Well, here’s some good news for you: we have a list! We quickly dropped by a convenience store to see which chocolates are available to get you through those moments when you need a little indulgence without the fuss. 

Let’s explore the range of delicious, convenient options waiting for you at your nearest store—at least, if you live in the Philippines. Get ready to rediscover some classic favorites and maybe even find a new go-to chocolate treat!

Best Chocolate You Can Buy: A Disclaimer

Before we dive into our chocolate extravaganza, a quick heads-up: This isn’t a comprehensive or authoritative list by any means. Think of it more as a curated selection of our favorite chocolate finds that are easily accessible and perfect for those spontaneous cravings.

So, what’s not on the list? For starters, you won’t find any white chocolate or gourmet chocolates here. We’re focusing on the timeless appeal of everyday brown chocolates. We also didn’t include any of the best chocolate you can buy online since this list is all about what you can quickly snag at your local convenience store — no waiting for delivery!

We’ve also left out the larger, more elaborate chocolate boxes. We aim to highlight those perfect grab-and-go treats that fit easily in your bag or pocket, ideal for that instant chocolate fix. And as much as we adore seeing an exotic truffle collection and the art of fine chocolate making, they’re not the focus of today’s list—we’re celebrating those every day, effortlessly obtainable chocolate bars.

Also, this list isn’t about which chocolate is the best—everyone likes different things. We’re just showing you the chocolates we found at the store.

Finally, we also didn’t include any pricing, since prices vary depending on where you buy your chocolate bar.

Got all that? Great. Now, on to the list!

Best Chocolate You Can Buy 1: Snickers

A satisfying mix of nougat, caramel, and peanuts, all generously coated in milk chocolate, Snickers bars are more than just a chocolate treat—they’re a filling snack. Snickers really fall under the best chocolate bar you can buy when you’re hungry, and you’re not yourself (cheers to those got this as Snickers’ tagline!).

You can easily get these at any convenience store or grocery store—perfect for those mid-afternoon hunger pangs!

Best Chocolate You Can Buy 2: Cadbury

Cadbury is really popular for its smooth, creamy chocolate. They have a variety, but not necessarily adventurous flavors, like fruit and nut infusions. A lot of people love it – Cadbury apparently sells over 350 million Dairy Milk bars every year! 

Also, Cadbury was the first to make heart-shaped chocolate boxes and probably making chocolate synonymous with special occasions. Pretty cool, isn’t it? Of course, thankfully, you don’t need any special occasions to indulge in a Cadbury—they’re pretty accessible in groceries and various convenience stores.

Best Chocolate You Can Buy 3: Reese’s Pieces

Reese’s Pieces are a big hit among peanut butter lovers. People praise their chocolate coating, the peanut butter inside, and the fact that they don’t melt in your hands. If you’re into peanut butter, these tiny, colorful candies with creamy centers, crunchy shells, and delicious flavor and texture combinations are definitely worth a try.

Best Chocolate You Can Buy 4: Kinder Joy

Kinder Joy chocolates are really fun because of the surprise toy inside. It’s exciting to open the egg and see what toy you get. And with so many different toys, you’ll always find something new and surprising.

But let’s not forget the chocolate, with people marveling over its smooth and creamy chocolate paired with crunchy nougat. Whether it’s the surprise element or the creamy texture, Kinder chocolates are a delightful treat for all ages.

Want you and your kid to enjoy this? Give your kid the toy inside, and eat the chocolate. Rinse and repeat for each kid.

Best Chocolate You Can Buy 5: Hershey’s

Hershey’s chocolate bars are a big favorite in America—and worldwide, too! They’re simple and well-loved for their rich, slightly sweet milk chocolate. People like them—maybe because these chocolate candy bars remind us of simpler times or classic moments.

Best Chocolate You Can Buy 6: KitKat

KitKats is famous for its jingle and its perfect mix of crispy wafer and smooth chocolate. They’re great for sharing or enjoying on a break. People really like KitKats for their taste and the bright red, easy-to-carry packaging.

