&f=Calibri-Bold&ts=14&tc=d4d4cc&it=gif&c=round&bgt=gradient&bgc=ad6807&ebgc=d98807&be=on&w=125&h=30){kind=small}
This time last year Lindt took their Excellence range here in the UK and gave it somewhat of a makeover. The first part of this 'relaunch' saw them redesign their wrappers, updating and modernising the entire range. The second change was the introduction of two milk chocolate offerings - the reviews of which you can see HERE.One year on, Lindt have introduced a further two new variants to their Excellence range. This time however, they have decided to expand the breadth of their range by making the inclusion to their dark and white chocolate parts of their portfolio. I found both of these Lindt Excellence White A Touch of Vanilla and Lindt Excellence Dark 70% Cocoa Mild bars in my local Sainsburys supermarket, where they were priced on a 2 for £2.50 promotion.
As ever, the Lindt Excellence presentation standards were phenomenally high, though I had issues taking the photos of the white bar due to just how bright both the chocolate and outer box were. Below are my thoughts on each of the two new offerings.
Lindt Excellence White A Touch of VanillaKcal ??? Fat ??? Fat(sats) ??? Carbs ???
This bar came described as 'Extra fine white chocolate with natural Madagascan vanilla aroma'. As far as I'm aware this is actually the first ever Lindt Excellence white chocolate bar to get distribution here in the UK. Luckily for me I have previously managed to get hold of some bars from Germany - the Coconut and Stracciatella both fine white chocolate in their own right. With these positives experiences, I have to say I was expecting a bit more from this 'Touch of Vanilla' offering. Texture wise the mouth feel and melt was still wonderful, however when it came to the taste I was a little underwhelmed by the very light flavours on offer. Thankfully it wasn't a cheap tasting white chocolate, dominated by a heavy sugar rooted contextt. Unfortunately, neither did it have the depth of cream or vanilla flavours desired. Strangely, for a Lindt chocolate I was left feeling underwhelmed. This was far from being a poor white chocolate, but the Coconut & Stracciatella Lindt offerings deliver a much more interesting experience.
7.9 out of 10
-----
Lindt Excellence Dark 70% Cocoa MildKcal ??? Fat ??? Fat(sats) ??? Carbs ???
I did debate even bothering to review this bar, as I thought there was no way I was ever going to like it more than I did the original Lindt Excellence Dark 70% Cocoa. The bar came described as simply 'Extra fine dark chocolate' - nothing more, nothing less. According to the packaging, the mildness of the chocolate is driven by the 'extremely careful selection of mild cocoa beans'. There is no mention of where these beans come from, to be honest I'm still confused as to how they determine a normal cocoa bean to a 'mild' one!? ... I will leave that for you guys to answer! Anyway, as expressed by it's name this chocolate was indeed much lighter in taste compared to the original 70%. It still retained the myriad of earthy, coffee hints flavour notes, however in comparison they were less raw and intense. From a personal point of view this wasn't preferable as I prefer the stronger tasting chocolate. Those looking for a high level cocoa content chocolate with a lighter taste may be interested in what is on offer here though.
7.7 out of 10
Posts
63 comments:
I haven't seen either of these two yet, are they defo out nationwide? The dark chocolate mild one isn't one that fills me with great excitement but it would be nice to give the white choc a try.
I hate to by cycnical but seriously how can a manufacture honestly jusify having a chocolate with the same level of cocoa but claim they taste different. It's the most absurd thing I have ever heard of. It's so stupid.
Yays. White chocolate Lindors are my favourite, so I'm pleased to see they have finally done the right thing and made a bar of the glorious stuff. The white one is a must buy for me when I see it. Look out Sainsburys :) I'm on my way lol.
Rxxx
This was showing up in my rss feed last night but it wouldn't let me look at it :s
Sorry but am I completely missing something here? If you wanted a weaker 70% chocolate wouldn't you just buy a 50% or 60% one instead?
Lol that sounds so stupid there must be more to it than that.
They also reforumlated the ingredients of the crunchy caramel excellence. Since you rated it so high you should give it another try to see if you still think it is as good. Before anyone asks I couldn't see what was different about it at all. It just looked like the normal one but with a different cover on it.
