If you are a baker then you know that the baking isle at the supermarket is filled with many different types of chocolate. For the experienced and not so experienced a trip down this isle can have you asking the question “which chocolate should I choose?” Here are a few tips that can help you decide on the perfect chocolate for your baking needs.

The baking aisle in the supermarket is filled with all types of chocolate from milk chocolate morsels to flavored morsels to block chocolate to gourmet varieties. What you choose depends on why you need it.

Cocoa Powder

This is where the chocolate begins as a press cake once the cocoa butter is removed. The press cake can then be packaged as cocoa powder for hot chocolate and also for baking. Unsweetened baking cocoa is best for recipes. Hot chocolate has other dried ingredients added like sugar and dehydrated marshmallows. It is just for drinking.

Chocolate Bars

Sweetened chocolate bars, with or without the nuts or fruit pieces, are great for eating. If you are trying to get your daily dose of chocolate, eating a dark variety without the nuts or fruit will be the best overall as far as calories. Dark chocolate has many health benefits. Milk chocolate is creamy but the added milk also adds calories and fat. Eating a specialty or gourmet chocolate bar will yield a smoother taste. Depending on the chocolate manufacturer, you may get a different taste with each brand you try. Depending on the chocolate manufacturer, you may get a different taste with each brand you try.

Unsweetened chocolate is used for recipes that call for other sweet ingredients like sugar or honey to offset the bitter taste. Many unsweetened dark chocolate bars don’t contain anything but cocoa solids so they are safe for those with food allergies. Don’t attempt to eat these bars like a candy bar. They are bitter and will leave a bitter taste in your mouth that is impossible to get rid of.

Bricks

Bricks are primarily used for baking chocolate. They are chopped and melted to make chocolate candy, chocolate cakes and icings. They also make great chocolate cheese cakes, brownies, puddings and mousse.

Morsels

Everybody loves chocolate chip cookies. They are a favorite after-dinner or party-time treat. So, what chocolate do you reach for? Most people reach for the semi-sweet chocolate morsels or chips. They hold their shape and are not bitter. Once you bite into them, they melt into sweet goodness. Use them also for muffins, pancakes or any of your special treats.

Morsels can be found in many chocolate flavors. From semisweet to white these chips give our dessert and snacks just the right amount of delectable chocolate flavor.

If you are an avid baker, try different types of chocolate to make your creations. Gourmet chocolates are usually made from different types of cocoa beans which can intensify the flavor. Keep a variety of chocolate products on hand so that you are always prepared to whip up something good when the mood hits you.