American Blogger's Chocolate Orange Taste Test Sparks Transatlantic Debate
An American social media personality who previously caused a minor uproar in Britain by eating a Terry's Chocolate Orange incorrectly has now conducted a comprehensive taste comparison between the American and British versions of the iconic treat. Russ, known online as Red Bus Russ, discovered one significant difference that has captured attention on both sides of the Atlantic.
The Controversial History
Russ, originally from Chicago but now residing in the United Kingdom, first gained notoriety last year when he committed what many British consumers consider a cardinal sin: biting directly into a Terry's Chocolate Orange as if it were an apple. The traditional British method involves tapping the spherical chocolate to separate it into segments before consumption. Following widespread reaction from his more than 200,000 followers, Russ issued a humorous apology, asking the British public for "a second chance."
Packaging Differences Immediately Noticeable
In his latest comparison video, Russ immediately noted packaging variations between the two products. The American version features detailed instructions with illustrations showing how to properly tap the chocolate orange to separate the segments. The British packaging contains no such guidance.
"Clearly Americans need instructions," joked Russ's British girlfriend off-camera during the demonstration. Russ responded with characteristic humor: "What makes you say that?"
Examining the packaging more closely, Russ observed: "This feels weird to say but the ingredients are almost identical. They're both the same exact calories and have nearly identical amounts of sugar, sodium, fat, and protein in them. They even have identical expiration dates. The batch numbers on them are almost the same."
The Taste Test Reveals Texture Variation
This time following proper protocol, Russ tapped both chocolate oranges on a table before unwrapping them. The American version featured gold foil wrapping, while the British maintained the classic orange-speckled appearance.
After initial observations that both products looked and smelled similar, Russ conducted a blind taste test with his British girlfriend. She immediately noted: "That doesn't taste as flavoursome. It's the texture."
Russ confirmed her observation, stating: "The American one feels waxier and like it doesn't melt on your tongue like the British one does."
The Ingredient That Makes the Difference
Despite nearly identical ingredient lists, Russ discovered one key variation: the American version contains polyglycerol polyricinoleate (PGPR), an emulsifier not present in the British product. According to craft chocolate experts Cocoa Runners, PGPR allows manufacturers to replace cocoa butter with cheaper vegetable and synthetic fats while increasing production speed and reducing costs.
Historical Context of the Iconic Treat
Terry's began producing its famous Chocolate Orange at its York factory in 1932, creating what would become a British Christmas tradition. Production moved to various European facilities in 2005 before consolidating at a single factory in Strasbourg, France, in 2018. Interestingly, before launching the chocolate orange, Terry's had previously sold a chocolate apple. The company also briefly introduced a chocolate lemon in 1979, but discontinued it after just three years.
The taste test has reignited discussions about how multinational companies adapt products for different markets while maintaining brand identity. Russ's comparison highlights how subtle formulation changes can create noticeable differences in consumer experience, even when products appear nearly identical on paper.
