5 OF THE MOST POPULAR CHOCOLATE PAIRINGS

It’s no secret that chocolate can taste just as delicious when paired with another tasty treat! However, how do you know which combination of chocolate and secondary treat will make the most scrumptious delicacy? If you’re feeling adventurous to try a new chocolate treat, here are a few of the most popular chocolate pairings:

Fruit

You’ve probably heard of or have had chocolate strawberries before, but did you know that chocolate dipped mangos and pears can be just as delicious? If you’re trying to think outside of the box when it comes to chocolate-covered fruit, consider the type of chocolate and fruit you choose. For example, darker chocolates tend to be more bitter than others; for that reason, it should be complemented by a fruit that’s sweeter. That’s why dark chocolate tastes better with fruits such as ripe strawberries, mangos, and bananas. White chocolate works bests with more acidic or mild-flavored fruits, and milk chocolate is a good middle ground that works with most fruits.

Nuts

Likewise, with the fruit, the type of chocolate and the type of nut should be considered when it comes to pairing. Peanuts, pecans, almonds, and hazelnuts have distinct flavors that go well with dark chocolate. Walnuts are a little bit milder and therefore work better with milk chocolate. Finally, nuts such as macadamias taste best with rich white chocolate due to their even milder flavor.

Cheeses

While this pairing may not seem conventional, with the right combination, it can actually make a very delicious treat! Generally speaking, lighter, creamier cheeses will pair better with lighter, creamier chocolates. Cheeses that are more acidic or pungent, like blue cheese or goat cheese, taste better with a dark chocolate counterpart that complements these stronger flavors.

Salty Treats

Now becoming a popular pairing, chocolate and a secondary, saltier treat, such as bacon and pretzels make an interesting—but yummy—combination. Most salted treats taste great with chocolate because the sugar and salt aspect of it is good for feeding those sugar/salt cravings you may get sometimes.

Coffee

Another common chocolate pairing is with coffee. Darker chocolates have the tendency to go well with darker, bolder roasted coffee, such as an Italian roast. Because milk chocolate is the middle ground when it comes to flavors, it is best complemented by medium roasted coffee, such as Colombian coffee. White chocolate is best matched with lighter roasts, like Costa Rican coffees.

Try to create any of these popular chocolate pairings on your own to create your own version of these traditional pairings. Your taste buds will thank you!