Whenever I have more than one brand of a specific type of item in my apartment, I see the opportunity for a consumer product comparison review to be written. Such is the case with the two boxes of chocolate- covered thin mint candies that are currently in my refrigerator. One of the boxes is Necco Haviland brand Real Chocolate Covered Thin Mints and the other box is Zachary Chocolate Covered Thin Mints. The Zachary brand Thin Mints I received as a gift from my Mother and I purchased the box of Necco Haviland brand Thin Mints at Wal- Mart. Presented here, in an effort to assist the consumer, is one longtime Thin Mint- lover’s consumer product comparison review of Necco Haviland Thin Mints and Zachary Thin Mints candies.
Packaging
The boxes which contain both the Necco Haviland and Zachary Thin Mints look very similar. The Necco box weighs- in at 5 ounces and the Zachary box weighs 5.5 ounces. Both boxes feature white backgrounds and are emblazoned with illustrations of thin mint candies and fresh mint leaves. Each box also contains a brown plastic sleeve which holds the thin mint candies in compartmentalized sections. Both the Necco Haviland and Zachary Thin Mint candy boxes contain approximately 20 thin mints.
Size and Texture
Although the size of the boxes is the same, the size of the thin mint candies differs. The Necco Haviland Thin Mints are a little bit bigger than the Zachary Thin Mints, which are a little bigger than a quarter, and they definitely maintain a softer texture. When I bite- into a Necco Haviland Thin Mint, the chocolate coating gives- way very easily and the candy almost melts in my mouth. When I bite into a Zachary Thin Mint, the first thing I notice is the crisp chocolate coating, which possesses a satisfying crunch, or snap- like mouth feel.
Price / Availability
The Necco Haviland Thin Mint candies and the Zachary Thin Mint candies each normally retail for approimately .99c per box. Both brands of thin mints can be found at supermarkets, pharmacies and department stores everywhere.
Personally, I think that both brands of thin mint candies are worth more than .99c per box. In fact, I feel that both brands are actually bargains.
Flavor
To me, the flavor of the two brands of thin mint candies is similar, yet also quite different. While both the Necco Haviland Thin Mints and the Zachary Thin Mints each offer dynamic mint and chocolate flavor, I feel that the taste of the Necco Haviland Thin Mints is much mintier than the Zachary Thin Mints. After I eat one of these candies, the minty taste lingers and produces a feeling that is somewhat similar to burning my tongue.
To me, the Zachary Thin Mints offer a more well- balanced flavor that features a subdued minty taste. It should be noted that the Necco Haviland Thin Mints are made with bittersweet chocolate and the Zachary Thin Mints are made with semi- sweet chocolate. When I looked at the two brands side by side, the chocolate coating on the Zachary Thin Mints looked a little bit darker than the Necco variety. Also, both brands of thin mints maintain a fragrant, minty aroma that is evident upon the opening of the boxes.
Nutritional Facts
The Necco Haviland Thin Mints contain 160 calories, with 40 calories from fat per six piece (42g) serving. They contain 0 grams trans fat, 0% cholesterol, are low in carbohydrates and contain 29 grams of sugars. The Zachary Thin Mints contain 170 calories, with 40 calories from fat, per five piece (39g) serving. They contain 0 grams trans fat, 0% cholesterol, are low in carbohydrates
and contain 23 grams of sugars.
Overall Rating
Both Necco Haviland Thin Mints and Zachary Thin Mints are very tasty chocolate- covered mint candies. These sultry sweets are both inexpensively- priced and convenient to eat. While both brands of thin mints are delicious and made of high- quality ingredients, I personally feel that the Zachary Thin Mints offer a flavor and texture that is more desireable to me. At any rate, both of these products are very good and I would recommend each of them.
Sources :
Personal experience with the products
The package labels
