Easter eggs: sweet dreams are made of this

The Easter egg taste test has become quite a tradition at the Irish Farmers Journal. Although we don’t go to the extent of actually blindfolding staff that take part in the taste test, the Easter eggs are laid out on white plates without a box in sight. This means we’re not influenced by pretty packaging, the size of the egg, or even its price point. It’s all about taste and texture.

When it comes to what’s on the shop shelf, Easter eggs have gone to a whole new level in recent years and our taste test reflects that. Milk chocolate eggs were still the order of the day, but all were infused with a different flavour. From popping candy to salted caramel, the pressure was on.

Coming in first place was Skelligs honeycomb Easter egg, followed by Lily O’Brien’s mallow and cookie egg. Fighting it out for third and fourth place were Marks & Spencer with a fruit and nut milk chocolate lattice egg, followed by Tesco Finest’s gin and elderflower egg. In fifth place was Baileys salted caramel, but coming in last was the cola and popping candy egg from Lir.

A full review of the eggs are below, to help you in your Easter egg shop this weekend. Controversially, Cadburys didn’t make an appearance in this year’s test. However, as it has taken the top prize, or near to it, for many years it was time to spice things up a bit.

1

Skelligs honeycomb Easter egg, Avoca (€9.95, 500g)

“By far the best,” exclaimed one reviewer. “I love the traditional chocolate taste,” said another. When it came to getting top marks, this egg came up trumps, or chunks as the case may be, as large pieces of honeycomb populated this egg, making it taste like a “very fancy Crunchie”. It wasn’t just the honeycomb that impressed though. The chocolate was deemed to be simple and smooth, not too sweet. Only one of our 35 reviewers said it was their least favourite.

2

Lily O’Brien’s mallow and cookie egg (€10, 230g)

“Every chocolate should either have marshmallows or fruit in it,” said one judge who was torn between this egg and the Marks & Spencer egg that came in third. Again, although the marshmallow interspersed throughout the egg impressed, it was the chocolate that most people commented on. “Excellent texture, you can nearly taste the milk.” A tight race to the top.

3

Fruit and Nut milk chocolate lattice egg, Marks & Spencer (€18, 290g)

This egg was very different. Through the lattice milk chocolate you could see big chunks of dried fruit and nuts. It fell apart as soon as we broke it open and if you are the type of person that loves the authenticity of this, you’ll be with our tasters who judged this highly. It wasn’t for everybody though and the chocolate was deemed a little sweet.

4

Tesco Finest gin and elderflower egg (10.99, 360g)

A love-hate relationship is the best way to describe the gin and elderflower egg. A lot of people picked up on the alcohol flavour in this egg, some describing it as liquor, others getting some citrus and orange notes. Also this was a two-tone egg, so while one half was milk, the other was dark. Again this divided people. Some loved the choice, others said: “If I wanted a dark egg, I would just go buy one.” However, gin lovers rated this well, so perhaps that should be your guide.

5

Baileys salted caramel egg (€14, 275g)

Baileys and chocolate can be a match made in heaven, so we were surprised when this egg came in fifth place. The chocolate itself was deemed to be quite thin and while some commented that the chocolate taste was subtle, the more harsh judges deemed it to be tasteless.

6

Lir Cola and Popping Candy Milk Chocolate Egg, Tesco (€6, 175g)

We are all for experimentation and trying new flavours, and while Lir chocolates have more conservative flavours, such as crispy caramel, we challenged the tastebuds with this cola and popping candy creation. Unfortunately, it didn’t go down too well. Some people found it to be quite spicy, while others described it as perfumy. The popping candy was certainly a talking point, but it wasn’t loved by everyone.

Eggs with a Real Wow Effect

The days of a standard milk chocolate egg are gone. Chocolate companies have seriously stepped things up a notch. Check out these eggs that look as good as they taste.

A. Specially Selected Exquisite Hot Air Balloon Easter Egg, Aldi (€12.99, 320g)

If you’re looking for an egg to impress without breaking the bank, then head to Aldi. The hot air balloon Easter egg has got a real wow factor with a stunning rose gold and purple hot air balloon elevated over mini eggs filled with sparkling wine, gin and elderflower. For €12.99 this is a steal. Also check out the imperial egg, which is hand-decorated with gold lustre.

B. Lir dark chocolate, cranberry and pistachio egg (€16, 369g)

Although Lir didn’t score too well in our taste test, it is well worth checking out its dark chocolate, cranberry and pistachio egg. An excellent combination of flavours, the saltiness of the nuts paired with the fruitiness of the cranberry really makes this egg stand out. Plus we love the vibrant pink and green design on the front of the egg.

C. Dusk Falls, Lidl (€14.99, 600g)

Now we have real notions with this purple egg. Called Dusk Falls, this Lidl egg is just as the name describes – beautiful light purples fused with silver sparkles and flicks of dark chocolate. You can see this egg is hand-finished. At €14.99, you might not be buying one for everyone, but for that someone special.

D. Lorge Handmade Chocolate Egg, Lorge egg, AVOCA (€43, 800g)

Yes, we know, the price tag of €43 is particularly steep for this egg, but we can dream. This is the kind of egg that reminds us of Easters gone by. Traditional with a Celtic design, it is handmade by Lorge Chocolates in Kenmare. You need to give it a good thump to even put a dent in it, but it looks so pretty we’re not sure you’ll even want to eat it. Also its 800g – at least double most eggs.

E. Butlers Easter Egg Chocolate Collection Box (€15, 175g)

It’s not all about eggs. Sometimes there is nothing nicer than gifting someone a beautiful box of chocolates and Butlers came up in aces with this chocolate Easter assortment. Sporting the traditional Easter colours of bright yellow and lilac purple, it is filled with a selection of 12 scrumptious truffles, pralines and caramels. CL