Food
Aussie Dark Chocolate Showdown: From Bean Blunders to Supermarket Splendours
From Aldi bargains to luxury flops, we blind-tested 17 dark chocolates so you don’t have to — and the results may leave your taste buds (and wallet) shocked.
In a quest that began with a DIY chocolate disaster involving a hairdryer and two blenders, a determined Aussie and a dozen mates embarked on a blind taste test of 17 supermarket dark chocolates. The goal? To find chocolates that weren’t just tasty but had the complexity of a well-aged Shiraz.
🏆 Top Picks: The Cream of the Cocoa
- Lindt 70% Cocoa Dark
Score: 8/10
Described as bold and confidently sour, this chocolate offers a satisfying snap and a balance between sweet and bitter. One reviewer felt like a “refined, classy lady” while indulging. - Moser Roth Finest Dark 70% Cocoa (Aldi)
Score: 7.5/10
Dubbed the “R18+ dark chocolate,” it’s bitter, dry, and lacks sweetness, making it a hit among adult palates.
💰 Best Value Buys
- Moser Roth Finest Dark 70% Cocoa (Aldi)
Price: $3.69 for 125g
At just $2.95 per 100g, it offers a sophisticated taste without breaking the bank. - Choceur Dark (Aldi)
Score: 6/10
Though some questioned its “dark” label, its soft, fudgy, and caramelly profile made it reminiscent of a “Maccas chocolate sundae.”
😬 Not-So-Sweet Surprises
- Pico Super Dark
Score: 2.5/10
Criticized for its waxy and medicinal taste, one taster likened it to “worm medication you used to have as a kid.” - Koko Black Step Into the Dark
Score: 5/10
Despite its premium price, reviewers found it lacking in chocolatey flavor, with some mistaking it for a dietary product.
📊 Chocolate Taste Test Summary
| Chocolate Brand | Cocoa % | Price per 100g | Score | Notable Comments |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lindt 70% Cocoa Dark | 70% | $8.50 | 8.0 | Bold, balanced, satisfying snap |
| Moser Roth Finest Dark (Aldi) | 70% | $2.95 | 7.5 | Bitter, dry, adult taste |
| Godiva Signature 72% Cacao | 72% | $10.56 | 7.5 | Malty, wheaty, toasty flavors |
| Whittaker’s 72% Cocoa Special Blend | 72% | $3.40 | 7.0 | Reliable, enjoyable, unextraordinary |
| Tony’s Chocolonely Dark Chocolate | 70% | $5.53 | 6.5 | Chunky, bittersweet, some found it waxy |
| Choceur Dark (Aldi) | N/A | $2.00 | 6.0 | Soft, fudgy, like a chocolate sundae |
| Old Gold Original | N/A | $3.89 | 5.5 | Tastes like banana lollies, very sweet |
| Mr Beast Feastables Dark Chocolate | N/A | $6.67 | 5.5 | Smooth, sweet, menthol-like cooling sensation |
| Dairy Fine Dark Chocolate (Aldi) | N/A | $1.83 | 5.5 | Nutty, brown sugar-like flavors, soft texture |
| Koko Black Step Into the Dark | N/A | $15.44 | 5.0 | Lacking in chocolatey flavor, some found it odd |
| Pico Super Dark | N/A | $10.63 | 2.5 | Waxy, medicinal, reminiscent of childhood medicine |
🧠 Key Takeaways
- Cocoa Content Sweet Spot: Chocolates with around 70% cocoa content struck the best balance between bitterness and sweetness.
- Nutrition Panel Insights: Higher protein content and a fat-to-sugar ratio of 4:3 correlated with better flavor profiles.
- Price vs. Quality: A higher price doesn’t always guarantee better taste. Some affordable options outperformed premium brands.