KitKats are also fun to eat. You can choose to eat the chocolate bar by bar or break them into pieces. They come in different sizes, too—you can get a pack with 2 bars, 4 bars, or even 8!

Best Chocolate You Can Buy 7: Toblerone

Toblerone has been a favorite chocolate for a long time, especially in the Philippines since the 90s. We’re sure we’re not the only ones who loved it when relatives brought Toblerone as a chocolate gift from abroad. It’s still also well-known as a chocolate that Filipinos love.

It’s not just tasty with its mix of honey and almond nougat but also looks cool with its unique triangle shape. You don’t have to wait for people abroad anymore to experience this; it’s practically sold everywhere!

Best Chocolate You Can Buy 8: Ferrero Rocher

For a more luxurious treat, Ferrero Rocher’s layers of wafer, hazelnut, and chocolate are unmatched. Each individually wrapped piece is a little sphere of heaven, making them great for gifts too!

Before, you couldn’t buy this just anywhere, but thankfully, Ferreros are now being sold even in convenience stores.

Best Chocolate You Can Buy 9: M&Ms

Here’s another brand that gives a fun element to the eater. M&Ms’ colorful chocolate coating makes each piece a treat to the eyes and makes it more appealing to eat. And, of course, it helps that they don’t melt in your hand, but they definitely melt deliciously in your mouth!

Each bag comes with a different number of colorful chocolate shells. You never know what you’ll get, which adds to the thrill of opening up a bag of hard candy with a satisfying crunch.

Best Chocolate You Can Buy 10: Mars

Are you a caramel lover but aren’t a fan of nuts? Well, Snickers are out, but Mars bars? Definitely in!

Some may find the Mars bar a bit too cloyingly sweet because of its soft nougat and caramel covered in rich chocolate, but the majority of people love the flavor combination. Bite into one when you need a burst of energy or just some sweet comfort.

For Those Who Are Chocolate Lovers, But…

You might look for delicious chocolates if you’re feeling down, but what if you have to be mindful about sugar intake or you have to guard your weight? Well, here are some ways to stay true to your health goals:

• Opt for Dark Chocolate: Dark chocolate is a great choice for those managing sugar intake. It typically contains less sugar than milk chocolate and is rich in cocoa, which is known for its health benefits.
• Portion Control: Enjoying chocolate in moderation is key. Opt for smaller portions or individually wrapped pieces so you can savor the taste without overindulging.
• Sugar-Free Options: Many brands offer sugar-free or low-sugar chocolate options. These products use sugar alternatives to provide sweetness, allowing you to enjoy chocolate without impacting your sugar levels.
• Focus on Quality, Not Quantity: Choose high-quality chocolate with pure ingredients. The richer the flavor, the less you may need to feel content.
• Balanced Diet: Incorporate your chocolate treat into a balanced diet. Pairing a piece of chocolate with healthy foods like fruits or nuts can balance your overall intake while still allowing you to enjoy your favorite treat.

Being health-conscious doesn’t mean giving up on chocolate. It’s all about making smarter choices.

Of course, it would help if you just had chocolates that were totally guilt-free, right? Well, it’s definitely possible!

Introducing the Keto Candy Bars Class by The Bailiwick Academy!

Check out our latest class with Ms. Chiqui Ortiz Dingcong: Keto Candy Bars!

The post Best Chocolate You Can Buy (At Any Convenience Store) appeared first on Online Baking and Cooking Classes - The Bailiwick Academy.

What is a keto cookie?

A keto cookie is an ingenious creation, to say the least! This keto food combines the joy of cookies and the principles of the ketogenic diet. Not only do they taste like normal cookies, but they also have low net carbs and are high in healthy fats.

That makes these the perfect indulgence while achieving or staying in a state of ketosis, where your body uses fats instead of carbs for energy.