Lindt white chocolate is so much better than a 7. Your ratings suck today. You are normally so reliable Jim. Have another taste of it.
And the winner for the stupidest titled bar of the year goes to ......
WELL DONE lindt excellence 'MILD' 70%. Lmao wtf is that all about? What a stupid idea for a chocolate.
2 for £2.50 is a pretty good deal you know. Individually they are £1.82 so the amount of money off is very impressive. I think I might have to go take advantage of it.
Nice pics jimbob. Shame the chocolates weren't a little better for you.
I have gone off white chocolate completely, I never eat it anymore. I think my tastebuds must have matured because milkybar used to be a chocolate I would buy all the time.
I tried eating a carramac the other day but could only eat half of it. I think I would have been ill if I had tried to eat it all lol.
New chocolate monday returns wooop wooop. It's a shame I don't like lindt chocolate lol.
Great reviews Jim, I'm with Justin about your photos. I approve of the artistic look your are going for with the pictures. Its amateur and a little rough around around the but it looks cool. It's a cool change up from the usual ones anyway.
I like my white chocolate but nothing is ever going to replace the perfection that is Lindt Ginger dark chocolate. Oh my god I could eat that stuff all day. Anyone who hasn't tried that bar and claims to be a chocolate expert is a liar. Its perfect in every way.
Hey Jim
:) :) LMAO where do I begin 3-1, 3-1, 3-1 :) :)
Sorry mate it had to be said. We smashed you didn't we lol. I think it was a combination of us playing at our best and a lot of your players not playing very well. Rooney was anonymous wasn't he, Luis Suarez made him look a right chump. I could go on about it all day but I wont rub it in as you have beaten us this season aswell.
I should also say something about your reviews today lol. They are both great as normal, its just a shame that neither appear to be like they are additions that are that worthwhile.
Cheers
N
p.s. 3-1 :P
You must have tried some very good white chocolate in your time because I bought a bar of the vanilla lindt a few days ago and thought it was superb. The melt of the chocolate is so soft and you don't get that horrible sickly taste that you get from ones like milkybar and the like. Your standards are too high lol.
This time last year Lindt took their Excellence range here in the UK and gave it somewhat of a makeover. The first part of this 'relaunch' saw them redesign their wrappers, updating and modernising the entire range. The second change was the introduction of two milk chocolate offerings - the reviews of which you can see HERE.
Was that really a year ago :O I will haven't tried those almond or hazelnut ones yet.
I found both of these Lindt Excellence White A Touch of Vanilla and Lindt Excellence Dark 70% Cocoa Mild bars in my local Sainsburys supermarket, where they were priced on a 2 for £2.50 promotion.
I never spend over two pounds on chocolate but I might make an exception here. Can you mix and match which bars you buy? I have little interest in trying a mild dark chocolate lol. Thanks J you chocolate beast.
Jim you say that Lindt have changed the packaging of their dark chocolates but in actual fact they haven't, its been exactly like that for years now. The only ones they changed were the milk chocolate ones, and then they made this new white chocolate one in the same style. I think the dark chocolate ones should be changed so it all looks consistent.
When are the Easter reviews going to start? If I remember right you started the Christmas ones a full two months ahead, you should do the same thing so we can sort out whats best to buy early.
Lindt is too expensive to eat everyday but not fancy enough to feel like a special treat. I would say Its like Green and Blacks now, I never buy it.
Grrrrr if we had just won on Saturday we really would be hot on your hell Jimbo. I can see it going down to the last game this season. No one seems to want to win the league this year do they.
I had to laugh at that comment from Golden earlier about the point of the mild 70%. If you wanted something less strong you would just buy their 50 or 60 percent chocolates. Its a stupid one if you ask me.
I don't ever bother buying any of Lindt's tablets. Lindors all the way for me :-)
Dx
Mental. I only requested the white chocolate yesterday lol. I would love to believe I'm so special you made sure you did it super quick. You must of had it ready in the bank.
Im so jealous looking at that coconut and ice cream flavour white choc Lindt do. Does anyone know if they are still about in Europe? This white chocolate sounds nice but if you say it pales in comparison to those other then I might aswell try them first.
