When you think of chocolate-covered cherries, you may recall overly sweet cordials of yesteryear that are made with a chocolate shell and a sugary liquid center. While cherry cordials are an old fashioned treat, Chukar Cherries take a more natural approach. Here’s how our chocolate-covered cherries are different—and why they’re better.
What Are Cherry Cordials?
Cherry cordials feature a chocolate casing and a liquid center made using cherry liqueur or sugar syrups. Cordials are known for their sugary fruit center, but they often mask the natural flavor of the cherry with syrups and artificial ingredients.
What Makes Our Chocolate Cherries Unique?
At Chukar Cherries, our chocolate-covered cherries showcase the natural sweetness and flavor of US-grown cherries. Instead of a liquid center, we start with dried cherries that are:
- All-natural: No added sugar, sulfites, or preservatives.
- Full of real flavor: Our drying process preserves the cherries' natural sweetness and vibrant tart notes.
Once dried in-house, locally sourced cherries are coated in premium, European-style chocolate in copper kettles. The result? A perfectly balanced treat where the rich chocolate complements the natural fruit, rather than masking it.
Key Differences Between Chukar Cherries and Cordials
| Feature | Cherry Cordials | Chukar Chocolate-Covered Cherries |
|---|---|---|
| Center | Sugary liquid or cherry liqueur | Naturally dried, whole cherries |
| Sugar Content | High | Lower, relying on natural fruit sweetness |
| Additives | Artificial flavors, synthetic dyes such as Red 40, and preservatives | None—just cherries and premium chocolate |
| Flavor | Overly sweet | Balanced and authentic cherry flavor |
| Freshness | Mass-produced, long shelf life | Made fresh in small batches and shipped quickly |
Why Choose Chukar Chocolate-Covered Cherries?
- Healthier Ingredients: Naturally dried cherries mean less sugar and no artificial additives.
- Better Flavor: We let the natural qualities of Washington cherries shine.
- Premium Chocolate: Coated in sustainably sourced, European-style chocolate that brings out the best in the cherries.
- Craftsmanship: Made by hand in small batches at our factory headquarters in Prosser, WA.
The Process Behind Chukar Cherries
Our chocolate cherries begin their journey on family-owned orchards in Washington State. Once fully tree-ripened, fresh cherries are gently dried without added sugars or preservatives, then paired with our signature chocolate blends. Chocolates are shipped fresh from our factory headquarters within two weeks of being made.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Are Chukar Cherries healthier than cordials?
- Yes! Our unsweetened dried cherries contain no artificial ingredients. Our chocolate is sustainably sourced and antioxidant-rich, while omitting corn syrup and preservatives.
- What types of chocolate do you offer?
- Our chocolate cherries, berries, and nuts are available in milk chocolate, dark chocolate, white chocolate, and organic chocolate varieties.
- Where can I buy Chukar Cherries?
- You can purchase them online at CHUKAR.COM, at our Prosser factory headquarters, or at our Pike Place Market store in Seattle.
Taste the Difference
Our chocolate-covered cherries are Washington-grown and made, have simple ingredients, and are packed with real fruit flavor. Skip the sugary cordials and taste the satisfying difference of our better-for-you treats!
From Classic Dark Cherries to milk chocolate Cherry Blossoms, explore our collection of chocolate-covered cherries today and experience The Best of Nature, Best of Chocolate®.
