I had my dinner, my tummy was full but I was longing for something sweet to end the night. I eyed a masculine-looking dark orange box with gold-foil lettering in my snack drawer. Chocolate sticks? Sounded like the perfect after-dinner treat.

The sticks were very slender in size, about 10cm long and 0.7cm wide (I’d expected it to be slightly bigger. Nevertheless, it’s a good size for nibbling). The swirly texture running through the length was a nice touch. What about the taste?

The taste was pleasant, if slightly forgettable at first, perhaps due to its tiny size. Only after three sticks would you get a proper feel of the product. The orange flavour was zesty and nicely balanced with the milk chocolate, which was not too sweet. There were tiny, crunchy bits that added texture to an otherwise plain affair (remember this is an orange-flavoured, not orange–filled, chocolate stick).

I stopped at five sticks (half a serving) to see if I’d crave for more. I kept the box in the fridge, made myself a cup of tea and switched the TV on. In the middle of watching The Queen (the film starring Helen Mirren), I’m thinking of thin, orange-flavoured chocolate sticks again and I’m not even hungry to start with.

Perhaps due to its small size I needed more to satisfy my sweet craving. Perhaps, I was just giving excuses. Just one more wouldn’t hurt, I thought. And then I ate 7.

Photo: P.T. Ceres

Starts off unremarkable, and then you find yourself wanting more.