Why mulberries work well in chocolate-based products
Mulberries have a naturally delicate sweetness and a soft, airy structure that absorbs coatings well. This makes them ideal for:
- Chocolate clusters — mulberries add volume without excessive weight
- Chocolate-coated bites — perfect for dark, milk or white coatings
- Mixed fruit & nut bark — adds texture contrast and visual interest
- Energy balls / snack bites — mulberries add sweetness without syrups
Their clean-label profile also appeals to producers who want a naturally sweet ingredient without added sugars or artificial colours.
Choosing the right mulberry size and grade for coatings
Bulk buyers typically choose between:
- Whole mulberries — ideal for premium, larger-format chocolate clusters
- Small-calibre mulberries — excellent for uniform, bite-sized coatings
- Broken or mixed grades — cost-effective for bars and inclusion-based recipes
Manufacturers should define size tolerances in advance to ensure smooth machine handling and consistent chocolate coverage.
Moisture control and chocolate adhesion
Mulberries are naturally low in moisture, which gives them an advantage over fruits with higher water content that can cause blooming or coating separation.
- Ideal moisture range: 10–14%
- Lower moisture improves coating adhesion
- Uniform drying helps consistent chocolate flow
Buyers should request moisture specifications that match their production environment and equipment.
Applications in modern confectionery formats
1. Mulberry chocolate clusters
Typically made by combining whole mulberries with nuts or seeds, then coating with dark or milk chocolate. The result is a visually appealing, high-value snack that suits premium retail channels.
2. Coated mulberry bites
Small-calibre mulberries produce a consistent, smooth-coated product ideal for bagged snacks or chocolate panning projects.
3. Fruit & nut chocolate bark
Manufacturers often use mulberries alongside pistachios, hazelnuts and dried figs to create colourful, upscale bark slabs.
4. Energy bars and pressed snacks
Mulberries add natural sweetness and a soft texture that complements nuts, dates and other dried fruits in plant-based bars.
Bulk packaging options for chocolate manufacturers
Common packing styles include:
- 5 kg cartons for premium whole mulberries
- 10–12.5 kg cartons for industrial users with larger runs
- Vacuum-packed options to stabilise moisture and protect delicate fruit
Sourcing considerations for confectionery buyers
When purchasing mulberries for chocolate applications, importers should discuss:
- Crop-year freshness for optimal flavour
- Calibre and length consistency
- Moisture targets suited for chocolate adhesion
- Broken percentage if using mixed grades
- Organic vs conventional certification
Summary
Dried mulberries offer confectionery manufacturers a versatile, clean-label ingredient for premium chocolate clusters, bars and coated bites. Their natural sweetness, light structure and compatibility with chocolate coatings make them an attractive alternative to raisins or cranberries in high-end snack products.
With consistent grading, proper moisture control and the right bulk packaging, mulberries integrate smoothly into large-scale confectionery production.