When you hear the term “candy,” what comes to mind? Do you think of a lollipop or your favorite chocolate bars like Snickers or Almond Joy? Everyone has a different idea of what “candy” really is. However, according to the definition, chocolate is and is not candy.
Whether or not chocolate is considered candy depends mainly on the ingredients used to make it. For example, a chocolate bar containing sugary ingredients like toffee nuggets is considered candy, while a chocolate dessert that requires flour and/or refrigeration is not.
Hey! I’m Michelle, and I love to bake. Furthermore, I love learning about the ingredients I consume and utilize – like chocolate! I was curious to discover whether or not chocolate is considered candy, and I’m here to share my findings with you today.
Let’s learn whether or not chocolate is considered candy.
Contents
Is Chocolate Candy?
Sometimes yes, and sometimes no. Okay, I know what you’re thinking – “That doesn’t help at all.” But to be honest, this is a somewhat confusing topic, and there are many variables, such as which ingredients are used in the product and whether or not it’s refrigerated.
The easier way to decipher whether or not chocolate is classified as candy is to know the critical differences between the two products. Let’s take a closer look.
Candy
Candy is a confection that is primarily created with sugar. The flavor is neutral until flavor additives are mixed in, which is why you have so many different candy flavors ranging from fruity to savory and everything in between.
Aside from being primarily contrived of sugar, candies are versatile and can be soft or hard. Regardless of the texture, candy is widely known as a handheld treat rather than a cake or pudding that needs to be eaten on a plate or bowl with a utensil.
Candies do not require flour or refrigeration, which is the main reason why plenty of chocolate recipes are not considered candies.
Chocolate
Chocolate is a product made with chocolate liquor and cocoa butter, although other sweeteners can be used. (This does not include white chocolate, which is a mix of cocoa butter, milk, and sugar).
Alone, chocolate can be considered candy because it does not have to be refrigerated, and there is no flour present, yet there is plenty of sugar. This is especially true for candy bars that contain other sugary ingredients.
But what about the unsweetened varieties that contain little to no sugar whatsoever? Are they considered candy? This is where things can get tricky. There is little sugar, but there is no flour or refrigeration. So, whether or not it’s considered “candy” is up in the air.
You also have the issue of chocolate desserts, like fudge, pudding, or brownies. The easiest thing to do is look at the ingredients and how the product is made. If there is any flour added and it needs to be refrigerated, the chocolate can’t be defined as “candy.”
FAQs
Really, many factors must be included when deciding whether or not a chocolate treat is considered “candy” or not. Honestly, you can call it candy if you want to – or not. Here are a few more interesting questions you might want to check out.
What’s considered candy?
The United States typically uses candy as a broad term for chocolate and sugar-based treats. However, the same isn’t true around the globe. Other countries will have three different categories: chocolate, sugar, and flour confectionery.
What is not considered candy?
There are two key indicators that something is not considered a candy. For one, there will be no flour on the ingredient list. Secondly, the treat will not require refrigeration. That’s why many people claim chocolate bars as candy, yet chocolate cakes, mousse, and cookies are not candy.
What is the difference between chocolates and candies?
A significant difference between chocolate and candy is that candy breaks down quickly, while chocolate takes longer to break down due to the fat. Candy also tends to be more colorful with various flavors, while chocolate treats tend to stick to the brown shade.
Is M&M chocolate or candy?
M&Ms (my personal favorite) can be considered both! They are chocolate treats with a colorful candy-like outer shell and, sometimes, delicious fillings. So, you can refer to M&Ms as your favorite chocolate treat or favorite candy. Personally, I put M&Ms into the candy category.
Final Words
Chocolate, especially chocolate bars, typically fall under the umbrella term of candies. However, if your chocolate recipe requires flour and/or refrigeration, it is not considered candy. My suggestion? Call if a candy if you want, or don’t (*smile*).
Do you consider chocolate candy? What do you think is essential for chocolate to be considered candy? We’d love to hear your thoughts on this exciting topic below!
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