Sometimes the latest technology produces the most interesting results. But other times, it’s the things you remember from long ago, the things that create comforting waves of nostalgia, that really hit home. Especially at the holidays. Over the years, Trader Joe’s Dark Chocolate Orange, our orange-infused chocolate treat, has evolved from the former to the latter.

We’d like to think that our Dark Chocolate Orange is what a tree-grown orange would be if it could choose its own destiny. (Right!?) Like a tree-grown orange, each Trader Joe’s Dark Chocolate Orange is made up of flavorful individual segments—ours come apart quite easily with a hearty whack on a hard surface (a rather enjoyable activity, we’ll admit). Both versions require peeling—though we’d posit that peeling the foil from our chocolate variety is much simpler than peeling a “real” orange. But the real test is in the tasting, and, well... a Trader Joe’s Dark Chocolate Orange is chocolate, for goodness sake. And really good chocolate, at that, flavored only with orange oil and natural flavors (unlike other chocolate oranges found elsewhere).

A Trader Joe’s Chocolate Orange makes an excellent gift and very amusing party favor—just imagine a group of jolly holiday revelers whacking Chocolate Oranges in your living room as the fireplace roars and the music plays. (We didn’t tell you this, but they’re also great for throwing at guests who get a little out of hand...)