Chocolate and Fruit Go Together Like a Horse and Carriage

There’s an old Frank Sinatra song from the 1950s that says that "Love and marriage go together like a horse and carriage". Well, if you think about it, the same can be said about chocolate and fruit – they’re a matchmaker’s dream come true!

Desserts to Drool Over

When we think of dessert (or "afters" as we used to call it when I was a kid) then it probably means something with fruit in it (apple pie, strawberry ice cream, lemon meringue pie etc.). But when chocolate suppliers combine these two elements, both known for their intense flavours and health benefits – then the resulting delight is truly a match made in heaven and one that chocoholics across the UK and the world are craving more and more.

Unique Taste Experiences

Perhaps one of the most common of these combinations is the traditional chocolate-coated raisins or sultanas. This is an old favourite with the public and one that shows no sign of being overtaken by other combinations.

Having said that, there are many other pairings that are also very popular – citrus (mainly orange), strawberries, blackberries, raspberries, and even bananas or pineapple all go well with our favourite confectionery.

Manufacturers are constantly seeking out new combinations to meet the demand for new and more exotic products. Chocolate suppliers use market research, test samples, and surveys to identify what the public wants and suggest existing new taste combinations to the manufacturers.

A Healthy Sweet Treat

Cocoa is an established superfood and packs some amazing health benefits. But when chocolate suppliers provide us with products that also include fibre and antioxidant-rich berries, the best just got a whole lot better! Also let’s not forget the flavonoids, the natural compounds that give fruit and vegetables their vibrant colours and which have also been proven to have immense health benefits such as helping combat inflammation and also improving cognitive functions. Citrus fruits also marry perfectly with our favourite cocoa product. They contain large quantities of vitamin C, without which our health would suffer. It’s common knowledge that vitamin C is needed for cell growth and repair, for the development of healthy bones and teeth. But did you know that it is also associated with protection from immune system deficiencies, cardiovascular disease, prenatal health problems, eye diseases and more?

The Trade Has Taken Up the Challenge

Suppliers and manufacturers are playing their part in the push for a healthier life. More and more products can be seen on supermarket shelves that are free of sugar and artificial flavourings and additives that could well be detrimental to our health.

Divine, for example, produces a range of confectionery that combine natural fruits to provide a "health boost". These include decadent milk and dark chocolate bars that combine rich, intriguing tastes with a whole range of fresh fruits and berries. A sweet treat plus a dose of vitamin C all rolled into one.

Sugar free chocolates are also becoming increasingly popular. For a special, sugar-free but naturally sweet delight, try Pure’s dark chocolate raspberry or blueberry cream truffles or perhaps Balance’s strawberry and blueberry bar sweetened with natural stevia.

If you’re looking for a healthy, but just as tasty product, then you have a great variety to choose from. Ask at your local sweet shop and they’ll tell you about all they have to offer.

Angelina Moufftard works for hf Chocolates, established chocolate suppliers with decades of experience supplying sweets and high-end chocolates to retailers across the UK. Working with the most dedicated suppliers from France, Spain, Germany, Holland, Belgium, the USA and the UK, hf Chocolates' great tasting and beautifully packaged products add panache to any sweet display.

Writer and Online Marketing Manager in London.