Tea and chocolate are two of our favourite things, and when paired thoughtfully they can create an amazing symphony of flavours. Whether you’re a tea aficionado or a chocolate lover, finding the right combination of tea and chocolate can elevate both to new levels.
Many of the nuanced flavours in chocolate are more prominent when it’s warm and melting. When tea warms your mouth, it helps activate the fat (cocoa butter) molecules in chocolate, allowing aromatic compounds to become more pronounced. This makes chocolate's flavour more intense, and you can better appreciate the complex and delicious layers of taste, especially in high-quality chocolate.
To help you explore how to achieve perfect harmony between these two delicacies, we’ve put together these pairing suggestions that combine our beautiful blends with some of New Zealand’s finest chocolate…
Roxy Black with milk chocolate
Our Roxy Black tea has bold, robust and malty notes. These flavours are softened and complemented by the creamy sweetness of milk chocolate, and the chocolate’s natural caramel notes perfectly balance the tea’s tannins.
Suggested bar: OCHO Milk Chocolate
Luxe Grey with citrus dark chocolate
Our Luxe Grey tea is infused with bergamot oil, which gives it a zingy citrus aroma and flavour. When paired with citrus-flavoured chocolate, the citrus notes in both are enhanced, creating a bright, fragrant, and harmonious experience.
Suggested bar: Shirl & Moss Toasted Hazelnut, Orange & Sea Salt
Lightning Green with white chocolate
The fresh and floral taste of our Lightning Green tea balances the rich, buttery mouthfeel of white chocolate. The tea’s refreshing quality cuts through the chocolate's creaminess, and white chocolate’s smooth, melt-in-your-mouth texture pairs nicely with the lighter body of the tea.
Suggested bar: Lucid Chocolatier 34% Blonde
Kapow with coconut milk chocolate
Kapow’s combination of kawakawa, cardamom, and chilli brings a blend of warming spice and subtle heat. This contrasts beautifully with sweet, smooth, and creamy coconut milk chocolate, creating a tropical sensation.
Suggested bar: Wellington Chocolate Factory Coconut Milk Chocolate Bar
Minty Ohm with sweet dark chocolate
The refreshing and stimulating fragrance of Minty Ohm complements the deep, roasted notes of dark chocolate, creating a pleasing contrast of aromas. The pairing of mint and dark chocolate is a timeless, nostalgic and comforting combination.
Suggested bar: Hogarth Chocolate Manuka Honey & Cacao Nibs
Exhale Detox with mint dark chocolate
The restorative sweet and savoury blend of Exhale Detox complements the deep, cool aroma of dark mint chocolate. Together, they create an aromatic experience that is invigorating yet comforting, with a perfectly balanced flavour profile.
Suggested bar: Solomon’s Gold Dark Mint 70%
Runaway Rose with vanilla milk chocolate
Rose and vanilla have evocative and luxurious aromas that complement each other perfectly. The sweet and vibrant fragrance of vanilla pairs beautifully with the soft, relaxing scent of our Runaway Rose tea, making this pairing a lovely treat for the senses.
Suggested bar: Wonderland Chocolate Coconut & Vanilla
Cacao Chai with single origin dark chocolate
Cacao Chai tea has a natural cacao flavour, which beautifully complements the cacao-rich profile of single-origin dark chocolate. Other teas might overwhelm the subtle profile of single origin chocolate, but Cacao Chai can elevate it to a whole new level.
Suggested bar: Foundry Chocolate Pinalum, Malekula Island, Vanuatu 70%
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