was the bowl I finished. And yes, I would absolutely buy these again with my own money.

My verdict: my new number one. Crunchy, sweet, salty and very easy to reach for again.

Almond Bites were coming into this tasting with an advantage: I already knew I loved them. I first tried them through an earlier gift from Hands Off, then bought them myself several times afterwards.

What I particularly enjoy is how smooth they feel. After the uneven crunch of the Rocky Road, that smooth chocolate exterior makes for a completely different experience, with a proper, generously sized almond inside.

Rocky Road took first place this time, but these remain a favourite I happily spend my own money on.

My verdict: a familiar favourite, with a smooth chocolate coating and a substantial almond centre.

The Granola Bites were fine, but they did not tempt me in quite the same way. I did not pick up much cinnamon, which was something I had been curious about.

I was happy to try them, but I did not have that urge to keep reaching into the bowl. Of the three, this is the flavour I would not personally buy again. My preference was firmly with Rocky Road and Almond.

My verdict: worth trying if the flavour combination appeals to you, but not my personal repeat purchase.

You can do this with whatever chocolate you fancy trying. A new flavour, an old favourite and something you would not normally choose make a lovely starting point.

1. Put a little of each in a separate bowl and keep the wrappers nearby so you know which is which.

2. Try each one on its own first. Notice the texture as well as the flavour: smooth, crunchy, nutty, sweet or salty.

3. Have some water between flavours, then enjoy your favourites alongside your coffee or tea.

4. Ask yourself one simple question: which would I actually buy again?

It works just as well on your own as it does with someone else. You do not need a special occasion, a full dessert board or an afternoon of preparation. Three little bowls are plenty.

The short below shows today’s tasting.

For me, the result was clear: Rocky Road first, Almond second, Granola third. The Almond Bites will stay on my shopping list - and now they have company.