This article is brought to you in partnership with ÚTÚRKÚ
Few things in life are as universally celebrated as chocolate. Thanks to its creamy texture and melt-in-your-mouth sweetness, chocolate has provided comfort and indulgence for over 5000 years. Whether enjoyed as a simple bar or a gourmet treat, choccy can always be relied upon to offer us an escape into decadence.
Yet, there is one artisanal company in Iceland that is determined to stand out by enhancing our appreciation of this beloved treat with their flamboyant creations.
We speak, of course, of ÚTÚRKÚ.
While the land of ice and fire certainly has its share of notable chocolatiers, there is no company pushing creative boundaries quite like them. Founded in 2023, the sweet-toothed visionaries behind ÚTÚRKÚ aim to provide something quite different than the typical confectionery sold here.
The company name itself, translating to ‘Out of a Cow’ (Út úr kú,) captures their playful spirit and commitment to offering something new yet familiar. This is particularly relevant considering their range of delightful milk chocolate offerings – though some are dairy-free, mind.
This oft-quoted idiom is commonly used by Icelanders to describe something out of the ordinary. Ridiculous, perhaps. Zany, even. Upon seeing their eye-catching packaging, not to mention the vibrant treats inside, you’ll realise just how fitting their name truly is.
Fusing traditions
ÚTÚRKÚ sources beans from South America, continuing a long tradition of chocolate-makers who maximise this region’s exceptional produce to concoct delectable treats.
Even so, it’s the richness of Icelandic traditions that inspires ÚTÚRKÚ particularly, as they incorporate beloved local ingredients like licorice and blóðberg (wild thyme) to ensure their products truly flourish.
Not that their packaging doesn’t relay this all on its own. In fact, each rectangular bar is a feast for the senses, putting one in mind of the joy Charlie Bucket felt when receiving his golden ticket for Wonka’s Chocolate Factory.
Each of ÚTÚRKÚ’s chocolate bars come wrapped in little artworks of their own, displaying either Icelandic landscapes or animals in beautiful, abstract mosaics of colour.
Colour as a compass
This devotion to vibrancy is not merely surface level either. In fact, it is among ÚTÚRKÚ’s core principles that colour should act as a compass to be continuously followed throughout the full manufacturing process.
That’s why, upon delicately unwrapping, you’ll find your snack is not the typical brown we have all come to expect, but rather gold, yellow, or pink.
Colours are often used as a reflection of the flavour combinations present within each bar. It’s an approach that not only enhances the visual appeal but elevates the entire tasting experience, making each bite a pleasure for both the eyes and taste buds.
A Flavour for Everyone
ÚTÚRKÚ’s creativity is best illustrated in their intriguing flavour profiles.
Perhaps you’re in the mood for white chocolate with added caramel, or maybe you’d prefer milk or dark chocolate dabbled with licorice salt?
Maybe a slab of dark chocolate made with Mexican cocoa beans, or for those with an adventurous palate, forest chocolate infused with Icelandic linden pine? There really is something here to fit everyone’s taste.
ÚTÚRKÚ also produces handcrafted chocolate boxes with three varieties of chocolate bonbons in each. Those that appear red and black are licorice and caramel; blue and yellow, blueberries and thyme; and yellow being coffee and cumin.
These miniature confections have been filled by master baker, Vigdís Mi Diem Vo, a culinary creator who has won not only the hearts of diehard Icelandic foodies, but also numerous awards for her marzipan masterpieces.
Where to buy?
You can purchase from ÚTÚRKÚ’s selection at a number of places around Iceland, not only for indulging in yourself, but also as thoughtful souvenirs and gifts for your loved ones back home.
Retailers on Reykjavik’s main shopping street, Laugavegur – Taste of Iceland and Vínberið Gourmet Delicacies – are both stocked with these chocolatey delights, and not far away, the National Museum of Iceland (Þjóðminjasafnið) has shelf space in their gift shop dedicated to the product.
Just one road over, on Skólavörðustígur (or Rainbow Street, as you likely know it,) a shop called Rammagerðin is another known place where you can make a purchase.
However, you can also buy them at the historic grocers, Melabúðin in 107 Reykjavík, as well as at the busy Geyser store on the Golden Circle sightseeing route. Further afield, in the town of Egilsstaðir in East Iceland, Hús Handanna lifestyle store, and the florist, Sjafnarblóm, in Selfoss are also good bets.
Indulge in ÚTÚRKÚ
Whether you’re seeking scrumptious souvenirs, a readily-available snack, or a glimpse into the future of Icelandic chocolatiering, ÚTÚRKÚ offers flavour like nothing you’ve ever tasted before.
Thanks to their dedication, high-standards, and out-of-the-box creative process, you’re sure to find a little something something that simultaneously satisfies your cravings and reinvigorates your enthusiasm towards Iceland’s ever-evolving chocolate scene.
