Amul Single Origin Dark Chocolates Review – We Tried 4 Variants

Have you ever wondered what the percentages on these chocolate bars indicate? This percentage is the total cocoa mass of the bar. Cocoa solids, cocoa butter, are some commonly seen names on ingredient lists. To simply put it, this percentage is indicative of how bitter-tasting the bar would be. Known for being a rich source of antioxidants, dark chocolate is basically chocolate without added milk solids.

India’s most popular dairy brand, Amul has a wide range of chocolates to offer. Some delightful and others not so much, we’ve reviewed a few Amul chocolates in the past. To add to this list, here is our Amul Single Origin Dark Chocolates review.

Single origin, key differences in taste and texture, alternate uses- we’ve covered all this and more in our review. 

Also Read- Hershey’s Exotic Dark Chocolates

Amul Dark Chocolate Single Origin Variants We Reviewed

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Amul Single Origin Dark Chocolates – Everything You Need To Know

‘Single roast’ signifies the cocoa beans used are grown in a specific country/plantation estate such that each variant owns a signature flavor profile. 

1. Packaging

All variants are packed in a sleek carton. The chocolate bars are further sealed in an all-black wrapper. On the front of the pack, the origin country’s fauna is represented with a minimalist font. What captured our attention were the details and graphics provided at the back. There’s a taste profile chart that explains the tastes, flavors, textures, each variant has. 

There is an ingredient list and nutritional breakdown provided too. 

2. Available flavours

Amul single origin dark chocolate is available in eight flavor variants. Cocoa beans from different countries are sourced and there’s-

• Peru Origin
• Venezuela Origin
• Tanzania Origin
• Ecuador Origin
• Colombia Origin
• Madagascar Origin
• Ivory Coast Origin
• India Origin

We reviewed – Ivory Coast, Peru, Venezuela and Tanzania. 

3. Form factor

All single origin dark chocolates by Amul are shaped into chocolate bars with uniform sized squares. 

4. Available sizes

Each bar weighs 125 grams. 

5. Main ingredients

Cocoa solids, sugar, cocoa butter, permitted emulsifiers (E322, E476), and added flavors- cocoa and vanilla are the ingredients used. 

Amul Single Origin Dark Chocolates – Our Review Factors

Here are the parameters that helped us form a fair review. 

1. Taste

The taste of any chocolate bar primarily depends on the cocoa content. Amul single origin chocolate bars have a 55% cocoa content. Are these bitter enough?

2. Texture

Quality chocolates have a buttery silkiness and overall, are quite smooth. There should be no grainy/grittiness. What was our experience with Amul?

3. Flavour

Cacao beans are susceptible to absorbing flavors. The region they are grown in, the climate, soil conditions are certain factors that influence the flavor. Similarly, the processes of fermentation, drying, and roasting cacao beans play a vital role. 

Did You Know- The only point of distinction between cocoa and cacao beans is the former is roasted. 

4. Nutritional Information

Following is the nutritional breakdown of all four variants we reviewed-

Ivory Coast- 563 kcal, 34.3 g of fat, 57 g of carbohydrates, 43 g of sugar, and 6.5 g of protein.

Tanzania- 553 kcal, 32.8 g of fat, 57 g of carbohydrates, 43 g of sugar, and 7.5 g of protein.

Peru- 560 kcal, 34.2 g of fat, 55.4 g of carbohydrates, 43 g of sugar, and 7.7 g of protein.

Venezuela- 560 kcal, 34.2 g of fat, 55.9 g of carbohydrates, 43 g of sugar, and 7.2 g of protein. 

5. Price

All variants are priced at INR 150. 

Amul Single Origin Dark Chocolates – Detailed Review

1. Ivory Coast

This Amul single origin variant is made with Vidama cocoa. The aroma is a blend between spicy and woody. 

As per the taste profile, Ivory Coast Grande Nuit has a four-point rating on cacao, 3 on woodiness and color, 2.5 for sweetness and roundness, 2 for spices.

Features

• This single origin variant uses Vidama cocoa.
• It comes in the form of a chocolate bar.
• Each 125 g bar has 27 squares.
• Per 100 g, you get 563 kcal.
• It is 55% rich in cocoa.
• This has a shelf life of 12 months.
• Recommended storage is under refrigeration (15-20 degrees celsius)

Likes

• We loved how smooth the texture was.

