SOMA chocolatemaker - Minty Bar dark milk chocolate - Chocolat au lait noir 51% (bar)

Chocolate of the Day

SOMA chocolatemaker
Minty Bar - dark milk chocolate - Chocolat au lait noir 51% (bar)
Good ++ 
Weight: 1.15 oz. (32.5 g.) / 2.3 oz. (65 g.) in total bar
Calories: 190 calories in 1/2 bar
Cost: $14.50 for 1 bar
Purchased from: Bar & Cocoa, online order

Welcome to Day #6 of Chocolate & Mint Theme Week.

Today's Minty Bar - dark milk chocolate - Chocolat au lait noir 51% (bar) was from SOMA chocolatemaker (Toronto, ON, Canada).

Aroma notes for this bar included: sweet, smooth peppermint/spearmint dark chocolates from childhood. 

Texture: buttery smooth and creamy dark milk chocolate

Flavor notes included: smooth, rich dark chocolate (made using the company's "dream machine" cacao blend) infused with mint + very faint mint with vanilla marshmallow. 

I found this chocolate very satisfying. The smooth, creamy texture contributed to this enjoyment of this blend of flavors. Warning: this bar can be highly addictive, especially if you're hungry.

I also loved the squirrel (standing up and holding mint leaves) printed on the outer packaging. (Squirrels have broken into boxes of chocolates delivered to my front door in years past, so chocolates with squirrel images make sense to me.)

And I enjoyed the jungle pattern on the bar--with SOMA's hidden bird-like mascot wearing a shoe. This little creature is also seen next to the company tagline: "travelling without moving." (Chocolates from around the world provide lots of virtual travel opportunities here on Chocolate Banquet.)

Maker's Tasting Notes: mint, chocolate cake, caramel

Ingredients: Organic Cane Sugar, Cacao Nibs, Cocoa Butter, Milk Powder, Natural Vanilla, Organic Mint Oil, Salt

Allergen-related information: May contain trace amounts of peanuts & tree nuts. Contains dairy & cane alcohol (mint extract). 

*The squirrels in question knew exactly which box to tunnel into; and (no surprise) they went for the chocolates with nuts.

Carefree Chocolate - Mellow Mint Truffle (bar) - Feb. 23, 2026

Chocolate of the Day

The Functional Chocolate Company 
Carefree Chocolate - Mellow Mint Truffle 60% (bar)
Good ++
Weight: 1.75 oz. (50 g.) in total bar
Calories: 252 calories in 1 bar (6 squares)
Cost: $6.39 for 1 bar
Purchased from: Vitacost, online order

Welcome to Day #5 of Chocolate & Mint Theme Week.

Today's Carefree Chocolate Mellow Mint Truffle 60% (bar) was made for The Functional Chocolate Company LLC (Evergreen, CO). 

Aroma and flavor notes included: sweet and smooth dark chocolate infused with refreshing mint flavor--that extended into a pleasant, light (non-astringent) green tea (and very slightly floral - vanilla, sweet herb (lemon balm) and flower (chamomile) finish.

The English peppermint was nice (not too overwhelming.) And I was happy to taste another member of the mint family--lemon balm--in this chocolate.

The texture was relatively smooth, with a very faint (barely detectable) finely ground (powdered) herb/leaf granularity in one or two bites that did not bother me in the least.

I enjoyed this chocolate mint bar. The flavors were authentic, balanced and...yes, mellow. (Nothing was too intense or spiky.) It was sweet, but not overly so.

Note: I did not experience any noticeable effects from the "proprietary calming blend" in this bar; however, if you have any medical conditions, please read information listed below.

Ingredients: "Ethically Sourced Dark Chocolate (Unsweetened Cocoa Mass, All Natural Pure Cane Sugar, Cocoa Butter, Non GMO Soy Lecithin (Emulsifier), Natural Vanilla Extract), Natural Flavors"..."L-Theanine, Pharma Gaba(R) - Gamma Aminobutyric Acid, English Peppermint Oil (Black Mitcham), Passion Flower Extract, Lemon Balm Extract, Chamomile Extract, Organic Madagascar Vanilla Extract, Kava Kava CO2 Select Extract (60% Kavalactones), Ancient Sea Salt w/54 Trace Minerals"

Allergen-related information: "This product is manufactured in a facility that processes milk, soy, tree nuts and peanuts. Consult your doctor before use if you are on medication, have a medical condition or are pregnant or nursing."

Summerdown Farms - Peppermint Milk Chocolate 37% Cocoa (bar) - Feb. 22, 2026

Chocolate of the Day

Summerdown Farms Ltd.
Peppermint Milk Chocolate 37% Cocoa with English Black Mitcham peppermint (bar)
Good + - Good ++
Weight: 1.76 oz. (50 g.) / 3.52 oz. (100 g.) in total bar
Calories: 279.5 calories in 1/2 bar
Cost: $10.95 for 1 bar
Purchased from: Zombierunner Coffee, Palo Alto, CA

Welcome to Day #4 of Chocolate & Mint Theme Week.

