Tasters enjoy light treats from Almond Roca folks

There’s something new to love about Brown & Haley.

The makers of the much-imitated Almond Roca have a new line of slim treats that had many food panel members clamoring for more.

Tasters gave the Dark Toffee thins a four-star rating. The Milk Toffee and Caramel Truffle treats scored slightly lower with three and a half stars.

“Wonderful rich dark chocolate, smooth texture, nice complement to the crunchy toffee underneath,” Lindi Messenger said of the Dark Toffee. “Just the right amount of chocolate to toffee.”

Tina Johnson said she thought the treats were tasty and perhaps a bit too small.

“Two winners, dark chocolate and toffee,” she said. “I think a serving is probably about 20 of these,” Johnson said.

Gabe Kohler enjoyed the treats, saying, “The toffee is buttery and delicious and the dark chocolate is a nice companion.”

Vicki Deschaine said the Milk Toffee thins tasted most like the original candies. “This is Almond Roca in a bar. It just needs to be bigger.”

Taster Larry Inman suggested hoarding the chocolates and buying the children some less expensive treats. “Very good. Adult-only food. Don’t waste on children. Too pricey.”

Nancy Robinson said she thought the chocolates tasted a bit “off.” She guessed that the candies could be low in calories or sugar. The only panel member who didn’t like the chocolates was Marilyn Moore, who doesn’t like chocolate much.

The soft filling inside the Caramel Truffle chocolates was a hit.

“Absolutely delectable! Wonderful chocolate surrounding a rich and creamy caramel center,” Skip Hubbard said.

As much as he enjoyed the chocolates, Inman still didn’t like the price tag.

“Supercalifragi…whatever. Stupendous, but overpriced,” he said.

Roca Buttercruch Thins also come in Dark Truffle flavor.

Roca Buttercrunch Thins, Dark Toffee

Price: $2.49 per 2.8 ounce box

Nutrition per serving: 210 calories, 16 grams fat (9 grams saturated, 68 percent fat calories), 1 gram protein, 22 grams carbohydrate, 10 milligrams cholesterol, 2 grams dietary fiber, 85 milligrams sodium.

Taste: • • • •

Value: • • •

Comments: “Anything in dark chocolate is excellent. Dark Almond Roca?” – Vicki Deschaine

“Solid toffee and a dark chocolate coating. Not too bitter, which is what I always look out for with dark chocolate.” – Skip Hubbard

“Deep, rich chocolate. I like the toffee center.” – Peggy Kazanis

Roca Buttercrunch Thins, Milk Toffee

Price: $2.49 per 2.8 ounce box

Nutrition per serving: 210 calories, 14 grams fat (7 grams saturated, 60 percent fat calories), 2 grams protein, 23 grams carbohydrate, 15 milligrams cholesterol, 1 grams dietary fiber, 100 milligrams sodium.

Taste: • • • 1/2

Value: • • •

Comments: “A fancy Heath Bar, but nothing that special.” – Skip Hubbard

“Wonderful rich toffee center and smooth chocolate coating. All good.” – Andy Hoye

“Yum. This is nirvana. I love the crunch of the toffee with the milk chocolate.” – Peggy Kazanis

Roca Buttercrunch Thins, Caramel Truffle

Price: $2.49 per 2.8 ounce box

Nutrition per serving: 190 calories, 11 grams fat (7 grams saturated, 52 percent fat calories), 2 grams protein, 24 grams carbohydrate, 5 milligrams cholesterol, 0 grams dietary fiber, 50 milligrams sodium.

Taste: • • • 1/2

Value: • • •

Comments: “Soft toffee filling. Not my favorite. Filling tastes too sweet to me.” – Marcia Oranen

“Too much chocolate to center ratio. Not enough center to really taste filling. Nice flavor.” – Lindi Messenger

“The caramel is a different flavor, slightly disturbing, but delicious nonetheless.” – Gabe Kohler