Jentene på Tunet: Chocolate delights from barn to box

Nestled in the idyllic Norwegian countryside, about an hour from Trondheim, lies a hidden gem; Jentene på Tunet, a small but mighty chocolaterie that has taken the confectionery world by storm. From an unassuming converted barn, this team of passionate chocolatiers is creating what many call the world’s finest-filled chocolates.

When you think of the home to the world’s finest chocolates and confectionaries, it might be a French chateau or perhaps a city patisserie that pops up in your mind, and not a converted barn in the heart of Trøndelag, Norway. Yet, in the rural surroundings of Selbu, award-winning chocolate magic happens every single day.

“I would argue that the best-filled chocolates in the world are being made right here, by a cheerful group of women, in the middle of Norway,” says Eivind Aune. Jentene på Tunet, which translates to the girls on the farm, started as a small, rural project by Eivind and Iris Aune. “Iris is a trained chef and dietitian and has always loved being creative in order to create great taste experiences,” explains Eivind.

Up until 2015, Iris had been experimenting with chocolate confections for guests at weddings, confirmations, and other events hosted at the farm. The couple started playing with the idea of producing chocolates for sale to the public. “We received fantastic feedback on the few products we had made, and noticed increasing demand,” says Eivind.

Soon enough, they set out on a cocoa adventure, transforming the wedding barn into a workshop, as well as an entire estate of chocolate production and distribution – a factory, a café, and a farm shop, as well as meeting rooms for any businesses wishing to spend their workdays in the sweet surrounding.

Bringing Norwegian craftsmanship to the world

Today, Jentene på Tunet is a cornerstone establishment in Selbu, as well as the birthplace of some of the most celebrated chocolates in Europe. While the setting may be humble, the chocolates are anything but. Jentene på Tunet uses only the finest ingredients — think pure fruit and berry purées, expertly selected nuts, and the crème de la crème of chocolate, Valrhona Grand Cru.

“Our products are all handmade with colourful designs, but more importantly, they’re full of flavour that comes from using the very best ingredients,” says Eivind. “In addition to high-quality cocoa, we try to use local ingredients to enhance and transform these chocolate confections into unique products.”

The chocolate at Jentene på Tunet has earned a stellar reputation in both the Norwegian and international culinary scenes. The achievements speak volumes, with numerous prestigious awards underscoring the mastery of chocolate-making.

In addition to a series of accolades at the 2022 International Chocolate Awards, where the team took home one gold, two silver and four bronze medals, and one Special Award, they have received a number of other prizes, including six medals at the 2023 International Chocolate Awards World Finals, marking them as Europe’s premier producer of filled confections.

“We want to show the world that Norway has something special to offer when it comes to chocolate, and we’re pushing to make Norwegian chocolate craftsmanship a bigger part of the global market. And with every box of chocolates we send out, we’re spreading a little bit of that sjokoladefryd – chocolate joy.”

A taste of Christmas magic

As the nights grow longer and the air turns crisp, Jentene på Tunet’s handmade chocolates make the perfect gift for those who already have it all. With exclusive and luxurious packaging, these treats are as visually stunning as they are delicious.

Eivind recommends the 15-piece gift box as the perfect Christmas gift, offering a variety of flavours. The common thread? They all taste delicious. “A tasty chocolate treasure, it offers plenty of pieces that surprise and challenge, along with more traditional varieties featuring caramel and nuts,” says Eivind.

Other fun, wintery products include their Christmas Calendars and the Northern Lights chocolate boxes, a taste of the beautiful Aurora Borealis in a single bite. “Should you find yourself in the area, why not come to our café and sample the fresh chocolate and incredible gelato straight from the factory? While you’re here, explore our farm shop, where you can browse our other delicacies and gift products.”

If you are looking for something truly unique to gift a loved one with a sweet tooth, a particularly popular offering at Jentene på Tunet is chocolate testing, an experience that delights guests every time. For chocolate connoisseurs or just someone who appreciates the little good and sweet things in life, Jentene på Tunet offers a warm welcome and a taste of Norway’s finest confections.

Web: www.jentenepaatunet.no
Instagram: @jentenepaatunet

Sjokoladefryd can be ordered online and delivered directly to Norwegian and European addresses.