Chocolate with caramel is available as milk chocolate, dark chocolate, wafers, tartlets, sweets and protein bars. This wide range can make choosing online less straightforward. A glossy wrapper or phrases such as “salted caramel” do not tell you how much caramel, sugar, protein or allergens a product actually contains.
If you want to buy chocolate online with confidence, it’s worth recognising three common pitfalls first.
Chocolate with sea salt or salted caramel chocolate has a sweet-and-savoury flavour profile. That does not automatically mean it is low in sugar or fat. For example, Tony’s Chocolonely Milk Caramel Seasalt contains 51 grams of sugar, 32 grams of fat and 0.69 grams of salt per 100 grams. The addition of sea salt is therefore mainly a flavour choice.
A 180- or 276-gram caramel chocolate bar may appear attractively priced, but a large pack can also make it harder to keep portions under control. A large bag of M&M’s may be more suitable for sharing during a film night than for someone who wants to enjoy one small piece now and then. So compare the price per 100 grams, not just the price of the pack.
A protein bar with caramel may contain plenty of protein, but it can also contain polyols, fats and relatively high levels of calories. Fulfil Chocolate Salted Caramel Flavour contains 37 grams of protein per 100 grams, but also 23 grams of polyols. According to the product information, excessive consumption may have a laxative effect. So always read the ingredients list and nutrition table, especially when buying several bars.
Milk chocolate with caramel is generally creamy and sweet. Milka Chocolate Bar Caramel has a liquid caramel filling, while Tony’s Chocolonely Milk Pecan Caramel Chocolate Bar combines pieces of caramel, pecan and biscuit.
Dark chocolate with caramel gives the cocoa more room to shine and can create a more pronounced contrast with sweet caramel. Lindt Excellence Dark Caramel & Sea Salt contains at least 47% cocoa solids and 6% caramel pieces. Do bear in mind that dark chocolate does not automatically contain less sugar: this product lists 54 grams of sugar per 100 grams.
Think about how you want to enjoy your chocolate:
Also check the storage instructions. Chocolate should generally be kept in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight and heat. High temperatures can affect its texture. With KitKat Gold, a white layer may appear after melting and setting again as the oils separate; according to the product information, this is a normal occurrence.
Where possible, compare nutritional values per 100 grams. At a minimum, check:
The packaging provides the most up-to-date ingredients, nutritional values and shelf-life information. If you have an allergy, “may contain traces” is just as relevant as the fixed ingredients list.
Why it suits this profile: A manageable 100-gram bar of milk chocolate with a liquid caramel filling, ideal if you are looking for a familiar flavour.
The size makes it easy to compare with other products; the nutritional value is listed per 100 grams and the packaging is resealable according to the product description.
Milk chocolate, liquid caramel filling and 100 grams of chocolate.
Why it suits this profile: A good choice for dark chocolate lovers who appreciate a higher stated cocoa content and a sweet-and-savoury combination.
The product information clearly states at least 47% cocoa solids, 6% caramel pieces and 0.3% fleur de sel.
Dark chocolate, caramel pieces and sea salt in a 100-gram bar.
Why it suits this profile: A compact caramel protein bar for when you are on the go, after an active day or as a planned snack.
The label distinguishes between sugar, polyols, fibre and protein. This shows that 37 grams of protein and 23 grams of polyols per 100 grams are listed side by side.
55 grams per bar, 37 grams of protein per 100 grams and added vitamins according to the product information.
Why it suits this profile: Nine individually wrapped tartlets are practical with coffee, when entertaining or as a small chocolate gift.
The portions are pre-divided and individually wrapped. The product information also states that the tartlets contain 20% caramel and 27% milk chocolate.
135 grams in total, nine portions and a combination of biscuit, chocolate and caramel.
We have put together a complete, up-to-date list of products that fully meet these strict selection criteria and the applicable European safety regulations.
Choose a product that lists both caramel and sea salt or fleur de sel in its ingredients. Tony’s Chocolonely Milk Chocolate Bar Caramel Sea Salt contains 10% caramel pieces and 0.5% sea salt. Lindt Excellence Dark Caramel & Sea Salt combines dark chocolate with caramel pieces and fleur de sel.
Store the bar in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight, moisture and sources of heat. A temperature around room temperature is usually suitable, but always check the packaging. Seal opened packaging securely to help prevent odours, moisture and loss of quality.
That depends on your goals and dietary choices. A protein bar often contains more protein than ordinary chocolate, but it may also contain sweeteners, polyols and relatively high levels of fat. Compare the values per portion and per 100 grams, and enjoy the bar as a snack within a varied diet.