An award-winning British chocolate maker with a base in Sheffield has just launched its Easter range - so we gave it a try.

We are now fully in the throes of spring, flowers are blooming, lawnmowers are returning from a winter-enforced isolation and it’s just generally getting a lot lighter and warmer.

Plus, we have Easter coming upon us fast and thus the tough questions need to be answered.

Do you plump for the cheaper £2-£5 Easter eggs (remember when they used to be a quid?), or do you push the boat out a little for something a little more extravagant, perhaps higher in quality, and something that is packed with actual chocolate and not substitutes – I am looking at you the humble Penguin and Club, now merely a ‘chocolate-flavoured biscuit’.

British chocolate maker Montezuma’s kindly sent over a box packed with a selection of sweet treats from its Easter range, it’s a sweet-treat brand that touts ‘chocolate made responsibly’ – with the price tag to match.

It was therefore requested that I (in the name of culinary science) share my honest thoughts. It was a sacrifice I had to make for the greater good.

Upon opening the box, I was greeted by a smorgasbord of chocolate-infused treats. My dentist may not be happy about it, but my tummy growled in anticipation.

This limited edition collection ‘promises something for every Easter chocolate lover’.

Anyway, here are my thoughts as I delved into this box of hidden wonders (or blunders).

First up, Milk Chocolate ‘Jammy Scone’ truffle bites.

As Brits, many of us are conditioned to love a scone (pronunciation of the word aside), and I am a self-professed fan. The chocolate outer layer of this spherical bite-sized treat is both delicate and plentiful. Biting through to the white chocolate, raspberry and biscuit centre, I couldn’t help but notice the lack of a biscuit-y texture. But the fruity raspberry and white chocolate was rather lovely.

Verdict: It was really nice... make the biscuit more pronounced and we are getting there.

Next, I tried the ‘Peanut Butter’ mini eggs. Egg-shaped, milk chocolate with a nutty chocolatey centre. I wouldn’t usually go for something with peanut butter willingly but this was a pleasant surprise and I found myself going back and dipping my hand in while typing this.

Verdict: Rather more-ish. I liked it.

The Dark Chocolate ‘Hot Cross Bun’ truffle bites. Promising ‘a bite packed with sugar spice and all things nice’. Like the ‘Jammy Scone’ truffle bites these too are spherical in shape. You definitely get a hint of the ginger and cinnamon with each taste, not too overpowering either.

Verdict: Very good. Did I say very good? Loved it.

I also tried out the Apple Crumble milk chocolate hollow egg, it’s interesting. You definitely do get the apple flavouring from that, along with the oat-like texture in clusters. If you’re a fan of apples and chocolate it could be just the ticket. I’ll be honest it wasn’t my favourite, but your tastes may vary to mine here. This is Montezuma’s take on a ‘comforting classic’, and weighing in at a grand £15 it would have been nice to have some mini eggs to go along with it – especially for the price.

Verdict: It’s fine.

Also launching this Easter from Montezuma’s is a partnership with another brand with strong connections to British heritage.

Peter Rabbit, created by Beatrix Potter, is one of the most enduring, beloved and recognisable characters in British literature – so naturally it seems like the perfect fit to deliver a range of Peter Rabbit Easter egg confectionery. More will be revealed on the Montezuma’s website in due course, but it will be time-limited affair.

When it comes to pricing of the products in the 2026 Easter egg range, I’ll be honest… it isn’t ‘cheap as chips’.

The bites generally cost around £7.50 a packet and the eggs range from £15 up to £26 for the Salted caramel Milk Chocolate Hollow Hen, which does come with a bag of salted caramel mini eggs to be fair. And it is actually really nice, I’d recommend it but £26 could be quite steep to some.

But why so pricey, you may ask? The reason is partly due to the cost of one of the key ingredients, namely cocoa. Montezuma’s Easter eggs contain no palm oil and are made up of 89 per cent milk chocolate or 95 per cent dark chocolate – due to geopolitical pricing, consumers are often hit with higher costs as a result. I will give the company this though, it is open about how much ‘actual’ chocolate is in each product front and centre.

You may have to pay a little more for one of these ‘luxury’ Easter eggs but it’s undeniable the focus on quality and substance is there. It’s also important to note that Montezuma’s is focussed on offering ethically sourced ingredients and pursuing bold flavour development, all while staying true to its British roots.

Is it necessary to spend so much on chocolate? Honestly, no… not really, it’s your choice at the end of the day. But I think I’d certainly consider paying more for from the ethical and quality perspective.

The Montezuma’s 2026 Easter Range is available now online and also in selected independent stores and supermarkets.

You can find out more about its products or order directly from the Montezuma’s website here: https://www.montezumas.co.uk/

The Sheffield base of its operations can be found at:

The Old Tannery

Unit 5, Whiting Street

Sheffield S8 9QR