CATEGORY
Better-for-You Frozen Fudge Bars
2009 CHEFSBEST® AWARD FOR BEST TASTE WINNER
Weight Watchers
What Makes a Great Better-for-You Frozen Fudge Bar?
While fudge is often associated with other A-List sweet indulgences like banana cream pie and chocolate cheesecake, there are a few ways to enjoy the flavor of this rich confection without having to follow it up with laps in the swimming pool. Better-for-you frozen fudge bars are there to take the guilt out of fudge's usually fattening equation.
To start with, a high quality frozen fudge bar will remain in one piece in its packaging. Its chocolate color should be distinct enough to remind you that you're about to enjoy a fudge bar, not a frozen slab of carob.
Moderately sweet chocolate will be the fudge bar's principal aroma, while a similarly medium level of sweetness will dominate the bar's taste. Bitterness should be barely detectable.
The flavor of cocoa will assume a lead role in the best frozen fudge bar, with dairy flavor following far behind. One minor occupational hazard of any confection served on a small stick is the presence of wood flavoring. A top quality frozen fudge bar, however, will mute this flavor as much as possible.
The fudge bar should feel smooth in your mouth, not chalky. Its texture should retain a certain airiness — after all, this is a light treat you're enjoying, not a monster slice of heavy-duty chocolate cheesecake.
We know what makes a great better-for-you frozen fudge bar, but what makes a bad one?
Poorly executed frozen fudge bars can fall victim to basic structural issues such as cracks, broken pieces, or unevenness. Also watch for unwanted hints of carob in the bar's taste or aroma, as well as a gummy or chalky texture. The worst offenders may even taste like they've been in your freezer for weeks.
Why is Weight Watchers the best better-for-you frozen fudge bar?
Weight Watchers earned our Best Taste Award for its smooth, creamy texture and fudge-like taste. Our chefs also loved the Weight Watchers bar's high chocolate intensity, remarkable considering that it's a reduced-fat treat.
This judging was for better-for-you frozen fudge bars, not including ice cream, popsicles, fruit ice, regular fudge bars, or other frozen novelty items.
Other Leading Brands:
Skinny Cow
ONE-STEP IDEAS
Serve as a guilt-free treat on a hot day.
Wrap fudge bars in bubble wrap to keep them insulated when packing for a picnic.
Puree with sweetened yogurt or milk for a quick smoothie.
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TASTING
TERMINOLOGY
PRODUCT
FUN FACTS
- Fudge producers are major tourist attractions in U.S. resort areas such as Martha's Vineyard in Massachusetts and Mackinac Island in Michigan.
- Frozen novelties bring in more than $4 billion in annual sales.
- English fudge has a firmer, more crumbly texture than its North American counterpart.
The ChefsBest Award for Best Taste is awarded to the brand rated highest overall among leading brands by independent professional chefs.
