Summer vegan chocolate tasting. The very words conjure images of vibrant gatherings, sun-drenched evenings, and leisurely pursuits. While barbecues and garden parties often dominate the social calendar, why not elevate your entertaining game this year with something truly indulgent, yet surprisingly ethical?
A vegan chocolate tasting party offers a sophisticated and delicious way to gather friends and family, showcasing the incredible diversity and innovation within the world of plant-based confections. Forget everything you thought you knew about dairy-free chocolate; today's offerings are nothing short of extraordinary. To be sure of success, visit Kakoa to choose chocolates for your summer tasting night. Smash it and impress your guests with Kakoa inspired chocolate party ideas.
Almost an aperitif, dark chocolate and orange just, ‘go’ together for a slightly citrus but darkly smooth palate teaser. Our vegan version will get them ready for a feast of discovery.
The beauty of a chocolate tasting lies in its simplicity and inherent elegance. It’s an interactive experience that encourages conversation, discovery, and a deeper appreciation for the nuances of flavour. Best of all, with a little planning, setting up a sensational vegan chocolate tasting party this summer is remarkably easy.
The Vegan Chocolate Renaissance: Why Now?
Before we dive into the "how-to," let’s appreciate the "why." The vegan chocolate market has exploded in recent years, driven by ethical concerns, health consciousness, and a growing demand for sustainable products. This surge in innovation means that dairy-free chocolate is no longer a compromise; it's a category brimming with high-quality, artisan options that rival, and often surpass, their dairy counterparts. From rich dark bars boasting single-origin cacao to creamy "milk" chocolates made with oat or cashew milk, and even decadent white chocolates, the variety is astounding. This summer is the perfect time to explore this delicious revolution with your loved ones.
Step 1: Curating Your Cacao Collection
The heart of your tasting party is, of course, the chocolate itself. Aim for diversity to offer a truly enriching experience. Here’s how to select your vegan chocolate stars:
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Vary the Cacao Percentages: Include a range from 60% up to 90% or even 100% for the adventurous. This demonstrates how bitterness and complexity evolve with higher cacao content.
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Explore Different Plant Milks: If including "milk" chocolates, select varieties made with different plant milks – oat, rice, almond, cashew, or even coconut. Each imparts a unique flavour and texture.
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Consider Flavour Inclusions: While pure bars are excellent for highlighting cacao, a few bars with thoughtful inclusions (sea salt, chilli, fruit, nuts, or even floral notes like lavender) can add an exciting dimension.
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Source from Diverse Makers: Look for chocolates from various brands, both established and artisanal. Many smaller vegan chocolatiers are crafting truly exceptional bars. Check local health food stores, speciality online retailers, and even some mainstream supermarkets for a surprising array of options.
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Quantity is Key: For a group of 6-8 people, 5-7 different full-sized bars should be ample. You'll be breaking them into small tasting squares.
Step 2: Setting the Scene: Ambiance and Aesthetics
Summer calls for a relaxed yet inviting atmosphere. Think light, airy, and functional.
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Choose Your Space: A patio, garden, or a well-lit indoor area works perfectly. Ensure good ventilation if indoors.
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Table Setup: Lay out a clean tablecloth or place mats. Individual tasting stations are ideal, but a central display works too.
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Lighting: Natural light is best, but if evening, string lights or soft lanterns can create a magical glow.
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Serving Ware: Small plates or even just napkins for each person are sufficient for the chocolate squares.
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Palate Cleansers: This is crucial! Offer plain water (room temperature is best for tasting), unsalted crackers, or plain bread to cleanse the palate between chocolates. Small bowls of sliced green apple can also work wonderfully.
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Tasting Notes Sheets: Provide each guest with a simple sheet to record their impressions. Include columns for: Chocolate Name/Brand, Cacao Percentage, Appearance, Aroma, Flavour Notes, Texture, and Overall Rating. This elevates the experience and encourages mindful tasting.
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Pens: Don't forget pens for the tasting sheets!
Step 3: Guiding the Gourmands: The Tasting Process
Once everyone is gathered, explain the process. A structured approach enhances the experience.
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Introduce the Chocolates: Briefly introduce each chocolate before tasting it. Share its origin, cacao percentage, any special ingredients, and the brand's story.
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The Five Senses Approach: Guide your guests through a sensory exploration:
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See: Observe the chocolate's sheen, colour, and any imperfections.
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Smell: Break off a small piece and bring it to your nose. What aromas do you detect? Fruity, nutty, earthy, smoky?
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Snap: Listen for a clean snap – a sign of well-tempered chocolate.
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Melt: Place a small piece on your tongue and let it slowly melt. Avoid chewing immediately. Notice how the flavours develop and evolve.
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Savour: Pay attention to the finish – how long do the flavours linger?
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Taste from Light to Dark: Generally, start with lower cacao percentages or "milk" chocolates and progress to the darkest, most intense bars. This prevents bolder flavours from overwhelming the more delicate ones.
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Discuss and Compare: Encourage open discussion after each chocolate. What did people notice? Did their experiences differ? This is where the real fun and learning happen!
Further adding to your introduction to vegan chocolate and your chocolate party ideas Kakoa can really help make your summer tasting night one to remember.
Vegan Iconic 48 Chocolate Collection
Giving you plenty of vegan chocolate tasting in one amazing box. Our biggest chocolate box, passionately made with 100% vegan ingredients and our incredibly creamy oat milk chocolate. We have the largest selection of plant based chocolate flavours in the UK and this box contains the lot…18 flavours to be precise. A truly epic collection of chocolate, including our Great Taste Award winning peanut butter truffle, our vegan milk chocolate salted caramel and our wonderfully zingy dark chocolate orange truffle. You have the chocolate party ideas, we have the chocolates to make your ideas come to life. Bringing a touch of class to your summer tasting night.
Hosting a vegan chocolate tasting party this summer is more than just serving dessert; it's an immersive experience that celebrates flavour, ethical choices, and the joy of shared discovery. So, embrace the summer spirit, gather your favourite people, and embark on a delicious journey through the extraordinary world of vegan chocolate. Your taste buds (and your conscience) will thank you.