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If you’ve ever bitten into a glossy, sugar-kissed strawberry or a fig wrapped in a jacket of dark chocolate, you know this is one of life’s small luxuries. Candied fruit is fruit that’s been cooked in sugar syrup until tender and translucent, while chocolate-covered fruit is fresh or dried fruit coated in melted chocolate and allowed to set. Together they offer a contrast of textures — the chew of fruit and the snap or creaminess of chocolate — that feels indulgent but somehow sophisticated, like dessert dressed up for a dinner party.
Coffee Friend is one of the retailers that stocks elegant fruit-based treats, and one of the lines to look out for is Forest Feast. Two standout items are the dark chocolate-coated sour cherries and the dark chocolate-coated figs. These products show how a single brand can elevate simple fruit into a decadent nibble perfect for after-dinner moments or a luxury snack with a cup of coffee. If you like bold flavors, these are worth hunting down.
Imagine tart, tangy sour cherries wrapped in a layer of rich dark chocolate — that’s the Forest Feast sour cherries in a nutshell. At roughly 4.23 ounces per pack, they’re sized for sharing or for stashing in your bag as a grown-up treat. The tartness of the cherry cuts through the chocolate’s bitterness, creating a lively, palate-refreshing bite that keeps you coming back for one more.
Figs have a natural honey-like sweetness and a lovely chewy texture; enrobe them in dark chocolate and you get a sublime contrast that’s both rustic and refined. The Forest Feast figs come in a pack of about 4.94 ounces, and each piece is a little jewel: chewy interior, seeds that add a mild crunch, and the bittersweet chocolate that ties it all together. They work brilliantly on cheese boards or as an elegant stocking filler.
Finding premium chocolate-covered fruit is easier than you might think — both high-street grocers and specialist shops stock them. Besides Coffee Friend, look to major and boutique retailers for variety and occasional limited-edition flavors. Below I run through reliable places to shop, whether you’re buying for yourself, a friend, or a party.
Marks & Spencer is known for its seasonal food ranges and frequent limited-edition sweet treats. Their chocolate-covered fruit offerings often balance quality chocolate with real fruit and are a good middle ground between everyday and gourmet. Look out around holidays for special packaging and unique flavors.
If you’re shopping for something with classic British elegance, Fortnum & Mason is a go-to. Their confectionery selection often includes high-quality candied fruits and chocolate-coated delicacies presented in heirloom-worthy tins — perfect for gifting or making a statement on a dessert table.
Hotel Chocolat leans heavily into chocolate provenance and variety, so when they produce chocolate-covered fruit you can expect carefully selected cocoa and well-balanced sweetness. If you care about the beans behind the bar as much as the fruit, this is a great place to explore creative combinations and single-origin chocolates.
Waitrose often stocks premium grocery brands alongside its own-label luxury items. Their chocolate-dipped fruit offerings tend to use good-quality ingredients and sensible portion sizes, making them a safe bet for home entertaining or weekend treats without straying into overly fancy territory.
Big supermarkets like Tesco and Sainsbury’s offer convenience and competitive prices, and online specialist supermarkets such as Ocado often carry both supermarket brands and niche producers. If you want to compare options and prices quickly, these retailers are practical starting points.
Don’t underestimate local chocolatiers and artisan food shops. Many hand-produce chocolate-coated fruit with seasonal fruit, single-origin chocolate, or unusual flavors like chili, sea salt, or orange zest. These small-batch producers are great for discovering new favorites and supporting local craftsmanship.
Not all chocolate-covered fruit is created equal. Some are overly sweet, others use low-quality chocolate that masks the fruit. Choosing well means paying attention to a few key details that separate a dull treat from something you’ll remember.
Dark chocolate that’s too low in cocoa can taste cloying; too high and it may overpower the fruit. Look for descriptions that list the cocoa percentage or use terms like “dark” or “single-origin.” Texture matters too — good chocolate should set with a pleasant snap (if tempered properly) or a smooth melt on the tongue.
Ingredients should read like food, not a chemistry lesson. Real fruit, sugar or fruit syrups, and chocolate should be at the top of the list. Avoid products with lots of artificial colors, flavors, or unnecessary stabilizers if you want a natural taste experience.
