Marks & Spencer Swiss Blond Chocolate Review

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 flavour 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. 

New M&S Blond Chocolate, Vegan Gianduja Bars & More! (Spotted In Shops)

Another Spotted In Shops, and today it's the turn of M&S with some of their interesting new chocolates - first up one that will no doubt excite many, it's their new Blond Swiss Chocolate! It seems that 2018 is the year of blond chocolates, what with Nestle also selling their L'Atelier Blonde Hazelnuts & Almonds bar at Sainsbury's...I wonder how long until Cadbury's follow suit? (they recently launched a blonde chocolate called Cadbury's Caramilk in New Zealand and it looks amazing!).

This M&S variety is made with caramelised sugar, cocoa butter, milk and dried whey...see the ingredients list above. Do want!

M&S are also doing some new filled bars such as this White Chocolate Cappuccino, with a creamy coffee ganache filling.

Plus there's Milk Chocolate Stracciatella, with a creamy filling and dark chocolate pieces:

And this Italian White Chocolate with Whole Pistachios...

And Italian Milk Chocolate with Whole Almonds:

And something rather special since it's dairy free and suitable for vegans - this Italian Gianduja Bar, made with dark chocolate and whole hazelnuts!

They're also doing some coated nuts, including Belgian Dark Chocolate Almonds, Milk Chocolate Almonds and Salted Caramel Covered Almonds!

Plus this Marks and Spencer Luxury Chocolate Coated Fruit and Nut Selection which is "an assortment of delicious chocolate coated almonds and blackcurrants".

There's also this new Swiss Chocolate Giandor bar, with a smooth creamy almond filling:

Plus this Swiss Chocolate Chunky Triple Nut Milk Chocolate:

And some new varieties of single origin Dark Chocolate, from this 71% Sao Tome Bar:

to this 71% Single Origin Madagascar Bar:

and also this 75% Single Estate Los Palmitos Bar:

There's also some new "added superfood" bars, including this White Chocolate, Raspberry & Matcha Bar:

Plus for a caffeine boost there's this Latte Coffee Kick Chocolate, made with coffee beans and "melts in the mouth like chocolate":

There's also a Turmeric Milk Chocolate bar in the range, plus these heatlhier filled bars...

M&S Coconut, Cashew & Pineapple bar coated in white chocolate:

Plus a Date, Walnut and Pumpkin Seed Bar coated in milk chocolate:

As well as these treats M&S are also doing their usual yearly selection of wonderful Easter Eggs, but I will share those with you all in another post!

If you have tried any of these chocolates or would like to see any reviewed - do let me know in the comments!

Nestle L'atelier Chocolates & Hazelnut Butterfinger Cups (Spotted In Shops)

Another Spotted In Shops quick post - this time for some new Nestle products gracing UK supermarkets!

First up, following on from the success of the Peanut Butter and Coconut Butterfinger Cups, Nestle have launched a Hazelnut version. So far they've only available in Asda.

Nestle Les Recettes de L'Atelier Blonde Roasted Almonds & Hazelnuts:

Nestle have launched their premium L'Atelier range exclusively into Sainsbiury's stores. This range has been very popular in various European countries so it seems Nestle are testing the waters over here. This blonde chocolate sure does sound tasty - but at £3.50 a block it ain't cheap! (though I have been told it's worth the price).

There's also this L'Atelier Blueberries, Almonds & Hazelnuts Dark Chocolate, available in smaller bars for £2:

Plus L'Atelier Orange Zest & Cacao Nibs Dark Chocolate:

As well as L'Atelier Raisins, Almonds & Hazelnuts Milk Chocolate...

Plus L'Atelier Roasted Almonds Dark Chocolate:

There's also a Salted Caramel Dark Chocolate bar in the range.

Have you tried any of these Nestle L'Atelier bars or the Hazelnut Cups? If so let me know your thoughts in the comments below!