ChocXO - Raspberry Creme Cups - Nov. 13, 2025

Chocolate of the Day

ChocXO Chocolatier
58% Cacao Dark Milk Chocolate Raspberry Creme Cups
Good + - Good++
Weight: 1 oz. (28 g.) in 2 pieces/cups / 14.8 oz. (420 g.) in total package
Calories: 160 calories in 2 cups
Cost: $10.99 for 1 package
Purchased from: Costco, Mountain View, CA

Welcome to Day #23 of Chocolate & Fruits Theme Week.

Today's package of individually-wrapped 58% Cacao Dark Milk Chocolate Raspberry Creme Cups were from ChocXO Chocolatier (Dallas, TX). 

Aroma and flavor notes for these filled chocolate cups included: a smooth, dark milk chocolate exterior with a relatively subtle, raspberry-infused white chocolate filling with very faint vanilla.

Texture: the smooth texture of most filled chocolate cups.

I appreciated the list of organic ingredients; authentic raspberry and dark milk chocolate flavors (vs. sweeter milk chocolate and synthetic berry flavors); and the company's goal to offer chocolate confections that have a slightly lower sweetness level--closer to a natural fruit sweetness, without artificial sweeteners. 

Ingredients: Dark Milk Chocolate* (chocolate liquor*, sugar*, cocoa butter*, whole milk powder*, cane sugar* fat reduced cocoa powder*, natural fat reduced cocoa powder*, vanilla*, vanilla extract*, and sunflower lecithin*), White Chocolate* (sugar*, cocoa butter*, whole milk powder*, sunflower lecithin* and vanilla*), Coconut Oil*, Raspberry Powder*, Raspberry Flavor*, (sunflower oil*, natural flavorings), Double Fold Vanilla Extract* (water, alcohol*, vanilla bean extractives*), Balsamic Vinegar Powder (molasses, balsamic vinegar, sugar, silicon dioxide). * Organic

Allergen-related information: Contains: Milk and Sulphites. Produced on equipment that also processes Soy, Peanuts and Tree nuts.

Xocolatl - "Ripple Effect" Applewood Smoked Nibs & Raspberry 60% Dark Chocolate (bar) - Nov. 12, 2025

Chocolate of the Day

Xocolatl
"Ripple Effect" Applewood Smoked Nibs & Raspberry 60% Dark Chocolate (bar) 
Good ++
Weight: 2.6 oz. (75 g.) in total bar
Calories: 360 calories in 1 bar
Cost: $11.00 for 1 bar
Purchased from: Xocolatl, online order

Welcome to Day #22 of Chocolate and Fruits Theme Week(s). 

Today's "Ripple Effect" Applewood Smoked Nibs & Raspberry 60% Dark Chocolate (bar) was made by Xocolatl LLC (Atlanta, GA). The company collaborated with at least two local companies for these flavor inclusions, e.g. orange-infused olive olive from Streppaggio, and smoked nibs from Pine Street Market, an artisan meat market with a smoker.).

Aroma notes included an intriguing blend of dark chocolate, fresh raspberry; very faint smoked dill salt/salted dill potato chips and light citrus.

Texture: creamy smooth dark chocolate with a little smattering of softly crunchy cacao nibs + authentic raspberry bits (with seeds).

I liked the overall complexity, vibrant and authentic red raspberry notes, and the smooth, creamy-velvety texture and melt. The 60% cacao (Peru) dark chocolate was relatively dark (but smooth).

Maker's tasting notes: "a sweet and smoky dark chocolate bar (with) hints of fruit"

Ingredients: "Cacao, Cane Sugar*, Cocoa Butter*, Raspberry*, Olive Oil (* organic)"

Allergen-related information: Made on equipment that processes soy, wheat, peanuts & tree nuts (almond, hazelnut, pecan).