The Ingredients Of Keto Cookies

What makes a cookie keto? Well, you’d have to use low-carb and high-fat ingredients. Here are some examples of what you’ll frequently use for the dough (not batter!) you’ll be laying out on your baking sheet:

• Almond flour: Almond flour has a low-carb and high-fat base. It’s one of the most frequently used flour not just for keto cookies but also for other keto dessert recipes such as a keto cheesecake.
• Coconut flour: Coconut flour gives you both a low carbohydrate count and a touch of coconut flavor.
• Sugar substitutes: You won’t be using any brown sugar or any other kind of powdered sugar in these kinds of cookies. But don’t worry—keto cookies will still be sweet thanks to the use of natural sweeteners like erythritol, stevia, or monk fruit sweetener.
• Healthy fats: Examples are butter (not margarine!), coconut oil, and nut butters (like almond butter). They’re the ones that give cookies delicious flavors aside from satiating fats.
• Eggs: Essential for structure and texture, eggs also give protein and more healthy fats to your cookie dough.

Other ingredients will depend on the flavor you’re going for. If, for instance, you’re making keto pumpkin cookies, then you’ll definitely have to use pumpkin puree and cream cheese.

Are these low-carb cookies healthy?

We’re not doctors, so we can’t really say that something is healthy per se, but keto cookies do come with some nutritional perks, such as:

• They’re low in carbs: Traditional cookie recipes are often high in carbohydrates and sugar, which is not good for you if you’re watching your blood sugar. With their low carb content, keto cookies are more suitable for diabetics and carb-conscious individuals.
• They help in weight management: Because these low carb cookies are high in fat and also contain plenty of protein, eating them will make you feel full faster. And that has a good effect of making you eat less since you still feel satisfied.
• You’ll have more energy: According to MSD Manuals, fats are the slowest source of energy but they are also the most energy-efficient. You’ll also get twice the energy compared to proteins or carbs.

Note that keto cookies aren’t the only source; you can more or less expect the same thing from other keto snacks or keto-friendly food such as keto bread.

What are the usual flavors of cookies that are keto-friendly?

Do you know what’s great about keto cookie recipes? Surprisingly, you’re not that limited in flavors. For example, you can make the following flavors:

• Choco-Nut Delight: Infused with sugar-free chocolate chips and chopped nuts, this flavor combination strikes a perfect balance between indulgence and nutrition. Think of this as a more flavorful, low-carb chocolate chip cookie!
• Zesty Lemon Burst: Want lemon cookies? It’s possible! The zingy essence of lemon zest combined with almond flour creates a refreshing and delicious cookie.
• Cinnamon Spice: A dash of cinnamon transforms keto cookies into a cozy, freshly baked treat.
• Decadent Dark Chocolate: This flavor is for true chocolate enthusiasts. You’ll get a rich and intense cocoa experience—without the guilt!
• Berry Bliss: Incorporating dried or freeze-dried berries into the cookie dough gives you a burst of fruity goodness with every bite. Just make sure the fruits are considered keto, such as avocado or strawberry.
• Peanut Butter: Yes, peanut butter keto cookies are also possible. You get the rich and creamy flavor of peanut butter but with keto-friendly ingredients. They’re satisfying, health-conscious alternatives to traditional cookies.
• Oatmeal: Substitute oats for keto-friendly ingredients and put them in cookies. You won’t have to lose the classic and comforting taste of oatmeal cookies!

Bake Your Own Keto Cookies: Enroll in The Bailiwick Academy!

Want to try and make surefire delicious keto cookie dessert recipes in the comfort of your home? You can—thanks to Ms. Chiqui Dingcong’s Keto Cookie Master Class!

