Panettone or Chocotone? Check out special releases for Christmas

With the arrival of Christmas, panettone and chocotones once again occupy a prominent position on Brazilian shelves and tables. The fermented classic, symbol of the end of year festivities, has gained countless versions, fillings and proposals, but among so many options, the question arises: which is the healthiest choice?

According to nutritionist Ana Luisa Vilela, both are cakes made from flour, sugar, eggs and butter or margarine, meaning you need to measure your consumption. The main difference is in the filling or topping: traditional panettone comes with candied fruits, while chocotone has chocolate drops and the danger is also in the more enhanced versions, with extra fillings and lots of sugar.” She reinforces that, more important than choosing between panettone and chocotone, is observing the label. “It’s obvious that as a doctor I will recommend that consumers prefer versions with a lower sugar content, and you should keep an eye on the type of fat used in addition to additives. Oh, also remembering that we should avoid saturated or hydrogenated fats”, he explains.

Ana remembers that, in general, traditional panettone tends to be lower in calories. “Traditional panettone tends to have fewer calories (around 350 per 100 g), mainly because chocolate increases the energy content of chocotone (which has around 400 calories per 100 g), this being the traditional cake without extra topping or add-ons”, he points out. According to the expert, those who want to maintain balance should look for light, diet, whole-grain versions or those with a higher fiber content, in addition to prioritizing shorter ingredient lists and fewer additives.

Following the idea that it is possible to celebrate the date with caution, we have selected special options of sweets that are popular both as a dessert and as gifts among friends and family.

Mixes for all tastes

One of the most traditional panettone and chocotone brands in Brazil brings a Christmas full of options for all tastes. Bauducco bets on playful partnerships and unexpected combinations that are on sale in Brazilian supermarkets, with emphasis on the Chocottone Fini Dentadura Strawberry and Raspberry Flavor (450g) and the Chocottone Pistache (450g). It is a mix of traditional soft dough with flavors that take us back to childhood and sweet treats or the pistachio version which is a more sophisticated alternative.

From cookies to Christmas cakes

The traditional manufacturer of Tuc’s and Fazendinha launches, for the first time, its line of panettone, a movement that celebrates 110 years of the Bela Vista company. With a focus on giftability, the commemorative packaging reinforces the brand’s heritage and its arrival in one of the most traditional categories in Brazilian retail, with Panettone Frutas Cristalizados (400g) and Panettone Gotas de Chocolate (400g). A more traditional option at an affordable price for families who like something new.

Christmas full of gift options

Noir, a Brazilian brand of fine chocolates, invites the public to experience “The Magic of Flavor” with a collection that combines tradition, elegance and innovation. Among the launches are chocolates, cookies and macarons, but following the focus of our article we find the Panettone Trufado Caramelo 750g which is one of the most coveted new products. For those who don’t give up the classic, the Panettone with Fruits 500g (R$ 79.90), composed of candied fruits and raisins, covered with almonds and cashew nut crust, is a surprise.

Directly from Switzerland to the table

Lindt, one of the world leaders in the premium chocolate category, presents a special portfolio this year. The star for those who love pistachios is the Triple Pistachio Panettone with White Chocolate (900g) which is artisanally produced with whole pistachios in the dough, creamy pistachio filling and white chocolate topping decorated with pistachios, in other words, there are three layers of lots of flavor. The brand also offers other options that range from classic to irreverent, such as the recipe that uses red fruits, among others.

From glazed chestnuts to panettone

Present in Brazil since 1996, the franchise chain specializing in glazed chestnuts presents Panettone Nutty Bavarian, which features a soft and fluffy dough, with a creamy dulce de leche filling and traditional nuts distributed in each piece. In a limited edition that comes in a more than special tin, the brand is committed to being present at the end of the year celebrations and among the family, as a different option for Christmas cake.

Concept that refers to love

The Casa Bauducco franchise network brings a conceptual twist that unites art, purpose and innovation, with the concept “Gifting is an art”. Inspired by the Mercatino di Natale in Turin, Italy, hometown of Carlo Bauducco, founder of the brand, the campaign highlights the 1 kg Special Imported Panettones, in a limited edition, with new flavors such as Moscato Wine and Amaretto with Peach and Chocolate and the iconic Crystallized Fruits, all developed with selected ingredients and artisanal finishing.

Brands united by unique flavors

Under the concept “Juntou, Recheou, É Natal!”, Brasil Cacau presents a complete portfolio that features celebrated blends. Among the main highlights are the collabs with two iconic Nestlé brands: KitKat and Alpino. Panettone Alpino differs from the retail version by being 100% covered and even more stuffed, reinforcing the brand’s characteristic indulgence and flavor. The line also has new signature flavors, such as Christmas Dream and Red Fruits, which expand the mix.

Best value for money in the category

The Tenda Wholesale Network created its own Select brand and brings traditional versions of Panettone with candied fruits and chocolate drops. An option that pleases the wallet and does not leave anything to be desired in terms of flavor, as the dough is fluffy, not very wet and soft to the point of falling apart when cut. Ideal for putting together that last-minute Christmas basket and making lots of people happy with quality and good value for money in 400g packaging.