Chocolate was reputedly introduced into Spain in 1502; the Spaniards had learnt of chocolate from the Aztecs (during their colonisation/ genocide of South America) … A Spanish explorer ‘Hernan Cortes’ had tasted chocolate prepared by the Aztecs and had learnt how to change the bitter bean into ... Read review
Advantages: Great quantity. Disadvantages: nasty, splintering, sugary; shell.
Chocolate was reputedly introduced into Spain in 1502; the Spaniards had learnt of chocolate from the Aztecs (during their colonisation/ genocide of South America) … A Spanish explorer ‘Hernan Cortes’ had tasted chocolate prepared by the Aztecs and had learnt how to change the bitter bean into a superb drink. The origin and preparation method was kept their secret for 100 years.
Chocolate gradually infiltrated other countries, starting with ... ...a ‘barbarous product and noxious drug’) and preceded to spread slowly throughout the world, the last place to jump on the bandwagon was (perhaps surprisingly) Switzerland in mid 1800’s.
Chocolate was only available as cocoa or as a liquid until 1879; when Robert Lindt caused a chocolate revolution by turning the primitive cocoa mass into a chocolate bar.
Needing a chocolate fix, I walked (burning off the impending calories ... more
Chocolate was reputedly introduced into Spain in 1502; the Spaniards had learnt of chocolate from the Aztecs (during their colonisation/ genocide of South America) … A Spanish explorer ‘Hernan Cortes’ had tasted chocolate prepared by the Aztecs and had learnt how to change the bitter bean into a superb drink. The origin and preparation method was kept their secret for 100 years. Chocolate gradually infiltrated other countries, starting with France in 1615 (despite there initial thoughts of it being a ‘barbarous product and noxious drug’) and preceded to spread slowly throughout the world, the last place to jump on the bandwagon was (perhaps surprisingly) Switzerland in mid 1800’s. Chocolate was only available as cocoa or as a liquid until 1879; when Robert Lindt caused a chocolate revolution by turning the primitive cocoa mass into a chocolate bar.
Needing a chocolate fix, I walked (burning off the impending calories contained within my intended chocolaty victim) to the newsagents. On arrival I was greeted with the sight of masses of chocolate bars, of all shapes sizes and variety. How to pick one chocolate bar out of such volume is such a dilemma. Regardless; the decision was made and ‘Galaxy Minstrels’ were my choice. Minstrels are; ‘smooth and creamy milk chocolate (76%) in a crisp shell’. Yummy! Minstrels appealed to me, as; I am outstandingly greedy and a chocolate bar would have been gobbled down within milliseconds. Whereas, minstrels are several small clumps of chocolate: contained within crispy shells. Therefore my logic suggested these would last me longer.
Minstrels are available in all kinds of places; to name a few; newsagents, petrol stations, supermarkets, vending machines, cinemas, video shops etc. We consumers can buy them in 42g bags for approximately 40p and 250g bags for approximately £1.50.
The minstrels are enclosed in a thickish polycarbonate like bag. The bag is a combination of dark brown and creamy brown; both blended to create a rippled effect. ‘Galaxy’ ‘Minstrels’ is written upon the front in a cream coloured; bold tasteful text. On the back of a bag there is a list of ingredients and the nutritional information. The bag is recyclable and sports a logo indicating that litter should be placed in bins: To help keep Britain tidy and stuff.
Upon opening the bag; I was greeted with a very sweet rich chocolaty smell. On closer inspection my happiness (like in the Cadburys advert) was pleased to discover there were a generous amount of minstrels inside the bag. The minstrels are very dark brown in colour and are about the size of a penny; circular in shape; convex in structure; and approximately half a centimetre in thickness (hark at me!). They looked nice, and by this time the giant imaginary sheep (which oddly appears only during choc feasts) was getting impatient for me to scoff. To taste the crispy shell lived up to its claim of being a ‘crispy shell’; it was relatively thick, very crunchy and very, very sweet to taste. Fragmenting into sharp splinters, the once friendly sugar shell can become quiet obtrusive, as it finds its way into cavities and pokes at gums. The galaxy chocolate contained within the crispy shell is most pleasing, being very creamy, very rich and intensely chocolaty.
Galaxy chocolate isn’t really a favourite of mine; I find in large quantities it is too rich and too creamy, I can only eat a small amount before my mouth feels all clogged up and the back of my throat begins to burn. Eating Galaxy chocolate in the form of minstrels reduces this clogged up feeling, as the amount consumed in one feast is restricted. The taste of chocolate is ruined by sharp bits of very sweet crispy shell (unless you have sucked it all off first! Which I’m sure would take a gazillion years) thus creating a very peculiar and not at all pleasant taste and experience. Of course I had to eat them all; despite my unfavourable opinion, and by the time I had finished the pack I was left feeling quite nauseous.
The ingredients contained include the usual ingredients in your bog standard choccy bar; i.e. sugar, cocoa butter, cocoa mass, skimmed milk powder and traces of nuts. For those who have dietary requirements; check the wrapper before succumbing to minstrel temptation.
Overall, I wouldn’t discount buying minstrels again; they are very reasonably priced and provide required chocolate fixes. They aren’t repulsive either. However you cant help feeling that they have ruined the lovely galaxy choc by wrapping it in a thick, nasty sugary shell. By being sweet and sickly; they last a long time so you feel you get your money’s worth. It’s the old quantity or quality dilemma again (but we all know it’s the quantity that counts). Galaxy Minstrels have established themselves as a confectionary classic, but I find it to be the weakest of the Galaxy range.
