Irresistible Taste of Dark Chocolate Pistachios

The Irresistible Taste of Dark Chocolate Covered Pistachios

Dark chocolate covered pistachios are a delicious treat that combines the rich flavor of dark chocolate with the delightful crunch of pistachios. This tasty combination is hard for any chocolate or nut lover to resist!

What Are Dark Chocolate Covered Pistachios?

Dark chocolate covered pistachios start with premium whole pistachio nuts, which are then enrobed in fine dark chocolate. The highest quality ingredients like smooth dark chocolate and freshly roasted pistachios are used to ensure an exceptional flavor and texture.

The nuts provide a satisfying crunch and nutty flavor, contrasted by the complex cocoa tastes of the melted chocolate surrounding them. Biting into one unleashes an intense blend of flavors and textures for your tastebuds.

Where to Find Dark Chocolate Covered Pistachios

You can often find bags of chocolate covered pistachios in the bulk snacks or seasonal candy section of grocery stores. Brands like Sconza offer packaged dark chocolate pistachios that you may spot while #shopping at #Costco or other wholesale retailers.

Specialty chocolate shops also carry their own versions of chocolate pistachios, sometimes even drizzled with extra chocolate or topped with chopped nuts. Around the winter holidays, you’ll see lots of gift sets and tins with an assortment of dark chocolate fruits and nuts.

Benefits of Dark Chocolate Covered Pistachios

Indulging in some chocolate pistachios has some health benefits too. The main advantages are:

• Dark chocolate contains antioxidants like flavonoids that can boost heart health.
• Pistachios provide protein, fiber, and beneficial fats like mono- and polyunsaturated fats.
• Dark chocolate covered pistachios make a more nutritious snack than milk chocolate options.
• They can help manage hunger levels and cravings between meals.

So while they still are a sweet treat, dark chocolate pistachios are one of the more nutritious packaged snack options.

How to Eat Dark Chocolate Covered Pistachios

Dark chocolate covered pistachios are bite-sized, so they are perfect for popping into your mouth straight from the bag during #familyshopping trips. The chocolate shell keeps the nut inside fresh and tasty.

You can also incorporate chocolate pistachios into snack mixes, trail mixes, desserts, and gift baskets. Try adding some to ice cream, muffins, or even salads for a sweet, salty crunch.

For gifts, create mini bags filled with dark chocolate fruits, nuts, pretzels, and other tasty morsels. Or arrange in jars or boxes for holiday care packages and housewarming presents.

Dark Chocolate Pistachio Bark

Chocolate bark is easy to make at home with melted chocolate and mix-in ingredients like pistachios. Here is a simple three-ingredient recipe for delicious dark chocolate pistachio bark:

Ingredients:

• 12 ounces dark chocolate chips
• 1 1⁄2 cups roasted salted pistachios
• Pinch of sea salt (optional)

Instructions:

1. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Melt chocolate chips either in the microwave or a double boiler.
3. Spread melted chocolate evenly onto prepared baking sheet.
4. Sprinkle salt and pistachios over the chocolate.
5. Allow to slightly set then score bark into pieces.
6. Cool completely until chocolate hardens.
7. Break bark along score lines and enjoy!

Experiment with different nut varieties or add-ins like dried cranberries for your own artisanal dark chocolate pistachio bark creation.

Where to Buy Dark Chocolate Covered Pistachios

You can find bags of chocolate covered pistachios at many grocery chains like Trader Joe's, Whole Foods, Costco, Sam's Club, and Target. Brands carried may include:

• Sconza
• Chocolate Treasures
• Hall's Candies
• Sarris Candies
• Ghirardelli

Search the nut snacks section, the seasonal holiday candy displays, or sometimes the produce department near the nuts bulk bins. You may spot chocolate covered pistachios canisters in the checkout lanes too.

Online stores like Amazon, nuts.com, and WisconsinMade also have dark chocolate covered pistachios available to order. Going directly through specialty chocolate boutiques in your area is another way to find gourmet chocolate covered nuts.

Price of Dark Chocolate Pistachios at Costco

One brand that Costco shoppers may spot is Sconza. Their dark chocolate pistachios come in a 44 ounce resealable pack, typically priced around $13.99.

This averages out to about $0.32 per ounce or $1.00 per 3 ounce serving. For the quality of the premium chocolate and pistachios used, this is very reasonably priced.

Watch for Costco monthly savings books and seasonal sales events around the holidays when you may find chocolate covered pistachios marked down even lower.

Tips for Choosing and Storing Chocolate Pistachios

When selecting your perfect pack of chocolate covered pistachios, check for:

• A well-sealed package without leaks or a loose seal.
• No visible moisture or residue which could indicate stale nuts.
• A satisfactory expiration or best by date well into the future.
• Signs that the chocolate has "bloomed" or turned white which impacts taste.

For storage, keep bags sealed tight at room temperature in a cool, dark place like the pantry. In warmer temperatures, refrigeration can help chocolate maintain its texture and prevent discoloration.

Let chilled chocolate pistachios come closer to room temperature before serving for the best experience of flavors and crunch.

With proper storage, dark chocolate covered pistachios can stay fresh for 1-3 months past the date on the package. Frozen storage can also prolong their shelf life even longer if the bag is airtight.

Alternative Flavored Chocolate Covered Nuts

While dark chocolate and pistachios is a beloved combination, chocolate also pairs nicely with all kinds of nuts. Some other popular options are:

• Milk or white chocolate peanuts
• Dark chocolate almonds
• White chocolate macadamias
• Milk chocolate hazelnuts or hazelnut paste
• Dark chocolate pecans
• White chocolate cashews

Mix it up with different chocolate and nut variety packs or make your own custom chocolate nut assortment!

FAQs

Are chocolate covered pistachios healthy?

Chocolate covered pistachios can be a relatively healthy snack in moderation. Pistachios contain beneficial protein, fats, fiber, and minerals. And studies show dark chocolate provides antioxidants. So they make for a more nutritious choice than other candy options.

How many calories in chocolate covered pistachios?

A typical 1 ounce serving of chocolate covered pistachios contains around 160 calories, with 110 of those coming from fat. This is comparable to other nuts and chocolate as calorie-dense foods.

Do chocolate covered nuts go bad?

Properly stored chocolate covered pistachios can last 1-3 months past the date on the package before going stale. Signs nuts have gone bad are dampness, visible mold, rancid smell, and soft or mushy texture.

Can dogs eat chocolate covered pistachios?

No, dogs should not eat chocolate covered nuts. Chocolate contains toxic theobromine dangerous to dogs. While pistachios themselves are ok for dogs, the chocolate coating makes this snack unsafe. Give dogs unsalted pistachios instead.