Kinder Chocolate, internationally known as Kinder Surprise, celebrates its 50th anniversary this year with its iconic egg-shaped chocolate treat with a toy inside. Launched in Italy in 1974 by Ferrero, the Kinder Surprise soon became a worldwide sensation for children and adults alike.
The sweet treat contains a thin layer of milk chocolate on the outside and a creamy milk filling on the inside. However, what sets Kinder Surprise apart from its competitors is the toy surprise inside. The toy is hidden inside a plastic capsule that is encased in the chocolate shell and comes in a wide variety of characters, puzzles, games or figurines.
The popularity of Kinder Surprise can be attributed to the fun experience it offers to customers. The excitement of discovering what toy is inside adds an extra layer of joy to the chocolate-eating experience. It soon became a staple of birthday parties, Easter baskets and Christmas stockings.
To commemorate its 50th anniversary, Ferrero has launched a limited edition of Kinder Chocolate with collectible toys, featuring designs of iconic characters from the last 50 years. Fans can collect all 16 figurines and share the fun with loved ones.
Over the years, Kinder Chocolate has undergone several variations, including Kinder Bueno, Kinder Happy Hippo, Kinder Joy, and Kinder Maxi. Each variation offers a unique taste experience and toy surprise.
Kinder Bueno, a wafer-based variant of Kinder, was introduced in 1990 and became an instant hit, especially among teenagers and young adults. The crispy wafers and hazelnut cream filling covered in milk chocolate make for a delicious snack anytime.
Kinder Happy Hippo, which was launched in 1993, is a hippopotamus-shaped biscuit with a creamy filling, covered in milk chocolate. This delightful snack was designed to appeal to younger children and has been a hit ever since.
Kinder Joy, introduced in 2001, is a variation of the Kinder Chocolate. Instead of a large egg-shaped chocolate shell, Kinder Joy packs two separate halves; one with creamy milk chocolate and the other with a surprise toy. This variant is a popular snack around the world, with over a billion sold in 2019 alone.
Kinder Maxi, introduced in 1981, is a longer and thinner version of the Kinder Chocolate. The chocolate stick includes 10 different pieces with a range of creamy fillings between each piece. It is a perfect chocolate to take with you on the go.
Kinder Chocolate has not only provided a sweet, fun and delightful experience but it also has been very sustainable. Ferrero has committed to sourcing only sustainable cocoa by 2020 to make its chocolate, which promote fairer and more ethical practices.
The anniversary of Kinder Chocolate is not just a celebration of the iconic chocolate but also a testament to Ferrero’s commitment to innovation and sustainability. The company has continuously worked to improve its products, reduce waste and increase sustainability efforts.
In conclusion, Kinder Chocolate has become an iconic chocolate snack that is adored by millions worldwide. The surprise toy has added that element of excitement that makes it so unique. As it marks its 50th anniversary, chocolate lovers can look back fondly on the memories shared while opening the egg-shaped treat. Here’s to many more years of Kinder Chocolate and its delightful treats. Happy Birthday!