If you’re looking to branch out from the yawn-worthy tins of Quality Street this year, how about popping a box of chocolates with skin benefits under the tree? The world’s first beauty chocolate, Esthechoc claims to slow down the ageing process when eaten regularly. I’m certainly intrigued… I love chocolate more than I should admit, so a guilt-free licence to indulge has my attention.
And yes, I felt equally cynical, but there does seem to be some scientific evidence…
Its makers say it can change the underlying skin of a 50-60 year old into that of someone in their 20s or 30s. Tests showed that after four weeks of eating it daily, volunteers had less evidence of inflammation in their blood and increased blood supply to skin tissue.
Made using the same antioxidant that keeps goldfish gold and flamingos pink, a 7.5g bar of the chocolate contains the same amount of the antioxidant astaxanthin as a fillet of Alaskan salmon, and equal levels of free-radical fighting cocoa polyphenols as 100g of dark chocolate.
It launched this year following 10 years of extensive research by Cambridge Chocolate Technologies (sounds like somewhere I’d like to hang out!).
So what does it taste like?
To me, it’s neither mindblowingly gorgeous or at all unpleasant. I think it tastes similar to standard bitter dark chocolate - and for me works best with a cup of tea or coffee rather than on its own.
I think more sophisticated presentation would increase its appeal (esp as it’s not cheap), such as gold wrappers. I guess the brand is trying to maintain a slightly clinical element and the Christmas packaging is prettier than the norm.
Some more detail on the science bit from the back of the box.
Would you give (or like to receive) a gift of beauty chocolate? I’ll certainly eat mine - and edit this post with an update if I notice any skin benefits. It’s certainly the most interesting press sample I’ve received in a long time!
Esthechoc’s Christmas Box is available at Harrods
