Monoprix Ecorces d'Oranges + Fair Trade

More chocolate from the Monoprix Gourmet range. A mixed bag as was the last bar. Beautiful packaging but the base chocolate is not that good.

While the ecorces d'oranges bar, which is charmingly labelled "un petit air de fete" has a strong orange flavour and are generously filled with bits of slightly sweetened orange peel, the chocolate itself is a little chalky. Definitely another case where the chocolate is secondary to the filling. Cocoa content 70%.

The fair trade bar produced from cocoa beans harvested by small producers north of the Equator, hence the name, is 74% cocoa and frankly, not very good. With fairly faint flavour and aroma, it's not bitter and in fact is very slightly sweet with added cane sugar. There is a strange aftertaste which I find pretty unpleasant. This is going to have to become coating for strawberries I think as I can't eat it on its own.

Monoprix Bio Chocolat Noir

Another purchase from my now long past Paris trip, this bar comes from Monoprix's organic range. This was excellent with a rich deep flavour without any sourness. It includes cane sugar though, so the bitterness is mellowed.

Monoprix Gourmet eclats des feves

Monoprix Gourmet eclats des feves with 72% cacao and 12% cocoa nibs, there is not much taste from the chocolate, but the texture is pleasantly crunchy and the beans are crispy and nutty. Small pieces are embedded throughout the bar.

I had to try a second piece to taste the chocolate itself, as it didn't register the first time. It didn't register the second time either, though the ubiquity of the beans actually makes it hard to taste the chocolate without them interfering, if that makes sense. This bar is definitely all about the texture.

I love the elegant packaging, and (sorry for saying it again) I am really impressed by Monoprix products. This is from their Monoprix Gourmet range with better packaging and more unusual flavours.

Monoprix Chocolat Noir Noisettes Entières

Monoprix Chocolat Noir Noisettes Entières was definitely a bargain. The 52% cocoa is dark enough to balance the generous 28% whole hazelnuts that make up the bar. Why can't all store brand chocolates be this good?