THE DIFFERENT TYPES OF CHOCOLATES

Dark, white, blond, milk, filled and much more, the types of chocolate have not finished surprising us! Whether it's the way they are made or their composition, there are many ways to make chocolate. Discover the different types of chocolate!

CHOCOLATE : A MYRIAD OF SWEETNESS

Everyone loves chocolate! And there are so many different kinds that you are almost certain to have at least one (if not all) favourite types of chocolate. They are often found in the form of bars, candies or confectionery. These little treats have been with us since we were very young with milk versions. Then, as our palate becomes more refined, we increasingly appreciate the intense flavours of dark chocolate. Here are the different types of chocolate and their characteristics!

DARK CHOCOLATE, INTENSE AND STRONG

How can we talk about chocolate without starting with the undisputed king? Dark chocolate! Chocolate has a regulated designation. This means that chocolate must have a minimum percentage of cocoa beans (35%) to be called chocolate. As far as dark chocolate is concerned, it must have a minimum cocoa content of 43% in order to be considered dark chocolate. In addition, it must also contain at least 26% cocoa butter and 14% dry non-fat cocoa. To this, it is possible to add sugar or flavourings to obtain different dark chocolates of varying intensity or bitterness. Although chocolate must have a minimum percentage to be considered a dark chocolate, this does not prevent master chocolate makers from being creative and creating innovative dark chocolates by adding other ingredients such as candied or dried fruit, for example.

MILK CHOCOLATE, SOFT AND TASTY

If you have to name a favourite type of chocolate in France, it must be milk chocolate. How does it differ from dark chocolate? The first notable difference between milk and dark chocolate is the taste. Milk chocolate is sweeter and much less bitter than dark chocolate, which makes it very popular with children, but also with the more demanding gourmets. Milk chocolate therefore consists of at least 25% dry, defatted cocoa, 25% fat, including cocoa butter and milk, and 14% milk powder. It is this mixture that gives it such a smooth and creamy taste.

WHITE CHOCOLATE, A MUST IN PASTRY MAKING

Often less appreciated, white chocolate appears to be a more neutral chocolate. Unlike other types of chocolate, it does not contain dry cocoa, which explains its white colour. White chocolate is still a chocolate because it must contain at least 20% cocoa butter and 14% dairy products. Its neutral taste makes it ideal for baking and it goes wonderfully well with red fruit, lemon, vanilla or coconut, for example.

BLOND CHOCOLATE, OR DULCEY CHOCOLATE

Blond chocolate, also known as "Dulcey" chocolate because of its golden colour, was created by a pastry chef named Frédéric Bau. The story goes that he forgot to turn off the heat after melting white chocolate in a bain-marie. The chocolate was left to cook for 15 hours. Since this discovery, the recipe has been refined. To make Dulcey chocolate, the master chocolatier gently mixes cocoa beans with sugar and milk and cooks the mixture at a temperature between 93°C and 135°C.

FILLED CHOCOLATE, DELICIOUS AND DELICATE

Filled chocolate is a special kind of chocolate in the sense that it is made from different types of chocolate, either dark, white or milk. Filled chocolate is a type of chocolate whose exterior is made with chocolate. This outer part can be made with any type of chocolate. The chocolate must represent at least 25% of the total weight of the product to be called filled chocolate. As for the filling, you are spoilt for choice! Ganache, liqueur, candied fruit, dried fruit, almond paste, etc.

TYPES OF CHOCOLATE FOR ALL GOURMETS!

As you can see, there are many different types of chocolate, each with its own specific characteristics and intensity. To enjoy the powerful and intense taste of chocolate in its raw state, you can opt for dark chocolate. If the bitterness of dark chocolate does not appeal to you, then you can turn to milk chocolate. If you want something sweet but more neutral, then white chocolate will be your ally. And for those with a sweet tooth, you can discover chocolate mixtures, such as filled chocolates, but also chocolates with a praline base, for example.

Master chocolate makers are always so creative in creating unusual recipes and chocolate mixtures with unforgettable flavours. What are you waiting for to try them all?