What is Ruby Chocolate?

Ruby chocolate has quickly become one of the most eye-catching treats on the shelf. With its soft pink shade and glossy finish, it stands out in any gift box and has earned a loyal following among chocolate lovers looking for something new.

Yet for all its popularity, many people are still not quite sure what it’s and why it’s pink. 

What is Ruby Chocolate Made of?

Ruby chocolate is made from many of the same core ingredients as other chocolate. A typical recipe includes ruby cocoa beans in the form of cocoa butter and cocoa mass, along with sugar, milk powder and natural vanilla. Some recipes also include a small amount of citric acid to help lift the fruity notes.

The real difference lies in the beans and how they are handled. The ruby cocoa beans are processed in a way that protects their natural colour and flavour compounds, which are usually lost when beans are fermented and roasted for dark or milk chocolate.

How Did Pink Chocolate Get its Name?

Ruby chocolate takes its name from two things, the cocoa beans it’s made from and the jewel-like colour of the finished chocolate. It was developed by Swiss chocolate maker Barry Callebaut, who spent more than a decade perfecting the process before launching it in Shanghai in 2017.

The beans used are known as ruby cocoa beans. Rather than being a new variety, they are carefully selected beans with the right natural compounds to produce that rosy shade once processed. 

The name “ruby” was chosen to reflect the deep pink hue and to set it apart from the dark, milk and white chocolate we already know and love. Although many people simply call it pink chocolate, ruby is the name you’ll see on the label.

Is Ruby Chocolate Naturally Pink?

Yes, ruby chocolate is naturally pink. Its colour comes entirely from the ruby cocoa beans and the way they are processed, with no artificial colourings, dyes or fruit extracts added.

Because the colour is natural, it can be delicate. Heat, humidity and direct light can cause the pink shade to fade over time, so it’s best stored somewhere cool, dry and dark. Keeping it wrapped until you’re ready to enjoy it will help keep both its colour and its fresh, fruity flavour.

What Does Ruby Chocolate Taste Like?

Ruby chocolate has a flavour all of its own. It’s smooth and creamy like milk chocolate, but with a fresh, fruity tartness that many people liken to red berries such as raspberries or strawberries. The result is a gentle balance of sweet and sour that feels lighter than a traditional milk bar.

What surprises most people is that none of this fruity flavour is added. There is no berry powder or fruit flavouring involved, as the tangy notes come from the ruby cocoa beans themselves. It’s less bitter than dark chocolate and less sugary than white, which makes it a great choice if you enjoy something a little different.

How To Temper Ruby Chocolate

Tempering is the process of carefully heating and cooling chocolate so that it sets with a glossy finish and a satisfying snap. It’s one of the most skilled parts of working with chocolate, and it’s something we take care of ourselves when crafting our ruby chocolate.

Ruby chocolate is a little more delicate than dark or milk chocolate when it comes to tempering. It needs to be melted gently and worked at lower temperatures, as too much heat can dull its pink colour and fresh, fruity flavour. Keeping everything completely dry is just as important, since even a drop of water can cause chocolate to seize.

If you’re melting ruby chocolate at home for drizzling or baking, take it slowly over a gentle heat. 

Does Ruby Chocolate Have Caffeine?

Yes, ruby chocolate does contain a small amount of caffeine, as does any chocolate made with cocoa solids. Caffeine occurs naturally in cocoa beans, so the more cocoa solids a chocolate contains, the more caffeine you’ll find.

Ruby chocolate sits at the lower end of the scale. It generally contains a similar amount to milk chocolate and noticeably less than dark chocolate, so a few squares are unlikely to give you much of a lift.

White chocolate is the only type with little to no caffeine, as it’s made from cocoa butter rather than cocoa solids. If you’re watching your caffeine intake, it’s worth enjoying ruby chocolate in moderation, especially later in the evening.

What Goes With Ruby Chocolate?

Thanks to its fruity, slightly tangy character, our ruby chocolate bar pairs beautifully with flavours that either echo its berry notes or offer a gentle contrast.

Fresh fruit is a natural match. Raspberries, strawberries and cherries bring out the berry tones, while a squeeze of lemon or a little passion fruit adds a zesty lift. 

Nuts work wonderfully too, and pistachios are a particular favourite thanks to their colour and subtle sweetness. Almonds, hazelnuts and macadamias add a lovely crunch and a creamy richness.

For something a little more indulgent, try ruby chocolate with a glass of prosecco, champagne or rosé. Floral flavours such as rose and elderflower make for an elegant pairing, and matcha offers a striking contrast in both colour and taste. 

Ruby chocolate also shines in bakes and desserts, from blondies and cheesecakes to a drizzle over waffles or a rich hot chocolate.

Try Ruby Chocolate for Yourself

Now that you know what makes ruby chocolate so special, the best way to appreciate it’s to taste it. 

Our handcrafted ruby chocolate bar is tempered in house for a glossy finish and a smooth, fruity bite, making it a lovely treat for yourself or a thoughtful gift for anyone who enjoys trying something new. 

Order yours online today and find out why this pretty pink chocolate has won so many fans.