Sted Chocolate - 1.) Classic Milk 45% Milk Chocolate + 2.) Lingonberry Bliss 49% Fruit Chocolate - Nov. 11, 2025

Chocolate(s) of the Day

Sted Chocolate

Classic Milk - 45% Milk Chocolate
Good ++ - Good +++
Weight: .5 oz. (14.1 g.) in 1 small bar
Calories: 83 calories in 1 small bar
Cost: $2.75 for 1 small bar
Purchased from: ZombieRunner Coffee, Palo Alto, CA

Lingonberry Bliss - 49% Fruit Chocolate
Good ++
Weight: .5 oz. (14.1 g.) in 1 small bar
Calories: 78 calories (estimate) in 1 small bar
Cost: $2.75 for 1 small bar
Purchased from: ZombieRunner Coffee, Palo Alto, CA

Welcome to Day #21 of Chocolate and Fruits Theme Week. 

Today's two Sted Foods bars were manufactured by TC Foods, LLC (Fergus Falls, MN).

Classic Milk

Surprisingly complex, flavorful and delicious 45% milk chocolate with chocolate, caramel, very faint, diffuse fruit (red fruit, red licorice), and butter cookie notes.

I enjoyed this organic bar, made with a short list of just 4 quality ingredients. There were no emulsifiers (thank you).

Ingredients: "organic cane sugar, organic cocoa beans, organic cocoa butter, organic whole milk powder"

Allergen-related information: Contains Milk. Made in a facility that uses sesame seeds, pecans, almonds, coconut, cashews, hazelnuts and milk.

Lingonberry Bliss 

Maker's description: "A dairy free, fruit chocolate bursting with (the) zingy flavor of lingonberry..."

I loved the pretty berry pink-mauve color, and the fresh sweet-tart aroma and flavor. 

The authentic cocoa butter provided a rich melt and mouth feel and a good foil for the clear, authentic tart-sweet berry (lingonberry with red raspberry notes). A lovely combination. This bar was nearly as  refreshing as a fresh berry sorbet on a summer day.

Ingredients: organic cocoa butter, organic cane sugar, organic freeze dried lingonberry powder

Allergen-related information: "Made in a facility that uses sesame seeds, pecans, almonds, coconut, cashews, hazelnuts, and milk."

 

Chocolate Tree - Cacao Fruit Guatemala 100% (bar) - Nov. 10, 2025

Chocolate of the Day

Chocolate Tree 
Cacao Fruit Guatemala 100% Bean to Bar (bar)
Good ++ - Good +++
Weight: 1.23 oz. (35 g.) / 2.5 oz. (70 g.) in total bar
Calories: 167 calories in 1/2 bar
Cost: $13.00 for 1 bar
Purchased from: B&C, online order

Welcome to Day #20 of Chocolate & Fruits Theme Week, and Happy 7,000th chocolate day on Chocolate Banquet.*

Today's Cacao Fruit Guatemala (bar) was from Chocolate Tree (East Lothian, Scotland). This bar is part of their Bean to Bar collection "crafted from ancestral and rare cacao."

A blend of Criollo hybrids and Arriba Nacional cacao varieties were used to make this chocolate.

I love the attractive chocolate molds Chocolate Tree makers have been using for their bars. Today's pattern: interlocking birds/toucans. This dovetailed with my interest in birds and wildlife (and memories of seeing toucans in the wild in Central America).

Aroma and flavor notes included: deep, rich chocolate, and sweet, aromatic and fruity (fermented cacao pulp).

Texture: The chocolate broke with a subdued but audible snap (in a cool room); and it had a thick, creamy texture with a long, luxurious melt.

This bar yielded an intense, truly authentic 100% cacao experience--with cacao beans and cacao pulp juice. The bitterness of the high-percentage cacao was balanced by the tangy-sweet, freeze-dried cacao juice that added concentrated fruit flavor(s) and complex sweetness to this ultra-dark bar.

The three potent ingredients--pure cacao (cacao beans (solids), cacao pulp/fruit juice, and cacao butter (fat)) resulted in a tremendously satisfying bar. One small piece might be enough for many people. I loved it and ate half a bar; and felt energetic for hours. Maybe not the best chocolate to share with those who are sensitive to bitter/strong flavors. But, ultra-dark chocolate lovers should try this special bar.

