Valentine’s Day is around the corner, and that means one thing: chocolate. Whether you’re gifting it to a loved one or treating yourself, picking the right chocolate box can make or break the holiday. I decided to put the Whitman’s Sampler Assorted Chocolates Valentine’s Heart Gift Box, 5 pc  ($4.12 at H-E-B) to the test. Here’s my honest take on what’s inside:

Nut caramel – 8/10

If there’s one chocolate in the box that feels like a classic, it’s this one. The soft bite, chewy caramel, and dark chocolate coating make for a rich, well-balanced experience. There’s a hint of almond inside (potentially a stowaway from other chocolates), but it adds a pleasant crunch. It’s nothing revolutionary, but sometimes, the most familiar things are the most satisfying. 

Strawberry Crème – 6/10

I wanted to like this one, but I just didn’t. The idea of smooth strawberry filling wrapped in milk chocolate sounds great, but the execution? Not so much. The initial bite has a nice crack, but the strawberry flavor is almost nonexistent. It mostly tastes like nothing, fading as quickly as it arrives. For a brief, miniscule moment, it reminded me of walking into a storage closet. Not terrible, but not something I’d go back for.

Vanilla Crème – 5/10

If the strawberry crème was underwhelming, the vanilla crème was even more so. The dark chocolate shell does its best to add some richness, but the filling itself feels empty and forgettable. Any hint of flavor disappears almost immediately. There’s also a faint almond taste, which I’m convinced is a lingering effect from the nut caramel. It’s not offensive, but it’s also not memorable.

Caramel – 7/10

This is easily the highest-quality piece in the box. The caramel is thick, smooth, and perfectly sticky, with just the right amount of pull when you bite into it. It’s rich, heavy, and coats your teeth—so be prepared to chew for a while. If you love caramel, this is a win. If you don’t, it might feel a little overwhelming. Still, a solid piece.

For $4.12, this box is a decent last-minute Valentine’s Day option, but it won’t blow anyone away. The nut caramel and caramel pieces were the highlights, while the crème fillings left much to be desired. If you’re looking for a reliable (but not extraordinary) chocolate fix, this might do the trick. Otherwise, you might be better off splurging on a higher-end box.