Saturday, June 30, 2018

Theo - Salted Almond Chocolate Clusters - June 30, 2018

Chocolate of the Day: 

Theo Chocolate
Salted Almond Chocolate Clusters
Good
Weight: 1.4 oz. (40 g.) / 2.8 oz. (80 g.) in total package
Calories: 230 calories in 1/2 package
Cost: $0.99 (sale) for 1 package
Purchased from: Grocery Outlet Bargain Market, Palo Alto, CA

Welcome to Day #6 of Chocolate and Coconut Theme Week.

Today's Salted Almond Chocolate Clusters from Theo Chocolate (Seattle, WA) contained dark chocolate, almonds, quinoa, and...drum roll please...coconut. Not a bad flavor combination for a snack, and accented with a shake of pink salt. I could have done without the salt; but most people will like this blend.

These small haystack-like, bite-sized chocolate rounds were certified Organic, Non-GMO verified, and made with fair for life ingredients.







Friday, June 29, 2018

Wilde Chocolate - Coconut Nectar Crunch bar - June 29, 2018

Chocolate of the Day: 

Wilde Chocolate 
Coconut Nectar Crunch bar
Good - Good +
Weight: 1 oz. (28 g.) in total bar
Calories: 170 calories in 1 bar
Cost: $2.99 (estimate) for 1 bar
Purchased from: Country Sun Natural Foods, Palo Alto, CA  
Welcome to Day #5 of Chocolate and Coconut Theme Week.

The coconut featured in this chocolate is not coconut "meat" or "cream," but rather coconut sugar* used as a sweetener in instead of refined cane sugar.

Today's 70% Cacao Coconut Nectar Crunch bar was made with raw organic cacao and cocoa butter (giving the chocolate a relatively mild, dark flavor); organic coconut sugar and raw vanilla bean (yielding a pleasant crunchy texture with natural sweetness); and a touch of sea salt.

This dairy free, soy free, vegan and paleo bar was made by Wilde Chocolate (Santa Cruz, CA).

*Coconut palm sugar (produced from coconut palm flower bud/stem sap) generally scores lower on the glycemic index and in a less refined form imparts a bit of natural sugar flavor. It does not generally yield a strong coconut flavor.


Thursday, June 28, 2018

Chuao Chocolatier - Organic Dark Chocolate Moon Bark - Coconut Almond Radiance - June 28, 2018

Chocolate of the Day: 

Chuao Chocolatier
Coconut Almond Radiance - Organic Dark Chocolate Moon Bark 
Good
Weight: 1.4 oz. (40 g.) in total package
Calories: 200 calories in 1 package
Cost: $ missing information  
Purchased from: missing information

Welcome to Day #4 of Chocolate and Coconut Theme Week.
Today's Coconut Almond Radiance Organic Dark Chocolate Moon Bark was from Chuao Chocolatier (Carlsbad, CA).

This disc- or moon-shaped chocolate had a slightly crunchy texture. The base 72% (fair trade) dark chocolate was decorated, mendiant*-style, with toasted coconut, dates and salted caramelized almonds.
On the flip side (not pictured in this post), the disc was scored into quarters, the following words appeared: "Moon Vibes Only." Coincidentally we were out last night admiring our wondrous summer moon; it was shining between branches in the backyard. What a treat.

*A mendiant is a French-style chocolate confection, usually round and flat, with nuts and fruits pressed into or dropped/placed onto a cooling chocolate disc. Each inclusion was said to represent one of the monastic orders in France, and possibly to represent the colors of monks" robes.

Wednesday, June 27, 2018

Ben and Jerry's - Coconuts for Caramel Core Ice Cream - June 27, 2018

Chocolate of the Day: 

Ben and Jerry's
Coconuts for Caramel Core Ice Cream
Good
Weight: 1/2 cup (106 g.) / 1 Pint (473 mL) in total container
Calories: 270 calories in 1 serving (1/2 cup)
Cost: $2.50 (sale) in 1 container
Purchased from: missing information

Welcome to Day #3 of Chocolate and Coconut Theme Week.

