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Kcal ??? Fat ??? Fat(sats) ??? Carbs ???Sad as this sounds I'm starting to associate the turn of each season more with the anticipation of seeing what the new limited edition Ritter Sport flavours are going to be rather than when the weather is going to take a turn for the better :D My previous dedication in reviewing all of these flavours seems to have not been overlooked by the Ritter team in Germany, as they recently invited me to join their esteemed tasting panel. Without having to think for one second, I of course accepted their kind offer. Today I have the pleasure in bringing you my review of one of the bars they have lined up for the Spring season this year, the Ritter Sport Alpensahne Praline.
This bar came described on the packaging as 'Alpine milk chocolate with praline creme'. Those of you who know your Ritter Sport will be all to aware that Ritter currently have a praline bar available in their existing range (See HERE). When I probed Ritter about the actual differences I was informed that this new spring bar was supposed to 'create the experience of praline truffles in a convenient bar format'. This didn't really answer my original question but that wasn't ever going to stop me trying it anyway :D
As the bar was only delivered to me in prototype form it would be unfair to comment to much on the packaging. By the looks of the stick on label it appears they are sticking with the attractive looking design from last year. In terms of looks the bar looked slightly differentiated from the normal praline bar in that the filling was lighter in colour, which I thought actually looked better than the single toned original bar. When it came to the taste test there were also minor discrepancies again originating from the praline constituents. Flavour wise the creme of the latest spring variant was milkier and smoother in taste and texture to the original. The hazelnut flavours were still exhibited to a functional degree, though the creamier taste and softer texture of the Spring 2011 bar did create a trade off between it's more desirable creamyness and it's short lived flavour longevity .... some might just say I was thinking about this all too much :D
Overall I don't think this is going to be one of the Ritter flavours that sets anyone's world alight in terms of it's innovation claim stakes, but there is no doubting that it is one very tasty offering. As I have insinuated above, the differences between the two bars praline bars they now offer are minimal to say the least. Aesthetically and in taste they might differ marginally, but if we are being totally honest I think 99.0% of people would struggle to tell the two apart - especially if they weren't aware of any differences originally. The level of 'new thinking' may be somewhat limited here, but there is no doubting the quality of the chocolate. The Germans really do seem to know what they are doing when it comes to creating praline chocolates. This is just another fine example of their capabilities.
8.4 out of 10
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50 comments:
God dammit I now have a real urge for the Ritter praline. I used to be able to buy it very easily in my local shop but they closed down last year and since then I've not been able to get a reliable source for my Ritter needs.
Oh yum the ritter sport praline is one of my all time faves so I wouldn't have to think for a second before trying this out. Im so jealous you get to try these bars out early. They must think awfully highly of you to give you that special status. Its fully deserved IMO of course ;)
Rxxx
I don't have anything else to say other looks great so I'm going to ask you a horrible question instead Jimbo.
What is the best Ritter Sport bar in your opinion. Lol you are only allowed to pick one and it cant be one that doesn't exist anymore.
I was speaking with some German relatives a few weeks back and they couldn't understand why I was so desperate to get some of the new flavours sent across. To them they see all these limited editions as no big deal. My cousin was saying how she doesn't even notice the majority of them. Lol I nearly put the phone down on here when she said that, she doesn't know how lucky they are obviously.
Judging by this one would suspect that ritter may just be running out of a few ideas for flavours here :) creating a bar that is supposed to replicate truffles isn't exactly a flavour is it? It's more just changing how they package the same chocolate. If this is the only flavour for the spring time I will be disappointed.
The Ritter praline is sooooooooo good. I would be first in line to buy one of these if it got a uk release. Let me at it please ritter.
@Midgley
This is one that is in my sights and not getting away :) Thanks for the review again mate. I just wish I didnt have to spend so much money using ebay to buy them.
Jim did you ever get anywhere asking ritter about their future plans for their UK business?
I just think there is such a gap in the market for them here they should take advantage whilst they can and start growing like Milka have done.
I think about Milka a few years ago and you used to be lucky to find just their normal chocolate in the supermarkets. Nowadays you can buy 6 or 7 easily, even more if you look in the right sort of places.
I keep meaning to tell people that waitrose now sell the praline version of Ritter.
My one has started doing so anyway. It aint cheap (£1.20 I think) but it is the only place that I know I can buy it for sure. Sometimes you got to just pay for these things.
