Confectionery & Chocolates

Your questions answered about snacks and chocolate.

What’s the difference between chocolate and carob chocolate?

Although carob and chocolate may look similar, they actually have a unique flavour and nutritional characteristics. While chocolate is made from the cocoa beans of a cacao tree, carob chocolate comes from the pods of the carob tree. 

Carob has a sweeter taste than chocolate and is a great alternative because it contains fiber and antioxidants, low amounts of fat and sugar and is caffeine and gluten-free. Carob is also an excellent source of vitamins and minerals. It’s a bit like having your, er, carob and eating it too, isn’t it?

What should I look for in a healthy snack?

While snacking sometimes gets a bad rap because it can conjure up images of processed food that is high in salt, fat and sugar, it is possible to snack healthily. 

Choose snacks that are nutritious, high in fiber and contain carbs or protein that will sate any energy dips or hunger pangs. As well as fresh fruit and nuts, consider popcorn, brown rice crackers or a few pieces of carob chocolate. 

Is chocolate healthy?

Let’s be honest. Eating bulk chocolate every day is not a good idea, especially if it's commercially produced chocolate that is high in sugar, fat and calories. 

However, we’ve got good news. Eating high-quality organic dark chocolate can actually have health benefits. Dark chocolate with a high cocoa content has a decent amount of soluble fibre and is full of minerals such as iron and manganese. It’s also a powerful source of antioxidants and may reduce blood pressure and the risk of heart-disease. 

But remember everything in moderation, so don’t consume daily!

How do you store bulk snacks and chocolate?

If you’re buying bulk chocolate or snacks, you need to store them correctly so put them in sealed containers in a pantry or cupboard. And if you manage to open a chocolate-based snack without finishing the packet, put it in the fridge.