Today's Coconuts for Caramel Core Ice Cream was from Ben and Jerry's* Ice Cream (South Burlington, VT). 

Caramel ice cream and coconut ice cream—flecked with chocolate pieces ("fudge flakes")—surrounded a central well of golden brown caramel. The combination created a built-in ice cream sundae.

No flavors were particularly strong in this blend; and, in fact, the coconut flavor was fairly mild.

*The Ben and Jerry's brand is owned by Unilever.






Tuesday, June 26, 2018

Sun-Rype - Good Bites Chocolate Macaroon(s) - June 26, 2018

Chocolate of the Day: 

Sun-Rype Products
Good Bites - Chocolate Macaroon(s)
Good
Weight: 1.06 oz. (30 g.) / 5.3 oz. (150 g.) in total package
Calories: 130 calories in 1 serving (3 pieces)
Cost: $4.99 for 1 package
Purchased from: Safeway, Dublin, CA
Welcome to Day #2 of Chocolate and Coconut Theme Week.

These featured Chocolate Macaroon Good Bites were from Sun-Rype Products Ltd. (Kelowna, BC, Canada). The company's roots date back to 1946, when Sun-Rype got its start in the fresh fruit and beverage (juice) market.

Today's Chocolate Macaroon Good Bites contained dates, seeds (sunflower, flax, pumpkin, chia), coconut and chocolate and cocoa powder, with a touch of apple juice concentrate and sea salt.

The chewy bites had balanced fruity chocolate and coconut flavor, and the softened seeds added a bit of texture.











Monday, June 25, 2018

Larabar - Larabar Bites Cherry Chocolate Chip - June 25, 2018

Chocolate of the Day: 

Larabar
Larabar Bites - Cherry Chocolate Chip
Good
Weight: 1.06 oz. (30 g.) / 5.3 oz. (150 g.) in total package
Calories: 130 calories in 1 serving
Cost: $1.99 for 1 package
Purchased from: Grocery Outlet Bargain Market, Palo Alto, CA 

Welcome to Day #8 of Chocolate, Cherry and Berry Theme Week, and Day #1 of Chocolate and Coconut Theme Week.

Today's Cherry Chocolate Chip Larabar Bites were distributed by Small Planet Foods, Inc. (Denver, CO). 

These soft, slightly chewy, balls of rich, fruity, chocolate and cherry flavor were gluten free, Non-GMO, vegan and dairy free.

Made with a short, well-balanced list of ingredients (dates, almonds, semisweet chocolate chips, dried cherries, coconut flour, sea salt), these were naturally sweet and satisfying.






Sunday, June 24, 2018

Good! Greens - Chocolate Raspberry bar - June 24, 2018

Chocolate of the Day: 

Good! Nutrition, LLC
Good! Greens - Chocolate Raspberry bar
Good
Weight: 1.76 oz. (50 g.) in 1 bar
Calories: 202 calories in 1 bar
Cost: $2.00 for 1 bar
Purchased from: Safeway, Dublin, CA

Welcome to Day #7 of Chocolate, Cherry and Berry Theme Week.

This gluten free, Chocolate Raspberry bar was from Good! Nutrition, LLC (Cleveland, OH) contained fruits and vegetables, and 12 grams of protein (sunflower seeds, soy, peanuts).

The flavor and texture of fruit, grain and vegetable constituents were more prominent than the chocolate.

KIND - Pressed by Kind - Dark Chocolate Strawberry bar - June 23, 2018

Chocolate of the Day: 

Kind LLC
Pressed by Kind - Dark Chocolate Strawberry bar
Good
Weight: 1.3 oz. (38 g.) in total bar
Calories: 130 calories in 1 bar
Cost: $1.67 for 1 bar
Purchased from: Safeway, Dublin, CA

Welcome to Day #6 of Chocolate, Cherry and Berries Theme Week.

This Pressed by Kind - Dark Chocolate Strawberry bar was from Kind LLC (New York, NY).