Best Suited For

Pair with a hot cup of espresso for a delicious, wholesome treat.

2. Tanzania

Unlike the other variants we tried, the flavors in this flavor weren’t as complex (no complaints!)

Since dark chocolate is meant to be bitter, that was the primary taste. In addition to that, we experienced very delicate nutty and sweet flavor notes. This has the characteristic acidic flavor of cacao and coffee beans.  

Features

• This is made using Tanzania’s richest cocoa.
• It has 55% cocoa content in the form of solids and butter.
• A 125 g bar is priced at INR 150.
• It has a 12-month shelf life.
• There are 27 pieces in a bar. 

Likes

• We liked the well-rounded sweetness this dark chocolate had. 
• There was no grittiness. The texture was smooth.

Best Suited For

Making a one-minute mug cake? Add a square (or two) for a rich, dark lava!

3. Peru

Peruvian chocolate is known for its vitamin and mineral content. Cacao in Peru is called a superfood!

One of the two complex flavor profiles we tasted in this review, Peru was hands-down the collective favorite. It had a smooth caramel sweetness that complemented the intensity quite well. 

Features

• Two forms of cocoa are used- butter and solids.
• The total cocoa mass is 55%
• This chocolate has a shelf life of 12 months.
• 43 g of sugar are added per 100 g of chocolate. 

Likes

• This single origin chocolate has a four-point rating on the caramel flavor and taste.
• It also shows an extremely mild taste of citrus fruits.
• Additionally, the classic earthiness and bitter flavors were retained.
• It has very basic yet secure packaging.

Best Suited For

Wine enthusiast? Pair this Amul single origin variant with your preferred Cabernet Sauvignon!

4. Venezuela

Cacao beans from Venezuela have classic nutty and citrusy flavors paired with a creamy mouthfeel. 

Amul Single Origin Venezuela dark chocolate was the second variant of intricate flavors we tried. It had some earthy undertones and a super mild acidic flavor that cacao beans usually have. There was a powerful punch of flavors. 

Features

• It comes in the form of a chocolate bar.
• Two forms of cocoa are used- butter and solids.
• The total cocoa mass is 55%
• This chocolate has a shelf life of 12 months.
• A 125 g bar is priced at INR 150.

Likes 

• We liked the smooth mouthfeel of the chocolate.

Best Suited For

Need a low-calorie craving-killer? This dark chocolate satisfies the sweet tooth whilst being rich in antioxidants.

Our Top Picks & Recommendations

The dark chocolate enthusiasts in us loved the complex flavor profiles this variant had to offer. It had the caramely smoothness and just the punch of intensity you’d look for in a bar of dark chocolate. 

Final Words

Primarily bitter, we appreciated the super subtle, underlying differences in each flavor profile. 

These chocolates are smooth but they aren’t extremely bitter. In certain variants, you’ll sense some acidic flavors paired with berrylicious sweetness, others throw a citrusy punch with flavors resembling that of roasted nuts. 

All-in-all, a refined, matured taste palette would appreciate these variants.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Which is the best Amul single origin dark chocolate variant?

While all the chocolates had flavor profiles that we liked, we preferred Peru the most. It was ever-so-slightly sweet with the classic bitter taste. 

2. Are these dark chocolates gluten-free?

Chocolate is gluten-free by nature but the emulsifiers may contain gluten. 

3. Are these dark chocolates made from pure cocoa powder?

No, cocoa butter and cocoa solids are used. 

4. Can these chocolates be consumed by children below 5 years of age?

It is best to consult a paediatrician. 

5. Can these chocolates be used for baking purposes? 

Each variant has a unique set of flavors. However, since these melt easily, it is advised to use them as toppings and garnishing. 

6. What is the shelf life of these chocolates?

They have a shelf life of 12 months. 

*If you do agree with our review, please give it a thumbs up! And, tell us which one is your favorite from this list. If you don’t, please tell us why!

* Food & Beverage is a constantly evolving segment with new products launched daily. Our endeavor here is to help shoppers buy better. If there’s a product you would like us to review tell us by clicking here.

* Our reviews are unbiased and all samples used during the reviews were paid for by us. Read our entire ethics statement here.

* No part of this review is sponsored by any brand. All expenses were borne by us.