Commercial Or Handmade Chocolates - Which Ones Are Better For You?

By Author: Alan White
Total Articles: 14
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Chocolates are relished by people of all ages. The aroma and amazing taste offered by chocolates is not easy to substitute. Making chocolate requires expert skill in order to ensure that it offers the best flavours. A variety of natural ingredients may be used to enhance the flavours.

Chocolate manufacturers are primarily of two types. There are commercial chocolate manufacturers and those who make handmade chocolates. The two types of chocolates may differ in terms of the ingredients used during the manufacturing process. The key points, which differentiate the two varieties include:

Usage of cocoa beans and cocoa butter
Chocolate is made from the seeds of the Theobroma cocoa tree, which grows in the tropical areas like Asia, South America and Africa. The Theobroma trees are harvested two times in a year. They give cocoa beans that are the raw materials for making chocolates. Handmade chocolates use these beans in the manufacturing process. The natural ones impart a distinct flavour to the chocolates.

Commercial chocolate manufacturing units on the other hand, substitute cocoa beans with cocoa butter ...
... due to the following reasons:
• Cocoa butter helps in elevating the melting point.
• The melting point elevation leads to speeding up the manufacturing process.

This substitution may result in loss of natural attributes.

Natural and artificial ingredients
A major difference between handmade and commercial chocolates is in the type of ingredients used. Handmade chocolates use high quality natural ingredients. No artificial preservatives are used during the manufacturing process. Handmade chocolates hence stay fresh for a longer time. Commercial chocolates use preservatives and artificial ingredients. This is done to lower the manufacturing cost. Due to the use of artificial ingredients, commercial chocolates may fail to last long.

Production cost
Most commercial chocolate manufacturing units use old technology and machinery for the manufacturing process in order to lower the production cost. This may negatively impact the quality of the manufactured chocolates.

Handmade chocolates are manufactured using the latest machines and technology with focus on maintaining hygiene during the manufacturing process. The machinery used is compliant with the ISO standards and hence higher quality chocolates are ensured.

Ingredients for chocolate filling
Commercially manufactured chocolates may use artificial ingredients during the manufacturing process. They may also use a variety of artificial fillings that define the flavour of the chocolate. Commercial chocolates rely on using artificial syrups and fillings whereas handmade chocolates are manufactured using natural fillings and flavours like peppermint creams may be used.

Manufacturing process
While manufacturing Handmade chocolates, the manufacturers personally supervise all aspects right from making the paste to the final product. Commercial chocolate manufacturers generally procure the paste from external sources. This paste has high chances of containing artificial ingredients.

Handmade chocolates ensure better quality and flavour due to the hygienic manufacturing procedures and natural ingredients used.