Core Ingredients of Dairy Box Chocolates
Dairy Box chocolates are primarily made with milk chocolate, but the specific ingredients vary depending on the filling of each chocolate. Key ingredients forming the base include sugar, cocoa butter, and various milk components.
The Milk Chocolate Shell
The milk chocolate shell is consistent across the collection and meets regulations for minimum cocoa and milk solid percentages. Its main ingredients are sugar, cocoa butter, milk solids (like skimmed and whole milk powder), vegetable fats (palm and shea), and an emulsifier (lecithins) for a smooth texture.
Assorted Fillings and Flavourings
The Classic Collection offers a range of chocolates, each with unique flavours from different ingredients. Examples of these specialised components include:
- Caramel Heart: Contains glucose syrup for its chewy caramel centre.
- Hazel Smooth: Features nut-based ingredients or flavourings for its praline-style taste.
- Orange Surprise: Uses natural orange flavourings for a tangy truffle centre.
- Vanilla Cup: Includes natural vanilla flavourings and crispy pieces made from malted wheat and rice flour.
Potential Allergens and Additives
Given the variety of fillings, consumers should be aware of potential allergens and additives in Dairy Box chocolates.
Allergen Information:
- Milk: A primary allergen present in the milk chocolate and many fillings.
- Wheat: Found in ingredients like wheat flour, as seen in the Crispy Milk Chocolate.
- May Contain Tree Nuts and Egg: There's a risk of cross-contamination from shared production lines.
Common Additives:
- Humectant (Sorbitol): Helps keep fillings moist and soft.
- Stabiliser (Invertase): Maintains the texture of some fillings.
- Colour (Carminic Acid): A natural colourant used in some fillings, like the Strawberry Kiss.
Comparison: Base Milk Chocolate vs. Caramel Heart Ingredients
This table highlights the difference between the core milk chocolate ingredients and those specific to a Caramel Heart chocolate:
| Ingredient | Base Milk Chocolate (Shell) | Caramel Heart (Filling) |
|---|---|---|
| Sugar | Yes | Yes |
| Cocoa Butter | Yes | No (primary source) |
| Milk Solids | Yes (Skimmed Milk Powder) | Yes (e.g., Whey Powder) |
| Cocoa Mass | Yes | No |
| Glucose Syrup | No | Yes |
| Vegetable Fats (Palm, Shea) | Yes | Yes |
| Emulsifier (Lecithins) | Yes | Yes |
| Natural Flavourings | Yes (Vanilla) | Yes (Caramel) |
| Humectant (Sorbitol) | No | Yes |
Nutritional Considerations
Dairy Box chocolates are high in sugar and fat but contain no artificial colours, flavours, or preservatives. The nutritional values per 100g contribute significantly to daily energy intake. Those with dietary needs, including vegetarians, halal, or gluten-free diets, should check packaging for the latest allergen information. The use of carminic acid (E120), derived from cochineal, makes them unsuitable for strict vegetarian or halal diets.
Conclusion
Dairy Box chocolates feature a diverse array of ingredients that contribute to their popular assortment of creamy truffles and pralines. While they share a consistent milk chocolate base, the variety of fillings introduces a wide range of components, from basic sugar and milk solids to functional additives like emulsifiers and stabilisers. Consumers should review the ingredient list for allergens such as milk and wheat, and note the presence of carminic acid, which affects suitability for certain diets. For details on sustainable sourcing, consult the Nestlé Cocoa Plan.
Visit the Nestlé Cocoa Plan website for details on sustainably sourced cocoa.
