EASTER is nearly upon us – and supermarkets have some egg-citing chocolate treats on the shelves this year.
Many are bringing out increasingly luxurious eggs to rival big chocolate brands.
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But as consumer champion Martyn James explains, you’ll want to make sure you’re getting plenty of chocolate for your hard-earned cash.
“Don’t be fooled by crafty packaging when it comes to Easter this year,” he says.
“Chocolatiers are the masterminds of illusionary packaging, from boxes that make the eggs look bigger to miserly amounts of treats included with the egg.”
Here Lynsey Hope, 41, from West Malling, Kent, tries out some supermarket own-brand eggs to see which most delight the taste buds – and provide best value.
Asda Extra Thick Honeycomb, Pretzel and Caramel Milk Chocolate Egg
- £7
- £1.75 per 100g
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Lynsey says: “A surprising winner.
“Not only is this great value – it’s far less cost-wise per 100g than other eggs we tasted – but the thick milk chocolate is studded with honeycomb, pretzel pieces and caramel, making it very moreish.
“It had a lovely sweet, salty balance and I couldn’t help but go back in for more.
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“The egg itself is attractive with caramel swirls on the outside. It’s beautifully presented from Asda too and certainly doesn’t feel ‘budget’. Delicious.”
- TASTE: 10/10
- VALUE: 10/10
- OVERALL SCORE: 10/10
Aldi Moser Roth Milk Chocolate Egg and Luxurious Truffles (216g)
- £5.99
- £2.77 per 100g
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Lynsey says: “A very traditional looking egg, this came in gold foil and once unwrapped it had a wave-ridge effect on the outside of the chocolate.
“It was quite rich and tasted like the sort of chocolate you’d eat on holiday.
“Not my favourite and you’re not getting the most chocolate for your money here either.
“The truffles were rather yummy though and it was presented nicely.”
- TASTE: 6/10
- VALUE: 6/10
- OVERALL SCORE: 6/10
M&S Food Extremely Chocolatey Giant Hot Cross Bun Egg (340g)
- £9
- £2.65 per 100g
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Lynsey says: “Easter is a time of indulgence so why choose between a chocolate egg and hot cross bun when you can have both?
“This clever egg combines the warming spice flavour of buns with dried fruit throughout, all mixed in with a deliciously rich milk chocolate.
“At first bite I wasn’t sure and I had to keep on eating it until it was all gone. And it’s actually rather good.
“Love the uniqueness of it too and it’s actually cheaper than many of Aldi’s eggs.”
- TASTE: 8/10
- VALUE: 6/10
- OVERALL SCORE: 7/10
Lidl Deluxe Chocolate Marbled Egg (200g)
- £6.99
- £3.49 per 100g
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Lynsey says: “A substantial egg made with a blend of milk, white and dark chocolate to create a marbled effect.
“No frills or fancies here, it’s a plain old egg and I wasn’t terribly keen on the chocolate, which I found to be rich and sickly.
“It’s nearly £7 – to be honest I would have preferred something from the big brand’s £1 range.”
- TASTE: 4/10
- VALUE: 3/10
- OVERALL SCORE: 3/10
Sainsbury’s Milk Chocolate Sticky Toffee Pudding Egg (275g)
- £8
- £2.91 per 100g
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Lynsey says: “I was intrigued to see how this would taste.
“The egg itself was a work of art with edible gold sparkles in a swirl around the chocolate.
“The chocolate definitely had that burnt toffee taste you’d associate with a sticky toffee pudding.
“Sainsbury’s have got the flavour just right and the chocolate is lovely and brittle.
“It’s a decent price and it is boxed well – definitely doesn’t look like a supermarket egg – and would make a lovely Easter gift, especially for Sticky Toffee fans.”
- TASTE: 9/10
- VALUE: 7/10
- OVERALL SCORE: 8/10
Tesco Free From Cluckie White Choc Chick (100g)
- £3.50
- £3.50 per 100g
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Lynsey says: “Tesco had a fab selection of ‘free from’ eggs including this white chocolate chick ‘Cluckie’.
“They are in clearly in demand as many lines had sold out when I went to buy one.
“I was pleasantly surprised by the Cluckie’s taste given this is made entirely free from gluten, wheat and milk, you’d never guess it contained no dairy.
“A great option for vegans and those with allergies, though it’s pricey – presumably you are paying for the ‘free from’ ingredients.”
- TASTE: 9/10
- VALUE: 7/10
- OVERALL SCORE: 8/10
Waitrose Caramel Ribbon Easter Egg (178g)
- £7
- £3.94 per 100g
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Lynsey says: “A delicate egg that looks quite small and simple, but I liked its classic ribbon design.
“The chocolate had a nice snap and was perfectly sweet. A lovely gift but you don’t get much chocolate for your money.
“In fact, this was the most expensive per 100g of chocolate out of all the own brand eggs we tasted.
“If it’s value for money you are looking for, this might not be the one for you.”
- TASTE: 9/10
- VALUE: 6/10
- OVERALL SCORE: 7/10
Morrisons The Best Belgian Milk Chocolate and Orange Egg (240g)
- £6
- £2.50 per 100g
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Lynsey says: “Milk chocolate and orange is a winning combination and this marbled shell is attractive as well as having a subtle balance of flavours – the orange notes are just right.
“I liked the light crunch you got from the orange-infused sugar crystals.
“It reminded me a little of those orange flavour Matchsticks.
“It’s great value from Morrisons too at just £2.50 per 200g of chocolate, beating all others but Asda.”
- TASTE: 9/10
- VALUE: 9/10
- OVERALL SCORE: 9/10