You need to open a chocolate shop for all your reviews Jim. You would make a mint and keep up as happy at the same time lol.
I would love to try the white chocolate with the vanilla but is it only selling in sainsbury? We don't have one of then near me :( boooooo
Sorry to go off on a random one but has anyone seen that crappy spots and stripes big race advert. It's so totally pathetic, I honestly can't for the life of me think who they are trying to appeal to.
@Golden I think some people think that chocolates that are high in cocoa have health benefits. All those antioxidants and everything.
I don't buy into any of that myself. Soz Lindt.
If you are comparing this white chocolate to the hotel chocolat vanilla I think that is an unfair comparison to make. The hotel chocolat one costs three times as much as this lindt bar. It must be easy to forget sometimes if you get all these as free samples.
What a load of rubbish that 70 percent mild is. Is it just for people to show off that they eat high strength chocolate? Its a stupid one in my opinion.
The amount of new chocolates that have come out already this year is astounding, I'm loving it. Almost every week I go to the shops Im on the look for something I have seen on here. I will have to add it to my current shopping alongside the snickers maximus.
p.s.s. Let me reiterate I still think you will win the league btw ;) 3-1
I can't believe you get so few lindt chocolates. I would of thought the uk would be a priority market for lindt, we have more than five different lindt white chocolates here.
Its about time somone like lindt took the bull by the horns and made a worthwhile white chocolate. Cadburys Dream and Milkybar are both disgusting, as time has gone on they have both just got increasingly more sugary, and to the point I can't enjoy them anymore. I look forward to seeing what this lindt one is all about.
These better be sold in more places that just Sainsburys. I will be very upset if they aren't.
I think people might be getting the wrong end of the stick here. I think Lindt might have just renamed their 70% chocolate and tagged on the word mild. I don't think it's a new bar at all, Jim are you sure you haven't just got confused because they might have had older 70% packs on the same shelf? Just a thought.
Its cool seeing these but the only ever time we eat lindt chocolate in our house is when we use it for baking and cooking. Apart from that it's just not a brand we buy at all, i don't know why I'm sure its nice as a normal chocolate.
The flavour of the cocoa is probably what the type of tree they got the bean from I would presume? Maybe? I'm glad the white chocolate one isnt too sweet, I might have to try it, as Im not normally a fan of white chocolate due to its high sugary content!
Ive just been looking on the lindt website and it looks like they have even more new chocolates coming out Jim. Take a look at these two
http://shop.lindt.com/uk/chocolate-bars.html
Passion Chocolat Orange & Pistachio 97g &
Passion Chocolat Caramel & Sea Salt 97g
I would say they have potential.
I would of had two lindt bars down for better scores that this. It looks like I am better off sticking with the crunchy caramel or chilli for the time being.
I've seen these in Sainsburys but neithe rreally appealed to me that much. Dont get mne wrong I enjoy Lindt chocolate and their dark choc but they didnt jump out as must tries.
@Sarah Im not abig white choc fan either, although I used to like Milkybars in the old days when they were nice and mily and creamy.
I also like Caramacs but am sure they dont taste the same recently -less flavoursome somehow :S
@Andrew I think they are different bars. The idea i think is to have all the flavour of 70% but not so strong - some people want the flavour (which you woundnt get with 50% or 60%) but not the bitternes or strong overtones.
Not sure why peole think its a silly bar - I think it makes perfect sense! lol
What a shame these didn't live up to expectations. As you say Jim the white chocolate bar is the first Lindt have brought out in the UK (as far as I'm aware). At least now there's an alternative to the abomination that Milkybar has become. Mind you, Sainsbury's taste the difference white choc is lovely, you should check it out if you get a chance.
I can see what they're aiming for with the 70% bar, people who don't like the bitterness of dark chocolate might be more likely to try it. It's potentially a marketing winner considering all the news of the health benefits of dark choc. Personally I don't mind the "bitterness", I can tolerate 80% and 90% bars now, but I'll be interested to give this a try.
@sarah - it's not your tastebuds, Nestle have been slowly adding more and more sugar to Milkybar over the years. It's practically inedible now.