Another Ritter Sport? Jesus it doesn't look like they are going to be doing any less for 2011 than they did for 2010.
One thing I have always wanted to know abou Ritter is what their best seller is.
Judging by fact that the marzipan and peppermint ones are the easiest to find for us lot one would presume it has to be one of them. In Germany Its got to be different.
Jim did you get excessive amounts of sample bars again? I saw a photo you posted on Twitter that showed you got several of the same bar?
Cheeky competition perhaps?
Hey Jim long time no speak =>
I have still been following the blog I just haven't had the time to comment on your wonderful reviews. I see you aren't posting everyday anymore. I was wondering when all this chocolate was going to catch up with you boyo.
Its nice to see that you are still liking your ritter sport chocolates after all these years. The praline one of theirs is very good chocolate so I suspect this would be equally to my taste.
Keep up your fine work.
Pete
Aesthetically and in taste they might differ marginally, but if we are being totally honest I think 99.0% of people would struggle to tell the two apart - especially if they weren't aware of any differences originally.
That is a little crappy to hear. You would of thought they could have put a little twist on things , like a hint of rum or something else.
The Germans really do seem to know what they are doing when it comes to creating praline chocolates.
...the boy speaketh the truth :) Good review xx
You should consider working for these people. You must have quite the passion for them if you can forgive them for being as cheeky as this. I dont mean to get at you, but I just suspect that if someone like Nestle, Mars or Cadburys had made a bar like this you would have moaned about it not being different enough or questioning why they bothered making it.
I dont want to go to the hassle of dragging up examples but there must be plenty where you have said that sort of thing about new products by those people before. Dare I say that some bias is creeping in your reviews these days.
Just one week!!!!!!!!! That is all I wanted Mr Jim!
Just one week where you didn't cause me uber ritter envy and you couldn't even do that.
Its getting so annoying seeing these different flavours you get to try all the time when we all get nothing. I do sometimes wonder if they just send you these chocolates to show us to make us envious. Its just unfair :(
Dx
Top photo Jim you know how to bring out the best of these Ritter chocs.
One thing I will say though is that they have started looking very samey don't you think. Ritter probably dont expect people to see as many flavours as you show us im guessing.
We would all be oblivious of course if you weren't reviewing every single flavour under the sun lol.
Could they not come up with a better flavour than this? How can they have the bottle to put 'new' when it isn't at all. Terrible.
I was so excited the other day because I found a new shop in my town centre that sells German foods. They aren't stocking any ritter sport chocolate yet but I did ask them if they would consider starting to buy it in and they said they would.
They have good importing links from Germany so they shouldnt be that expensive.
They have a few interesting milka chocolate flavours that I dont think you have reviewed yet. Would you be interested in me sending them along?
I saw your tweet to ritter on twitter. No wonder you like them so much they responded in like minutes. Well jealous
When I first read about this bar, I seriously wondered what's really new about it. They just chucked in some cream into the usual praline bar. ;-) And your review just confrimed this. Guess, they can't come up with something totally new and exciting all the time. But then maybe they should not try and throw out a new bar every month...
The Germans really do seem to know what they are doing when it comes to creating praline chocolates.
If you really want to taste some of the best nougat/praline available on the German mass market, you should try some of theirs:
http://www.viba-sweets.de/en/
LOVE their stuff, it's rather addictively good in my opinion. Stocked up on goodies in one of their shops last week before coming back to UK. :)
Have you got yourself on a tasting panel or something here? How the devil did you manage to get a chocolate that is supposed to be coming out in spring 2011? Confused :-S
This looks good even if it is just the same as another one you have done. Lol if they taste good why change them I say :)
Big game for us tonight vs blackpool. I dont even want to predict a score for tonight because I dont want to count my chickens. I will say Im quietly confident we should get some points at least. Im sure you wont cross your fingers for me :P
8.4 for a bar that is just a repackaged version of one that exists? Give me a break. You shouldn't be allowed to review these chocolates its so blatant you are telling us all lies.
Thank god that is a prototype I thought their packaging standards had taken a turn for the worse for a minute there phew.
The thing that I always love about Ritter is how they make the filling bit of their chocolates standout. Often when you buy chocolates from other people the fillings look well measely, Ritter do it really well.
I think Rachel is spot on Jim they must really value your opinion on these things if they send you all these samples early.