Maker's Tasting Notes: "Pear, Lychee, Citrus, Strawberry. Pair with: Non-Peated Whisky, Fresh Fruit" -- and "Tastes of stewed cherries, lime juice & zest, molasses, a hint of pumpernickel bread & woodsy in the long finish."

Ingredients: "Organic cocoa beans, freeze dried cacao fruit juice (30%), organic cocoa butter."

Allergen-related information: "Nuts and dairy are used in our factory."

*This Chocolate Banquet (blog) has featured a different chocolate item every day since September 11, 2006, along with occasional chats with makers and tales of chocolate art and adventures. 

Compartes Chocolatier - Orange Peel & Pink Peppercorn (bar) - Nov. 9, 2025

Chocolate of the Day

Compartes
Orange Peel & Pink Peppercorn (bar) 
Weight: 3 oz. (85 g.) in 1 bar
Calories: 460 calories (estimate) in 1 bar
Cost: $9.95 for 1 bar
Purchased from: Compartes, online order

Welcome to Day #19 of Chocolate and Fruits Theme Week(s). Tomorrow will be the 7,000th day of Chocolate Banquet.*

Today's Orange Peel and Pink Peppercorn bar was from Compartes Chocolatier (Los Angeles, CA).

Aroma and flavor notes for this dark chocolate bar included: smooth, chocolate-y dark chocolate with faint fruit (lightly peppery red berry + citrus (orange)).

Texture: This well-tempered bar broke with a snap in a cool room. The ebony-hued dark chocolate was smooth with an even melt. Atop this dark field were soft and chewy, sunny and bright, candied orange peels--as well as a smattering of petite, hot pink, peppercorn pearls, with delicate papery pink skins.

The pink peppercorns had a unique authentic flavor with slightly musty, mild peppery, citrus fruit, and faint berry and almost floral notes. Pink peppercorns are the dried berries (fruits) from trees from South America (Peru and/or Brazil). They're very compatible with citrus fruits in sweet and savory dishes.

I liked the sweetness level. (It was quite sweet (no cacao percentage listed), but the sugar didn't completely overpower the citrus peel and chocolate. I loved the beautiful, sunny packaging (illustration) for this bar; with floating oranges and green leaves, blossoms and pink peppercorns -- suspended across a rosy pink, sunset-hued background. The design and the bar would be fit for any season, as a winter brightener or reminder of fabled, sunny Southern California weather that lives in our imaginations.

Ingredients: "Dark Chocolate (Cocoa Mass, Cocoa Butter, Sugar, Soy Lecithin as an Emulsifier, Vanilla), Orange Peel (Orange, Glucose, Sugar, Citric Acid, Potassium Sorbate, Sulphur Dioxide), Pink Peppercorn.

Allergen-related information: "Vegan, Gluten Free" "Made in a facility that handles dairy, peanuts, wheat, egg, soy, tree nuts."  

*Chocolate Banquet has featured a different chocolate item every day for over 19 years since Sept. 11, 2006.

Compartes Chocolatier - Dark Chocolate Fruits - Pomegranate, Golden Raisins, Blueberries, Orange Slice & Pear - Nov. 8, 2025

Chocolate(s) of the Day

Compartes Chocolatier
Dark Chocolate Fruit Assortment
Weight: Unknown. Total box estimate: (>1.57 lbs. (715.3 g.)
Calories: 388 calories (estimate) in 5 pieces
Cost: $74.00 for 1 box of 16+ pieces
Purchased from: Compartes, online order

Welcome to Day #18 of Chocolate and Fruits Theme Week.

Today's eye-catching matte black box of jewel-colored dark chocolate covered/dipped fruits were from Compartes Chocolatier (Los Angeles, CA). The company produces a wide variety of chocolate bars with different flavor inclusions, confections and chocolate gifts.

Three of today's five chocolate + fruit confections were composed of fruit pieces atop dark chocolate cups: 1.) Pomegranate, 2.) Golden Raisins and 3.) Blueberries. 

