'Chocolate Log' is back — but is the new version as tasty as the original? (2024)

We may have lost fish paste, stocks of Marmite may be a bit shaky but the good news is that one of SA’s fave chocolate bars, Chocolate Log, made by Nestle, which vanished from our shelves in mid 2020 has been cloned and is back in the form of Choc-o-Log.

It is made by SA chocolate manufacturer Kayley’s, a local manufacturing arm of Rippers Importers who have quietly been building their business as importers of some of the international brands we love like Toblerone and Cote d’Or.

Dig a little deeper and you will discover the Gauteng-based company was established in 1999 and opened its own chocolate factory in April 2006 and now distributes, alongside the imported brands, its own brand of chocolates under the Kayley’s label.

So how does the Choc-O-Log shape up? On the standout purple packaging the 45g confection is described as “delicious fluffy marshmallow, laid on a crunch wafer smothered in rich milk chocolate”. My first impression is that it’s not as perfect or uniform as the original but in a way that makes it unique.

Covered in a very generous coating of chocolate, the best part, the quality is surprisingly good, the wafer base is there — two layers of the crunchy biscuit with a layer of chocolate in-between topped with a mound of sweet marshmallow.

There's not quite as much of the sweet white decadence as the original but then what it doesn’t have in height it has in width and is squatter in shape. And, of course, it’s super sweet, really sweet and just as I remember it. The best part was the lovely mouthfeel the melting chocolate left on the palate.

It may just be a chocolate, a version of the original, but it’s more than that. In our shrinking economy, where we stand to lose many of the brands we love, it gives one that warm fuzzy feeling that we are a resilient bunch and no matter what we may lose there’s someone out there who is prepared to invest in bringing products back. And it’s not only food products — which gives us hope, as innovative thinking and local investment mean good things for the country and the economy.

Choc-O-Log sells for R14.99 in selected stores.

• See Rippers.co.za

'Chocolate Log' is back — but is the new version as tasty as the original? (2024)

FAQs

Which Yule log was voted the best in taste testing? ›

Asda's Yule log was an impressive contender among festive desserts, coming in second only to Aldi. The sponge was soft and chocolate-flavoured, forming a delicious base that was crowned with a layer of dark chocolate fudge icing. Impressively, the fudge flavour struck a delicate balance, avoiding excessive sweetness.

What does Yule log taste like? ›

The classic chocolate yule log, also known as Bûche de Noël, is a moist Swiss roll, filled with a rich chocolate cream and covered in chocolate. But like most baked goods, they don't always turn out well - they can be dry, too richly flavoured or just plain bland.

What is the traditional Yule log? ›

The original yule log was just that — a large, heavy piece of wood that was burned during the festive season. It was lit on Christmas Eve and rekindled each day until Twelfth Night was reached.

What is the pagan meaning of the Yule log? ›

The idea of burning a yule log during the winter solstice is believed to date all the way back to early Germanic or Scandinavian paganism. The log was burned on the winter solstice, the shortest and darkest day the year, when ancient peoples would worry that the light may cease to exist.

Does Costco sell yule log Cake? ›

Costco's Yule Log Cake is Less Than $10.

Do Aldi sell Yule logs? ›

Specially Selected Hand Finished Belgian Chocolate Yule Log 815g | ALDI.

Can you freeze a Yule log? ›

You can freeze your yule log in an airtight container for up to one month before serving. Just remember to take it out of the freezer the night before you intend to eat it! Whenever you decide you get baking, add a cocoa twist to your Christmas desserts this year with a delectable chocolate yule log.

What country eats Yule log? ›

A Yule log or bûche de Noël (French pronunciation: [byʃ də nɔɛl]) is a traditional Christmas cake, often served as a dessert near Christmas, especially in France, Belgium, Luxembourg, Lebanon, Switzerland, Vietnam, and Quebec, Canada.

Is a Yule log a cake? ›

Similar to a Swiss roll, the Yule log cake is made of a soft sponge cake and is believed to have originated in France around the 19th century and was known as Bûche de Noël. The cake is shaped, decorated and frosted to resemble the Yule log from the original tradition.

What is the difference between a Yule log and a bûche de Noël? ›

The main difference between the two cakes is the way the cakes are decorated. The Yule log cake, or buche de noel, is made to look like the logs burned on Christmas eve, whereas the exterior of a swiss roll is decorated much more simply, such as with whipped cream and fresh fruit.

What day do you burn the Yule log? ›

Just before supper on Christmas Eve (where furmety is eaten), while the Yule log is burning, all other lights are put out, and the candles are lit from the Yule log by the youngest person present. While they are lit, all are silent and wish.

What religion is Yule log? ›

In the heart of medieval Europe, the Yule log played a role in both pagan and Christian beliefs. Celts believed that as the sun seemingly stood still during the twelve days at the end of December, keeping the Yule log aflame would persuade the sun to move again, lengthening the days and heralding the return of spring.

What is the Yule log for Christians? ›

The Burning of the Yule Log

It began as part of the winter solstice festivities. The candles and lights associated with Christmas, meant to symbolize guiding beacons for the Christ child, may have evolved from the Yule log, which was lit to entice the Sun to return as part of the jól (Yule) festival in Scandinavia.

Is Christmas a pagan holiday? ›

Did you know that the origins of Christmas were surprisingly pagan? Today, Christmas carols, stuffing gifts into socks, dazzling trees decorated with fairy lights, and delicious plum cakes may be associated with the biggest Christian festival. Still, according to historians, its beginnings were not quite Christian!

What is the chocolate Yule log at Marks and Spencer's? ›

M&S Food Hand Decorated Yule Log (495g)

You can't fault M&S on flavour though. The chocolate sponge is filled with chocolate buttercream and covered in milk chocolate. It's coated with a chocolate fudge frosting and finished with an attractive dusting of sugar, that gives it a traditional appearance.

Can you freeze shop bought Yule log? ›

It can also be frozen for up to 1 month. Open freeze until firm, then wrap in foil or place in an airtight container. Allow to defrost overnight in the fridge. Swiss roll tins vary in size.

Does Bailey's Yule Log contain alcohol? ›

Safety Information. This product contains alcohol.

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