Here is our guide to virtual chocolate tasting.
We put this guide together after running several successful virtual food tasting classes for remote teams.
Virtual chocolate tasting is a delightful activity where team members sample various types of chocolate from the comfort of their own homes while connected online. This delicious exercise fosters camaraderie and collaboration among team members as they share their tasting experiences, exchange feedback, and learn about different chocolate varieties. This activity enhances team cohesion, stimulates conversation, and provides a fun break from the routine.
Ideal group size:
8 to 20 players
Activity duration:
60 to 90 minutes
Cost:
$20 to $30 per participant
What you’ll need:
- Various types of chocolate samples
- Video conferencing software (e.g., Zoom, Microsoft Teams)
- Tasting scorecards or sheets for participants to note their preferences
How to do it:
Step 1: Prepare Chocolate Samples
First, gather an assortment of chocolate samples, ensuring variety in flavors, textures, and origins to provide a rich tasting experience. Consider including milk chocolate, dark chocolate, white chocolate, and flavored chocolates to cater to different preferences.
Step 2: Distribute Chocolate Samples
If possible, send the chocolate samples to each participant’s home ahead of the event. Alternatively, provide participants with a list of suggested chocolates to purchase on their own. Either way, ensure that each individual has received their samples or knows which chocolates to procure before the tasting session.
Step 3: Set Up Virtual Meeting
Next, schedule a virtual meeting using your preferred video conferencing platform and invite all participants to join. Folks can log in a few minutes early to address any technical issues and ensure a smooth start to the activity.
Step 4: Introduce the Activity
To begin the session, introduce the virtual chocolate tasting activity. You can explain the event’s purpose, emphasize the importance of active participation, and set expectations for respectful and constructive feedback.
Step 5: Guide the Tasting Process
During the event, lead participants through the tasting process, starting with instructions on properly tasting chocolate. Folks can engage all their senses by examining the appearance, smelling the aroma, feeling the texture, and finally, savoring the taste of each chocolate sample.
Step 6: Facilitate Discussion
After tasting each chocolate sample, facilitate a discussion among participants to share their thoughts, preferences, and experiences. Members can describe the flavors, textures, and overall impressions of each chocolate, fostering open communication and camaraderie within the team.
Step 7: Encourage Collaboration
You can promote collaboration by encouraging participants to compare notes, ask questions, and exchange recommendations for other chocolate varieties. This collaborative approach fosters a sense of unity and shared experience among team members, strengthening their connections.
Step 8: Share Insights and Fun Facts
Throughout the tasting session, sprinkle in interesting insights and fun facts about chocolate, such as its history, production process, and cultural significance. This step adds educational value to the activity and sparks engaging conversations among participants.
Examples of games or activities:
1. Chocolate Trivia Quiz
A trivia game where participants answer questions related to chocolate history, production, and fun facts.
- Prepare a set of chocolate-related trivia questions covering various topics.
- Divide participants into teams or play individually.
- Present each question to the participants, allowing them a designated time to answer.
- Keep track of points for correct answers and announce the scores after each round.
- At the end of the quiz, crown the winning team or individual with the highest score.
Discuss interesting facts or expand on the trivia answers to deepen participants’ knowledge about chocolate.
2. Chocolate Pairing Party
Participants explore pairing chocolates with complementary beverages or foods, such as wine, coffee, or cheese.
- Provide a selection of chocolate samples along with suggested pairings of beverages or foods.
- Instruct participants to taste each chocolate sample while sipping or nibbling on the suggested pairings.
- Encourage participants to discuss how the flavors of the chocolate interact with those of the pairing.
- Facilitate a group discussion to share favorite pairings and explore new flavor combinations.
- Experiment with unconventional pairings to broaden participants’ palate and creativity.
Be sure to highlight the importance of balance and harmony in chocolate pairing and encourage participants to continue exploring on their own.
3. Chocolate Scavenger Hunt
Participants go on a virtual scavenger hunt to find chocolate-related items or clues.
- Create a list of chocolate-themed items or clues for participants to find during the scavenger hunt.
- Share the list with participants and set a time limit for the hunt.
- Participants search their homes for items such as chocolate bars, cocoa powder, or chocolate-themed books and take photos or videos as evidence.
- After the designated time, reconvene and share the findings with the group.
- Award points for each item found or completed clue, and declare a winner based on the highest score.
This activity is a great way to get employees moving and create bonds.
Tips:
- Encourage participants to create a comfortable tasting environment by minimizing distractions and using proper lighting for accurate visual assessment.
- Provide tasting notes or guidance on properly tasting chocolate, including techniques such as smelling, biting, and allowing it to melt on the tongue.
- Emphasize sharing honest feedback and opinions while maintaining a respectful and supportive atmosphere.
- Incorporate interactive elements such as polls or chat prompts to encourage participation and engagement throughout the tasting session.
- Consider dietary restrictions or allergies when selecting chocolate samples and offer alternative options to accommodate all participants.
- Facilitate discussions about participants’ cultural or personal connections to chocolate, fostering deeper connections and understanding among team members.
Final Thoughts
Virtual chocolate tasting offers a delectable and engaging way for remote teams to connect, bond, and have fun. By indulging in the rich flavors and textures of chocolate, participants satisfy their taste buds, deepen their relationships, and strengthen team cohesion. Through thoughtful facilitation and interactive activities, teams can explore the world of chocolate while fostering communication, collaboration, and camaraderie.
Want more ideas? Check out our post on virtual holiday party ideas.