Advantages: Made with Galaxy chocolate!! Disadvantages: No calorie content
I am a chocoholic. I am a chocoholic. OK I have now admitted my addiction!! When it comes to chocolate there are really only two contenders in my opinion. It’s either Galaxy or Dairy Milk. Now ask me which one I prefer and I will be here for at least a fortnight deciding!! I like them both equally and whichever one I choose to eat really depends on my mood!!
At this moment in time Galaxy is in poll position! Galaxy chocolate has a completely different ... ...is a much more creamier and smoother tasting chocolate that just simply melts in your mouth. When I decide to have a sweet treat instead of buying a bar of plain Galaxy chocolate I often buy myself a bag of Minstrels! ***What are Minstrels?
Well for those not in the know these are based on the same idea as Smarties only bigger! Not heard of Smarties?? Well these are little round discs of galaxy chocolate coated in a crispy brown shell and are called ...
Linzee 30.03.2004
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Ciao members have rated this review on average: very helpful Review of Mars Galaxy Minstrels
Advantages: Reasonably priced, delicious, don't melt like chocolate bars! Disadvantages: Too moreish to last long if you lack will power!
...Revels, M&Ms, Planets (the usual Mars suspects) and a blast from my past I had not tried for a while, Galaxy Minstrels. I sheepishly ferried one pack of Maltesers and one of Minstrels to the till, paid my £3 and tripped quickly home eager to taste my spoils! Most people will be familiar with Galaxy which has long been a favourite chocolate choice. It is the brand name used in the UK for what is better known in the USA as Dove, a chocolate concocted ... ...USA. They were acquired by Mars in 1986. Of course I gave little thought to the history of the brand as I unpacked my indulgences. I offered to share with my daughter but, thank heavens she declined; she has so much more will power than her mother! I quickly studied the bag and noticed the Minstrels at 225g were weightier than the Maltesers (175g) and ripped the top off the bag with alacrity to reveal the tempting contents, dozens of shiny disc shaped ...
suesie 02.04.2009
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Ciao members have rated this review on average: very helpful Review of Mars Galaxy Minstrels
Advantages: Good value if one offer, lovely creamy, smooth chocolate. Disadvantages: Sickly if too many are consumed at one go.
...along with similar offerings from Mars such as Malteesers and Revels are on a special offer. It is one of those buy one get one free, or two for three deals. It all depends where you shop. The bags in question are a decent 225g size which is ideal for sharing or maybe not. Each bag has a 2 free cinema ticket offer on it and this has had a fair bit of advertising recently, so I would think that most readers have seen this. It does involve saving a ... ...that I just cannot wait to open the bag and before I know it this top is in the bin. Oh well I will just have to settle for the Minstrels.
Minstrels are one of those sweets that 'Melt in your mouth and not in your hand'. The crispy shell helps prevent the eating experience of Minstrels becoming a messy and sticky palaver. I guess if you held them long enough in your hand however that they would melt but come on, they just beg to be eaten, don't ...
grafter123 12.04.2008
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Ciao members have rated this review on average: very helpful Review of Mars Galaxy Minstrels
Advantages: Taste great, not expensive Disadvantages: Calories!
Now I am usually a Cadburys Dairy Milk girl but just occasionally I do enjoy a bit of Galaxy, usually when hubby has some and I pinch a bit! Well, you have to don't you? LOL!
For me the best way to enjoy Galaxy is in the form of Minstrels.
What to look for
Galaxy Minstrels usually come in bags - there are small bags available but we usually buy the 225g bags as my husband does like his chocolate! As I say, even though I am a diabetic I can pinch ... ...of brown with the words Galaxy Minstrels across the front and a picture of some of the sweets to show what to expect inside the bag. The usual list of contents and nutritional information is shown on the back of the bag.
To open
Now you might think this is a funny thing to tell you about but I was quite impressed with the way the bag is designed. Instead of having to try and rip a corner off the bag and risk the sweets flying everywhere there is ...
SusanLesley 20.12.2008
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Ciao members have rated this review on average: very helpful Review of Mars Galaxy Minstrels
Advantages: Delicious chocolate treats Disadvantages: There are only 16 per bag!
...likes of Bounty, Malteasers,Snickers and Mars Bars.
In recent years, Minstrels have undergone a bit of a revamp. Not only did the packaging change, but I am sure that the taste of them altered slighty also. Galaxy also underwent a revamp around the same time, and I am sure that Galaxy's flavour altered slightly also. It would make sense that Minstrels' flavour would also change, as Minstrels have Galaxy chocolate in them. I may be imaging that slight ... ...difference in taste.
The most common packet of Minstrels is the 42g packs. Each packet contains close to 16 Minstrels (I have actually found one less, or one extra in various cases). They can be found in Newsagents and local supermarkets for about 35 pence to the price of 45 pence. 10 pence difference - so look out for those deal prices! Also in existance are larger packets of Minstrels which weigh in at about 250g. These cost about £1.35 in my ...
benraiben 12.06.2004 (15.06.2004)
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Ciao members have rated this review on average: very helpful Review of Mars Galaxy Minstrels
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Advantages: fun to eat Disadvantages: no coconut ones!
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MARS
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Revels are made by MARS MASTERFOODS company. This is a global company with family values and they have products in over 100 countries. They have been around for nearly 100 years!! They make snackfood, petcare, drinks and food.
THE HISTORY OF THE REVELS ...
twingkelingstar 28.05.2008
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![Minstrel In The Gallery [Remastered] - Jethro Tull](http://imagesa.ciao.com/iuk/images/products/small/982/Minstrel_In_The_Gallery_Remastered_Jethro_Tull__5107982.jpg)