Jim get down to Poundland asap! They have Lindt Swiss Classic "with roasted almond pieces and almond brittle" which as far as I can see, you haven't reviewed yet. I'm eating some now on the bus and it's DELISH. And only £1! :)
Hey Jim, off-topic but I see on snackspot that Double stuff Oreos are now available in Asda.
@Jim sorry to say everyone but it looks like these bars are only selling in sainsburys for the minute. That sucks if you don't shop there.
Its a shame that neither of these two are that great but I look forward of seeing what they have planned for the future if they keep bringing out new bars every so often. Fingers crossed we one day see that coconut white chocolate. You make it sound so god damn good.
Can't comment on the 70% one but am surprised at your rating of the white one! I usually despise white chocolate, it's evil stuff. But I actually find this Lindt bar very enjoyable. Actually also, for my taste buds, much more so than the white chocolate HC make! I found the flavours well balanced and would have thought a stronger vanilla flavour over the top!
Hi All,
Glad to see everyone embracing new product monday back with open arms :D As I said in my post at the weekend there are a lot of things to come from some of my favourite brands in the next few weeks. Todays postage delivery even brought about another delivery from J-list - I swear what they send gets wierder and wierder :D
Right you chocolate made lot - full of questions today aren't ya :D
NICK - See what David said ... only Sainsburys at the moment.
GRAEME/EVERYONE - I must admit I was at first a little dismissive of the whole 'mild 70%' billing but then I did think about it from the perspective of people beleiveing that cocoa is benefitial to them healthwise. I would hope to think that the 50% and 60% Lindt bars both use different types of cocoa beans, I know for sure there is a difference between the taste of the 50% and the 70%. It could perhaps be an interesting post to do in the future testing all the different Lindt chocolate strengths at one time for some real time comparisons.
MARTIN - Apologies. There was an error in the scheduling of the post so it would have come through on the site for a minute last night. I took it down and rescheduled for this morning.
KIM - I have tried it since they repackaged it and I didn't percieve there to be any differences. It was still just as superb as last time I tried it :D
RICHARD - Indeed the depth of discount on the 2for£2.50 is good isn't it.
SARAH/PHIL - Phil isn't wrong. Even since I have started this site Milkybar has got progressivelly sugary as time has gone by. They have never stated the amount of cocoa in their chocolate though so it's impossible to prove statistically.
KIERAN/JUSTIN - Thanks for the nice words about the photos guys. White chocoalte is very hard to photograph in the style I do for this site. Shooting from a slight angle does make it a little easier on me.
HARRY - I can endorse that view chap. The Lindt Excellence Dark Ginger is a very fine bar of chocolate. Not the best ginger bar around, but yes its very good.
NIGEL - :D :D I did fear the content of your comment today. There was no way you were ever going to not post today was there. Ahh heck fair play to you guys. You outplayed us for the full 94 minutes and were well worthy of your victory. I can't say fairer than that. I can only take solice in the fact that Arsenal didn't take full advantage by beating Sunderland. I still think we will win the league when everything is said and done in May.
MARY - I only give my subjective opinion, I wouldn't want anyone to think that I reckon they should take it as gospel. This is what the comments feature is all about ... people sharing their own opinions.
KATIE - The promotion is running across the entire range so yes you can mix and match with any of the flavours you wish.
PAUL - Sorry my mistake. Thanks for picking that up :D
FRANCESCA - The Easter reviews will start soon when I get the photography done. You can start to expect to see them soonish.
CHRIS - An arsenal fan are we? Good luck tomorrow against Barca, I wish you all the bad luck in the world for the upcoming FA cup and league games though Haha :D
MARK - I did say you were going to be surprised by how quickly I completed your request :D Total coincedence there chap. What did you think of the review? What you expected?
LUCY - I think the Stratiacella was just a summer variety so I'm not sure it gets distribution all year round. I think the coconut one will be available to buy from Germany though. Take a look online.
NICK - I've seen the advert. I don't think it's that bad myself. As ads go these days it at least isn't as irritating as some are.
LAUREN - Since people have started getting more price concious and been mentioning it more I have been considering it increasingly in my reviews. Everything I rate is done so on a level playing field. The Hotel Chocolat Vanilla is far superior in taste than this bar, it's worth paying the extra for.
