Darrell Lea Rocklea Road

I was very pleased to have a visit from some friends who had recently been to australia and Singapore, and they were kind enough to source me a few items for us to try together after dinner. From Australia, this ‘Rocklea Road’ is made by Darrell Lea, a family owned company who have been producing confectionery for over eighty years.

The ‘bar’ (it’s considerably more than a bar, more like a tray full) is made up of a peanut and toasted coconut base topped with ridiculously large, fluffy, sticky marshmallows which are then toped off with a milk chocolate that containes 29% cocoa slolids.

Just have a look at this.

Now unless you have a peanut allergy, hate coconut or cannot abide anything sweet (in which case, why are you reading Chocablog?) you’re probably wishing you had a piece of this next to you right now, especially if it’s a little before lunchtime and you’re reading this because you’re bored. I can think of several people who are going to be monstering this up for me very soon.

Taste wise, the base is rather good. The toasted coconut is plentiful, and so are the peanuts. In fact the whole thing is plentiful. It’s almost cartoon like in it’s over-the-topness. The sort of ludicrously large treat a comic book character tucks into at the end of an episode. Personally, I’m somewhat on the fence when it comes to whole peanuts and chocolate. I just think there are better nuts to partner chocolate. What inevitably happens is that you get through the sweet, gooey marshmallow and nibble you way through the coconut and chocolate base (which is almost biscuit-like) and then end up with a bit of chocolate and a mouthful of very bland peanuts. It’s almost like having to atone for all the fun you just had by eating something healthy straight afterwards.

Having said that, I did rather enjoy the piece I had, and not just for the wow factor. I couldn’t ever see myself eating this again (in fact I pretty much know where it’s going to end up) but as I said, there are plenty of people who would take one look at this and want it – all.

Darrell Lea have a very informative web site which also contains useful, informative and responsible information regarding nutrition. In fact, the company seen to be leading the way, with involvement in community projects, environmental awareness, and even supporting a wildlife charity. I get the impression that the family that runs the company are working hard to ensure they pay back into the wider community in a big way. They’ve also won a lot of awards and medals for their products.

Unfortunately not available in the UK as far as I’m aware. It would make a fantastic centrepiece for a child’s party or great sleepover munchies. I’m sure Aussie kids love ‘em.

Posted by Simon on 21 Dec 2009 at 09:12 AM | 3 Comments
Filed in Reviews under australia, darrell lea, rocky road