Chocolate and truffles are both sweet treats often found in the same gift baskets. However, there are differences between the two treats that a lot of people don’t know about. Here is a guide to how truffles and chocolate differ. 

Origin

Truffles and chocolate originated in different parts of the world. Chocolate was first cultivated for consumption in the Americas, and the name originates from the Aztec word "xocoatl.” Historians believe that cultivation began at least 2,000 years ago or possibly as far back as 4,000 years ago. 

Truffles were created much later in Europe. European countries disagree about who created the treat, with France, Belgium, and Switzerland all claiming to have made the first truffle. The confection was invented in the 19th or early 20th century, depending on which country’s story you believe. 

Ingredients

Truffles often contain chocolate, but other ingredients define them. They usually have a creamy taste and texture from ganache, which is a mixture of chocolate, butter and heavy cream. The center of a truffle is soft, while the outside is a harder shell. The shell may be rolled in cocoa powder or topped with ingredients like fruits and seeds.

Chocolate is the name for anything made from cacao seeds that have been ground and roasted. The product can be formed into many different shapes or consumed as a drink. Although it’s usually enjoyed sweet, chocolate is also used in savory cooking. 

Appearance

Chocolate may come in nearly any shape or form, from the common bars to creative shapes like Easter eggs.

Truffles are usually round, bite-sized pieces. Their name refers to their resemblance to the truffle fungus.

Whether you love chocolate, truffles, or both, treat yourself or a loved one to a gift basket full of confections from Surfing Goat Dairy in Kula, HI. The dairy farm makes delicious truffles with creative flavors such as Toasted Coconut, Hawaiian Chili Pepper, and Amaretto Cherries. They also produce award-winning goat cheese. In fact, while most truffle makers mix the ganache using cow’s butter, cream, and artificial flavorings, they utilize goat cheese and natural flavorings instead. They’re the only commercial producer of goat cheese truffles in the U.S. Visit them online to browse their gift baskets and cheeses, or call (808) 878-2870 with any questions.