White chocolate is what it’s all about right now
White chocolate is neither white nor chocolate, but that hasn’t bothered Starbucks and candy makers cashing in on its popularity.
Starbucks launched its new holiday beverage, the Toasted White Chocolate Mocha, on Thursday, becoming the latest white chocolate product to join a long list — from Baskin-Robbins to Hershey — who have discovered it.
What is it exactly? Usually, it’s a beige or pale yellow chunk of cocoa butter, milk and sugar. In Starbucks’ case, it comes in a a drink that can be ordered hot or cold. Serving up something that looks a little different adds a touch of the exotic, and for social media, a cool factor, according to flavor experts. Plus, it keeps dedicated fans satisfied with something new.
“There’s almost a perpetual boredom, even though we’re infatuated and addicted to junk food. They (combat) this with unusual flavors,” said Mark Schatzker, author of The Dorito Effect: The Surprising New Truth About Food and Flavor. “It’s the pop music of chocolate.”
While white chocolate Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups and white chocolate Kit Kats have been around for a while, here are some of the best known white chocolate products available now.
Twix White Chocolate
The classic pair of crunchy cookie bars is now covered in caramel — and white chocolate. What previously was a limited-time-only offering now has a permanent place in the Mars universe.
Starbucks Toasted White Chocolate Mocha
Starbucks’s latest holiday drink is white chocolate mocha with caramelized flavors of white chocolate, whipped cream and candied cranberry sugar. It went on sale Wednesday.
M&Ms White Chocolate
Once a version of the popular snack sold only seasonally, White Chocolate M&Ms launched nationally in May in single-size 1.5-ounce packs.
Godiva White Chocolate Pudding with Vanilla Bean
This new pudding flavor debuted in August. The instant pudding mix is made by Kraft Heinz, the same folks who produce Jell-O.
Baskin-Robbins Winter White Chocolate Ice Cream
What a scoop! This Baskin-Robbins flavor will be available in stores in December. The white chocolate-flavored ice cream with chocolate-covered cherry pieces and a cherry ribbon is a seasonal favorite.
White Fudge Covered Oreo
This limited-edition cookie —a traditional Oreo enrobed in white fudge — returned to store shelves Oct. 30.