Although this is not a new concept, interest in "hot chocolate bombs" has skyrocketed since the beginning of October—in fact, it is now considered a breakout trend according to Google Trends. In case you’re wondering what this means, if Google Trends identifies a topic as “breakout” it means there has been a tremendous increase in searches using a specific topic or keyword. Watch this viral social media video demonstrating a hot chocolate bomb from Wisconsin-based bakery, Sweets by Jen.
Elevate your hot chocolate experience with this season’s breakout trend, hot chocolate bombs. Essentially a chocolate sphere, when placed in a mug and drenched with warm milk, the hot chocolate bomb melts away to reveal hot cocoa mix and other sweet treats inside, like mini marshmallows.
Sweet Tip: We believe the marshmallows are the key ingredient to create an almost magical effect. As the chocolate sphere melts and opens up, the marshmallows pop out and rise to the top of the hot chocolate.
How to Make Hot Chocolate Bombs
Take a sphere mould and
make a hollow chocolate shell. Once the chocolate shell has set, it’s time to
fill it. A popular option is to fill the shell mould with generous portions of
hot cocoa mix and mini marshmallows. Other ideas may include crushed peppermints,
chocolate chips, toffee bits, mint chocolate pieces or even holiday sprinkles. Seal
the two pieces of the mould together and decorate with a drizzle of dark
chocolate or white chocolate swirls, topped with more sprinkles, crushed peppermints
or whatever your heart desires.
RCI member tip: Vande Walle’s Candies uses a golf ball mould and rolls the finished product in white chocolate.
Don’t Have A Sphere Chocolate Mould? Don't Sweat!
If you don’t have a sphere mould consider using a round truffle mould and filling it with hot chocolate mix and a mini marshmallow or two. Since they’re smaller than the typical hot chocolate bombs, package multiples together and instruct users to use two or three "truffles" to make one cup of hot chocolate. You may not get the same effect as the large spheres pop open, but you’ll have the benefit of being able to use your existing truffle packaging.
RCI member, Bruce’s Candy Kitchen put a witchy spin on this concept by dropping a mini marshmallow cluster into a mini muffin tin and topping it with Sixlets® candies and sprinkles to represent bubbling witch’s brew. After the mixture sets up, they insert the cluster into a plastic cauldron. These frighteningly cute cauldrons are sold as part of their Halloween Hot Chocolate Kits, complete with hot chocolate mix, extra sprinkles, candy corn and a chocolate-covered Oreo®.
How to Package Hot Chocolate Bombs
As with any
confection, your packaging can really set the tone of the presentation. For shoppers
who aren’t familiar with hot chocolate bombs (yet), we recommend
utilizing packaging that allows shoppers to see the product, as well as
instructions on how to use it.
Cello Bag with Ribbon
A clear
cello bag is a classic and simple packaging solution, tie it with a colorful
ribbon and cute name tag with instructions to create a festive and eye-catching
look.
Acetate Tube
This clear
acetate tube creates a sleek and modern look
that would fit nicely in a Christmas stocking. Packaged as a set of three, it allows
you to upsell the product and offer a “variety pack” with three different
flavors.
Acetate Cube
This
chocolatier uses a clear acetate cube to package their hot chocolate bomb. A
metallic gold sticker describes the product as “exploding with mini
marshmallows and chocolate hearts.”
Colorful Foil
If you
want to highlight a variety of flavors and fillings, consider wrapping your hot
chocolate bombs in colorful foil. Not only
does this make for a colorful and festive look, it is easy and encourages consumers
to try different flavors.
Short on time or staff? Wholesale
Hot Chocolate Bombs!
While we
are loving this fun holiday trend, we understand that COVID-19 has presented many
candy makers with restrictions that make it challenging to develop a trendy,
new product for the busy holiday season.
If you love the idea of selling hot chocolate bombs, but you don’t love the idea of making them yourself, consider wholesaling “Hot Chocolate Balls” from RCI member ChocolatesU. More like a solid hot chocolate truffle, instead of a hollow chocolate shell, their Hot Chocolate Balls are made with "the best quality couverture chocolate, cocoa powder and honey," delivering a rich, more chocolatey cup of hot chocolate. Hot Chocolate Balls are available in six flavors, as well as several limited-edition flavors for the holiday season. Click here to learn more.
Cheers to hot chocolate season! We hope this has inspired you to create your own sweet version of hot chocolate bombs and meet the growing demand for this trendy product.
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