Ethel M Chocolates

Most things that come out of Nevada near that area known as Las Vegas have the words “gamble” “strip/per” or “what have I done?!” attached to them. In this case, it’s none of the above! Today we are reviewing the little chocolatier that could (at least so you think) from Henderson, Nevada, who’s production line is snuggled within a cactus garden.

Ethel M chocolate candies is actually owned by Mars Incorporated (not so little), named after Forrest Mars’ mother and while Ethel’s doesn’t have the claim to fame that the Mars name alone does, the quality of the chocolates is in line with the Mars empire. The chocolates are truffles, filled confections, caramels and other assorted chocolate candies you would find in a box set. While packaged up nicer than any Russel Stover or Whitman’s box, the basic chocolate itself isn’t much more flavorful. The candies themselves are beautiful, colorful confections. However, when I purchase a Milky Way, I don’t expect Godiva quality creaminess, smoothness or flavors. The same goes for Ethel M chocolates, don’t expect the blow you away quality found in Lindt, despite the packaging and colors.

That being said, Ethel M does have one offering to separate itself from the Whitman’s samplers of the world and that is unusual pairing and fruits in their fillings. Such as fruit chocolates: mango-coconut, banana, passion fruit; liquor chocolates: champagne cocktail, mojito, margarita; and the unique cinnamon and gingerbread. If you plan on experimenting with Ethel M’s boxed collections, I recommend going after the liquor filled chocolate Cocktail Collection.

I’m going to make this a two parter and next time tell you about the Ethel M collection of chocolate bars, of which I got to sample almost all of them!