Chocolate Easter Eggs Melt Down
I thought it fitting that I talk about them given that we are only one week away from Easter as I write this post. I’m amazed at just how many Easter treats my children bring home when they break up for the holidays. Not only that, I actually dread it because I know that commercial chocolate will play havoc over the holiday break. Aside from what is generously given out at school and kinder, we still have chocolate Easter eggs from family, Easter bunny and / or Easter Bilby.
So, by now, we have enough Easter eggs to start up our own shop. Hah!
If Chocolate really is a big problem then here are some other alternatives for Easter.
What’s Really In Chocolate?
Easter Eggs come in all shapes, sizes and quality. The problem is usually in the quality of chocolate used and this can vary greatly from brand to brand. On the whole, commercial chocolate doesn’t have a lot of substance to it. In fact, it can have a nasty impact on children’s behavior.
If you were to look at the main ingredient used in chocolate, in most cases you will see that the number one ingredient is processed sugar. Other ingredients include milk, cocoa butter, milk solids, lecithin, flavors and other ingredients depending on the brand. In some cases they even add food colors to the detriment of the consumer and particularly children.
For the chocolate connoisseur, there is a difference in taste between Easter egg brands and in some cases the price tag fits the experience. As a parent, you should be concerned about what you are eating or what you are putting in your children’s mouths.
Of course, it is not all bad when it comes to chocolate. Easter eggs are something you can make yourself using organic ingredients and substitute ingredients. You can choose to eat raw chocolate which is an experience on its own. The anti-oxidant content of raw chocolate surpasses anything you can buy in commercial chocolate Easter eggs and in a lot of cases, agave or other safe sweeteners are used in the place of sugar. Raw chocolate is actually good for you in moderation and has some fantastic health benefits. However, if you are amine intolerant then you best steer clear.
The Impact Of Chocolate on health and children’s behavior
The sugar content alone should be enough to make you think twice about the amount of chocolate you and your family consume. If that isn’t bad enough, those who suffer from food intolerance symptoms will most likely react to the amine content which is high in cocoa. Amines are a naturally occurring chemical in food, as are salicylates. Those who do suffer from food intolerance symptoms also have a greater chance of reacting to the food colors or additives, including any preservatives added.
Additionally, you or your family may find yourself cranky, more aggressive than usual or tired / lethargic after eating chocolate. Oppositional defiance is not an uncommon food intolerance symptom for those who are amine responders. So, you may find the family bickering at Easter time or over the break.
How To Make Your Own Easter Eggs – If you Must Eat Some
Making your own can be fun and you are also aware of the ingredients you are using. If your children are old enough, they will also really enjoy being involved with making their very own chocolate Easter eggs. Alternatively, you can steer clear of chocolate altogether at Easter and make something crafty. Click here to grab The Easter Craft Book.
I hope that you will give some thought before you buy this Easter. Eating good quality chocolate Easter eggs can make for a calmer, happier family at this time of year. Not only is it better for your body but your children will get along better over this holiday period. A happy Easter everyone and here’s to healthy eating!
Your News On Food brought to you by Eileen Baudinette Food and Health Commentator. © 2009 – 2013 thenewsonfood.com ———————–Disclaimer:
I’m no medical expert and information contained on this blog is written through my own experience with the aim of furthering your education on health. It is your responsibility as to how you use this information and I cannot be held liable for any misinterpretation or misuse of the information provided.
What a great way to spend time with the kids, making chocolate goodies! Thanks Eileen, fab idea! Choose Fairtrade certified chocolate, to help create brighter futures for the cocoa farmers, their families and their children – through the fair price they receive.
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Hi Lina,
Great to see your smiling face here again. 😉 Yes, I meant to mention fair trade as that is something I always endeavor to do with any product that offers it.Organic, fair trade is a great way to support farmers, I agree and thank you for drawing it to my attention. Thanks for your input and have a great Easter!
Regards, Eileen.
Hi Eileen,
I remember reading that the price of cocoa and sugar have increased by approx 150 per cent in the last three years. Yikes! It’s therefore likely that manufacturers may choose to opt for ingredients of a lesser quality. Hopefully these won’t have a big negative impact on our health… or the taste of the chocolate.
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Hi David,
Thanks for the information. My guess is that they will just put up the price of chocolate. I’d like to think that consumers eat less commercial chocolate and more raw chocolate. 🙂
Thanks for contributing.
Eileen.
Ah, one of my favourite topics Eileen. I, like you made a great deal of my family’s food – with much pleasure and satisfaction. Whilst not encountering the difficulties you have had, I certainly noticed the difference in well-being when they ate elsewhere. I didn’t get around to trying organic chocolate – and will try it this year. As a ‘nanna’ to be, I think its only fair that I get back into practice, don’t you? Thanks for this post – I’m off to find a napkin for my drool.
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Hi Jo,
It is always nice to have you comment on my posts. As Lina said…best go for organic fair trade chocolate and always check the ingredients. Some chocolate has less additives than others. Congrats on the pending “Nanna-ship”. What a lovely time that will be. Look forward to hearing more as that happens.
Regards, Eileen.
Hi Eileen – what a great article. I think more and more consumers are starting to look for quality organic products, including chocolate. I noticed recently that one of Australia’s main supermarket chains is now selling a brand of organic chocolate. I have to admit to being a bit of a chocolate snob – if it’s not good quality, I wont eat it!
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Hi Jan,
There should be more chocolate snobs around IMHO – good for you. The next level up from fair trade organic chocolate is fair trade organic RAW chocolate. It is an experience!
Thanks for your comment!
Regards, Eileen.
This is a great way to spend quality time with kids. And chocolates are the best for them..thanks for this!
Hi Paige,
Thanks for your comment. From my further research, there seems to be opposing views on the use of Cacao. I’m still sitting on the fence with it and thus….still eating chocolate. 🙂 Raw chocolate is worth trying.
Stay well, Eileen.
This is so exciting and interesting. Nice to do with the kids, surely they will enjoy it.
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Hi Aaron,
I believe that anything we can do with our kids is better than sitting them in front of a tv that numbs their brains. There is a greater appreciation too when they can be involved and enjoy the outcome.
Thanks for stopping by.
Stay well, Eileen.