With this class, you’ll be able to make 5-star keto cookies in four different flavors:

• The rich and moist Keto Red Velvet Cookies
• The delectable crunchy but soft and chewy Keto New York-Style Chocolate Chip Cookies
• The intricate Chocolate Hazelnut Thumbprint Cookies; and
• Indulgent Caramel Bourbon Cookies

It’s guaranteed that each cookie recipe will delight those who try it! And with recipe videos that give you comprehensive, step-by-step instructions and insightful tips, you’ll naturally evolve into an accomplished cookie maestro. Plus, you’ll be able to conquer the market for those looking for guilt-free treats!

Don’t delay—sign up at The Bailiwick Academy now!

FAQs

Q: Can keto cookies satisfy my sweet tooth? 

A: Keto cookies can take getting used to. But when you get used to them, they will provide the sweetness you crave without derailing your low-carb journey.

Q: Are keto cookies okay for gluten-sensitive individuals? 

A: The use of almond and coconut flours in keto cookies eliminates gluten, making them a good option for those with gluten sensitivities. However, it is still best to consult with your doctor before you push through with keto cookies as your go-to snack.

Q: Can I find keto cookies in stores or online? 

A: Yes. Many health food stores and online platforms offer a variety of premade keto cookies. However, if you are particular about taste, it might be better if you make your own, such as enrolling in The Bailiwick Academy’s Keto Cookie Master Class.

Q: Do I need to follow the keto diet to enjoy these cookies? 

A: No. While keto cookies are tailored for the ketogenic diet, they can be enjoyed by anyone seeking a low-carb, guilt-free treat.

Q: How do keto cookies compare to traditional cookies taste-wise? 

A: Keto cookies might have a slightly different texture due to the alternative ingredients used, but their taste can be just as satisfying as traditional cookies.

Q: Can I bake keto cookies in my own kitchen? 

A: Absolutely! Baking your own keto cookies at home allows you to experiment with flavors and ingredients to suit your preferences. But for a good base, enroll in TBA’s Keto Cookie Master Class.

Conclusion

Keto cookies beautifully blend taste and health and can be available in many flavors. Understanding their ingredients and benefits allows you to enjoy these treats as part of a keto lifestyle or simply as a healthier cookie option. With their delicious taste and health benefits, they are a great addition to any diet. 

And again, if you want to make your own keto cookies, consider enrolling in The Bailiwick Academy’s Keto Cookie Master Class! It’s a choice you won’t regret—that’s a guarantee!

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Keep coming back to The Bailiwick Academy blog for more kitchen tips, tricks, and much more!

The post What Are Keto Cookies? appeared first on Online Baking and Cooking Classes - The Bailiwick Academy.

Read on as we share some low-carb (or even zero-carb) keto-friendly substitutes for some of your usual and favorite eats.

Keto Alternatives for Low-Carb Rice

For us Filipinos, rice is life. Hey, we even have various desserts that are basically rice, right? That’s how rice-obsessed we are.

Sadly, rice is not keto-friendly–one cup alone would kick you out of ketosis. But you don’t have to say goodbye to rice, especially if it’s your staple for your meals. Check out some of these keto rice substitutes.

• Broccoli or Cauliflower Rice: Cauliflower and broccoli are both versatile vegetables that can be used in many keto recipes, including as a substitute for rice. Simply chop your chosen vegetable into small pieces and pulse in a food processor until it reaches a rice-like consistency. If you don’t have a food processor, use a grater or chop up the veggie until you get rice-sized pieces. Cook it up in a pan and serve as your keto diet substitute for rice.
• Cabbage Rice: Cabbage is another vegetable option for a rice alternative. It’s low in carbs and easy to prepare. Just shred the cabbage using a knife, a grater, or a chopper. Its slightly sweet flavor goes well with savory food like eggs and meats.
• Shirataki or Konjac Rice: Shirataki and Konjac are both high-fiber, low-carb and very low-calorie rice substitutes. They’re chewy and neutral in flavor, meaning they pair well with any kind of food. You can buy these online; you might see stores selling shirataki noodles, which means you can also have low-carb and low-calorie ramen and other noodle dishes.

It might take some time to get used to these, but we promise: you’ll get to the point of enjoying them.

