• Chocolates
    • Choose Your Own Chocolates
    • Chocolate Bowls
    • Turtles
  • Truffles
    • Choose your own Chocolate Truffles
  • Sweet & Salty
  • Gluten Free
  • Corp. Gifts
    • Favors
  • Seasonal
    • Halloween & Thanksgiving
    • Christmas
    • Valentine’s Day
    • Easter
  • Cart
    • Shop
    • Email
    • Facebook
    • Instagram

The Chocolate Truffe

Hand Made Chocolate, Chocolate Truffles, Candies and more

(781) 944-7155  •  HOURS  • Privacy Policy

  • Home
  • About Us
  • FAQ
  • News
  • Contact Us
    • Directions
  • Catalogs

Sugar Travels: The NonPareil

March 7, 2020 By The Chocolate Truffle

As per usual, time, distance, and usage can alter the meaning of a word. Forming its round, sugary self in 17th century France… how we got the nonpareil is like a sweet candy game of telephone

You came here for candy but before you earn a bite into that sweet melty chocolate covered in snappy little balls of sugar, you have to pass your grammar test…

Merriam-Webster.com tells us nonpareil comes from the French words non, meaning “no” or “not,” and pareil, meaning “same” or “similar” as an adjective or “equal” as a noun. “The ultimate Latin root of pareil is par, which is also the ancestor of the English words pair (‘two like things’), peer (‘one that is of equal standing with another’), and par (‘an amount taken as an average or norm’ or ‘equal’). The literal meaning of nonpareil, therefore, is ‘without peer’ or ‘peerless.’” Got it?

Simply put, (now that you’re even more hungry…) it means like no other. And the nonpareil candy we know today, certainly is like no other. First donning the sweet buttercream icing of wedding cakes, nonpareils began as colorless sugar decorations. The nonpareil originally referred to only the small round button candies or beads, that we today see sitting on top of a small heap of delicious chocolate. These little rocks of sweetness gave rise to what we know as sprinkles: the colorful, oblong, chewy cousin of the nonpareil bead.

Also known as 100s and 1000s, nonpareils have topped sweet treats across the globe. For instance, the famous Australian Fairy Bread is composed of white bread, smothered in butter, and generously heaped with as many multi-colored nonpareils as possible.

“Nonpareil” isn’t always in reference to sweet candy goodness. It acts as a classifier for other savory foods like capers and almonds. But no matter how you spell it, say it, or count it, the decadent, snappy, chocolatey nonpareils at The Chocolate Truffle are like no other! Our version is the one you probably thought of first when you heard the word… a milky chocolate base covered in snowy white sugar beads making for a delightful combination of taste and texture! Give them a try! And while you’re at it, sample our delicious truffles, turtles and other treats! 

« A Sweet Sweet Accident: Fudge & It’s Happenstance Existence
Truffles Made With Love: Why Family-Owned Businesses Matter »

The Gourmet Chocolatier

Craig is a fourth generation confectioner who grew up in the candy business. He takes great pride in the products that he creates. Refusing to use inferior ingredients and only using the finest chocolate that he can obtain. More About Craig…

Join Our Email List

Please fill out form below to receive news and specials from The Chocolate Truffle

Our News

Valentines Day Truffles in 8pc Heart Shaped Box

Valentine’s Day and Chocolate

Valentine’s Day is a special time of year, and one way to make it even more special is with chocolate! But did you know that chocolate has been a Valentine’s ... continue reading...

Map & Directions

OUR HOURS

Copyright © 2023 · The Chocolate Truffle, 494 Main Street Reading, MA 01867 · 781-944-7155
Website Designed & Maintained by BIZ-ID LLC