Easter has finally arrived, and while many Christians will be paying homage to their religion this weekend - others will just be here for the hot cross buns and chocolate eggs which emerge year in, year out.
I remember seeing some of the big-name supermarkets like Morrisons and Sainsbury's stocking their shelves full of Easter eggs as soon as Christmas and the turn of the New Year had passed.
And although it always baffles me that they put sweet treats months in advance as a money grabbing ploy, it's always nice to have a little more variety for the sweet tooth.
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While many will be making the most of chocolate eggs from Cadbury's, Mars and Nestle this Sunday, others will be tucking into supermarket own-brand punts on the popular treat. However, one of the unsung heroes of Easter, at least in my opinion, comes in the form of the much smaller seasonal chocolate bars and bags.
Each year, chocolatiers come up with new and exciting inventions to release to the public as one of the biggest candy-engulfing events approaches - and this year is no different, with a number of new additions from all of the biggest brands to give a whirl.
But are they any good? And how do they compete with the OGs like the Cadbury's Creme Egg or the humble Lindt Bunny? Well I headed to the shops to find out first hand.
Cadbury's Creme Egg - 70p
While it may feel as though you can pick up a Creme Egg year-round, the fact is that they're only available between January 1 and Easter annually. They're probably one of the first snacks that people think of when it comes to Easter, and rightfully so - through their unique taste, appearance and flavour alike.
Rich and tasty Cadbury's chocolate encapsulates an artificial egg white and yolk, made up of a soft and sweet fondant..what's not to like? The only qualm I have with them at the moment is that the £10,000 competition was recently on for the half and half Creme Egg.
So don't be so surprised if you go to pick one up at your local store only to find that the wrapping is a little looser than usual. This is why we can't have nice things.
Score - 7/10
Kinder Joy - £1
Completely different when compared to your traditional Kinder Egg, the Kinder Joy is split into two compartments. One half has the traditional toy inside of it, whereas the other contains the chocolate treat. A mixture of thick white and milk chocolate, with two small crunchy chocolate and hazelnut balls floating inside.
It's a weird one, as taste-wise you get a good contrast, and the small hazelnut balls would do a job if you could buy them in a bag. Unfortunately though, you only get one good mouthful in, so I don't think it's great value for money.
Score - 3/10
Mini Eggs - £1.50
A cult classic is the humble Mini Egg - and personally, one of my favourite chocolate treats to pick up as the Easter celebrations roll around. Solid Cadbury's milk chocolate, covered in a hardened edible shell. Simple, has a cracking theme to it, and nothing overly fancy or complex.
These are, and will always be a winner for me...make them a year-round treat Cadbury!
Score - 10/10
Malteser Bunny/Orange Bunny - 50p
The Malteser Bunny first burst onto the scene in 2009, plugging a gap in the market for chocolate fans at Easter - with nobody doing anything similar at the time. I'm sure that many of you will agree with me, that these are basically just giant versions of the Malteser Truffles you get in tins of Celebrations - and I'm sure you'll also agree, that they're the best of whole selection box.
However, the new twist on the Malteser Bunny comes in the form of the brand-new orange flavoured product. Your classic light and creamy Malteser chocolate, filled to the brim with the crunchy typical malt filling - but you also get hit with a wave of orange complementing the product on the whole.
I would probably describe the flavour as a textured new take on the iconic Terry's Chocolate Orange - and I'm a big fan.
Score - 7/10
Lindt Golden Bunny - £2
Iconic is a word that people would probably use to describe the Lindt Golden Bunny - with many imitators, but only one original. Although stiff competition over the years has attempted to reproduce and replicate the master chocolatier's staple, nil have been successful thus far.
It all comes down to the chocolate for me, and there's something truly premium about biting into a Lindt product. By far, the richest chocolate you'll ever taste, with a wealth of flavour and depth to it - nothing really compares.
My only issue with the company on the whole however, is that Lindt products are sometimes on the pricier side. But I suppose with chocolate this good, you can afford to be a little stricter with your pricing.
Score - 8/10
Cadbury's Peter Rabbit - £2
Kinder Bunny - £1
Finally, lets talk about the Kinder chocolate Easter Bunny. I know I've just slated Cadbury's for their Dairy Milk Rabbit, but hear me out on this one...
A bog standard Kinder Surprise Egg will set you back about 90p wherever you go, whereas this product comes in just 10p dearer - and you'll end up with much more chocolate. Sure, you don't get a toy included with the Easter special, but in hindsight the toys you get in Kinder Eggs fell off a long, long time ago.
Taste-wise, pretty much identical to that of your normal Kinder Surprise, but much more enjoyable as you don't run the risk of choking on the hard plastic core when you tuck in.
Score - 8/10
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