Buying guide for best chocolate truffles
Does the decadence of a chocolate truffle excite you? Made with the finest chocolate and crafted in top-rated confectioneries, truffles are indeed a well-engineered delicacy. Chocolate truffles have three layers: a ganache center, a chocolate coating, and a final dusting of cocoa powder or nuts.
While known for their rich flavor and unique combination of textures, chocolate truffles come in a wide variety of flavors. And it’s no surprise that such a refined treat often comes in elaborate decorative boxes. If there’s any single takeaway about chocolate truffles, it’s that there’s one to suit just about everyone. Chocolate purists may prefer regular chocolate truffles, while others can experiment with flavors like blueberry, peppermint, or maple syrup. There are even sugar-free varieties available.
Whether you’re a casual truffle eater or a true chocoholic, we invite you to read our buying guide on chocolate truffles. We’re introducing you to the different varieties, and recommending some of our favorites, so you can make an educated choice for your next indulgence.
Key considerations
Anatomy of a chocolate truffle
Chocolate truffles are generally bite-size and almost always round. There are some varieties with flat bottoms, as well as some with “roughly round” shapes. In terms of weight, truffles usually weigh around half an ounce each.
Chocolate truffles consist of a ganache center encased in chocolate and dusted with a layer of cocoa powder or nuts.
Ganache: The innermost layer of chocolate truffles is ganache, a balanced mixture of chocolate and cream. Additional ingredients may be added for flavor. The result is a ball with a buttery smooth texture that’s ready for the next step in truffle creation.
Chocolate: The ganache center is encased in a layer of chocolate, actually a hard shell made from tempered chocolate that’s poured into molds and cooled. The truffle can be consumed at this stage or covered with an outer layer.
Outer layer: The outer layer of chocolate truffles often consists of cocoa powder, nut powder, or crushed nuts. This layer can also include a variety of other ingredients, including drizzled caramel, coconut flakes, or crushed pretzel pieces. Because it’s the part of the truffle you see first, confectioners are keen to show off their skills with innovative designs or unique ingredients.
Features
Chocolate type
Milk and dark chocolates have different blends of cocoa, cream, and sugar, but even the same ingredients from different manufacturers will have different flavors. There are also white chocolate truffles. Some purists don’t consider white chocolate to be “genuine” chocolate because it doesn’t contain any cocoa solids. However, it does contain cocoa butter. Long story short, there’s quite a variety when it comes to chocolate. And yes, there are chocolate loyalists who stick to one type and refuse to entertain even the thought of trying the others. Some take it further and confine their choice to a favorite manufacturer.
Additional flavors
Chocolate truffles often contain additional ingredients for flavor. It can be as traditional as nuts or sea salt, or as unique as maple syrup or blueberry. These flavors can be present in any layer of the truffle, though textured ingredients like nuts tend to appear on the outer layer.
Special varieties
Most confectioneries make special or seasonal varieties. Seasonal varieties are popular since their flavors are only available for a limited time in most locations. Only select retailers sell off-season flavors, though they tend to be more expensive and often have a shorter shelf life.
Other special varieties include chocolate truffles that are diet- or allergy-friendly. There’s now a broad range of truffles that adhere to keto, paleo, kosher, and even diabetic diets. People with allergies, such as to gluten or nuts, also have quite the selection of truffles now. While they’re more expensive than other truffles, those with special diets are pleased to have chocolate truffles they can enjoy, even if it’s only once in a while.
Packaging
Individually wrapped: Some truffles are individually wrapped, especially those sold in bags. Wrappers vary between brands, though they usually contain foil or a foil-inspired element. Some brands assign wrapper colors to truffle flavor. Lindt, for example, uses blue wrappers for dark chocolate truffles and gold wrappers for white chocolate.
Boxed: Other truffles are packaged in boxes and are often arranged in eggcrate holders. They’re not individually wrapped, though they’re sometimes resting in foil or paper cups. Boxed chocolate truffles tend to cost far more than individually wrapped ones because they use more expensive materials, such as ribbon, cardboard, and specialty paper.
Chocolate truffle prices
Unless you’re buying chocolate truffles individually in a speciality shop, you’ll find them in packages that include anywhere from 2 to 120 pieces. Buying in bulk is the most cost-effective way to purchase chocolate truffles.
Inexpensive: For $3 to $10, you’ll find a variety of chocolate truffles with between 2 and 12 pieces. Premium brands have fewer pieces and cost more. Most of these come in bags, with only select sets in gift boxes.
Mid-range: If you spend between $10 and $20, you can find deluxe chocolate truffles with up to 60 pieces. This is where you get the most bang for your buck if you’re concerned more about quantity than presentation. Most of these come in bags, though select confectioners package their truffles in gift boxes.
Expensive: When you spend $20 to $60, you’re either buying less expensive truffles in bulk or purchasing a smaller number of gourmet truffles. You’ll also find specialty gift sets in this bracket because you’re paying a premium for far better packaging.
Tips
- Pair truffles with wine. Wine and chocolate truffles make a classic gift. They’re the perfect pairing for housewarming, birthday, holiday, and even just-because gifts.
- Double-check your order. Truffles are very expensive fungi. If you’re looking for a sweet treat, make sure you’re ordering chocolate truffles!
- Choose the right beverage. To fully enjoy the flavor of a chocolate truffle, eat them with wine, water, coffee, or tea. Sodas and even gum can affect the taste of chocolate, so rinse your mouth with water before eating truffles.
- Buy a variety box. If you’re not sure which type of chocolate truffle a recipient will enjoy the most, opt for a variety box. It will also give them an opportunity to explore new flavors.
FAQ
Q. Why are chocolate truffles so expensive?
A. Plain and simple, their production and fine ingredients cost more. The process is more involved than making regular bar chocolate or other candy and is often handled at a dedicated facility. Confectioneries are also selective about ingredients, often choosing the best available, which is reflected in the price. The fancy packaging, especially since truffles are often individually wrapped, also impacts the overall cost.
Q. I have a nut allergy. Are there chocolate truffles made without nuts?
A. Yes, many varieties are made with cocoa or other coatings. With that said, you should contact the manufacturer to see if its truffles are produced in a facility where nuts are also processed. It may be a cross-contamination issue, and it’s best to have a definitive answer before consuming the chocolate truffles.
Q. What’s the verdict: should it take one or two bites to eat a chocolate truffle? Inquiring minds want to know.
A. Some people choose to eat chocolate truffles in two bites because it gives them an opportunity to see the cross section of the candy. Others enjoy a chocolate truffle whole, though there’s more than one way to do that. They can be chewed like any other food, or you can let one sit in your mouth and melt. For those who treat chocolate truffles as an experience, this is the way to go. There are even sensory yoga classes dedicated to their mindful consumption!
