Where did they go? Come on, we’re not fools. Somebody has to know the real reason! I’m talking about those fun to snack on Raisinets- the yellow, half-pound bag of confectionary goodness. Not just regular milk chocolate kine… let’s get healthy(er) here and go with the dark chocolate variety.
But good luck finding them. When you Google the product nowadays, it doesn’t list many local retailers. Having traipsed the aisles in stores throughout O`ahu, I can assure you- they’re gone! We should be celebrating the 100th anniversary of this complete comfit, but instead we’ve got a scavenger hunt going on, because they’re not there…
I’ve done my research- the current owner has moved distribution away from stores; no doubt the slightly bitter dark chocolate variety doesn’t sell as well as the milk chocolate one. And then we hear of cocoa and supply chain issues through/after COVID plus drought and… baloney. It’s obviously a conspiracy.
Chocolate-covered raisins centuries ago melted as soon as you touched them, offending wealthy candy cravers who wore white gloves. Thus, a hard sugar coating was applied which better sealed in the chocolate and ergo- we have the perfect snack. If you can find it. You may find a small bag or generic movie-style box (usually the milk chocolate variety), but that missing yet useful eight ounce bag provides repeat enjoyment.
Raisins provide fiber, iron, potassium, calcium and boron. Dark chocolate provide flavanols that relax blood vessels, improve blood flow, and help lower blood pressure and bad LDL cholesterol; they also increase blood flow to the brain, which can improve memory, attention, and focus and help to release endorphins and serotonin, which make us feel good. Dark chocolate may help lower the risk of developing diabetes and protect the skin from sun damage. It’s the perfect food source, kinda…
Keep your kale, hoard your honey, love your lentils, savor your salmon. But a handful of dark chocolate raisins works wonders. Yes, there are generic versions of these nougats available, but Raisinets rule. French chefs called these chocolate tidbits crotte de lapin, which means “rabbit poop”. Ha ha; it sure beats coq au vin for a mid-day snack. I know companies change priorities, and food production costs and weakened sales affect availability, but c’mon… Raisinets?
Relish the magical moments of just a handful of these tasty, semi-healthy treats. If only we can find them. The search continues. Think about it…