Last Updated on August 10, 2022
Tempering chocolate has brought tears to our eyes! But, what if there was a solution? Luckily, we’ve found Ghirardelli melting wafers from Target!
These melting wafers will take the effort out of making beautiful temper-like chocolate coatings for your baked goods, pastries, and candies. They will save you time, money, and a ton of effort.
This product would have been a lifesaver if we knew about it earlier. But hopefully, now you don’t have to ever struggle either!
Things To Consider Before Buying Ghirardelli Melting Wafers From Target
The biggest reason people buy this product is for its convenience. It creates beautiful silky smooth chocolate-like coatings without the hassle (and costs involved) of tempering chocolate. However, it doesn’t have the authentic taste or texture of tempered chocolate.
So, while it is a great way to save time and money, it won’t do in a professional kitchen or bakery. Or if you are planning on making chocolate decorations. If your need is more authentic chocolate, then rather use real chocolate instead.
You can also consider the price and availability of the product before buying it. Not all of the flavors are as readily available as real chocolate is. And, by lowering the cost of ingredients (and thereby the quality), you may also lower the selling price.
Ghirardelli Melting Wafers From Target – Product Overview
Ghirardelli is a brand that produces high-quality melting chocolate-flavored wafers. These differ from regular chocolate chips in that they aren’t made using real chocolate.
What these wafers ultimately offers is ease of use. You don’t need to temper them during melting to get a silky smooth and shiny coating over the products. And, you can also more easily melt them without worrying about them seizing as easily!
Now, if you have ever tried to temper chocolate before, you know that it is an absolute nightmare! And honestly, we wish we had never wasted any time trying to do so! Unless you are a chocolatier or professional baker, these melting wafers will make your life a breeze!
Candy melts are possibly their biggest competitor. Those melting candies are also made and used similarly. What we can say is that in the opinion of more professional bakers, these produce a much more consistent end product and give a better chocolate flavor.
Pro’s
- When buying from Target, you can buy these online and have them delivered directly to your door.
- As we have mentioned, these wafers aren’t made using real chocolate. But, they do still contain cocoa powder and use very high-quality ones at that. This is what gives them a fantastic flavor.
- They provide consistent results, unlike many of its competitors.
- The melting wafers are easy to melt in the microwave or on a stovetop. They don’t easily burn or seize, making them perfect for beginners.
- And, these wafers provide an extra smooth finish to your products and coatings that will look like tempered chocolate!
Cons
- Target usually only stocks the dark melting wafers and the white chocolate-flavored melting wafers. So, finding the milk chocolate option may be impossible, especially if you are in a rush.
- Ghirardelli melting wafers from Target is not the cheapest available on the market. They are not that much more expensive, however, if you desperately need to cut down on some costs, every cent counts.
- Many customers feel that the product is quite pricey for the amount that you get. However, this is entirely relative.
Features And Benefits Of Ghirardelli Melting Wafers From Target
Below is a breakdown of the key features of this product. We have included notes on its performance, quality, and workability. Hopefully, using this expert guide, you can effectively decide whether or not this product is for you!
No tempering required
The main reason people search for products like this is to cut down on time and effort. This is exactly what this product delivers. Without having to follow any special steps, you can get beautiful silky melted chocolate that looks and feels tempered.
Tempering chocolate (especially on hot or humid days) is challenging to say the least. But with these wafers, you can simply heat and use them immediately! No need to spend hours testing temperatures.
Easy to work with
While this does go hand in hand with the fact that the product doesn’t need to be tempered, it is also incredibly easy to melt.
You can simply place the melting wafers inside a heatproof bowl, jus, or container. Then, microwave it for roughly a minute before giving it a good stir. Then, microwave it in 3o second intervals until it has been fully melted.
Consistent results
Unlike many competing products, this one produces consistent results. And, if you are like us and want to know exactly what you get every time you use it, this is one of the most effective options for melting wafers out there.
Tastes amazing
The flavor of these melting wafers is one thing the brand does boast about. And we must say, we can’t disagree.
Many melting candies simply taste like plastic. These at least have a chocolate flavor that comes from the high-quality cocoa powder used in the recipe.
Versatile uses
The Ghirardelli melting wafers from Target are specifically marketed as melting chocolate. This product’s main purpose is to create beautiful temper-like chocolate coatings and a shiny gloss.
But, they are much more versatile. They can be used in sauces, dressings, frostings, batters, and doughs. Where ever you can use melted chocolate, you can use these melting wafers.
Alternatives For Ghirardelli Melting Wafers From Target
If you cannot find any of the three options provided, you can always try one of these alternatives below. All of these options can be conveniently found online
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Good & Gather Vanilla Candy Coating
This product is a great alternative to the white chocolate melting wafers from Ghirardelli. It is vanilla-flavored but will give you virtually the same look and mouthfeel. And a bonus of this option is that it is generally cheaper.
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Wilton Candy Melts
This one another one of the market’s leading products for melting wafers. While they are very different from Ghirardelli, they do produce similar quality coatings. But, they are more expensive. These are good options that are easy to find in even the most remote places. At the very least you will be able to have it easily shipped to you.
Wilton Light Cocoa and Bright White Candy Melts Candy Set, Vanilla & Chocolate Candy Melts
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Merckens Coating Melting Wafers
If you are looking for the best bang for your buck, then this product is a great option. It is very affordable, but not necessarily as high quality as your Ghirardelli wafers.
Merckens Coating Melting Wafers Milk Chocolate cocoa lite 5 pounds
Final Words
This guide should provide you with all the necessary information you need to choose the perfect melting wafers for your baking needs. The Ghirardelli melting wafers from Target is the perfect solution for making professional treats without the hassle of tempering chocolate. And, it is also much more affordable!
So, if you feel confident in buying this product, then you can find all three flavor options here!
FAQs
Is Ghirardelli melting wafers the same as chocolate chips?
Ghirardelli melting wafers are not the same as chocolate chips. Chocolate chips are made using real chocolate. These wafers on the other hand are made from a bunch of ingredients with minimal chocolate or chocolate products. They don't melt in the same way, their flavor differs, and even the texture and consistency they provide are different.
Are melting wafers and candy melts the same?
These are usually two different terms to describe the same type of product. Both are types of chocolate-flavored melting chips. Just always check the packaging to ensure it is what you want to buy and use.
Are Ghirardelli chocolate melting wafers tempered?
Because these wafers aren't made using real chocolate, they are not tempered nor can they ever be tempered at home. However, because of the additives used in the product, it gives the appearance of tempered chocolate.
Can I substitute melting wafers for chocolate chips?
You can substitute melting wafers for chocolate chips, as long as you are aware that the flavors and final texture will be slightly different. But, if you are using it as melted chocolate in a recipe, then either will work great.
Lindy Van Schalkwyk is a culinary specialist with a background in Advanced Cooking, Advanced Pâtisserie, Media Communications and Nutrition. She has gained invaluable experience in the culinary industry having worked in some of the top restaurants in Africa in 2016 and 2017. Her expertise in nutrition has enabled her to develop recipes for special dietary needs. In 2018, Lindy began working in the Food Media industry, focusing on recipe development, recipe writing, food writing and food styling.