Think you know how to taste chocolate? Think again.

If you ask people why they buy chocolate, their top reasons always include the taste and delicious indulgence it promises. But while everyone has enjoyed a piece of chocolate as a quick and tasty snack, a mid-afternoon pick-me-up or with a cup of coffee, most people rarely take the time to truly savour the rich and varied flavours and textures of premium-quality chocolate.

And if you’re wondering who on earth has time to drop everything, close their eyes and focus only on tasting chocolate, here’s a little food for thought: Carving time out of your busy schedule may be difficult, but slowing down and focusing on your senses is a relaxing, mindful experience that can help relieve stress and improve your mood. Plus, chocolate has been shown to raise serotonin levels in your brain in order to fight depression and increase happiness. Sounds good to us!

In order to help you get the most out of your experience and truly enjoy chocolate with all your senses, the experts at FREY have compiled a list of chocolate tasting do’s and don’ts to guide you on your way to becoming a chocolate champion. Having won the Superior Taste Award for multiple products, they know what they’re talking about.

Don’t drink coffee, smoke cigarettes or wear perfume
To get the most out of your tasting experience, don’t drink coffee, eat strongly flavoured foods or smoke cigarettes for at least one hour before the tasting, as these things can affect your palate. Also, avoid wearing perfume, and if you have the sniffles, wait until your nose is back to normal. After all, much of what we think we taste is actually due to our sense of smell.

Do set yourself up for success
The best place to taste chocolate is in sufficient light to allow you to fully appreciate its colour and texture. Also, make sure that the chocolate is at room temperature before you begin. This brings out all the nuances of the different flavours.

Don’t rush the process
Slow down, pause and relish the moment consciously. Try to use all five of your senses. Look: Is the chocolate glossy or matte, dark or light? Listen: When you bite into it, does it snap and is the sound dull or sharp? Touch: Does it feel hard or soft, brittle or bendy, rough or smooth? Smell: Appreciate the complexity and intensity of the chocolate’s aromatic notes. Taste: Discover a breadth of flavours and the ‘mouthfeel’ on your tongue and against your palate. Does it melt quickly or slowly? Give yourself time to observe.

Do share your tasting experience with friends
Why not make it a party? Invite a few friends over, lay out your chocolate along with some writing materials, and hold your very own chocolate tasting. Demonstrate your newly acquired chocolate expertise and show everyone that you’re a true chocolate champion – it’s sure to be a delicious and unforgettable evening!

Do choose a high-quality chocolate
When it comes to finding the right chocolate for a chocolate tasting, FREY is the perfect choice. 100% produced in Switzerland, FREY is made with carefully selected ingredients – and has been for more than 135 years. With its sophisticated recipes and wide range of products, FREY offers the ultimate chocolate experience. What are you waiting for?