Taste of Home / Kiersten Hickman
When describing the popularity of Kinder eggs to a huddle of co-workers, our social media intern put it nicely: “Kinder eggs are like the M&M’s of Germany.” These popular European chocolate eggs contain a small toy on the inside, bringing our staff back to the days of McDonald’s happy meal toys and cereal box treasures.
If you haven’t heard of Kinder, let me take some time to explain. Kinder is the second largest chocolate brand in the world, owned by the Italian candy maker Ferrero. Which, you guessed it, is the company that also owns Ferrero Rocher chocolates and recently acquired the famous brand Nestle. One of Kinder’s most popular items is the Kinder Surprise egg. It’s a chocolate egg with a creamy inner shell, which hides a plastic tube with a toy on the inside. Though uber-popular in Europe, these eggs have been banned from the United States due to a law stating that food products are not allowed to contain non-nutritive objects (i.e. something that doesn’t provide nutrition) inside of them. Sure, Americans can find Kinder’s delicious chocolate bars (like Kinder Bueno) in major stores like Walmart or Target, but Kinder eggs were never an option. Until recently, that is.
Kinder Eggs Arrive in America
Back in May, Ferrero announced that they would soon start selling Kinder eggs in the United States. And the day is finally here—with a slight catch. Kinder Surprise eggs are still not allowed in the United States, but Kinder Joy eggs are. Kinder Joy eggs aren’t new, however. They were launched in Italy in 2001, and are particularly popular in India and China.
Since arriving in the U.S, people have been giving the Kinder Joy eggs mixed reviews. I decided to go out to the pharmacy and grab some eggs for my coworkers to try.
Disagreement between a waiter and a customer in a coffee shop; Shutterstock ID 436100407
A Closer Look
When our 2 p.m, sugar craving started to hit, eight of us gathered around a table of eight Kinder Joy eggs. When you open up a Kinder Joy, the egg splits in two. Each side has a plastic cover, one that holds the toy and the other that holds the dessert. Unlike other popular candy bars or treat (like, ahem, the Kinder Surprise), this candy has to be eaten with a utensil. But a small utensil is actually attached inside the Kinder Joy, so no need to run and grab a spoon.
Although the concept of the Kinder Joy is very different than it’s brother Kinder Surprise, we were all a little bit shocked how much we actually enjoyed the dessert. Kinder Joy has a wonderful flavorful mix between Nutella and the inside of a Ferrero Rocher candy, topped with two chocolate-covered wafer balls. Eve though it was difficult to use the small spoon to balance the large wafer balls, it was still a delightful dessert to satisfy that afternoon sugar craving—just like these perfectly sweet snack recipes.
Even though the dessert was delicious, the packaging still threw us off a bit. Since these eggs are meant for children, we all felt a bit concerned that children may have a hard time trying to open up one of these on their own. But the little toys included may be enough of an enticement for kids to still enjoy this wonderful European treat.
In Conclusion…
Kiersten Hickman / Taste of Home
I admit, I probably wouldn’t buy one of these over another Kinder product. I absolutely love Kinder bars and found the Kinder Surprise eggs to be a fun treat while spending time over in Europe. This dessert is still delicious, and I wouldn’t say no if someone was offering. But I think I’ll stick to Kinder Bueno or the other amazing products that Kinder has to offer.
Or, maybe I’ll just stick to making one of these decadent chocolate desserts, because boy do they look good!
Try recipes for homemade chocolate candy.
Saltine Toffee Bark
Everyone loves these salty-sweet treasures—their flavor is simply irresistible. The bark is like brittle, but better. Get ready for a new family favorite! —Laura Cox, Brewster, Massachusetts
Go to Recipe
Also, treat your sweetie to one of these decadent
Valentine’s Day desserts and you’ll capture their heart forever
Champagne TrufflesWho can resist champagne truffles? Especially when they are so very easy to make! Serve them in gold foil candy cups for an elegant look. —Deirdre Cox, Kansas City, Missouri
Spread the love on Valentine’s Day with these tasty
heart-shaped food ideas. Turn it into a date night by making the treats together!
Chocolate-Covered PretzelsThese chocolate-covered pretzels came from my grandma, who loves to make candy and treats for my students. I have followed in her footsteps and make these for people at work and for other family members. —Aimee Worth, Fair Oaks, California
Take a look at these other
Valentine's Day desserts.
Pretzel Strawberry BarkThis strawberry bark recipe is my candy take on the classic
Strawberry Pretzel Dessert. It uses ruby chocolate, which is fairly new on the market. If you can't find it, you can substitute white chocolate in its place. —
James Schend,
Taste of Home Deputy Editor
Need a last-minute dessert for your sweetheart? Here are our top picks for quick and delicious
Valentine’s Day treats.
Strawberry TrufflesThe ever-popular combination of strawberries and chocolate shines in these rich, decadent strawberry truffles. I often double the recipe to give as gifts. —Pat Habiger, Spearville, Kansas
Quick & Easy GumdropsThese homemade candies are softer than store-bought. They've got that classic, fun appeal that people really love. —Leah Rekau, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Valentine's Day recipes should be sweet and festive—and all these
pink treats fit the bill.
Peanut Butter CupsYou don't have to own any fancy or expensive equipment to make irresistible peanut butter cups at home. In fact, it only takes a microwave and some mini muffin liners.
