Products

We tested 24 chocolate blocks labelled as 'milk', 'mylk' and 'm*lk' (including cooking/compound chocolate) that are available nationally in major supermarket chains. We excluded flavoured varieties.

Price is as purchased in Sydney stores (not on special).

Tasting

Our experts tasted the milk chocolate samples 'blind' (without knowing the brands). Two sets of samples (set A and set B) were prepared and posted to each expert, and the tasting order was randomised for each expert.

The "A" tasting samples had all packaging removed, and identifying features on the chocolate surface (logo, pattern, etc.) were obscured. Each sample, regardless of the presence of identifying features, was treated the same. Each sample was tasted and independently judged on three criteria: aroma, texture and flavour.

The "B" presentation samples had all packaging removed, but any identifying features remained untouched. These samples were judged on one criterion only: appearance.

Scores

The CHOICE Expert Score is made up of 90% taste (35% flavour, 35% texture, 5% aroma and 25% appearance) and 10% nutrition (based on the Health Star Rating, calculated from the details in the nutrition information panel and converted to a percentage). We recommend products with a CHOICE Expert Score of 70% or more.

By Rachel Clemons