Skip to main content

The Hunt is on

 I'm about to go nutty!

Hunting the Hidden Nut-free Eggs this Easter

Written by Sarah Zaslona  


Each year the inevitable happens.  I'd like to say gradually, but these days Easter eggs are being stocked at the supermarkets as soon as the Christmas lights are detangled and well worn decorations thrown back in the box. Mince pies are out... it's time to bring out the big guns, also known as the 'Easter eggs'.

Not only am I routinely last-minute buying eggs I also have an added challenge I must complete.

"What's that then missus??" Drum roll please….

My nephew has a nut allergy. So i must find the equivalent of a four-leaf clover in an acre of a green English meadow.


Those of you in the know will understand that a pre-researched trip to the shops is in order to find stockists, those of you who don't will say "Just check the back of the box in for the ingredients" when you get there. Which in the past i have and made embarrassing mistakes in the past, making me consider a trip to Specsavers. 

But there's also a few problems with this option. 

One of them being, not all supermarkets stock these bad boys.  But if they do you can be picking up box after box as the day gradually turns to night, feeling like you're playing a game of lucky dip. And then you can be faced with result of coming away with no egg in your basket. 

There has got to be an easier way to alleviate this time consuming dilemma.

So fear not lovely people, I am here to help take that pain staking angst away from you and deliver you the quickest route to finding your egg in this hunt. As well as a good reason (lets be honest, we don't really need one) to socialise and pig out and rate these nut-free chocolate eggs.

You're welcome!

Not only have these eggs been detected in the over saturated, competitive seasonal aisle, but have been taste tested by an allergen himself (we'll call him Mr A).

The tasters consist of Mr A himself and chocolate egg loving family and friends. Between chocolate saliva filled gobs and sticky brown fingers, we will give you the truth, the whole truth and nothing but the truth in rating these eggs in honest, unbiased ratings.

But before you check the reviews, another discovery that I found was that a lot of these nut-free versions are dairy, wheat and gluten free. 

I now have the added curiosity to see how these compare to their creamy milk nemesis's I have become accustomed to since childhood.

I've also added some brands that you may not be aware of which are nut-free that are suitable for Easter treats and general snacking at the end of the blog.

Best Overall Rating 

ALDI Free From Range Seville Chocolate Orange Egg with Truffles

This dark, Belgian chocolate egg was by far the most popular in the taste test. With just a hint of orange to the chocolate itself, you get more of a hit from the scent once the egg is unboxed. 

The chocolate egg itself is disappointingly on the thin side. But you get a few cheeky truffles included to help make up for any let down felt.

I had to check with Aldi prior to tasting the egg, as it was not stated as nut-free on the box. Milk, egg, wheat and gluten as you can see listed above are displayed proudly in bold on the front, but not the nuts..... I contacted them asking why this was. Their reply goes

"As nuts are not included in the making of the egg, we do not list this in the ingredients". 

Hmmm, nice and vague. However, I do think it would be a bit more helpful if they did. Stating this surely would attract more sales from customers looking for nut-free eggs? Thoughts?

Easiest Find 

NOMO Free from Range Cookie Dough Egg & Bunny

Available from Sainsburys, Tesco, and Morrisons

This egg I found to be the most easily available in local supermarkets. We were all looking forward to tasting this purely for the magic words 'cookie dough' as the main flavour but was a little disappointed once tasting. 

And I'll tell you why. 

Some felt the chocolate itself was on the thin side (this is becoming a trait in the Easter eggs now) and the overall flavour was a bit mild. I think we were all expecting a more sweeter, cookie hit.

The chunks were a great touch adding an interesting texture and the packaging itself gives a cheerful, more expensive feel to the overall design.

The bunny itself was thought to be more like a biscuit which I don't particularly think is a negative.  It tasted nice.

Nomo also offer some fun designs for younger children which include lollies.

To conclude, a cute, designed egg with great packaging, full of texture and crunch surrounded by smooth, delicate chocolate. These are currently selling from £6.00 upwards which I think is a fair price.

Best for the young ones



Moo Free Mikey Bunny Lemon Fizz

Currently available from Sainsburys & Ocado

I have to admit, this was the one I was most looking forward to eating. White chocolate with lemon I couldn't wait!