Naturally fruity and sweet, this gluten free, chewy, pressed bar tasted more like dried apples than strawberry or chocolate. And, as it turns out, "apples" was the first ingredient listed.*

*Ingredients: Apples, strawberries, cherries, chia seeds, palm kernel oil, sugar, chicory root fiber, unsweetened chocolate, cocoa powder, soy lecithin, natural flavor, sea salt, cocoa butter




Friday, June 22, 2018

TCHO bites - Almond + Sea Salt discs - June 22, 2018

Chocolate of the Day: 

TCHO 
TCHO Bites - Almond + Sea Salt discs
Good ++
Weight: 1.02 oz. (29 g.) / 5 oz. (140 g.) in total package
Calories: 180 calories in 1 serving
Cost: $2.99 (estimate) for 1 package
Purchased from: Grocery Outlet Bargain Market, Palo Alto, CA 
Welcome to Day #5 of Chocolate, Cherry and Berries Theme Week.

Today's small discs of dark chocolate with almonds and sea salt from TCHO Ventures, Inc. (Berkeley, CA) were made of 64% cacao and Fair Trade Certified ingredients. 

These discs were well-suited for experimenting with pairings with cherry and berry items. 
The first pairing was with a Kirschwasser (cherry brandy). The alcohol and cherry flavor seemed a bit too much, and altered and "flattened" the dark chocolate flavor, giving it a slightly artificial taste.

The second pairing item was a Chloe's frozen raspberry pop (raspberries, cane sugar and water). Also, not a great pairing, although both were good on their own. The temperature difference did not help.

The last pairing was with fresh blueberries (not pictured). This worked the best of the three, but the dark berry flavor made this chocolate taste like milk chocolate (quite sweet) in comparison. 

These discs are fine all by themselves. However, despite the lack of success today, they do seem well-suited to pairings, and experiments will continue with the rest of this package. 


California Sungold Pistachios - Chocolate Cherries - June 21, 2018

Chocolate of the Day: 

California Sungold Pistachios
Chocolate Cherries
Good
Weight: 1.4 oz. (40 g.) / 7 oz. (198 g.) in total package
Calories: 190 calories in 1 serving
Cost: $2.99 (estimate) for 1 bag/package
Purchased from: CVS/pharmacy, Palo Alto, CA

Welcome to Day #4 of Chocolate, Cherry and Berries Theme Week.

Today's Chocolate Cherries were from California Sungold Pistachios (Oakhurst, CA).

Under the glossy, cherry-colored shell of these confections, white chocolate and milk chocolate surrounded a dried cherry center that maintained some natural cherry flavor and dried cherry texture.








Hudsonville Creamery - Chocolate Cocoa Bean Ice Cream + cherry - June 20, 2018

Chocolate of the Day: 

Hudsonville Creamery and Ice Cream Company 
Naturals - Chocolate Cocoa Bean Ice Cream 
Good
Weight: 1/4 cup (32 g.) / 32 oz. (946 mL) in total container
Calories: 65 calories (per label) in 1/4 cup
Cost: $3.99 (estimate) for 1 container
Purchased from: Grocery Outlet Bargain Market, Palo Alto, CA
Welcome to Day #3 of Chocolate and Cherries Theme Week.

Today we cooled down with some cherry-related items combined with a scoop of Chocolate Cocoa Bean Ice Cream from Hudsonville Creamery and Ice Cream Company (Holland, MI).

The Chocolate Cocoa Bean Ice Cream was part of the company's Naturals line, and was made with a list of 7 ingredients* and included cocoa that had been more minimally processed. (Much of the bulk cocoa powder people buy has been treated (alkalinized) to reduce the natural acidic content of cocoa. This apparently was not.) The chocolate flavor was still smooth.

Perhaps the favorite, chilled cherry and chocolate ice cream combination of the day was a small scoop of Cocoa Bean Ice Cream with rum-soaked cherries. This dish disappeared too quickly to be photographed.

Ingredients: Milk, cane sugar, cream, organic natural cocoa, skim milk, carob bean gum, vanilla 






Tuesday, June 19, 2018

Tahoe Trail Bar - Dark Chocolate Cherry bar - June 19, 2018

Chocolate of the Day; 

Tahoe Trail Bar
Dark Chocolate Cherry bar
Good
Weight: 2.3 oz. (65 g.) in 1 bar
Calories: 260 calories in 1 bar 
Cost: $1.29 for 1 bar
Purchased from: Grocery Outlet Bargain Market, Palo Alto, CA

Welcome to Day #2 of Chocolate and Cherry Theme Week.

