From peanut butter to ginger, which unconventional fudge flavour is the best? We found out.
Fudge has seen somewhat of a revolution in recent years, with more and more artisan producers trying to mix traditional cooking methods with experimental and exciting flavours. We decided to put five new flavours to the test and see if they could beat the classics.
5. Fudge Kitchen: peanut butter & chocolate
Not afraid to experiment, Fudge Kitchen make more than 15 flavours as well as drinking fudge and fudge sauces. Their American-style slab fudge is made using whipping cream rather than butter, resulting in a soft and creamy texture.
What we liked: The gooey texture was enjoyable, but didn't resemble fudge like we know it. We liked the chocolate swirl running through the fudge.
What we didn't like: It was too chewy, the fudge mixture persistently sticking to our teeth. We'd also have loved to taste more peanut butter and have seen more of the chocolate in the fudge.
Rating: 2/5
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4. Copperpot Originals: caramel & sea salt
Cornwall-based Copperpot Originals have been making sweets since 1978 and currently offer five fudge flavours and chocolate-covered honeycomb. Their fudge is batch-cooked, cooled and then hand-broken in their bespoke kitchen.
What we liked: The caramel flavour is immediately recognisable and the melt-in-your-mouth texture is very satisfying.
What we didn't like: Definitely not enough salt flavour – the caramel is overpowering and almost too sweet.
Rating: 2.5/5
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3. Roly's Fudge: Baileys
This Devon-made fudge is handmade using natural ingredients and traditional cooking methods. With shops and fudge kitchens across the UK, this year Roly's Fudge was awarded the 5-Star Franchisee Satisfaction by the Best Franchise Awards 2017, based on customer feedback.
What we liked: The texture is great and each piece is perfectly squidgy. We loved the flavour, but...
What we didn't like: ...more Baileys, please!
Rating: 3.5/5
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2. The Shops at Dartington: stem ginger
Handmade for The Shops at Dartington, this fudge is preservative- and additive-free and made using traditional techniques in north Devon.
What we liked: The ginger flavour is very pronounced and has just the right amount of sharpness to balance the sweetness of the fudge.
What we didn't like: The texture could be smoother as it's quite crumbly and gritty.
Rating: 4/5
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1. Buttermilk: mince pie
Recipients of the Great Taste Producer award, Buttermilk have been making artisan confectionary for over 50 years. From fudge to brittle and tablet, the Cornwall-based company keeps rolling out unusual fudge flavours such as Cornish earl grey, cranberry and orange and lemon meringue.
What we liked: The surprisingly realistic mince pie flavour, the lovely buttery texture and just the right amount of crumble – Christmas in a bite. The addition of raisins makes it even more festive.
What we didn't like: If you're not a mince pie fan, this might not be one for you.
Rating: 4.5/5
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