Chocolates Taste Like Soap

by Freda Morrison
(Canada)

What makes chocolates taste like soap?

When I make my chocolates I always make a few extra for samples. I chop up the samples but after a few days the samples have a slight soapy taste.

I'm not sure if it's because I keep them in plastic containers or p/bags but the chocolates themselves are fine. I chop with a sharp knife and they are fine for a day or so.

Any suggestions??

Thanks.

Hi Freda,

That IS strange. Do you store the chocolate anywhere near soap or scented candles or anything that has a strong smell? That would be my first guess.

I don't know what else would cause the chocolate to taste soapy. Are you referring to plain chocolate or are you using flavorings or colorings in the chocolate? It could be something you are adding that is causing the change in taste.

Does anyone else have any ideas or suggestions?
~Angie

Comments for Chocolates Taste Like Soap

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Feb 14, 2022

I got a soap tast chocolate too. NEW
by: Danny

I bought a bag of chocolate chips at Costco in Japan and it tasted like soap. Then I wondered if anyone has had the same occasion. So I checked on the internet and found this. I want to return this to Costco. After I ate it, tongue is soar all day like soar throat.

Dec 24, 2020

Soapy, flowery taste
by: Dan

Have traced this back to the confectionery sugar. Stored no where near soap products. Mixed it with a little water for a frosting and it has a distinct soapy/flowery taste. Seeking an explanation from manufacturers.

Oct 25, 2019

fake cocoa butter NEW
by:

did you add cocoa butter?, maybe the one you used is not raw cocoa butter, maybe its adulterated or saponified vegetable oils being sold as cocoa butter

Feb 14, 2019

Soapy chocolate
by: Leah

I get that soapy flavor especially from Hershey's, any milk chocolate, and some more aged cheeses. *Vomit* (just thinking about it). I've read that the soapy flavor in cheeses can be because they are made with infected milk or the process is rushed. Saponification... 🤢🤮

Mar 03, 2016

Chocolate tastes like soap NEW
by: Sophia

Saponification | Define Saponification at Dictionary.com
dictionary.reference.com/browse/saponification
Saponification definition, to convert (a fat) into soap by treating with an alkali. See more.

Apr 26, 2014

soapy taste in maple monk's fudge too NEW
by:

It's more satisfying to call the soapy taste saponification, but I still wonder what causes it to take place, if it's not an inevitable consequence of the confection aging before being eaten.

Feb 09, 2014

Soapy Flavor in Chocolate NEW
by: Krvince

I confer with Welsh... (sorry, can't see his handle from this screen). The oils and cocoa butter fats are probably undergoing saponification because of an overly black/dark alkalized cocoa powder base and maybe also because there is exposure to a sodium salt (table salt, baking soda, or similar ingredient) thrown into the powder or chocolate liquor base to balance flavors or as a leavening aid for baking applications.
Not to overgeneralize, but I've seen this happen with a lot of Italian brand chocolate items, probably because of tricks of the trade that were handed down, many of which tend to be regional.
Unintended consequences can follow which may not show up until the product ages a bit.

Jan 28, 2014

Wash my mouth out with chocolate NEW
by: dec

This is quite interesting since I've experienced soapy chocolates (truffles) on occaision and just had one from a very expensive, small batch chocolatier. I've always wondered about what causes this, but the alkaline/oil problem makes sense since it is similar to making soap. Now the question is do I go back and tell them? The truffles were $2.25@ -- seems like they should be tasting before they sell at that price.

Sep 27, 2013

Soapy chocolate NEW
by: Welshdog

Most likely the oil in the chocolate has saponified which is the process by which soap is made. Usually this involves a chemical that is a base (alkaline like chocolate) to react with an oil. It could either be the cocoa butter or coconut oil that it is reacting with the base. The cocoa powder in the chocoalte might have been "dutched" which makes it more alkaline and thus more likely to make soap in your chocolate.

I just threw out several pounds of old Ghirardelli that tasted like soap. I thought I was on "A Christmas Story"!

Dec 29, 2012

Soap chocolate NEW
by: Candy K

Yes, I have had chocolate that tasted like soap. A very good quality chocolate shop that makes yummy milk chocolate caramels. The last time I bought them, they had a faint "soapy" taste. Maybe it is the oil used in their making. I never noticed it before. Very disappointing though! Yuck!

Feb 13, 2012

ironic NEW
by: Anonymous

that's ironic because last year one of my easter eggs (made from thorntons chocolate, my favourite) started to taste of soap and became absolutely disgusting. my mother eventually worked out that I was keeping it under my bed, right on top of a sticky patch on the carpet where I had once spilled some handwash, which was why the egg started to taste of soap. hope this helps :)

Oct 23, 2011

compound chocolate
by: Anonymous

One of the CBEs(cocoa butter equivalent) added to some compound chocolates can be converted to a substance that tastes like soap when exposed to certain temperatures or ingredients. Try using chocolate that contains only cocoa butter.

Jul 14, 2011

soapy chocolates
by: tina

yes coconut oil can make chocolate taste soapy, or any other vegatable oil can do the same.

Nov 16, 2010

COULD BE
by: claire

it is possible they will ave a tinge if they are washed in a scented washing up liquid. best to rinse them in warm plain water after washing them out to avoid a tinge or use a low scente detergent.
claire x

Oct 14, 2010

coconut oil
by: Anonymous

Coconut oil tastes like soap...it's IN soap! if it is old it is worse...sometimes I eat delicious chocolates and burp soap all night...blah!

Oct 06, 2010

Soap in Chocolates
by: Freda

Thanks everyone for your comments will take your advice into consideration.

Cheers

Oct 06, 2010

soap flavour chocolate
by: Anonymous

It could be if the chocolate was bought at a bulk food store or grocery store.I used to purchase from a bulk store and it had the smell of spices,yuk.Simple try a different store if possible.If at all possible order a case and share it up with friends and save money.I now order that way and ask the vendor when do they place an order and how long will it take to arrive.Best of luck.

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