Today's Dark Chocolate Cherry Tahoe Trail Bar was distributed by King Bars, LLC (Reno, NV). This chewy, mahogany-colored, trail bar contained brown rice syrup, gluten free oats, chocolate chunks, dried Bing cherries, soy protein, cranberries and peanuts. There was also a vague hint of spice/cardamom.

Not everyone cares for the taste and texture of soy protein. But, the chocolate, cherries and peanuts covered up most of that. Certified Gluten Free and Vegan, this compressed bar contained 10 grams of protein.

The tagline for this bar: "Fuel for the Journey." Good thing. Most people need above-candy-bar-level fuel for their busy lives.

My current journey is to visit all the East Bay Regional Park District Parks in Northern California in my spare time; and it's been a deeply rejuvenating experience spending time in open spaces and observing scenery and wildlife.) Bars like this come in handy for hikes in the hills.

I can appreciate the sentiment of the Tahoe Trail Bar founder, Wes King, whose words were printed on the package:

"I am inspired by the crunch of the dirt under my shoes, the sweet silence of skiing powder, and the journey of hiking to the top of mountain peaks."


Celebrity - Chocolaty Cherry Goat Cheese - June 18, 2018

Chocolate of the Day: 

Celebrity Goat
Chocolaty Cherry Goat Cheese
Good
Weight: .25 oz. (7 g.) / 4.5 oz. (130 g.) in total package
Calories: 22 calories in 1/4 oz. taste
Cost: missing information
Purchased from: missing information

Welcome to Day #1 of Chocolate, Cherry and Berry Theme Week.

Today's Chocolaty Cherry Goat Cheese was from Celebrity Goat (Canada goat milk).

What's that you say? Goat cheese? Think cherry and chocolate cheesecake, only slightly less sweet and a teensy bit cheesier.

This petite, plump cheese log was made with cocoa-colored, creamy goat cheese, chocolaty bits (cocoa, coconut oil, sweetener), Dalmatia cherry, and assorted other ingredients* and preservatives.

A few slices of this cheese would add visual interest to any cheese plate.

Ingredients: Pasteurized goat's milk, sugar, partially hydrogenated coconut oil, cocoa, water, fructose, corn syrup, cherries, modified corn starch, mono and di-glycerides, salt, potassium sorbate, soy lecithin, fruit pectin, citric acid, lactic acid, ascorbic acid, microbial enzymes, bacterial culture, natural and artificial flavors.


Sunday, June 17, 2018

Lockhart Fine Foods - Wella Bar - Peanut Cacao Chilled Organic Protein Bar - June 17, 2018

Chocolate of the Day: 

Lockhart Fine Foods
Wella Bar - Peanut Cacao Chilled Organic Protein Bar
Good - Good +
Weight: 1.94 oz. (55 g.) in 1 bar
Calories: 260 calories in 1 bar
Cost: $1.49 for 1 bar
Purchased from: Grocery Outlet Bargain Market, Palo Alto, CA
Welcome to Day #7 of Chocolate and Peanuts Theme Week.

Today's Wella Bar (Peanut Cacao Chilled Organic Protein Bar) was manufactured and distributed by Lockhart Fine Foods (Lockhart, TX).

This chilled gluten free bar was similar to the refrigerated Dark Chocolate Chip Peanut Butter bar by Perfect Bar (San Diego) also featured this week. Both were quite good, and superior (in this reviewer's opinion) to virtually every protein bar on the market.

The Peanut Cacao Wella Bar was not overly sweet (the bar was sweetened with honey and maple syrup), and did not coat my teeth with a sugary coating (thank you!). It contained 11 grams of protein (dry roasted peanuts, milk protein, dried egg whites, dry roasted almonds). The cocoa powder incorporated into the bar provided added a hint of richness/chocolate flavor.






