Sugar Savvy

When the opportunity was presented to review a product from Translucent Chocolates, I didn’t give much thought to the reason behind the name - which, of course, refers to the fact that their chocolates and cordials are packaged in a clear plastic box. Not to split hairs, but the box is actually transparent, not just translucent. As in, you actually see the chocolates through the box. The definition of “translucent” is that a person is able to see light through said object. Totally irrelevant, but I’m just sayin…

When the package arrived containing the milk chocolate-covered sunflower seeds with metallic chocolate-covered almonds interspersed throughout (see above) the “Translucent” element instantly sunk in. And with such brilliantly colored chocolates, it’s no mystery why the company would choose to showcase their products in clear boxes. How much greener could these sunflower seeds be? None more green.

The only other chocolate-covered sunflower seeds I’ve ever eaten were from Trader Joes, and I’m hard pressed to find any notable taste differences between the two. They are toasted sunflower seeds dipped in a thin layer of milk chocolate and a thin candy shell, a la M&M’s. I’m not a huge fan of sunflower seeds, but I don’t hate them, either. In fact, one of the best new chocolate bars that I’ve put in my mouth recently was a 68% cacao bar from Dagoba. It is studded with hemp, pumpkin and sunflower seeds, but is more about a superior chocolate accented by the seeds rather than a nice-looking party favor.

It is “clear” (ha) to me, however, that the raison d’etre of Transparent Chocolates is in the presentation and packaging. And in this, they certainly succeed, creating visually appealing candies that appear to taste pretty good, to boot. Check out the company’s website to get a load of all of their striking, Pantone colored offerings. As stated:

Translucent Chocolates offers colorful chocolate or toffee-coated nuts, fruit and seeds packaged in personalized translucent boxes, make them perfect guest favors for weddings, showers, holiday parties, corporate gatherings and more. Colors can be customized to match the flavor of the event, and the clear boxes let the whimsical beauty of the chocolates shine through.

I’m particularly interested in sampling their pralined pistachios and almonds – definitely much more up my alley than the seeds. Although, what gives with NO dark chocolate? This, for anyone who knows me, would be the number one deterrent from ever ordering the products for my own consumption. Would a dark chocolate option kill them? Come on! Translucent Chocolates take note: dark chocolate, por favor. If I am wrong about the absence of dark chocolate, please correct me. I would be more than happy if I were, in fact, mistaken in this assessment.

Don’t miss the two Mother’s Day mixes that are currently featured on the website: sweets for you mama who loves you (and chocolate, not necessarily in that order) in gorgeous shades of pink, rose, beige and brown.