Almond Bark Vs Candy Melts: 3 Key Differences

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Last Updated on February 8, 2023

When it comes to candy coating, dipping, or melting, there are many options you can choose from. Knowing the differences between almond bark vs candy melts will help you choose the right option for your needs. While they are similar, almond bark and candy melts are not the same things.

Though almond bark can be used interchangeably most of the time, that is not always the case. You will want to know the difference between the two before you get baking. Both almond bark and candy melts can be found at grocery stores, online, and in craft stores.

What Is Almond Bark?

Almond bark is a “chocolate-like confection” that is used for dipping and coating different baked goods. Despite its name, it does not contain any almonds or chocolate. It is specifically designed to be melted and used for covering various foods.

The ingredients in almond bark include vegetable fats, sugar, coloring, and flavors. Such flavors may include vanilla and milk chocolate, but almond bark does not contain any cocoa butter as real chocolate does.

It gets its name as it is specifically designed to be used for coating almonds, however, it also has many other uses. In addition to coating almonds, almond bark is often used for coating fruits, nuts, pretzels, and more.

Though almond bark has a similar taste to chocolate, it is not quite the same. Since it does not contain cocoa butter, it is not as rich and often not as quality as chocolate.

What Are Candy Melts?

Candy melts are another “chocolate-like confection” that are designed to be melted to coat and dip various treats. They are great for coating fruits, cake pops, and more.

Candy melts can come in a variety of flavors including vanilla, chocolate, peppermint, strawberry, caramel, and more. Since they do not contain cocoa butter they tend not to be as rich or quality as real chocolate.

What are candy melts made of?

Candy melts are made of sugar, milk solids, vegetable oil, flavorings, and food coloring. Since they do not contain cocoa butter they are not actually chocolate. They are less expensive than real chocolate while having a similar taste.

Is Almond Bark The Same As Candy Melts?

Almond bark is very similar to candy melts, but they are slightly different. While the ingredients tend to be very similar, almond bark does tend to be slightly richer.

Almond bark and candy melts are also sold in different forms. However, they can almost always be used interchangeably, though with candy melts you do get more options than you do with almond bark.

The Differences Between Almond Bark Vs Candy Melts

The main difference between almond bark and candy melts is the variety. In addition, you may also notice there is a slight difference in the flavor as well. Another key difference is the form of how they are sold.

Almond bark is more flavorful

Oftentimes, almond bark tends to be more rich and flavorful than candy melts. Almond bark tends to be a slightly more quality alternative to chocolate than candy melts.

Candy melts come in more colors and flavors

Candy melts come in a large variety of colors and flavors. You can get white, brown, blue, black, orange, yellow, red, purple, pink, and green candy melts. They also come in different flavors including vanilla, chocolate, peppermint, strawberry, caramel, peanut butter, and more.

Almond bark typically only comes in vanilla, milk chocolate, and dark chocolate flavors. It often only comes in white and brown colors, as you likely won’t see any colorful almond bark.

Almond bark comes in blocks and candy melts come in round wafers

Almond bark typically comes in blocks with squares that can be broken off. Candy melts come in small round wafers. However, both are designed for easy melting.

How To Melt Almond Bark And Candy Wafers

There are two main options for melting your almond bark or candy wafers: using a microwave or double boiler. Both options are efficient and practical for melting almond bark and candy wafers. However, you need to follow the right steps to ensure you don’t burn your candy coatings while melting them.

Microwave

A microwave is a great option if you only need to melt a small amount of candy wafers or almond bark. To do so, place your candy melts or almond bark in a microwave-safe bowl.

Microwave at half power for one minute then remove from the microwave and stir. Place the bowl back in the microwave and continue to microwave in 15-second intervals until your almond bark or candy melts are fully melted, stirring each interval. Once melted, allow it to cool for one minute before dipping your food.

Double boiler

A double boiler is another great option for melting both almond bark and candy melts. Bring a small pot of water to a simmer and place a heat-safe bowl above the simmering pot of water. Be sure that the water is not touching your bowl.

Add your candy melts or almond bark to your bowl. Stir occasionally until it is melted through and then remove from the heat. Allow your almond bark or candy melts to cool for one minute before dipping.

Understanding The Differences Between Almond Bark Vs Candy Melts

Almond bark and candy melts are essentially the same things, there are just some small differences between the two. Both of them are “chocolate-like confections” that are used for dipping and coating various foods. They are great to use for fruit, nuts, pretzels, cake pops, rice crispy treats, barks, oreo balls, and more.

Candy melts come in a wide variety of colors and flavors, while almond bark is typically only white or brown, coming in vanilla or chocolate flavors. Almond bark does tend to have a richer, more flavorful profile. Almond bark is often sold in blocks with breakable square pieces and candy melts generally are sold in small round wafers.

Do you have any questions regarding the differences between almond bark vs candy melts? If so, please ask your questions regarding almond bark and candy melts in the comments.

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