Five Star Organics - Organic Ocho PB&J bar - June 16, 2018

Chocolate of the Day: 

Five Star Organics LLC
Organic Ocho PBandJ Bar
Good +
Weight: 1.45 oz. (41 g.) in total bar
Calories: 210 calories in 1 bar
Cost: $1.50 (sale) for 1 bar
Purchased from: Safeway, Palo Alto, CA

Welcome to Day #6 of Chocolate and Peanuts Theme Week.

Many of us have wished for better, healthier versions candy bars for many years. The founders of Ocho Candy had decided to create bars along these lines when they opened shop in 2011.

In a world where the imperatives of consistency and high-volume production can tilt products away from a short list of higher-quality (more expensive) ingredients, the Ocho lineup has proven that you can produce a better candy bar.

Certified gluten free, today's organic, milk chocolate covered PBandJ bar had authentic peanut butter and raspberry jam flavors and textures.




Friday, June 15, 2018

Mars - Dove Dark Chocolate and Peanut Butter - June 15, 2018

Chocolate of the Day: 

Distributed by Mars chocolate na, llc
Dove Silky Smooth Promises Dark Chocolate and Peanut Butter
Good
Weight: .545 oz. (15.5 g.) / 7.61 oz. (215.7 g.) in total package
Calories: 90 calories in 2 pieces
Cost: $4.19 for 1 package of 28 pieces
Purchased from: CVS/pharmacy, Palo Alto, CA

Welcome to Day #5 of Chocolate and Peanuts Theme Week.

Today's Dove Silky Smooth Promises Dark Chocolate and Peanut Butter chocolates were from distributed by Mars chocolate na, llc (Hackettstown, NJ).


These individually-wrapped Dove filled chocolates were made from Rainforest Alliance Certified Cacao ("traceable from farms to our (the company's) factory"). They were also "partially produced with genetic engineering." (Not unusual, especially for high-volume chocolate. Appreciate that this information was disclosed.)

The aroma was that of sweet chocolate, and sweetened peanut butter (think Nestle Butterfinger candy bar). The flavor and texture will satisfy a mid-afternoon chocolate and peanut candy bar craving.

And, carrying on in the Dove Promises tradition, you'll also get a sweet message inside each foil wrapper.

"Mars *Real* Chocolate." Interesting descriptive symbol on the label. With this long ingredients list* (see below), one wonders. Real chocolate in our definition typically involves a shorter list of ingredients: cacao beans and sweetener—with a minimum of additives, flavorings, preservatives chemical acronyms and genetic engineering. 

Ingredients: "Sweet Chocolate (Sugar, Chocolate, Chocolate Processed with Alkali, Cocoa Butter, Milkfat, Skim Milk, Lactose, Soy Lecithin, PGPR, Artificial and Natural Flavors); Peanut Butter Creme (Peanut Butter, Peanuts, Palm Oil), Hydrogenated Palm Kernel Oil, Sugar, Partially Defatted Peanut Flour, Salt, Corn Syrup, TBHQ to Maintain Freshness."


Thursday, June 14, 2018

Good Greens - Chocolate Peanut Butter bar - June 14, 2018

Chocolate of the Day: 

Good! Nutrition, LLC
Chocolate Peanut Butter bar
Good
Weight: 1.76 oz. (50 g.) in 1 bar
Calories: 197 calories in 1 bar
Cost: $2.50 (estimate) for 1 bar
Purchased from: Safeway, Palo Alto, CA

Welcome to Day #4 of Chocolate and Peanuts Theme Week.

Seeing today's Chocolate Peanut Butter bar from Good Greens (Cleveland, OH) conjured up childhood memories of eating peanut butter and lettuce for some reason.

This bar, however, contained a blend of different greens and fruit (included in fine print)—and more natural vitamin content than many similar bars.

The bar also contained "natural fruit juices," grain dextrin and a few other mystery ingredients. The dairy-free, chocolate coating was sweet tasting and soft/quick melt.









Perfect Bar - Dark Chocolate Chip Peanut Butter bar - June 13, 2018

Chocolate of the Day: 

Perfect Bar
Dark Chocolate Chip Peanut Butter bar
Good++
Weight: 2.3 oz. (65 g.) in 1 bar
Calories: 320 calories in 1 bar
Cost: $14.99 for 1 box of 8 bars
Purchased from: Safeway, Palo Alto, CA

Welcome to Day #3 of Chocolate and Peanuts Theme Week.

