The processes of coating (as in the instance of chocolate-covered strawberries), dipping, or melting bring to mind a number of different choices. Traditional chocolate is one option, but you also have the choice between almond bark and candy melts, all of which are delicious. However, what exactly is the difference between the two?

Candy melts and almond bark have a surprising amount of overlap, and as a result, you can often use them interchangeably in recipes. Almond bark, on the other hand, is often available in white or brown and has a more robust taste than its cousin made with multicolored candy melts.

How are you doing? My name is Shea, and for the last decade, in addition to other things, I’ve been baking. I find enjoyment in all phase of baking, but particularly the coating and dipping processes. It is an incredible amount of fun, and the end result is always quite tasty!

The primary topic of discussion for today is the distinction between almond bark and candy melts. Won’t you join me?

What is Almond Bark?

Despite the fact that they seem to be the same thing, many people get almond bark, candy melts, and particularly white chocolate mixed up. However, these three things are not the same at all. Almond bark is not created with any kind of chocolate or almonds, which is why it is referred to as a “chocolate-like confection.” This is in contrast to white chocolate, which is prepared with chocolate.

There is no cocoa involved in the making of almond bark; instead, it is made using a combination of vegetable fats, coloring, and tastes. In addition, there are no almonds present. Simply put, almond bark earned its name from the fact that its first function was to cover almonds. It may be bought and sold in a variety of forms, although the blocks are by far the most common.

These days, almond bark is used to a number of different uses. However, the most typical use for this substance is as a coating for tasty foods such as nuts and fruits. It is simpler to melt than white chocolate, therefore it is more easy to use. As a result, it is suggested more often than white chocolate.

What Are Candy Melts?

The consistency of candy melts is comparable to that of almond bark. This is due to the fact that, much like almond bark, it is crafted using a combination of vegetable lipids and has no traces of cocoa beans whatsoever. Candy melts, on the other hand, almost always have vivid colors, and their scents, such as peppermint, tend to be more distinguishable than those of almond bark.

Candy melts and almond bark are both used for the melting process for similar reasons. They may be poured into candy molds, drizzled over cake pops, or coated over delicious berries in a variety of ways. When it comes to candy melts, the creative possibilities are almost limitless.

Almond Bark vs Candy Melts: What’s the Difference

It goes without saying that almond bark and candy melts are very comparable to one another. However, they are not the same thing at all. There are a few important distinctions between the two that could play a role in your final purchase decision. Let’s take a more in-depth look, shall we?

1. Almond bark is richer in favor

It’s a well-known fact that almond bark and candy melts have a lot of taste similarities. However, the popular impression is that almond bark is somewhat more rich. Personally, this is why I choose to use almond bark over candy melts when I’m making certain recipes.

2. Candy melts are more colorful

The variety of colors available in candy melts is by far the most compelling selling point when compared to almond bark. Candy melts come in a variety of colors, including pink, green, blue, and brown, while almond bark is either white or brown. Because of this, coating, drizzling, and other processes may now have a greater degree of vibrancy and excitement.

It’s important to keep in mind that choosing brown or white almond bark isn’t always a negative thing, however! Choose “brown” almond bark, for example, if you want your sweet to seem as if it is covered with chocolate. This will give the impression that chocolate is being used.

If you use “white” almond bark, you may tint it whatever color you choose. This is one advantage of using almond bark rather than candy melts, and it gives you more creative control over the final product.

3. Almond bark is sold in Bricks, candy melts in round wafers

The manner in which these two types of candies are presented also stands out as a key distinction between them. Bricks are the most common form in which almond bark is offered for sale. Candy melts are often supplied in the form of round wafers.

Even if the form that these components are offered in does not significantly affect how you put them to use, I like the brick over the wafers whenever possible. This is mostly due to the fact that I want more “rigidity” and “structure.” However, the results will be the same with any option!