LEWIS - The Snickers Maxximus has distribution everywhere now. It shouldn't be hard to find.
ANDREW - Sorry chap but I think you are wrong. This 70% mild is definitely a new bar, it's different to the 70% offering I'm 100% sure of that.
LOT-O-CHOC - Indeed I think you could well be right. It will be a different cocoa bean, just what the exact difference is I don't know. It would have been nice to know the source of their cocoa for each bar.
RESPH - Nice find I hadn't seen them sneak onto the Lindt store. I fancy both of them looking at their names. I will review them when I can.
ALAN - I had a Carramac the other day and thought the caramel tones weren't as strong. I wouldn't be surprised to hear if they have changed it.
PHIL - That Sainsburys white chocolate has been sitting in the review backlog for over a year now :D I will see if I can insert it in an upcoming Bits n Bobs review to get it out there :D I look forward to hearing your views on this mild 70%, it will be interesting to hear how you think it compares yourself.
LINZ - Unfortunately I don't have a pound land near me. I'm glad to hearing you are enjoying it though :D Good chocolate for just a £1.00 :D nothing beats that eh!?
PHIL - Indeed Asda have an exclusive on the Oreo Double Stuff for the time being. It's slightly annoying considering I don't have one around near me. Asda seems to always get these Oreo exclusives.
Thanks for the comments today everyone - its always hectic on a Monday :D If I say so myself there are some cool things coming up later in the weeek. Be sure to keep a keen eye on the news page as the week rolls on.
JIM
I do like the idea of a mild dark choc... but ra coffee flavoured choc from Lindt is what I really want! ;-)
The white chocolate could be worth me trying but I still have no passion at all for dark chocolate. I keep trying to get myself to try different types to find one to suit me but I still just prefer me chocolate sweet.
Just seen your site update thing about ferrero Jim thats a right shocker. Shame on them.
Why would you want to take the flavour out of Lindt chocolate? I think it's a very silly bar of chocolate to make regardless of the view you are looking at it from.
Their 70% bar is totally delicious. I wouldn't want it changed for the world.
Lindt isn't a brand I buy at all so im not fussed about these being crummy. Are you going to start reviewing Galler again anytime soon Jim? I find it funny how they can win chocolate of the year and then not be on your site at all for months. I would of thought that would of made them feature for if anything.
I might end up trying the white chocolate with vanilla but the dark chocolate 70% doesn't appeal to me in the slightest.
Thanks for the reviews Jim. I love it that you are on top of these things for us. Tres cool post on the Kinder Bueno white btw. Great detective work there sir ;)
I'm all for seeing new flavours and everything but when they are as silly as this new mild one it does get you thinking that its overkill a bit.
I don't get why they would choose something more exciting than just a rehash of a chocolate they already have. Its a crying shame they didn't make something else like a pistachio chocolate.
Nom nom. White chocolate is amazing. I bet lindt white choc is the best in the world.
I wouldn't worry people. There is no way in hell these will be kept just on sale in Sainsbury. It wouldn't be in the interest of Lindt to do this, they will make their way elsewhere soon I'm sure.
Why isn't there any nutritional information for either of these? Have you forgotton to put it on or was there none in the first place? It would be interesting to see the composition of the dark chocolate. I would expect to see a higher levels of sugars vs alternative 70%.
Yuck dark chocolate is horrid whether its strong or mild.
I've just seen the ferrero story on your news page. I say we boycott the bastards.
Oooooooooh I spy American Soda? Who are these people then Jim?
Shame about the new Lindt chocolates being crummy. I know they probably aren't bad chocolates as such but the flavours could have been more exciting than this. Oh well.
LIZ - Did you never get to try the Lindt Excellence Coffee Intense? That was such a fine bar of chocolate. They replaced it with the salt bar in the UK lineup though.
STU - The next Galler reviews will be a few months yet. They have cut supply to the UK for the minute which is a shame.
JK - I like your thinking with the pistachio excellence bar.
ALICIA - No they didn't come up nutritional information I'm afraid. I will take a look online later to see if I can find any details.
DAZZ - More info on American Soda will follow in the coming weeks. Sorry I can't be more specific.
Thanks everyone
JIM
Post a Comment