Chocolate fruits of the sea (Guylian Chocolate Sea Shells)

Member Name: whiteroseuk

Product:	Guylian Chocolate Sea Shells
Date:	29/12/08 (149 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Delicious chocolates, helps support a good cause

Disadvantages: Sugar and fat content

Most people eat more chocolate at Christmas than at any other time of the year (except of course perhaps Easter) and our household is no exception. One of my personal favourites are Guylian Belgian Seashell chocolates, and what is even better, is my husband doesn't like them much so I get to scoff the lot!

They usually come in a white box, and there are several sizes, from miniature versions, upward, but the box I had was 22 chocolates. The lid of the box has a clear cellophane section so you can see the chocolates beneath, and you see what you get, chocolates in the shape of various seashells. The shells are dark and white chocolate swirled together to make a marbled pattern, and these are formed into beautiful sea shell shapes, then filled with praline. All the chocolates are the same, you will find no caramels or orange creams here, these are strictly for lovers of hazelnut praline like myself. In English the chocolates are called Finest Belgian chocolate sea shells, but the translation is not strictly accurate, because in French they are called fruits of the sea. This is more accurate, as one of the shapes is actually a sea horse.

This is fitting because on the inside of the lid of the box we are told 'Every time you buy a box of Guylian's Original Chocolate Sea Shells, you are supporting 'Project Seahorse' that is devoted to stopping the gradual disappearance of these delicate creatures from the oceans of the world. The box also tells you that the project is active in Australia, Canada, Hong Kong, South Africa, the Philippines, Portugal, UK, USA, and Vietnam, and directs you to the website at www.projectseahorse.org for further information.

To me, the fact that the company supports a worthwhile cause such as this is a definite bonus, although I adore the chocolates, so it would have no bearing on whether I bought them or not.

When you bite into the delicious crisp chocolate shell, and get the first rich taste of the smooth praline, it is just heaven. The sweet yet nutty taste of the praline is gorgeous, and combined with the chocolate, it is just an explosion of flavour in your mouth. I have always thought that nut and chocolate together is one of the best flavour combinations, and these chocolates do nothing to diminish that thought. Christmas just wouldn't be Christmas for me, without a box of Guylian to enjoy throughout the festivities.

Nutritional information
22 chocolates is 250g
100g provides
Kcal: 548
Protein 8g
Carbohydrate 53g
Fat 35g

The 250g box is on offer at Tesco at the moment at 2 for £6

Summary: An occasional treat, perfect for any celebration time