Lidl’s crispy chocolate eggs that fly off the shelves — cost €3.30
The brand told NiT that acceptance has been very positive. Social networks also prove this.
Chocolate eggs are one of the essential Easter traditions. Godparents usually give them to their godchildren, as well as grandparents to their grandchildren and parents to their children. Any reason is valid to offer a giant sweet, wrapped in bright and shiny cellophane, and which often includes a small surprise. But the custom is already old.
The habit began in the 12th century, in France, after the return of Louis VII from the Crusades. At the time, the king was welcomed with a feast and various products from the explored lands, and in addition to vegetables and meat, the protagonists were eggs. The date coincided with the Lenten fast.
From then on, there was no turning back. Every year, family and friends were presented with eggs made from the most diverse materials, from glass to wood. Chocolate versions filled with other sweets only appeared a few centuries later in French pastry shops.
Currently, they are devoured mainly by kids (and some adults) and there are more and more varieties. One of these novelties, which has been a success among the self-confessed sweet tooth on social media, are stuffed eggs. They are usually made by local bakeries or smaller businesses, which means they are almost always more expensive than those found in supermarkets. But this year, Lidl invested in a new product from the Favorina brand, which has been successful mainly because they are different and at a more attractive price.
Easter Eggs began arriving in the German chain’s stores at the beginning of March. The different format caught attention and social networks resented it. “Finally something different”, say some in the comments on the posts. While others confirm that they are “the best eggs” considering the price.
But what makes these eggs so different from the dozens of other options on sale in supermarkets? The carcass is coated in a crunchy chocolate mixture and has completely different flavors to what we are used to.
The bet on originality worked. Although the retailer does not share official numbers, it assures NiT that “they have been very well received by the Portuguese”.
They are next to the chocolate almonds.
We tried to understand the phenomenon of these eggs made in France. The secret is in the combination of different textures and flavors. “They have a buttery flavor that is different from what we are used to in other references, which makes the experience perfect”, says Mariana Martins, from the chain’s communications department. The choice of three flavors may also have been a winning factor. Favorina’s Easter Egs are available in white chocolate and raspberry, milk chocolate with crispy rice and milk chocolate with caramel.
Another advantage is the price. The eggs weigh 130 grams and are on sale for €3.99. Reports from those who have already tried them say that it is difficult to resist them, but it is better not to end up with an entire package alone: for every 100 grams of white chocolate egg, for example, you are consuming 557 calories, 5.5 grams of protein . In the milk chocolate with crunch there are 564 calories and in the caramel 563.
These sweets are made with Fairtrade certified sustainable cocoa. “This is a concern for the chain and since 2019, all cocoa present in Lidl’s own brand items has been certified with a seal that guarantees that it is produced responsibly, ensuring that cocoa producers have fair wages and living conditions and dignified”, explains Mariana Martins, from the chain’s communications department, to NiT.
The less positive part is that this is a seasonal offer and after Easter they should disappear from the shelves at least until next year. However, you can find them in the almond and other Easter egg area. The packaging is transparent, so it’s easy to see what they are.