Tuesday, February 26, 2008

Russell Stover Hollow Milk Chocolate Bunny

Russell Stover Hollow Chocolate BunnyRussell Stover has often had a rather stale image as one of the drug store chocolate brands. They’re trying to push themselves a bit lately and I think it shows, at least it’s caused me to give them a second look and for the most part I’ve been pleased.

They’ll never replace upscale chocolatiers, but they’re dependable and consistent, especially for holiday specialties.

Their Hollow Milk Chocolate Bunny’s appearance is a rather ghastly caricature. The yellow foil wrapper with its green bow, blue eyes and huge eyelashes are trying too hard. (But I really like the touch of the pink inner ear.)

Russell Stover Hollow Chocolate BunnyIf the outside is akin to a drag queen, the inside is a fresh and athletic 22-year-old with clear skin and shiny hair. No need for any pasted on eyelashes here or colored contacts. The smooth sheen of the medium color of the milk chocolate is lovely, with its little curls of fur every once in a while for a bit of verisimilitude.

The shell is rather thin, as I expected when I picked it up. The thing is very light at 1.5 ounces (and rather similar is volume to the Lindt bunnies). The easy-to-break shell doesn’t detract from the appeal though, it just makes it easier to pick off a piece of your own chosing. Honestly, I don’t mind hollow bunnies. I was always rather stymied by solid bunnies as a kid, as they required whacking them on a hard surface or going to the kitchen and taking a meat fork to them. Hollow bunnies are easy to crack and munch.

I think this is the first time I’ve simply eaten Russell Stover’s milk chocolate. According to an article in Candy Industry magazine, they age their milk chocolate for 90 days (and dark for 150 days). I’m not sure who makes Russell Stover’s chocolate, an article mentioned that they’re using Callebaut for their Private Reserve line. No PGPR or milk solids in here, just real milk chocolate and fake vanilla.

The chocolate smells rather, well, sweet. More like fake vanilla and a little malty.

It has a nice quick and silky melt. It’s a little sticky and very sweet but has a lot of flavor packed into that.

The foil wrapping could be updated a bit without losing the appeal to children, but the product is rather good and an admirable value at 66 cents an ounce (probably less if you find them on sale).

They also come in 3 ounce and 6 ounce versions (and the website shows dark chocolate as well, but I had no luck in the stores).

Related Candies

  1. Palmer Bee Mine
  2. Charles Chocolates
  3. Jacques Torres
Name: Hollow Milk Chocolate Bunny
    RATING:
  • 10 SUPERB
  • 9 YUMMY
  • 8 TASTY
  • 7 WORTH IT
  • 6 TEMPTING
  • 5 PLEASANT
  • 4 BENIGN
  • 3 UNAPPEALING
  • 2 APPALLING
  • 1 INEDIBLE
Brand: Russell Stover
Place Purchased: Walgreen's (Echo Park)
Price: $1.00 (on sale)
Size: 1.5 ounces
Calories per ounce: unknown
Categories: Chocolate, United States, Russell Stover, Easter, Novelty

POSTED BY Cybele AT 6:43 am Tracker Pixel for Entry    

Comments
  1. You’re right, that wrapper is ghastly! I think updating it would broaden the appeal to children - this one probably scares them away! :^)

    Comment by Tricia on 2/26/08 at 7:06 am #
  2. I love the thin, hollow bunnies!

    Comment by April on 2/26/08 at 9:15 am #
  3. I like hollow bunnies.  They’re cute and nostalgic, and I like breaking them up.  smile

    Comment by Alicia on 2/26/08 at 1:50 pm #
  4. There’s a first time for everything. Too much of this type of Easter candy as a kid, so I’ll pass.

    Comment by jMo on 2/27/08 at 5:18 am #
  5. This may not be the right place to post but I was wondering if you have any info on Brach’s
    Sparkles…(I think) they came in green apple and grape that i know of and other flavors.  They must be discontinued.

    Comment by lusmom on 2/27/08 at 6:37 am #
  6. hi i know this isnt really having to due with the bunnies, by the way i prefer these to any other bunny. but i was wondering is any one rememberred the Russell Stover Peanut Butter and Jelly Cups? and can you tell, when did they discontinue them? can you PLEASE email me back at this address:

    .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)

    thanks so much! my husband is dying for one of these candies!

    Comment by camille on 5/11/08 at 4:15 pm #
  7. What size was that bunny?  Someone at work picked up some 3oz hollow bunnies at the outlet store this year and they’re made in China.  Solid bunnies still made in the US.

    Comment by Dave on 3/16/09 at 3:28 am #
  8. Russell Stover chocolate is made in the USA. The packaging is sometimes made in china.

    Comment by Carmen on 3/26/09 at 6:00 am #
  9. Russell Stover candy is so-so. It very often does taste like okay chocolate. For the upcoming 4/12 holiday, I decided to try RS individually pretty foil-wrapped/chocolate marshmallo eggs .... from Walgreens. Great for company! All dozen, came in a colorful egg-crate, w/cute bunnies, etc. overall. The candy itself was not terrible. Gooey & sticky. One was enough ..... for a sweet Easter, after-dinner-treat. They are most likely on sale now .... 1/2 off, which would be two bucks per carton. Sweet enough.

    Comment by Marcee on 4/13/09 at 8:32 am #
  10. Just wanted to say Thank You for giving info. on co.‘s that are hiding be hind american address, and names,But are made in China I will not buy anything made in China the worst so called chocolate and marshmallow come on Americans lets not let China kills with bad sweets.

    Comment by mary on 4/07/11 at 12:05 am #
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Previous entry: Lindt Chocolate Bunnies (Dark & Milk)




 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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