FAQs

Even while none of this information is very revolutionary, you have to agree that it is, at the very least, fascinating, right? I have included a few questions that are usually asked to stimulate your curiosity in this fascinating subject in the event that you would want to understand a little bit more about it.

Is candy melts the same as almond bark?

Although candy melts and almond bark are not exactly the same, there is a lot of similarity between the two. Both of them make use of the same components and are designed for the same kinds of applications. The only noticeable difference between the two is that almond bark is offered in brick form and has a more indulgent flavor. Wafers in a rainbow of colors make up candy melts.

Can you substitute candy melts for almond bark?

Do not freak out if the recipe you are following asks for “almond bark,” but all you have on hand is candy melts. It is possible to effectively utilize candy melts instead of almond bark and produce excellent results with this substitution. (Oh, and just in case you were curious, you can also use almond bark in place of candy melts.)

Is almond bark good for dipping?

Despite the fact that almond bark may not seem like it should be a go-to selection based on its appearance or sound, it is a wonderful choice for dipping. The taste, on the other hand, is out of this world, and the almond bark is surprisingly simple to melt, coat, dip, and drizzle. If you choose with white, adding color to your dessert won’t be difficult at all, and it will look great!

Does vanilla almond bark taste like white chocolate?

The flavor of almond bark is somewhat comparable to that of white chocolate, although it is not exactly the same. Because it includes cocoa butter, white chocolate has a taste and texture that are both more indulgent and rich than milk chocolate does. However, the difference between it and almond bark is not really significant, so feel free to use either one!

Is almond bark and candy coating the same thing?

A chocolate-like confection, almond bark is created with vegetable fats rather than cocoa butter and is colored and flavored with other ingredients. It is also known as candy coating with a vanilla taste. You may get it in pre-packaged quantities, in blocks, or as round discs from stores that specialize in confections and baking goods.

What is the difference between melting chocolate and almond bark?

The chocolate used for dipping is genuine chocolate that has been heated to a certain temperature and then tempered. Artificial chocolate, also known as confectionery or summer coating, is manufactured using vegetable fats rather than cocoa butter and is referred to as almond bark. Other names for almond bark include summer coating and candy.

Are candy melts and chocolate bark the same?

Yes, compound chocolate, which is also known as confectionery coating, candy melts, melting wafers, or almond bark, may be used to produce chocolate bark. Other names for compound chocolate include melting wafers. Compound chocolate does not need tempering since it is made using vegetable oil rather than cocoa butter. The most common kind of vegetable oil used in compound chocolate is palm kernel oil.

Can I use melting wafers instead of almond bark?

Candy Melts®, candy wafers, chocolate coating, and almond bark are all examples of items that may be used for dipping, molding, and coating without requiring the chocolate to be tempered beforehand. In this context, I’ll refer to them as candy wafers, but if you see them being offered under a different name, you shouldn’t be frightened. They are all going to function in the exact same way.

What is a good substitute for candy melts?

If you are looking for an alternative to candy melts, the best options for most applications are either compound chocolate or almond bark. Consider tempering some high-quality couverture chocolate in order to elevate the flavor of any sweet delicacy to a whole new level. You could make do with whipped icing, melted marshmallows, or kinako if you were in a bind.

Can you use almond bark for candy coating?

Candy melts and almond bark are two popular tastes that have the ability to improve the flavor of nearly anything. They serve as a substitute for chocolate when it comes to the coating, dipping, and shaping processes.

Almond Bark vs Candy Melts: The Verdict

Candy melts and almond bark are extremely comparable to one another and may be used for the same applications. On the other hand, I think that almond bark is superior than candy melts. My preference is for almond bark due to its superior flavor and the additional richness that comes with it. If you go with the “white” brick, you’ll have more leeway to experiment with other color combinations.

Which side of the debate do you fall on—team #candymelts or team #almondbark? Do you have any distinctions or parallels that you would want to add to this list? Leave your thoughts in the comments!