Today's Peppermint Milk Chocolate 37% Cocoa with English Black Mitcham peppermint (bar) was from Summerdown Farms Ltd. (Hampshire, UK).

This "smooth chocolate with a cooling finish" was made using a single origin Colombian cacao; although it was difficult to tell because this was a relatively low cacao percentage (37% cacao) bar. (Cocoa mass was the fourth ingredient.)

Aroma and flavor notes included: dark milk chocolate and mint.

Texture: smooth, creamy texture with a relatively (cocoa) buttery melt and fatty/buttery mouth feel.

For those with a sweet tooth, this may be an enjoyable chocolate confection. Sadly, this bar was relatively sweet and almost bland for me, despite the vanilla and mint flavourings. It did have a nice, balanced, authentic mint finish and the chocolate was relatively smooth.

Ingredients: Sugar, cocoa butter, whole milk powder, cocoa mass, natural flavouring (vanilla, Black Mitcham peppermint oil), emulsifier (soya lecithin).

Allergen-related information: Contains Milk. May contain traces of gluten, nuts and peanuts.

 

Dick Taylor - Seasonal Release Peppermint Bark 72% Dark & White Chocolate (bar) - Feb. 21, 2026

Chocolate of the Day

Dick Taylor 
Seasonal Release Peppermint Bark 72% Dark & White Chocolate (bar)
Good ++
Weight: 1 oz. (28.3 g.) / 2 oz. (57 g.) in total bar
Calories: 160 calories in 1/2 bar
Cost: $9.99 for 1 bar
Purchased from: The Market at Edgewood, Palo Alto, CA

Welcome to Day #3 of Chocolate & Mint Theme Week.

Today's Seasonal Release Peppermint Bark 72% Dark & White Chocolate (bar) was from Dick Taylor (Eureka, CA).

The company description for this bar is below:

"This nostalgic holiday classic features our award-winning, single-origin, 72% Belize dark chocolate on the top layer and expertly crafted peppermint-infused white chocolate on the bottom layer. Bits of crushed peppermint candy top off this delicious bar for a sweet, crunchy finish."

Aroma notes for this attractive, bi-colored (dark and light) bar included: dark chocolate, cream and peppermint candy.

Texture: a mix of smooth, well-tempered dark chocolate and creamy white chocolate, with a layer of crunchy bits of crushed peppermint candy on the back. 

Flavor notes included: satisfying, flavorful dark chocolate (fudge brownie, very faint hint of diffuse fruit), creamy, sweet white chocolate, and peppermint candy. The flavor depth/complexity in the dark chocolate balanced the sweeter, creamier white chocolate and was compatible with the peppermint and vanilla bean flavors. This bar tasted sweet, but not overly so.

I appreciated the makers' use of single origin Belize cacao chocolate + quality, organic ingredients. 

Ingredients: Dark Chocolate (Cacao*, Cane Sugar*) White Chocolate (Cocoa Butter*, A2/A2 Whole Milk Powder*, Cane Sugar*, Vanilla Bean*) Peppermint Candy (Sugar, Corn Syrup, Vegetable Juice Color, Caramel Color, Natural Peppermint Oil).(* = Organic)

Allergen-related information: Contains Milk. Made in a facility that also processes tree nuts, wheat, and peanuts. 

Sted Foods - Peppermint Candy Cane 50% Dark Milk Chocolate bar - Feb. 20, 2026

Chocolate of the Day

Sted Foods
Peppermint Candy Cane 50% Dark Milk Chocolate (Seasonal)
Good ++
Weight: .5 oz. (14.1 g.) / 5 oz. (141.5 g.) in pack of 10 small bars
Calories: 78 calories (estimate) in 1 small bar
Cost: $23.00 for pack of 10 small bars 
Purchased from: Sted Foods, online order

Welcome to Day #2 of Chocolate & Mint Theme Week.

Today's Sted Foods Peppermint Candy Cane 50% Dark Milk Chocolate bar was made by TC Foods, LLC (Fergus Falls, MN).

Aroma notes included: dark chocolate and mint/peppermint.

Texture: smooth, creamy dark chocolate with tiny, crunchy, peppermint candy bits. 

Flavor notes included: rich, flavorful and smooth, chocolate-y, dark milk chocolate--matched with just the right amount of authentic-tasting peppermint. This 50% cacao chocolate was sweet, but without being overly so--even though we tiptoed back into December candy cane territory.

I liked being able to share bars from this pack of 10 small peppermint candy cane bars over the winter holidays. And today I enjoyed this cheerful mint mini bar myself on a cold, crisp day.

Thank you to Sted Foods for their choice of quality/natural and organic ingredients.

Ingredients: organic cocoa beans, organic cane sugar, organic cocoa butter, organic whole milk powder, organic peppermint candy (organic cane sugar, organic brown rice syrup, natural peppermint flavor, organic vegetable and fruit concentrate for color (radish, apple and black currant).

