Whitakers Chocolates | Our Blog

Where Does Chocolate Come From? 16/02/2023

Where Does Chocolate Come From?

Have you ever wondered where chocolate comes from and how it starts its life? Well, you’re about to learn all the facts you need to know! The main ingredient in chocolate is cocoa (or “ka-kow” as it is correctly pronounced). So, when we’re asking where chocolate comes from, the critical question is where cocoa comes from. Let’s find out… What is Cocoa? Cocoa seeds come from the cacao tree, and all chocolate products are derived from the seeds of the Theobroma tree. Indeed, chocolate originates from trees (in a manner... Read More

What Chocolate Is Gluten Free UK? 13/02/2023

What Chocolate Is Gluten Free?

In the UK, we love chocolate, and shouldn’t everyone be able to enjoy the nation’s favourite snack? Sadly, in reality, we’re not all so lucky. People living with coeliac disease or gluten intolerance miss out on lots of lovely food and sometimes even chocolate. Fortunately, in recent years, there has been a significant shift towards selling gluten-free products, chocolate being one of them. The good news is that whilst not all chocolate is gluten-free, a lot of it is. So if you want to find out more about gluten-free chocolate,... Read More

A man checking for salmonella in chocolate 01/02/2023

Salmonella In Chocolate – Should You be Worried?

You may have recently heard a lot of news in the press about Salmonella found in chocolate. Although instances of salmonella contamination in chocolate are rare, there have been notable outbreaks in the past. In April 2022, a significant product recall occurred when Salmonella was found in chocolate products primarily targeted at children. This led to the recall of more than 180 chocolate products globally and also caused 300 individuals to become sick. What is Salmonella? Salmonella is a bacteria that makes people ill. People can get infected with Salmonella... Read More

Does Chocolate Have Caffeine In It? 31/01/2023

Does Chocolate Have Caffeine In It?

Whilst a little bit of caffeine is no problem, consuming too much may lead to health problems. Like most things in life, everything can be enjoyed in moderation. Caffeine comes in different forms, and yes, it can be found in chocolate! Here’s a little guide with all the important stuff you need to know… Is There Caffeine In Chocolate? Yes, caffeine is present in both milk and dark chocolate. Caffeine is found in cocoa solids but not in cocoa butter. So, white chocolate is the only chocolate that doesn’t contain... Read More

What Is White Chocolate Made Of? 31/01/2023

What Is White Chocolate and What is it Made of?

Very few people know this, but even though it’s called white chocolate, it’s not actually chocolate. This is because it doesn’t contain any cocoa solids, which is the defining factor of what is, strictly speaking, chocolate. White chocolate is just cocoa butter mixed with sugar and milk powder, often with a bit of vanilla added for extra flavour. Despite not containing cocoa solids, white chocolate is a popular snack and is used a lot in baking and confectionery making. What is White Chocolate? White chocolate is a confectionery made of... Read More

Learn How to Melt Chocolate 25/01/2023

How to Melt Chocolate

At first glance, melting chocolate might seem to be a simple undertaking. But take it from an expert; it’s somewhat more complicated than it initially seems! With extensive experience handling liquid chocolate daily, here at Whitakers, we have gained valuable insights. That’s why we’ve compiled this infallible guide featuring top advice and techniques for melting chocolate, enabling you to indulge in luscious, melted goodness. Continue reading to master the art of melting chocolate like a true professional! How to Melt Chocolate (Without Ruining It!) The process of melting chocolate is... Read More

How to Temper Chocolate UK 18/01/2023

How to Temper Chocolate Step-by-Step

In the world of chocolate, there is a big difference between tempered chocolate and melting chocolate. If you are following a recipe that asks you to temper the chocolate, it doesn’t just mean melting the chocolate down. The process of tempering is far more involved and makes a massive difference to how the chocolate looks and tastes. This article will give you all the information you need to know about tempering chocolate and how to do it successfully. What is Tempered Chocolate? Tempering is a term used to describe the... Read More

What is Couverture Chocolate? 11/01/2023

What is Couverture Chocolate and What is it Used For?

There are around seven different types of chocolate available for eating and cooking with, from baking and bittersweet to couverture chocolate. So working out what’s best to use for what purpose can be a little mind-boggling, to say the least! “Is baking chocolate the same as couverture chocolate?”Can I use normal milk chocolate in baking?” This post will look at chocolate couverture in detail so you know what it is and what it is used for. What is Couverture Chocolate? Couverture chocolate is the name given to high-quality chocolate. It... Read More

What is Plain Chocolate? 09/01/2023

What is Plain Chocolate?

With so many different types of chocolate available, from white to dark and milk to ruby, plus all the flavour combinations and dietary variations (vegan, vegetarian, gluten-free, etc.) It can sometimes feel like a minefield when deciding what chocolate is best to use, especially when cooking and baking. So that is why this blog exists. To help you find the right chocolate or the right occasion. Let’s talk about plain chocolate. What is Plain Chocolate? Plain chocolate, also known as dark chocolate or semi-sweet chocolate, is a type of chocolate... Read More

How Long Does it Take For Chocolate to Harden? 06/01/2023

How Long Does it Take For Chocolate to Harden?

Let’s face it, we all love chocolate and the many different ways it can be eaten, drunk and enjoyed. So whether you’re a master baker or simply experimenting with melting and dipping fruit or pretzels, knowing the do’s and don’ts of melting and hardening chocolate is a must. To make life easy, we’ve answered all the questions you need to know about setting chocolate! How Long Does It Take For Melted Chocolate To Harden? Generally, chocolate takes 20-30 minutes to harden and set at room temperature. Using a fridge or... Read More