Packaging affects freshness and convenience. Airtight boxes or resealable pouches help keep chocolate from blooming or absorbing moisture. Consider portion size too — single-share packs are handy for snacks, while larger tins are better for entertaining.
Chocolate-covered fruit plays well with many other flavors. Whether you’re building a cheese board or treating guests, pairing thoughtfully can elevate the experience from “nice” to “memorable.”
Yes, sweet and savory can be best friends. Dark chocolate-coated figs or cherries pair beautifully with aged cheeses like Manchego or Parmesan, balancing salt and umami with fruit sweetness. Add some nuts and a drizzle of honey, and you’ve got a board that looks like you worked all afternoon but took minutes to assemble.
Want to pair with wine? For dark chocolate-coated fruits, try a glass of tawny port, late-harvest Riesling, or even a robust red like Shiraz. Coffee and espresso also work brilliantly — the bitterness in the drink emphasizes the fruit’s brightness and the chocolate’s depth.
Use chocolate-covered fruit as a shortcut to wow-factor desserts. Chop them into ice cream, scatter over panna cotta, or use them as a garnish on tarts. You can also gently warm certain chocolate-covered fruits and fold them into whipped cream for a quick, fruity chocolate compote.
Proper storage keeps these treats tasting their best. Chocolate and fruit have different storage needs, so here’s how to balance them without sacrificing texture or flavor.
If you plan to eat your chocolate-covered fruit within a week or two, keep it in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. Room temperatures that are not too warm help prevent the chocolate from melting and the fruit from sweating. A pantry shelf or cupboard usually works fine.
For longer storage, freezing can be an option, but it’s a bit delicate. Wrap items individually in parchment and store in an airtight container to prevent freezer burn. When you defrost, do so slowly in the refrigerator to avoid moisture condensing on the chocolate. Expect slight texture changes, but flavor can remain surprisingly good.
Chocolate-covered fruit feels like a compromise between healthy and indulgent. It’s fruit, but often contains added sugar and chocolate, so portion control and ingredient choices matter. Here’s how to enjoy smartly without killing the pleasure.
These treats pack energy in a small package. A few pieces deliver a satisfying hit of sweetness, so try measured portions rather than mindless grazing. Think of them as dessert-sized delights rather than snack-sized excuses to polish off a whole box.
Dark chocolate contains antioxidants and can be lower in sugar than milk chocolate, making it a slightly healthier choice. But remember, the fruit itself is often candied or syruped, which adds sugar. Balance is key: choosing higher cocoa content and smaller portions will let you enjoy the positives without overdoing it.
Anyone who loves chocolate-covered fruit knows good deals can make exploration more fun. Here are smart strategies for getting variety without overspending.
Retailers often release special flavors around seasonal events, and buying in bulk can reduce per-unit cost — especially if you’re entertaining. Watch for multi-pack offers, bundle deals, or seasonal sales where high-quality brands are marked down.
Many brands now highlight ethical sourcing and sustainable farming. If fair labor and environmental impact matter to you, choose brands that disclose their cocoa sourcing or carry certifications like Fairtrade. Ethically produced chocolate tends to taste better too — it’s like paying a little extra for better story and better flavor.
Chocolate-coated fruit is a delightful niche where fruit’s natural appeal meets chocolate’s universal charm. From the tart snap of a sour cherry to the honeyed chew of a fig, these treats can be simple pleasures or showstopping components of a dessert spread. Whether you shop at Coffee Friend for Forest Feast items or explore offerings from M&S, Fortnum & Mason, Hotel Chocolat, and local chocolatiers, there’s a version to match every mood and budget. Treat them like jewel-like accents — little bites that transform ordinary moments into something a bit more luxurious.
Next time you reach for a sweet, consider the story behind it: the fruit, the chocolate, and the hands that made it. That attention turns a small indulgence into a tiny celebration.
| Candied & Chocolate Covered Fruit | Price | |
|---|---|---|
| Forest Feast Dark Chocolate-coated Sour Cherries - 120 G | £ 3,99 | |
| Forest Feast Dark Chocolate-coated Figs - 140 G | £ 3,99 |
