Trader Joe’s Is The First Major US Retailer To Sell Ruby Chocolate

In late 2017, Swiss confectioner Barry Callebaut invented what they’ve since called the “fourth type” of chocolate: ruby. Made with unique ruby cocoa beans, the resulting product has a natural pink hue and fruity flavor, and is the first new type of chocolate to be discovered in 80 years.

To date, ruby chocolate has been hard to track down in the United States. A couple of high-end retailers have sold it before, and many other parts of the world have been treated to ruby chocolate Kit Kats. Until recently, though, no major retailer in the US was selling the coveted chocolate type.

Trader Joe’s changed that when they debuted their Ruby Cacao Wafers in early February. As the first major retailer to sell the chocolate, they’ve opted to present it in a more pure form. The “wafers” are more like baking chips that you can melt down and use for just about any standard chocolate application.

Foodbeast had the chance to try Trader Joe’s wafers, and found the flavor of the ruby cacao to be pretty intriguing. It’s definitely fruity and reminiscent of white chocolate, but also has some raisin-like notes. It doesn’t taste like any flavorings are used, but is naturally aromatic, something surprising for a sweet with such a vibrant hue.

This is the first chance USA consumers have gotten to get the ruby chocolate in mainstream form, and hopefully, more big brands will follow suit in the near future.

You can get the Ruby Cacao Wafers at Trader Joe’s for a limited time, with a 5 ounce package selling for $2.99.