And as the time draws near to February, chocolate fairs are held at most department stores, giving chocoholics like me a great opportunity to taste the various types of branded chocolates that I could never afford to buy for myself.
But nevertheless, there are times when I thought it was worth investing in certain chocolates. NEWTREE chocolates is an organic brand of chocolates from Belgium. They are low-sugar and high-fibre and contains ZERO trans fat. It's not only about the health benefits from organic chocolates but the practice of using organic, fair-trade cocoa beans help to sustain the environment and allow future generations to enjoy chocolates.
Instead of buying the large sized chocolate bars, I opted for the petite bag of 6 best selling chocolate bars and their Belgium Waffles. The flavours are Lavender, Ginger, Noir, Lait, Cinnamon and Cassis. Each one has its distinct profile and a pleasantly long finish. The Ginger bar is invigorating with its subtle spiciness.
The Belgian Waffle is soft but not chewy. Made with organic spelt-flour, unrefined red cane sugar and natural acacia fiber, the texture is cakey and the taste is not sweet at all. It might be less buttery and fragrant than most waffles but one single piece already makes quite a satisfying treat without causing a sugar spike.
To me, Japanese style chocolates represent a form of orientalism because their packaging are usually adorned with beautiful floral prints, creating a very soft, romantic appeal to consumers. 
For instance, Ponto Japon's design theme is based on leading Japanese painter Takehisa Yumeji from the Taisho Era.
Also, the flavours of the pralines revolve around spices and fruits too, though Ponta mixed it with classic Western pralines. Here are the flavours, starting from Kaki in Bitter Chocolate.
Ginger Bitter Chocolate and Milk Praline
Sakura Bitter Chocolate and Almond Ganache 
Unfortunately, the Japanese/Asian flavours did not stand out as much as I expected. My favourite piece from this box is still the Milk Praline because it contained gooey chocolate caramel that
Wrapped like an Ikebana flower, this heart-shaped box (840 yen) called "Yumeji no kokoro" (aka Yumeji's Heart) offers two kinds of truffles.
From Tokyo Chocolate Specialty Shop Bel Amer, there are also three new flavours of chocolate palets (252 yen each) that are inspired by savoury food or ingredients.
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Shio (Made with Kochi Prefecture Deep Sea Salt and 60% Bitter Cacao)
Corn Potage Soup (Blended with Vanilla)
White Shoyu (Soy Sauce)
Bitter Chocolat with Yuzu Sauce
Milk Chocolat with Hyuganatsu sauce (Hyuganatsu is a famous mikan from Miyazaki)
Each piece of the chocolate rounds is excellent. They have a slight sheen that reflects light and produced a brilliant "snap"--signs of good quality chocolates. While French chocolates reign supreme in the world, the Japanese brand of chocolates hold its unique charm that is hard to beat. Stock List:
New Tree Organic Chocolates: www.newtree.com/
Bel Amer: www.belamer.jp/
Ponto Japon, Osaka: www.ponto-japon.com/
Patisserie Gion Sakai : www.gion-sakai.com/index.html
For full chocolate album, visit facebook page here