Candy Pizza HeartI found this recipe in an old cookbook and changed a few ingredients to suit my family's taste. My children really enjoy this candy pizza. Get the kids to help you spread the toppings. —Becky Thesman, Enid, Oklahoma
Chocolate-Covered Pomegranate SeedsI dunk pomegranate seeds in chocolate to get these easy little treats friends and family love. —Jim Javorsky, Havre de Grace, Maryland
Chocolate-Covered Coffee BeansTwo terrific flavors—coffee and chocolate—come together in this mouthwatering recipe from our Test Kitchen. Learn how to make chocolate-covered coffee beans to enjoy as a snack or use as a topping on your favorite mocha desserts. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Cherry Swirl FudgeFor festive fudge with a new "twist," give this confection a whirl! We used vanilla chips instead of chocolate ones and added sweet cherry flavoring. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Coconut Creme ChocolatesI'm a proud wife, mom of three and grandma of many. I've cooked many things over the years, including these marshmallowy chocolates. —Dolores Wilder, Texas City, Texas
Caramel Pretzel BitesI created this recipe wanting to make my own version of a popular candy store pretzel log dipped in caramel, chocolate and nuts. These bites are smothered with homemade caramel. —Michilene Klaver, Grand Rapids, Michigan
Dark Chocolate Bourbon BallsRemember the days at Grandma and Grandpa's house when you made these wonderfully traditional treats? We love these Kentucky Derby bourbon balls—the blended taste of bourbon and pecans is irresistible! —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Chocolate Pomegranate CandiesThis recipe pairs white and dark chocolate with whole, natural ingredients for an unbelievably delicious treat! These candies are perfect to give as a gift for Christmas. —Kelly Zdrowak, Orchard Park, New York
Perfect Peppermint PattiesCalling for just a few ingredients, this is one candy that's simple to prepare. I make lots of different candy at Christmas to give as gifts. It's time consuming, but worth it to see the delight it brings to people. —Joanne Adams, Bath, Maine
Marbled Orange FudgeThis decadent treat doesn't last long at our house. The Creamsicle flavor of this soft fudge brings on the smiles. Bright orange and marshmallow swirls make it a perfect takealong for events and get-togethers. —Diane Wampler, Morristown, Tennessee
Chocolate TrufflesYou may be tempted to save these chocolate truffles for a special occasion since these smooth, creamy chocolates are divine. But with just a few ingredients, this
truffle recipe is easy to make anytime. —Darlene Wiese-Appleby, Creston, Ohio
White Chocolate TrufflesI use this white chocolate truffle recipe to make homemade holiday gifts. The candies are so easy to make and will look so pretty in a gift box. —Gloria Nolan, Peoria, Pennsylvania
Bourbon Pecan PralinesLike authentic pecan pralines found in New Orleans, these treats are sweet, crunchy and rich! —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
BuckeyesBuckeyes are an Ohio-born treat that need just five ingredients. The hardest part of this recipe will be saving any buckeyes for your loved ones.
Black Cherry Swirl FudgeThis colorful treat is sure to satisfy the sweetest tooth in any family! It's always been a favorite with my nine kids, eight grandkids and my Bible study group. I vary the soft-drink flavors to get colors that match other holidays during the year. —Pauletta Bushnell, Lebanon, Oregon
Chocolate-Covered Peanut Butter & Pretzel TrufflesSweet chocolate, creamy peanut butter and salty pretzels create a to-die-for truffle. It’s a little bite of decadence and a special indulgence for the holiday season. —Ashley Wisniewski, Champaign, Illinois
Coconut JoysIf you like coconut, you’ll love these no-bake, no-fuss sweets. They are cute as can be and make a satisfying after-school snack to keep in the fridge. —Flo Burtnett, North Gage, Oklahoma
Salted Peanut RollsA Christmas gift of homemade candy is always a hit with sweet tooths. I dip these peanut rolls in chocolate, but they're yummy plain, too. —Elizabeth Hokanson, Arborg, Manitoba
Chocolate-Covered CherriesNot only is this my family's favorite festive dessert, but it makes a delicious holiday present, too. Best of all, you can (and should) prepare these ahead. The candy gets better as it's stored, with the centers becoming even juicier. —Linda Hammerich, Bonanza, Oregon
Coffee Bean BarkChopped coffee beans add a yummy crunch to this pretty two-toned bark. Coffee lovers won’t be able to resist pieces of the chocolaty candy treat. —Anne Addesso, Sheboygan, Wisconsin
Creme de Menthe TrufflesI found this in a box of recipe clippings and decided to give them a whirl. I'm so glad I did! The minty flavor is perfect for Christmas. —Joe Mattes, Amana, Iowa
Nutty Sticky Bun CandiesSave room on your holiday treat trays for these sweet and salty spirals. Oh, and hide some for yourself, too. They'll be in high demand! —Josh Carter, Birmingham, Alabama
Nut Butter CupsMy indulgent, nutty treat is simple to make and looks fabulous. At our house, we use all-natural ingredients for them. —Courtney Stultz, Weir, Kansas
Cashew ClustersI make this recipe for many bake sales at the local community college where I work. They are always the first to sell out. —Betsy Grantier, Charlottesville, Virginia
Tiger Butter FudgeTiger butter is a smooth and creamy combination of peanut butter and chocolate. When the layers are swirled together, the fudge looks like it has tiger stripes!
Contest-Winning Hazelnut ToffeeThis is one of my most-asked-for recipes. It's sweet and buttery with plenty of crunch. You could use dark, milk or even white chocolate and substitute almonds for the hazelnuts if you wish. —Joanne Simpson, Portland, Oregon