Every chocolate truffle is a chocolate, but not every chocolate is a truffle - the word describes one specific centre and finish, not just 'a round posh chocolate'.
The defining feature: ganache
A true truffle is built around ganache - a soft emulsion of cream and chocolate, sometimes with added butter or flavouring - which is what gives it that dense, melt-in-the-mouth centre rather than the firmer snap of a solid chocolate or the chew of a caramel. The centre is traditionally rolled into a rough, irregular ball rather than a perfectly smooth sphere, then either dipped in melted chocolate or rolled in cocoa powder.
Why it's called a 'truffle'
The name is a nod to the tuber fungus, on account of how the finished sweet looks - rough, round and earthy-coloured when dusted in cocoa. The most commonly told origin story credits French confectioner Louis Dufour with the format at Christmas 1895: the story goes that he ran short of stock, improvised a ganache from cream, cocoa powder and vanilla, rolled it into rough balls, and dipped them in chocolate and cocoa. They were reportedly nicknamed 'crottes de chocolat' before being given the far more appealing 'truffle' name. It's worth noting there are competing claims to the invention, including an 1869 bonbon by Paul Siraudin, so the exact history isn't settled beyond doubt.
What we actually stock right now
We carry a wide truffle range: Lindt Lindor Milk Chocolate Truffles Box 337g, Lindt Lindor Assorted Chocolate Truffles Box 337g, Maltesers Milk Chocolate Truffles Gift Box 200g, and several dairy-free options from Booja-Booja, including Hazelnut Crunch and Midnight Espresso — all in stock now.
Frequently asked questions
What actually makes a sweet a 'truffle'?
A ganache centre - a soft cream-and-chocolate emulsion - usually dipped in chocolate or dusted in cocoa.
Where does the name come from?
Its resemblance to the tuber fungus, after an earlier, less flattering nickname.
Who invented the chocolate truffle?
Most commonly credited to Louis Dufour in 1895, though competing claims exist and the exact history isn't fully settled.
What truffles does Supreme Sweets stock?
Lindt Lindor Milk, Assorted and Salted Caramel Truffles, Maltesers Milk Chocolate Truffles, and several dairy-free Booja-Booja flavours.