The Candy My Uncle Doesn’t Go Anywhere Without

We all have those little treats we enjoy from time to time, whenever the mood strikes for a tasty indulgence. It might be homemade brownies or chocolate chip cookies, or it might be a stash of candy in the back of the pantry. Goodness knows there are plenty of delicious choices out there to satisfy that sweet tooth. And there is always something different to try, too, whether it be a new dessert trend or a product release like snickerdoodle-flavored Kisses.

But some of us—like my Uncle Pete—are creatures of habit who always reach for an old standby. For as long as I can remember, wherever my uncle goes, a bag of dark chocolate Dove Promises follows. He’s famous in our family (full of New Yorkers) for his “little chawwklits.”

My Uncle’s Favorite Dove Promises Chocolate

Dove Promises have been around for decades, with their signature foil wrapping holding the candy and an inspirational message inside. The way my uncle savors these is actually exactly how the brand intends, too.

Dove built the Promises line around the idea of treating yourself, long before it became a pop culture and social media trend. As the site states, “Whether they’re a gesture to a loved one or a gift to yourself, unwrap these silky-smooth chocolates for a little moment of pleasure.” We all know such moments are always better with something comforting.

A Dove Promise is the perfect morsel of smooth and creamy chocolate. The best part is, they are easy to come by—sold at the grocery store, drugstore, pharmacy, and even gas station. The classic flavors include milk and dark chocolate, but over the years, other varieties have been introduced. You can find Milk Chocolate Molten Lava, Milk Chocolate & Caramel, Dark Chocolate & Almond, and Dark Chocolate & Mint Swirl—just to name a few.

The candies come in different-sized bags and bars, as well, so there is something for every cocoa lover. For Uncle Pete, it’s the straight-up dark chocolate wrapped in its easy-to-spot red foil.

He can take or leave the sayings printed inside the wrappers, but his loyalty to the chocolate has never wavered. While the packaging has changed over the years, the traditions have stayed the same. In our family, we treasure the nostalgic moments goodies like these bring—and it wouldn’t be a festive gathering without a Dove Promise to wrap it all up.