Let’s get this straight right from the beginning; real men like dark chocolate, too. I say this because Mars Chocolate North America has traditionally targeted its marketing of DOVE chocolates toward women.   

I suspect, however, that there are many male consumers who appreciate a smooth tasting piece of dark chocolate now and then. Okay, in my business, it’s mandatory. But trust me, there are plenty of men in my family who appreciate savoring a good piece of chocolate…and I’m the only one in the confectionery businss.   

But let’s get back to the point - Mars Chocolates’ new DOVE Raspberry & Dark Chocolate Swirl. What I like about this latest innovation from Mars is the way the company blended raspberry flavor into the dark chocolate.   

Of course, the R&D department didn’t forget those who like milk chocolate. The Raspberry & Dark Chocolate Swirl variety has a companion, the White & Milk Chocolate Swirl, which also delivers the same smoothness and flavor impact.   

But as I mentioned earlier, I prefer dark chocolate. I also like the fact that Mars made the package a little easier to open, which for us aging Baby Boomers is always a good thing. Moroever, the flow-wrap design reduces packaging material use by 50%.     

The new DOVE Swirl products come in a 3.3-oz. large bar format as well as in a 8.5-oz laydown bag. Look for them come January 2011. In the interim, I’ll have another bite.   

Ingredients: Semisweet chocolate (sugar, chocolate, chocolate processed with alkali, cocoa butter, milkfat, soy lecithin, natural and artificial flavors), sugar, cocoa butter, skim milk, milkfat, soy lecithin, salt, PGPR, coloring (Red 40 Lake, Blue 2 Lake), natural flavors.

S.R.P: $1.99 for a 3.3-oz bar, $4.49 for a 8.5-oz laydown bag