When you think of dark chocolate additives, spicy chocolate isn’t so far-fetched. Cranberries with chocolate is not uncommon, but chocolate+chili+cranberries is definitely unique. Jersey Devil Chocolates boast a 54% cacao dark chocolate bar that includes dried cranberries and chipotle chili. Why cranberries? Because New Jersey (where the company is based) is the 2nd highest producer of the fruit, and the legendary Jersey Devil reportedly lurks in the South Jersey Pine Barrens where the cranberries are grown.
So how does it taste? It opens with a sweet fruity flavor (presumably the influence of the cranberries) and follows with a mild heat and spicy finish, which is not unpleasant at all. If you eat a small piece, it’s not too spicy, but just a nice mild heat. I noticed if I ate two squares at once, the heat intensified. I gave a piece to each of my preschool sons (3 and 4) and neither of them complained about the heat. The 3 year-old said it wasn’t too spicy “because it’s sweet!” Duh, of course it can’t be too spicy if it’s sweet, mom! The texture of the chocolate is snappy, much like other cacao-rich dark chocolates, and the dried cranberries add some chewy-crunchy bits.
One note about the packaging that I thought was cool: the 14 year-old son of the owner drew the original devil logo. The entire family helped create the look of the Jersey Devil; they wanted him to be smiley and smoking hot, much like you’ll be after eating this chocolate! I’d eat this chocolate again. The combination of cranberries, chocolate and chili might prove to be addictive.
Editor’s note: I, too, tried the Jersey Devil Chocolates and thought it was delicious. It has a good spicy kick and the cranberries add a great fruity taste to it too. Now if only it also came in milk chocolate.
Candy Addict received this product as a sample from the manufacturer. No payment was received for this review and all opinions represent an unbiased view of the product.