Keto Substitutes for Bread

If rice is life for Filipinos, bread comes as a close second. After all, we have plenty of favorites in Pinoy bakeries and various spreads to enhance our enjoyment. Sadly, since the usual white bread has a high carbohydrate content, it’s another food you have to avoid. 

Good thing there’s keto bread–as in keto substitutes for flour bread, such as:

• Coconut Flour Bread: Coconut flour is a low-carb alternative to wheat flour and can be used to make keto-friendly bread. You’ll get bread high in fiber and protein and a natural sweet taste.
• Almond Flour Bread: Almond flour is another low-carb flour that can be used to make keto-friendly bread. Your bread will have a slightly nutty flavor and a dense texture.
• Cloud Bread: Cloud bread went viral because of TikTok. But what is cloud bread, exactly? Well, it’s a light and fluffy bread alternative made from eggs, cream cheese, and cream of tartar. It’s another great low-carb option!

And if you’re looking for exact recipes on how to make keto bread, look no further than our class here at The Bailiwick Academy: Keto Bread The Gluten Free Series! You’ll get to make four kinds of keto bread: Keto Dinner Rolls, Keto Loaf Bread, Keto Burger and Hotdog Buns, and Keto Pan de Sal.

You definitely won’t have to say goodbye to bread!

Keto Substitutes for Various Desserts

Just because you have to do keto doesn’t mean dessert is off-limits for you. There are plenty of low-carb alternatives for desserts, such as:

• Keto Ice Cream: No need to look for a keto substitute for ice cream, as there are already plenty of keto ice cream brands in the market. They come in various flavors, and plenty taste like the real thing. You can even make your own–enroll in our Keto Ice Cream class to get started.
• Keto Cakes: If you need to satisfy your sweet tooth, rejoice, as keto cakes are now included in low-carb foods that are on the market. You no longer have to worry about them being high in sugar and carbs since these cakes are made with keto substitutes that are friendly to your diet. For example, they use almond or coconut flour instead of cake makers using wheat flour. And just like with ice cream, you can get started making Keto Cakes here at The Bailiwick Academy. Choose from Keto Cakes, Keto Cheesecakes, or Keto Cakes 2, and come up with plenty of guilt-free delicious cakes!

You can also indulge in donuts, muffins, brownies (available in our Keto Easy-Bake Bestsellers), and even various Filipino favorites like bibingka and puto bumbong.

Do take note that even though these keto desserts are lower in net carbs than their traditional counterparts, these keto alternatives should still be eaten in moderation since they are generally high in calories and fat. Practice enjoying them as occasional treats.

Zero Carb Drinks

If you like drinking Coke, Pepsi, and any other carbonated drinks, you should be aware by now of their high sugar content. But you don’t have to look far for keto alternatives to soda. You don’t have to get rid of soda entirely, either.

Coke Zero, Coke Light, Sprite Zero, and Pepsi Max are all keto-friendly. They’re zero calories too! The same goes for plenty of other drinks in the market, like Rite N’ Lite.

Of course, make sure to check with your personal doctor how much of these you can safely consume in a day.

Keto Substitutes for Snacks

Like eating fries, potato chips, and other salty snacks? We can’t blame you–they’re delicious and can be quite comforting, especially if you’ve had a very long day. The carb count for these, though, is a different story.

You don’t have to stop snacking though–just exchange your usual high-carb foods with low-carb ones. For example, instead of eating chips, eat chicharon or pork rinds instead. They’re also crunchy and salty, but most importantly, they carry a zero carb count.

You can also eat nuts and seeds instead. You’ll have to read the label and/or do research, but plenty of them have low net carbs. Just be sure to limit your intake to follow your daily carb limit.

One more you can do is use zucchini as a potato substitute. Zucchini has lower carbs and calories compared to potatoes, so you can make zucchini chips or zucchini fries instead. When sliced thinly and baked or fried, zucchini can have a crunchy texture that is similar to potato chips or fries.