Mikey Bunny's design is so cute you almost don't want to eat him. But you'll soon forget about that. 

He was smooth, sweet, but with a faint lemon taste which I was expecting to be stronger and unfortunately felt a tad greasy in the mouth. 

BUT hold on....... I don't care anymore. 

I've now got popping candy dancing on my tongue. Whoever's idea it was to add this, is a gem. This instantly gets everyone talking and listening for the pops.

Moo Free also have other cheeky characters such as Hammy Hamster. And you'll find the brand is dairy, gluten, wheat free along with a long list of other ingredients. I also love the fact that they are a British brand which gets a big nod of approval.

To summarise I love the design of Mikey Bunny. The packaging is colourful and fun with the added bonus of the popping candy this is definitely one for the kids (and maybe a few adults). Fantastic price, from the date of writing this for just £3.35 upwards!

My Thoughts & Findings

As a person who has tried soy and oat milk in the past, I knew before tasting, that these eggs would have a tough battle on their hands to get the same creamy flavouring which appear as the full shebang of dairy versions. But they aren't unpleasant and I would happily gobble up any I were given for Easter.

Helpful Tip

After researching and contacting, the following do not have their own branded free from nut range:

Hotel Chocolat (discontinued), Lidl, Marks and Spencers.

Other nut-free suggestions

Luxury Brands

I hope you have found this blog useful and that it helps you find the eggs you want this Easter. Please share with others if this has helped. Thanks for reading! 


Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Not just for the kitchen

You're so hot and cold.... Written by Sarah Zaslona So I am.  I'm not ashamed.  And i'll tell you why. Let me ease you in gently and begin with a dear favourite of mine.   The irresistibly wa rm, denseness of a  brownie with a blanket of cold, clotted cream-flavoured ice cream sitting proudly on top. It's pearly fingers moving downwards, caressing it's rectangular form.  Or perhaps the choice of a stodgy splodge of soft, cheesy lasagne with a side of cool, crisp salad leaves.  No chips needed thanks, you'll tip the balance and the magic will be gone.   But here comes a confession...   Which I don't mind confiding in you as I'm feeling the trust has been built between us.   Put the judgements aside for a moment I admit to having taken things a step further with a change of scenery for this one.   And i may have taken this a step too far.  I've broken down the food boundary wall and eaten an ice lolly while I'...
Post a Comment
Read more

Summer stewing, happened so fast

Stewed fruit is making a comeback this Summer.  If not globally, it most certainly is in this household. This dish is quick, delicious and can be simply poured into an oven-proof serving dish.  It's almost laughably simple to create, and kids can do this also as a great introduction to cooking a yummy dessert. Bountiful summer fruits such as berries (fresh or frozen), chunky tinned peaches, pears or plums are recommended for this dish.  I personally wouldn't add pineapple as it is likely to become the dominating 'stage mom of fruits' if introduced to the other teammates in the pan. Serve as a solo artist or duet with a serving of double cream, ice cream and or crumbled amaretti biscuits.  If you don't have these in your cupboard, ginger biscuits work just as well and you'll get the crunch you crave.  Another suggestion would be a few flaked almonds. Add to your morning porridge for a sweet start to your morning or Greek yoghurt with granola.   Here ar...
Post a Comment
Read more

Interview with 'Helen's Cakery'

  Welcome all!  This month I chat with Helen Rote, of  'Helens Cakery ', an independent cake designer whose cakes customers are happy to travel from all corners of the country for.  And when you see the talent and hard work that goes into Helen's cakes you'll understand why. I meet with Helen at her home in the historic and picturesque village of Henley in Arden.  Over the course of an hour, we talk  cake disasters,   Mary Berry ,  family ,  future dreams and golden boobs  (no that's not a typing error).   Let's begin by asking where your inspiration for baking began. My childhood memories were in the kitchen baking with either my mum or my nan.  Every single Sunday we'd go to my nan and grandad's for tea.  It was very much a case of my nan baking brought the family all together. She would make the most amazing apple pie.  And I think it was my happy place, baking.   At 14 years old I went to work ...
Post a Comment
Read more