For many, travel is an adventure of the senses – new sights, sounds, and, crucially, tastes. And what better companion to this sensory exploration than chocolate? Versatile, comforting, and packed with a delightful punch of flavour, chocolate is an ideal travel companion, whether you’re embarking on a rugged outdoor expedition, navigating bustling cityscapes, or simply seeking a sweet escape on a long journey. However, not all chocolate is created equal when it comes to hitting the road. Choosing the right kind ensures it survives the journey and enhances your experience, rather than melting into a messy disappointment.
The primary challenge when choosing chocolate for travel is temperature. Depending on your destination and mode of transport, chocolate can quickly turn from solid bliss to liquid sorrow. Therefore, selecting varieties that are more stable and less prone to melting is paramount. It’s worth taking the time to find out the best chocolate for travel. Undoubtedly, there are some chocolates that are travel friendly chocolate.
Dark Chocolate: Your Robust Companion
Hands down, dark chocolate is the reigning champion chocolate for travel. Its higher cocoa solid content and lower sugar and milk fat proportion make it significantly more stable and resistant to melting than its milk or white counterparts. A bar of 70% cocoa or higher can withstand warmer temperatures for longer periods, making it ideal for everything from a summer hike to a lengthy bus ride. So dark is considered travel friendly and in many cases the best chocolate for travel. Beyond its resilience, dark chocolate offers a complex flavour profile that can be savoured slowly, providing a satisfying energy boost without being overly sweet. Opt for single-origin dark chocolates to explore nuanced flavours that might even reflect the culinary traditions of your destination.
Truffles and Filled Chocolates: Proceed with Caution
While undeniably delicious, truffles and filled chocolates (especially those with creamy ganache or caramel centres) are generally a risky choice for travel, particularly in warm climates. Their delicate fillings are highly susceptible to heat, leading to messy leaks and a compromised texture. If you must bring them, ensure they are consumed quickly upon arrival or transported in a temperature-controlled environment. These are best reserved for short trips or as a special treat for your destination if you know you'll have refrigeration. A great example of a not so travel friendly type of chocolate is the increasingly popular Dubai style. Although absolutely knock out delicious (check out Friars Dubai style) this masterpiece of chocolate finery is best taken on short trips in cooler times.
Chocolate-Covered Snacks: A Smart Bet
Chocolate-covered nuts, dried fruits, or coffee beans offer a more robust option than pure chocolate bars, especially if the chocolate coating is dark. The core ingredient provides structural integrity, while the chocolate offers flavour and energy. The ratio of chocolate to the other ingredient is often less, making it less prone to a complete melt-down. Plus, the combination of textures and flavours can be incredibly satisfying on the go. Think dark chocolate-covered almonds for a quick energy boost on a hike, or espresso beans for a pick-me-up during a long layover.
Chocolate Bars with Inclusions: Added Stability
Similar to chocolate-covered snacks, dark chocolate bars with inclusions like nuts, seeds, or even puffed rice can offer greater melt resistance. The added ingredients act as a scaffold, helping the bar maintain its shape even if the chocolate softens slightly. They also add a delightful crunch and extra flavour dimensions.
Friars
If you prefer the dark side of things, then our wonderfully full bodied, indulgent rich 72% dark chocolate truffle, with perfectly balanced bittersweet undertones and fresh cream truffle centre, will be a simple yet luxurious choice for you. They could be your perfect chocolate for travel too.
Salted Caramel Chocolate Truffles
Indulge in our irresistible dark chocolate salted caramels with a golden, liquid caramel centre blended with a hint of sea salt. A grown up savoury twist to a childhood favourite. Properly packed for your travels these are certainly great chocolate for travel. They might even be the best chocolate for travel, given that even when warmed the caramel is still a hit factor.
An extra thick layer of rich dark chocolate is smothered over plump, crunchy Peruvian Brazil nuts.....a fabulously moreish treat. Presented in a clear cellophane gift bag, hand-finished with coloured ribbon. Nice anytime but with that large nut presence holding luxurious dark chocolate a travel friendly chocolate too.
The Art of Packing Chocolate for Travel
Once you've chosen your chocolate for travel, how you pack it is just as important.
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Insulation is Key: For road trips or train journeys, a small insulated lunch bag or cooler bag with a thin ice pack (ensure it's well-sealed to prevent condensation) can work wonders. Avoid direct contact between the ice pack and the chocolate to prevent water damage.
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Avoid Direct Sunlight: Never leave chocolate exposed to direct sunlight, whether in a car dashboard or by a window. There aren’t many, if any, chocolates, that are travel friendly chocolates left in the sunshine.
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Original Packaging & Ziplock Bags: Keep chocolate in its original sealed packaging, then place it inside a ziplock bag. This provides an extra layer of protection against moisture, doors, and potential leaks if it does soften.
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Carry-On Luggage: When flying, always pack chocolate in your carry-on luggage. The cargo hold of an air plane can experience extreme temperature fluctuations, making it unsuitable for delicate items.
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Placement Matters: If packing in a larger bag, place chocolate near the centre, cushioned by clothes, rather than against the outer edges where it's more exposed to temperature changes.
Chocolate as a Cultural Souvenir
Beyond being a personal treat, chocolate can also serve as a wonderful souvenir or a thoughtful gift. Many countries boast unique chocolate traditions and bean-to-bar makers. Seeking out local artisanal chocolate makers in your destination offers a delicious way to connect with the local culture and bring home a truly special edible memory. Just remember to consider its journey home – a sturdy, well-wrapped bar of local dark chocolate is often the safest bet.
In conclusion, taking chocolate on your travels can elevate the entire experience, providing comfort, energy, and a touch of indulgence wherever you go. By understanding the properties of different types of chocolate and employing smart packing strategies, you can determine travel friendly chocolate and which is the best chocolate for travel.
