Beracha on Chocolate-Covered Raisins and Nuts

Question: What beracha does one recite on chocolate-covered nuts and raisins?

Answer: The Shaarei Teshuva (202:19) states that one says shehakol before consuming chocolate. However, R’ Gavriel Krausz (Mekor Haberacha 21) clarifies that in those times, chocolate was only available in liquid form as a beverage, not in a solid state. R’ Shlomo Zalman Auerbach (Minchas Shlomo 1:91:2) compares chocolate to finely ground spices. While these spices are no longer identifiable, their beracha remains the same. Similarly, one recites haeitz on chocolate, even if it contains more sugar than cocoa bean (see Mishna Berura 202:76, 203:12). R’ Gavriel Krausz writes that while the correct beracha appears to be haeitz, the prevailing minhag is nevertheless to recite shehakol (see Shevet Halevi 7:27; Teshuvos Vehanhagos 1:187).

The Shulchan Aruch (OC 212:1) rules that when eating a mixture with a distinct ikar (primary) and tafel (secondary) component, one recites the beracha only on the ikar. R’ Moshe Feinstein (Igros Moshe OC 4:43) contends that this determination is subjective.

When one enjoys multiple components equally, there is a machlokes regarding which beracha to recite. R' Moshe Feinstein (Igros Moshe OC 3:31) elucidates that while the general principle is to recite the beracha on the ikar, in this instance neither the raisin nor the chocolate can be deemed tafel in relation to the other. As such, one would ideally need to recite both shehakol and haeitz (ideally over other raisins, etc). Alternatively, one should say shehakol first while intending not to cover the raisin or nut. When one gets to the nut or raisin, one would then say haeitz.

However, R’ Gavriel Krausz (ibid., 22) cites the Mishna Berura (204:51) which states that one recites haeitz on sugar-coated almonds. Since the beracha on chocolate should be haeitz, one need only recite ha'etz on chocolate-covered nuts and raisins as well.

Nonetheless, R’ Shlomo Zalman Auerbach (quoted in The Halachos of Brochos 22:n61) writes that if one can ascertain the majority ingredient, the beracha follows that component. Otherwise, one recites shehakol according to the rules of safek (see Shulchan Aruch 204:13, Rema 202:18).

In conclusion, if one lacks a distinct preference between the chocolate and the filling and each is a similar size, the ideal is to make two separate berachos. Otherwise, shehakol should be recited.