After Eight Mint Chocolate Thins

After Eight Mint Chocolate Thins were originally introduced by the British confectionery company Rowntree's in the United Kingdom in 1962. Today, the brand is owned and produced by Nestlé following their acquisition of Rowntree's in 1988. They have remained a staple after-dinner mint for decades.

An After Eight consists of a delicate, thin shell of dark chocolate that encases a soft, fondant center infused with peppermint oil. The fondant has a distinctive, runny texture at room temperature. This combination of bitter dark chocolate and sweet mint creates its famous flavor profile.

While After Eights do not strictly require refrigeration to prevent spoiling, keeping them in a cool, dry place helps maintain the integrity of the thin dark chocolate shells. Because the fondant center can melt or cause the chocolate to bloom if exposed to high heat, a refrigerator extends their shelf life. They are commonly served chilled from the fridge after dinner.

Traditional After Eight Mint Chocolate Thins are not suitable for vegans because the dark chocolate contains butterfat (a dairy derivative). They also contain whey powder. While many dark chocolates are naturally dairy-free, Nestlé specifically includes dairy ingredients in this recipe, so vegans should avoid them.