Melt in your mouth, not in your hand (Mars Galaxy Minstrels)

Member Name: englishdavid

Product:	Mars Galaxy Minstrels
Date:	23/07/09 (181 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Yummy!

Disadvantages: I've just finished mine!

*** Intro ***

To start my review more precisely, I should referring to these delicious little fellows as "Galaxy Minstrels", a demonstration of their recent-ish re-branding. Thinking way back, I have a vague recollection of them formerly being called "Treets" (deliberate spelling) but maybe someone can correct me on that memory? Anyway, in a strange but appreciated juxtaposition, whereas most chocolates I consumed in my younger days now appear smaller (or is it just that I'm bigger - I call it "The Wagon-Wheel Complex"?), Minstrels actually appear bigger than I remember them. It's a welcome change!

*** Packaging ***

Minstrels are bite-sized treats which are sold in various pack sizes by weight. The general packs, however, have the same appearance - bags in rich, chocolate brown and caramel colours with their name in a simple font underneath the Galaxy logo. They give an overall impression of being a "grown up", sophisticated product in marked contrast to the somewhat cartoon-like appearance of other similar products.

*** Composition, taste and texture ***

Minstrels are 'buttons' of Galaxy milk-chocolate which have been surrounded by a crisp, sugary shell. Think along the lines of a big, brown "Smartie" and you won't be far off. Generally, I much prefer the taste of Cabury chocolate to that of Galaxy because the latter seems much sweeter, creamier and richer on my palette. However, because of the "bitesize" nature of Minstrels they seems to taste much nicer - I don't get the same overly-sweet and cloying texture in my mouth. Anyway, as with much confectionery part of the experience of eating relies on the textural contrast between the crisp and creamy aspects of the product. This works really well. The shell cracks under pressure from your teeth which then allows them to sink into the softer contents. As you chew, the crisp and creamy elements meld together and give a wonderful feel, not to mention the delicious taste. I'm almost dribbling here thinking about them!

***Nutritional info ***

Nutritional details are given as "A Portion (42g standard bag)":

Calories 211
Sugars 29.0g
Fat 9.3g
Saturates 5.4g

One handy thing is, because of their individual nature, you can have as few or as many of them as you like. Although, in my experience, "a few" quickly become "a few more" and then "the whole blinking packet"!

*** Opinion ***

Galaxy Minstrels are almost a perfect sweet snack. They taste fabulous and, unlike many chocolate bars, the crisp shell means that you won't get messy eating them, even on a warm day. Indeed, their old marketing tagline used to be "The milk chocolate melts in your mouth, not in your hand". As such, I find them a great nibble for the car. As a bonus, and as previously mentioned, portion control is possible for those with strong wills (I salute you all!), making them good for virtuous souls. Do yourself a favour and treat yourself to a pack on the way home...

Summary: Tasty, grown up chocolate treats!