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

Eigen Chocolate - Peppermint Chocolate Seasonal Swirl Bar - Feb. 19, 2026

Chocolate of the Day

Eigen Chocolate
Peppermint Chocolate Seasonal Swirl Bar
Good ++ 
Weight: 1.74 oz. (50 g.) in total bar
Calories: 270 calories (estimate) in 1 bar
Cost: $12.50 for 1 bar
Purchased from: Bar & Cocoa, online order 

Welcome to Day #1 of Chocolate & Mint Theme Week.

Today's Peppermint Chocolate Seasonal Swirl Bar was from Eigen Chocolate (High Point, NC).

Aroma notes for this attractive bar included: sweet and aromatic mint (think of your favorite dark chocolate peppermint cups/candies) with subtle dark chocolate.

Texture: smooth, almost buttery, with a thick melt and mouthfeel in a cool room.

Flavor notes included: pleasantly minty, smooth chocolate. This bar was not labeled "dark" chocolate, but it had a nice, mild dark flavor.

I was impressed with this well-executed chocolate.  The oats were smoothly incorporated (no oat grit/odd texture), helped balance the mint and chocolate, and created a lovely swirl pattern with the dark chocolate on the back side of the bar. (The front side was molded to create a hexagonal shaped (honeycomb) pattern.)

The touch of vanilla seemed just right: it added a bit of warmth, but wasn't too much.

I appreciated the makers' short list of organic and higher-quality ingredients.

Maker's tasting notes: "Cocoa, Mint, Cream"

Ingredients: Cacao, cocoa butter*, cane sugar*, gluten free oats*, Madagascar vanilla, peppermint oil (* = Organic)

Allergen-related information: "Made in a facility that handles nuts, dairy & soy."

Sibo - Costa Rica Extra Dark 82% Cacao (bar) + Jean-Marie Auboine Caramelized Almond 65% Dark Chocolate (bar) - Feb. 18, 2026

Chocolate(s) of the Day

Sibo Chocolate
Costa Rica Extra Dark 82% Cacao (bar)
Good ++
Weight: .88 oz. (25 g.) / 1.76 oz. (50 g.) in total bar
Calories: 140 calories in 1/2 bar
Cost: $13.50 (estimate) for 1 bar
Purchased from: Missing information 

Jean-Marie Auboine Chocolatier
Caramelized Almond 65% Dark Chocolate Gourmet (bar)
Good ++
Weight: 1.59 oz. (45 g.) / 3.18 oz. (90 g.) in total bar
Calories: 246 calories (estimate) in 1/2 bar
Cost: N/A - gift from a friend
Purchased from: N/A - gift from a friend

Welcome to Day #15 of Chocolate and Central America Theme Week, featuring a Sibo Chocolate Costa Rica Extra Dark 82% Cacao bar made by Chocoindustria Cinco, S.A. (in Costa Rica)--and a second "bonus" dark chocolate bar from Las Vegas (a gift from a friend).

Sibo Chocolate Costa Rica Extra Dark 82% Cacao (bar)

Aroma notes included: naturally sweet dark chocolate (cocoa, drinking chocolate, dark ganache); with light (and multiple shades of) vanilla--including vanilla marshmallow and barely detectable vanilla tobacco--even though there was no added vanilla listed in the ingredients; and sweet green. 

Texture: This relatively thin bar broke with a hard snap in a cold room, and had a smooth, buttery, slow satisfying melt and mouthfeel.

Flavor notes included: pleasing, rich and smooth hot cocoa with flavor notes similar to the aroma notes (mentioned above), along with faint nut (cashew, almond, nut/seed). This well-balanced chocolate was relatively low in bitterness for an 82%er.

As noted above, I was very surprised this did not contain added vanilla, given the lovely warm spice, and light floral and botanical range of notes I'd associate with vanilla.

Note: This Costa Rica chocolate was similar to Single Estate Guacimo Limon Costa Rica 82% bar that I had 8 years ago in 2018 from the same maker. So, I enjoyed a second new chocolate (below) to avoid a possible duplication. 

Ingredients: chocolate (cacao, organic sugar, cacao butter, sunflower lecithin).

Allergen-related information: May contain traces of milk, almonds and cashew.

Jean-Marie Auboine - Caramelized Almond 65% Dark Chocolate (bar)

This elegantly packaged dark chocolate bar--a gift from a friend--was from Jean-Marie Auboine Chocolatier (Las Vegas, NV). 

Aroma notes included: fresh/lightly roasted nuts (almonds) and chocolate.

Texture: the base chocolate had a smooth, almost creamy texture with a pleasing melt interspersed with crunchy whole, lightly caramelized almonds. 

Flavor notes included: smooth, sweet dark chocolate (chocolate-y, fudge, dark ganache) and nutty: lightly roasted and caramelized almonds.

I enjoyed this well-executed, balanced (approachable and sophisticated) chocolate and almond bar that was sweet enough to be somewhat addicting, but not overly sugar-y sweet.

Ingredients: "Cocoa Mass, Sugar, Almonds, Cocoa Butter, Soy Lecithin, Vanilla"

Allergen-related information: "Contains Tree Nuts, Soy. May Contain Traces of Milk"