They should start using a sample of us lot to give them a broader perspective ;) Tell them that lol.
p.s. tell them to make some no nut alternative chocolates
What the hell is Alpensahne mean?
Judging by this it isn't only England that is getting their spring chocolates early this year then. I couldn't believe they had all the easter stuff on the shelves in my local asda yesterday. Creme Eggs already? Its just so wrong.
Blue ritter sport is the best. Mega wants this.
Ah forgot something! Bit off topic but since some people have been asking for low calorie alternatives etc. and you mentioned in a comment yesterday that you will oblige this might also be of interest:
http://your.asda.com/2010/7/9/calling-all-chocoholics-win-a-year-s-supply-of-our-new-chilled-chocolate-spread
I know that, just like for me, trips to Asda are a rare happening for you but if you do happen to be there again, this spread might well be worth a try. I think it is quite nice and actually much darker and more chocolaty than I would have thought! You could see it as lower calorie alternative to things like Nutella (270 vs 560 kcal/ 100g ). I seriously hope it hasn't disappeared by the time I make it to Asda again.... In Germany I saw a Philadelphia with Milka chocolate, guess I have to try that at some stage too. *g*
Eugh Im going to have to give up reading this site soon its just not doing my dieting any good.
Praline truffles are one thing that I just cant resist if they are put in front of me. Putting it in a bar form will just make it easier to eat if anything. I might have to put a temp ban on myself Jim sorry.
So in short the German people get the same bar twice, yet we dont even get one of them. Hmmmm not cool.
My immediate thoughts were that this looked and sounded exactly like another bar of theres.
It would have been nice for them to push the boat out a bit more with the thinking tank. Its hard to think what sort of flavours would be suitable for a Spring themed choc though.
Maybe a honey flavoured one?
For some strange reason, milkier bars do tend to make me think about spring...
Ritter's other praline bar was among my favourite Ritter bars for a while. I hope I'll be able to find this one as well, it would be nice to give it a try.
I could really do with one of these right now, you can't beat a good praline chocolate. I wish Ritter would start distributing more of their bars here :( It's kinda frustrating seeing all the new flavours they do in Spring but not being able to try them (like the white choc and fruit ones from last year).
What are the other spring flavours going to be this year?
Have you got them lined up to review or are you going to be a big tease?
I used to love the original praline bar - wish my local Sainsbury's would start stocking Ritter bars again! Must find another provider! Cheers for another top review Jim! x
I have been trying to find Ritter on twitter to ask them about getting more of their chocolate in england but I cant find them :( Can someone post up their twitter address for me please.
I like the review btw Jim. How do you always get the pictures of their chocolate looking the same?
It would be nice if we just got a little more choice than the bog standard three flavours we can only get at the mo.
If you look at the ritter sport website they seem to think that they sell us a load more than they do.
The worst thing is that it gets worse over time. I swear the supermarkets used to stock more than they do nowadays. Its only going one way by the looks of things.
Congrats on officially joining Ritter's tasting panel! (or rather, well done to Ritter for recognizing talent :) Any idea yet what it will involve?
You wouldn't need to ask me twice about trying this one.
@Thea lol you would assume that he just gets to try out all the flavours before we all do. Not that we get them in the end anyway. Testing chocolate as a job must be like the best thing ever. Its something I dreamed of doing when I was small =) lucky Jim.
@Ganesh - sadly you're right :( Nowadays the most exciting things we get is a "new" caramel Aero and a Snickers without nougat. Even the discount stores which usually sell unusual foreign varieties don't seem to have much in lately.
Mmmmmmm I cant wait to try this one. Luckily for me I have friends who live in Germany so they send me anything I want.
If you ever have any difficulties getting any chocs jim ask me. You appear to be doing ok yourself by the looks of things.
Jim please dont say anything. Im depressed enough with the football as it is :( :( :( :(
Ive seen nicer and more interesting chocolates come out of ritter recently but I still wouldn't ever turn this down if you offered me a bar of it.
Are you going to be doing any more prize draws soon? You said one a week?
After reading this review yesterday I went on a ritter sport hunt to see if what everyone was saying was true about there being less of them around.
I went in to sainsburys (only a small one) and a Tesco and the only types I could find were the marzipan in both stores and then tesco had the mint one. I cant comment on whether that is more or less than what everyone used to be able to get but that is what I found.
I think its good that they are still using the same wrapper as last year. It makes them look a little familiar but still different if you get what I mean.
