You Can't Taste Chocolate Like A Pro Without This Essential Side

While there are plenty of people out there who consider themselves true connoisseurs of chocolate, high-end versions of the delicious treat are often not recognized for just how great they truly are. In fact, even if you can name each of the most notable different types of chocolate in existence, it's hard to gain a true understanding and appreciation for the oftentimes sweet dessert staple without using some professional strategies when you do so. At the top of the list of techniques to use, having a palate cleanser on hand whenever you're taste-testing different chocolates is vital for getting an accurate perspective on the many nuanced flavors you're tasting.

Similarly to how you should have a palate cleanser whenever you enjoy a beer flight, having a proper reset between different variations can really make or break your enjoyment of a chocolate tasting. We discussed how essential this step of the process is with Nicole Patel, Founder of Delysia Chocolatier and 2025's Best Chocolatier in the Americas, who explained exactly why you can never be sure of what you're tasting without a palate cleanser. "Your taste buds have a lifespan," Patel revealed, "After being exposed to 3-4 flavors, your taste buds become tired ... A palate cleanser gives you a clean slate so each piece can stand on its own. If you don't reset, the more delicate notes become overshadowed. You will miss the unique flavor nuances that we build into our flavor profiles."

Now, if it's so vital that you reset your taste buds as you eat chocolate, how exactly can you do so efficiently? Well, Nicole Patel says the best is also likely the one you thought of first. "The simplest choice is still water," the Grand Master Chocolatier noted, "It clears the palate without adding any competing flavors. If you have unflavored sparkling water, even better. The carbonation helps dry the palate and reset your taste buds between bites." Patel also noted that, while some will suggest using crackers or green apple slices, these may introduce too much intrusive flavor to truly get the job done effectively.

Beyond that, however, there are a few other good options to refresh your mouth as you're taste-testing different chocolates. Hot tea is a great example of a fitting palate cleanser, as the beverage — which is most often used to serve as a buffer between different sushi rolls — melts away any residual flavors left from previous servings incredibly effectively. For chocolate in particular, using green or oolong tea, ideally made with fresh rather than distilled water (which is the worst type for tea), can be a great strategy if you're looking for a fitting palate cleanser with slightly more flavor than water.