How to Keep Your Chocolate Fresh and Delicious This Summer

Who says you can’t enjoy luxury chocolate over the summer months? Aside from the obvious dread of opening your picnic hamper to find a sad, melted puddle of chocolate, there’s no reason to miss out. In reality, the idea that chocolate and warm weather don’t mix is a common misconception, and we’re here to bust that myth!
With a few inside secrets, you can enjoy both the sunshine and your favourite chocolate treats all summer long, whether you’re planning a grand day out or simply storing your stash at home.

Pack the Perfect Picnic: The Double-Buffer Cool Box Method

When packing for an outdoor feast, don’t be tempted to place your box or bar of chocolate directly onto an ice pack. The moisture will cause the sugar to “bloom” (giving it a white, grainy appearance), and the chocolate behaves like a sponge, meaning it might absorb the savoury odours of the other picnic foods packed alongside it.
Instead, try this simple trick:

• Wrap it tight: Wrap your bar or box securely in tin foil or greaseproof paper, then seal it inside an airtight container, such as a plastic box or a zip-lock bag.
• Buffer the chill: Place the sealed container on top of a folded tea towel inside your cool box, rather than directly on the ice pack. This keeps the chocolate perfectly cool without freezing it or introducing it to moisture.

Picnic Style Tip: Our handcrafted Chocolate Slabs are ideal for flat-packing into picnic boxes and can even be personalised for special summer occasions!

Dodging the Dreaded “Car-Melt”

If you’re travelling or enjoying a family day out, it’s easy to assume your chocolate is safe because the car has air conditioning. Don’t be fooled.

• Avoid the boot or glove box: The boot acts like an oven in the summer, and the glove box traps rising heat directly from the dashboard.
• Use the footwell instead: Keep your cool box on the floor behind the front seats. It’s the lowest point in the vehicle, receives the most shade, and benefits directly from the cars air conditioning.
• Never leave it behind: If you pull over for a pub lunch or a stretch of the legs, don’t leave your chocolate in the car. A stationary vehicle in 22°C weather can skyrocket to 40°C in just 10 minutes. Bring your cool box along with you!

Travel Tip for Parents: Keep the journey sweet by packing a variety of fun treats. From our classic Milk Chocolate Lollipops to playful Chocolate Mice and crackling Chocolate Popping Frogs, our Kids’ Corner has plenty of delicious ways to keep little travellers happy.

Arriving at Your Picnic Location

Once you’ve arrived and are enjoying your day, keep these quick tips in mind to protect your treats:

• Keep it hidden: Leave your chocolate in the cool box until you’re ready to serve it. Don’t lay it out in the sun after transporting it so carefully, or you’ll end up with a melted puddle, uninvited wasps, and a lot of mess on your lovely picnic blanket!
• Find the deep shade: By all means, soak up the sun yourself, but keep your cool box tucked away in the shade, under a leafy tree, beneath a park bench, or under your picnic chairs.
• Watch where you rest your box: Attending a friend’s BBQ? Beware of hot the patio! Scorching paving slabs will rapidly transfer heat into your cool bag. Keep the bag elevated on a garden chair or on a cool patch of grass instead.

Summer Chocolate Inspiration & Ideas

High-quality chocolate doesn’t have to melt away just because the sun is shining. With a little care, you can enhance your summer dining into something truly luxurious from Sarah Bunton’s range of artisan chocolates

• The Ultimate Al Fresco Grazing Board: Create a stunning summer spread by pairing fresh strawberries, raspberries, artisan cheeses, and chilled prosecco with chunks of our Fruit & Nut bars or decadent Salted Caramel Medallions.
• Sunset Campfires: When the sun goes down and the evening chill sets in, gather around the campfire or BBQ and melt a sumptuous Hot Chocolate Stirrer into warm milk.
• After-Dinner Luxury: Keep a selection of our award-winning Artisan Boxed Chocolates on hand for an elegant evening treat under the stars.
• Planning a special gathering? Let us take care of the details with our ready-made Prosecco or Salted Carame Hampers, the ultimate luxury base for any summer picnic.

For the Kids

Keep the little ones entertained during the long school holidays with whimsical rewards that feel extra special:

• Ice Cream Toppers: Add a burst of character to a simple scoop of vanilla ice cream by topping it with a chocolate owl, mouse, or frog from our Kids’ Corner.
• Holiday Rewards: Keep a stash of handy Milk Chocolate Lollipops ready as high-quality rewards for good behaviour after a long family walk or a day at the beach.

Planning a Summer Day Out?

If you are out exploring beautiful Mid-Wales this season, why not make us part of your itinerary? If you’re visiting the spectacular Vale of Rheidol Steam Railway or exploring Devil’s Bridge Falls, pop by our workshop! You can peer through our purpose-built viewing window to see our award-winning chocolatiers hard at work, a fantastic, free family activity.

Can’t make it to us in person? Browse our full collection online from the comfort of home and enjoy free UK delivery on all orders over £50.

In our next newsletter, we’ll be exploring everything from our vibrant, fruity summer flavours to finding the perfect end-of-term gifts for hardworking teachers.

Stay tuned!

Sarah x