@Nick
Those are exactly the flavours that the ones round near me have in stock. Sometimes we can get that the hazelnut one as well but that is quite a rare one to see.
Always enjoy seeing how many different bars Ritter can come up with! Even if they can't out-right distinguish what makes this bar different to the other praline offering, you can't have too many good quality praline bars!Pity we probably won't get to try it. Did you manage to ask them what their intentions are regarding sales in the UK? Sush a shame we miss out on so many of their things. Nicely don eon getting onto their tasting panel! Maybe you can have some pull in persuading them to release more here haha. Thanks for the review, once again.
Hi All,
I hope everything is all ok with everyone today. I know I say this on every review at the minute but thank you for all the feedback you have given. I was tweeting Ritter Sport earlier and they were saying how they appreciated seeing what you all had to say ... suffice to say they are taking notice of what you are all saying. Especially the people commenting on the lack of presence here in the UK.
Justin - Sorry chap but there is no way I can pick a single Ritter Sport bar out of them all. A few of them like the espresso and karamell nuss would be in contention though.
Kim - Haha that must be annoying to hear. Lets hope they feel the same about one of our brands ... I doubt it mind you.
Golden - Ritter told me today that the other two flavours for Spring 2011 are the vanilla and krokant ones from 2010. They are both very nice.
Steven - I will ask them about their plans for the UK soon. Im bombarding them with questions at the moment I feel a bit guilty. When I have an update I will post something.
Robert - Do you not like the Ritter Sport reviews? If im doing too many then people should say something.
Joel - I do have some Ritter samples knocking about so a competition could well be on the cards soon. Keep an eye on my twitter feed.
Mysterio / Anon - I think this is a fair enough flavour to be honest. I know they could have been a little more creative, but I personally just see these limited editions as bonuses. Its not like they are replacing any bars in their existing range or anything.
James - That is a very kind offer. I might have to take you up on that in the future. I have plenty of things to review for the time being though thanks.
Anne - Viba eh!? I hadn't heard of them to be honest with you. Next time you are in Germany drop me an e-mail so I can give you some monies to buy me some. I'm always open to trying new pralines from Germany.
Sally - Indeed im on the tasting panel. I don't get any special priviliges or anything. I just get to taste the flavours a bit earlier before they come out. Its their way of generating PR before their launches I guess.
Nigel - Nigel, Nigel, Nigel :D :D :D what can I say chap :D Downed by the mighty United and then by the even mightier Blackpool :D you are right .... I needn't say anything in this case haha!
Alex - Oh joy you are back :D
Henry - Err I'm not too sure about the translating on that .. 'alpine ...something' I believe. You are quite correct about it being mental that we can buy Cadbury Creme Eggs already. Pretty crazy huh!
Anne - That chocolate spread sounds good. Unfortunately with no Asda anywhere in sight I will have to stick with the Nutella. Saying that I dont actually ever eat Nutella so I wont be sticking with anything :D
Rob - A honey flavoured Ritter Sport would be a welcome addition. I would like to see them try it.
Phil - I will see what they say about their UK plans and update you folks. I would hope they plan to up distribution.
Joereg - Please see above! They are keeping the vanilla and krokant flavours from last year.
Anon - You can find Ritter Sport on twitter under the name @Ritter_Sport_DE they mostly post in German though haha.
Thea - As I said above the "tasting panel" is mostly just them sending the flavours a bit early for me to review. They then look at what you guys have to say about them for feedback.
Phil - Another way of putting it is 'all we get is a "new caramel Aero and a Snickers without the expensive bit so they can make more money'.
Kev - Thank you Kev that is a very kind offer.
Nigel - I went light on you chap :D lose the merseyside derby this weekend and I might not be so kind :D
Anon - Keep watching twitter for competitions.
Ria - Indeed you can never have enough good pralines. Especially when the likes of Cadbury, Mars and Nestle tend to do them so poorly. As I said to the guys above, when I have an update on their UK plans I will let you know. I will make it very obvious that you guys want some more flavours ... to be honest they will likely see it themselves from all the feedback.
Phew .... thanks again for all the comments chaps and chap-esses :D There is a whole new review tomorrow. A selection box one I believe :D I hope you like it.
JIM
Good morning,
will be going to Germany again for Easter. Unfortunetely not to a city with Viba shop but the local supermarket also has some of their stuff. :-)
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