The last two were larger fruit pieces dipped in dark chocolate: 4.) a chocolate dipped Orange Slice and 5.) a dark chocolate dipped pear "spear." 

These five flavors were part of a larger "medium" sized dark chocolate + fruits assortment box. 

Aroma notes included: smooth, chocolate-y dark chocolate with very faint fruit (red berry). The orange piece had a citrus fragrance. The pear piece was very subtle.

Texture: varied by fruit item. The chocolate cup bases on the first three items were fairly substantial. These smooth, thick dark chocolate cups were topped with authentic, ruby-hued fresh pomegranate seeds, with little white pips at the centers; moist, chewy golden raisins and softly chewy blueberries. 

The orange slice and the pear spear were made of larger pieces of fruit. The fruits were sweet; but authentic. The little bursts of fruit flavor from the pomegranate seeds was pure bright-tart red berry/pomegranate. 

My favorite (and most fruit-flavorful) piece was the dark chocolate dipped orange slice. (Although I did not taste the dark chocolate dipped apricot piece, I'll bet that one was very tasty and tart-sweet too.)

This stylish, mixed dark assortment of chocolate dipped and covered fruit pieces was attractively presented in the black box; the contrast with the black box (and dark chocolate) really made the bright, authentic fruit colors pop and shine--wow factor for a gift box.

Ingredients: "Dark Chocolate (Cocoa Mass, Sugar, Cocoa Butter, Soy Lecithin as an Emulsifier, Vanilla)... May Contain Apricot, Orange, Pear, Pineapple, Peach, Raisin, Ginger, Mango, Kiwi, Goji Berries, Cherries, Cranberries, Blueberries, Strawberries, Raspberries, Acai, Papaya, Cocoanut, Lemon, Dates, Apple, Sugar, Corn Syrup, Citric Acid, Potassium Sorbate, Sulphur Dioxide.

Allergen-related information: "Made in a facility that handles Milk, Wheat, Peanuts, Egg, Soy, Tree Nuts, and Sesame."  

Beyond Good - 70% Cocoa Dark Chocolate and Rum Raisins (bar) - Nov. 7, 2025

Chocolate of the Day

Beyond Good
70% Cocoa Dark Chocolate and Rum Raisins (bar)
Good ++
Weight: 1.06 oz. (30 g.) / 2.12 oz. (60 g.) in total bar
Calories: 140 calories in 1/2 bar
Cost: $5.79 (sale price) for 1 bar
Purchased from: Whole Foods Market, Los Altos, CA

Welcome to Day #17 of Chocolate & Fruits Theme Week.

Today's Beyond Good 70% Cocoa Dark Chocolate and Rum Raisins (bar) (Microbatch No. 4) was produced in Madagascar with Ugandan cacao, and distributed by Madecasse LLC (Brooklyn, NY).

The company makes small-batch bean-to-bar chocolates using cacao from Madagascar and Uganda. For today's bar, the makers sourced Trinitario cocoa from "a dedicated co-op (of cacao farmers) in Uganda."

Aroma notes included: dark chocolate and gentle rum raisin.

Texture: pleasing smooth texture with a luxurious, buttery melt.

Flavor notes included: roast-y, smooth dark chocolate with authentic rum-flavored raisins.

I enjoyed the subtle flavors in this 70% cacao bar--that could have been an overpowering chocolate, but was thoughtfully assembled and executed. I also liked the sweetness level. The raisins were sweet, without being overly so. The rum flavoring was enough to add interest and warmth, but it didn't obscure other flavors.

And, who could I turn down a chocolate that "saves lemurs" in Madagascar?

Maker's description: "A new twist on an old classic. Raisins are marinated in rum for 24 hours, then added to the chocolate. This keeps the raisins plump and full of flavor. The sweetness of the raisins complements the richness of the chocolate."

Ingredients: "Cocoa Beans*, Cane Sugar*, Dried Raisins (Raisins, Sunflower Oil), Cocoa Butter*, Sunflower Lecithin (Emulsifier), Natural Rum Flavor. (* Organic Ingredient)"

Allergen-related information: "May contain traces of tree nuts, milk and sesame."