Mallomars, a beloved seasonal treat in the United States, have been a staple in many American households for nearly a century. These chocolate-coated marshmallow cookies have a unique taste and texture that sets them apart from other sweet treats. However, the type of chocolate used in Mallomars has long been a topic of debate among chocolate enthusiasts and fans of the cookie. In this article, we will delve into the history of Mallomars, explore the different types of chocolate, and ultimately uncover the truth about the kind of chocolate used in these iconic cookies.
A Brief History of Mallomars
Mallomars were first introduced in 1913 by the National Biscuit Company (now known as Nabisco), which was founded in 1898. The original Mallomar consisted of a graham cracker base topped with a toasted marshmallow and coated in a rich, dark chocolate. The cookie quickly gained popularity and became a staple in many American households, particularly during the winter months when they were widely available.
The Evolution of Mallomars
Over the years, the recipe for Mallomars has undergone several changes. In the 1920s, Nabisco began using a lighter-colored chocolate coating, which was more appealing to consumers. The company also introduced new packaging, which featured a distinctive red and white wrapper that has remained largely unchanged to this day.
In the 1950s, Nabisco began using a new type of marshmallow that was less dense and more aerated than the original. This change gave Mallomars a lighter, fluffier texture that many fans of the cookie have come to love.
Types of Chocolate
Before we can determine the type of chocolate used in Mallomars, it’s essential to understand the different types of chocolate that are commonly used in confectionery. There are several types of chocolate, each with its unique characteristics and flavor profiles.
Dark Chocolate
Dark chocolate is made from cocoa solids, sugar, and sometimes milk powder. It is known for its rich, bold flavor and is often used in baking and cooking. Dark chocolate can range in color from a light brown to a deep black, depending on the percentage of cocoa solids used.
Milk Chocolate
Milk chocolate is made from cocoa solids, sugar, milk powder, and sometimes vanilla. It is sweeter and creamier than dark chocolate and is often used in candy bars and other sweet treats.
White Chocolate
White chocolate is made from cocoa butter, sugar, and milk powder. It does not contain any cocoa solids and is often used in baking and cooking.
Semisweet Chocolate
Semisweet chocolate is a blend of dark and milk chocolate. It is sweeter than dark chocolate but still retains some of the bitterness of the cocoa solids.
The Chocolate Coating on Mallomars
So, what kind of chocolate is used in Mallomars? According to the Nabisco website, Mallomars are coated in a semisweet chocolate. This type of chocolate is a blend of dark and milk chocolate, which gives Mallomars their distinctive flavor and texture.
However, some fans of the cookie have disputed this claim, arguing that the chocolate coating on Mallomars tastes more like milk chocolate than semisweet. While it’s possible that the recipe for Mallomars has changed over the years, it’s unlikely that the company would use a different type of chocolate without announcing it to consumers.
Why Semisweet Chocolate?
So, why does Nabisco use semisweet chocolate in Mallomars? There are several reasons why this type of chocolate is well-suited for the cookie.
- Flavor Profile: Semisweet chocolate has a rich, complex flavor profile that complements the sweetness of the marshmallow and the graham cracker base.
- Texture: The semisweet chocolate coating on Mallomars provides a smooth, creamy texture that contrasts nicely with the crunchy graham cracker base and the fluffy marshmallow.
- Cost: Semisweet chocolate is generally less expensive than dark chocolate, which makes it a more cost-effective option for Nabisco.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the type of chocolate used in Mallomars is semisweet chocolate. This type of chocolate provides a rich, complex flavor profile and a smooth, creamy texture that complements the other ingredients in the cookie. While some fans of the cookie may dispute this claim, it’s unlikely that Nabisco would use a different type of chocolate without announcing it to consumers.
Whether you’re a longtime fan of Mallomars or just discovering the cookie, there’s no denying the unique taste and texture of this beloved treat. So, the next time you indulge in a Mallomar, remember the rich history and the careful craftsmanship that goes into creating this iconic cookie.
Additional Resources
For more information on Mallomars and the history of Nabisco, check out the following resources:
- https://www.nabisco.com/
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mallomars
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nabisco
What are Mallomars?
Mallomars are a beloved American cookie treat consisting of a graham cracker base topped with a toasted marshmallow and covered in a rich, chocolate coating. They are a seasonal product, typically available from September to April, and are widely popular in the Northeastern United States.
The unique combination of textures and flavors in Mallomars has contributed to their enduring popularity. The crunch of the graham cracker base provides a satisfying contrast to the soft, fluffy marshmallow, while the chocolate coating adds a touch of sweetness and indulgence.
What kind of chocolate is used in Mallomars?
The chocolate used in Mallomars is a topic of much debate among fans of the treat. While the exact recipe is a trade secret, it is widely believed that Mallomars are coated in a milk chocolate made with sugar, cocoa butter, milk, and vanilla.
Some fans of Mallomars have noted that the chocolate coating has a distinctive taste and texture that is different from other milk chocolates. This may be due to the use of a specialized chocolate recipe or a unique manufacturing process that sets Mallomars apart from other chocolate-covered treats.
Are Mallomars made with dark chocolate?
No, Mallomars are not made with dark chocolate. The chocolate coating on Mallomars is a milk chocolate, which is sweeter and milder than dark chocolate. While some fans of Mallomars may wish that they were made with dark chocolate, the milk chocolate coating is an integral part of the treat’s classic flavor and texture.
That being said, there is no reason why a dark chocolate version of Mallomars couldn’t be created. In fact, some artisanal chocolate makers have experimented with making their own dark chocolate-covered Mallomars using high-quality dark chocolate and homemade marshmallows.
Can I make my own Mallomars at home?
Yes, it is possible to make your own Mallomars at home using a few simple ingredients and some basic kitchen equipment. To make Mallomars, you will need graham crackers, marshmallows, chocolate, and a few other ingredients like sugar and corn syrup.
While making Mallomars at home can be a fun and rewarding project, it’s worth noting that the homemade version may not taste exactly like the store-bought version. This is because the commercial manufacturing process used to make Mallomars involves specialized equipment and techniques that can be difficult to replicate at home.
Are Mallomars gluten-free?
No, Mallomars are not gluten-free. The graham cracker base of Mallomars contains wheat flour, which contains gluten. This makes Mallomars unsuitable for individuals with gluten intolerance or celiac disease.
However, there are some gluten-free alternatives to Mallomars available in stores, made with gluten-free graham crackers or other gluten-free ingredients. Additionally, some fans of Mallomars have experimented with making their own gluten-free versions at home using gluten-free flours and ingredients.
Can I buy Mallomars year-round?
No, Mallomars are a seasonal product that is typically available from September to April. This means that they can be difficult to find in stores during the summer months.
However, some fans of Mallomars have reported finding them in stores year-round, particularly in areas where they are extremely popular. Additionally, it is possible to buy Mallomars online from retailers that specialize in seasonal or hard-to-find treats.
Why are Mallomars so popular in the Northeast?
Mallomars are extremely popular in the Northeastern United States, particularly in the New York metropolitan area. This is likely due to a combination of factors, including the fact that Mallomars were invented in New York City and have been widely available in the region for many years.
Additionally, the Northeast has a strong cultural affinity for Mallomars, with many fans of the treat having grown up eating them as children. This nostalgia factor contributes to the enduring popularity of Mallomars in the region, where they are often considered a beloved local tradition.