Don’t know it until you’ve tried it!

Keto-Friendly Sweeteners

Pinoys use sugar in everything, especially for our morning coffee. But as we already know, sugar is not allowed in keto diets. Use the following substitutes instead:

• Stevia: Stevia is a natural sweetener that is derived from the stevia plant. It has no calories, and some describe it as much sweeter than regular sugar. Stevia is the most-talked-about keto substitute for sugar because it doesn’t impact the levels of different people’s blood sugars. 
• Erythritol: Erythritol is a sugar alcohol that is commonly used as a sugar substitute in the keto diet. It has only 0.2 calories per gram and also does not have an impact on blood sugar levels. However, according to Healthline, consuming too much of it may cause digestive issues, including nausea.
• Monk Fruit: Monk fruit is a natural sweetener that is derived from the monk fruit plant. It also has no calories and can be much sweeter than the usual sugar. It does not have an impact on blood sugar levels. You’re more likely to find monk fruit in online stores here than in groceries. 
• Sucralose: Sucralose is a no-calorie sweetener that is made by modifying regular sugar molecules to create a new compound that the body does not recognize as sugar. While sucralose is generally considered safe to consume in moderation, some believe that consuming artificial sweeteners like sucralose can cause an insulin response. Research on this topic is mixed and has no official conclusion yet.

Will artificial sweeteners stop ketosis? Some people seem to think so, but there’s no evidence suggesting that keto sugar substitutes will affect ketosis. So until there’s actual evidence, keep on using it.

Keto Substitutes for Pasta

Pasta noodles are again, high in carbohydrates. After all, traditional pasta noodles are made from wheat flour which has 76g of carbs for every 100g. However, you can choose from any keto alternative to pasta that can be used to recreate keto-friendly pasta meals, such as:

• Zucchini Noodles (Zoodles) – Zucchini noodles are made by spiralizing zucchini into thin, noodle-like strips. They have a similar texture to pasta, making this one of the most popular keto diet replacements for pasta.
• Spaghetti Squash – Spaghetti squash is a type of winter squash that can be roasted and shredded to create a pasta-like texture. 
• Shirataki Noodles – We’ve mentioned these before, but instead of in rice form, they’re now in noodle form. Like zucchini noodles, they have quite a similar texture to pasta.

Final Thoughts

As you can see, just because you’re on a keto diet, it doesn’t mean you have to give up your favorite foods altogether. There are plenty of delicious and satisfying keto-friendly alternatives out there that can help you stay on track while still enjoying the flavors you love. We hope this list gives you a headstart on looking for those keto substitutes.

In the meantime, we wish you all the best as you go on your keto diet. Here’s to a better and healthier you!

Speaking of Keto Pasta…

If you’re interested in making your own keto pasta–and achieving it in the fastest and best time possible, then you’re in luck. The Bailiwick Academy has a new course by Ms. Chiqui Dingong: Keto Pasta! 

Check out the video below to learn more about our latest class:

When you enroll in Keto Pasta, you’ll learn to make low-carb and sugar-free pasta dishes that are just as delicious as the real deal. Not only will you learn to make three kinds of pasta (fettuccine, lasagne, and spaghetti), but you’ll also get recipes for three pasta sauces: Truffle Mushroom Cream Sauce, Ragu ala Bolognese, and Pesto ala Genovese.

And guess what? You’ll be making REAL pasta noodles! No substitutes like shirataki–but you’ll have to enroll in this course to find out how Ms. Chiqui does it!

Satisfy that pasta craving with these delectable pasta dishes without the guilt–and appeal to customers who are looking for keto alternatives, too! Sign up at The Bailiwick Academy today to get started!

Oh, and if you’re reading this now (May 15, 2023, Philippine Time), this new course is on sale until 8:30 PM today! Make sure to grab it before the sale expires!

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Keep coming back to The Bailiwick Academy blog for more kitchen tips, tricks, and much more!

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