Today's Dark Chocolate Chip Peanut Butter bar from Perfect Bar (San Diego, CA) was the kind of protein bar you'd love to make yourself if you could.

The company's refrigerated, honey-sweetened bars are satisfying and a bit addicting. The also taste better than 90% of the energy and protein bars on the market. This was a great mid-day snack. And it was filling enough to serve as a meal replacement.

Not coincidentally, the Perfect Bar(s) are high in protein (15 grams), and higher in fat than many, but also contain a generous amount of powdered fruits and vegetables.

This bar was Certified Organic and Gluten Free, and was Kosher (Dairy).

*The Perfect Bar line was created by a family. Their father, Bud Keith, was a health food pioneer.




Tuesday, June 12, 2018

Endangered Species - Dark Chocolate with Salted Peanuts bar - June 12, 2018

Chocolate of the Day: 

Endangered Species Chocolate, LLC
Smooth Dark Chocolate with Salted Peanuts bar
Good
Weight: 1.2 oz. (34 g.) / 3 oz. (85 g.) in total bar
Calories: 200 calories in 2/5 bar
Cost: $3.99 for 1 bar
Purchased from: Country Sun Natural Foods, Palo Alto, CA

Welcome to Day #2 of Chocolate and Peanuts Theme Week.

Today's Smooth Dark Chocolate with Salted Peanuts bar was from Endangered Species Chocolate, LLC (Indianapolis, IN).

The company donates 10% of its annual profits to GiveBack partners who are involved with conservation efforts.* Each bar includes information about a threatened or endangered species.

Today's bar featured an image of an African Elephant on the outside wrapper, with a small arrow on the back ("Look Inside for Info on the Elephant"). The arrow invited people to read the printed story on the inside about challenges and opportunities involved with saving this species, including information about the Elephant Crisis Fund.

The smooth, sweet dark chocolate (60% cocoa with a faint smokey note) provided a nice contrast to the small chunks of embedded peanuts and Himalayan salt.

This bar was Certified Gluten Free and Vegan.

*According to the company's reports, more than $1.3 million USD have been donated to GiveBack partners to date in the last three years.

Monday, June 11, 2018

Taos Mountain Energy Bar - Chocolate Butterscotch bar - June 11, 2018

Chocolate of the Day: 

Taos Mountain Energy Bar 
Chocolate Butterscotch bar
Good - Good +
Weight: 2.4 oz. (68 g.) in total bar
Calories: 270 calories in 1 bar
Cost: $2.99 (estimate) for 1 bar
Purchased from: REI, Mountain View, CA

Welcome to Day #12 of Chocolate and Caramel Theme Week, and Day #1 of Chocolate and Peanuts Theme Week.

This two-layered Chocolate Butterscotch Energy Bar from Taos Mountain Energy Bar (Taos, NM) managed to capture the essence of caramel/butterscotch flavor, with a bit more staying power than sweeter chocolate confections with traditional smooth caramel filling.

The base layer of this energy bar was composed of grains (mostly ground corn, with buckwheat, quinoa and amaranth), sugar, house-ground organic peanut butter, chia and flax seeds. And topping this bar that also incorporated a butterscotch syrup (Tapioca syrup-based) flavor blend, was a layer of fair trade dark chocolate.

There are beautiful parks and hiking destinations in New Mexico; and Taos Mountain Energy Bar features some of these locations on their packaging. Today site featured on the Chocolate Butterscotch bar's wrapper: Cerro Pedernal. 



Sunday, June 10, 2018

Haagen-Dazs - Trio - Salted Caramel and Chocolate ice cream - June 10, 2018

Chocolate of the Day: 

Haagen-Dazs
Salted Caramel and Chocolate Ice Cream - Crispy Trio Layers
Good
Weight: 1/2 cup (104 g.) / 14 fl. oz. (414 g.) in total container
Calories: 300 calories in 1 serving
Cost: $3.99 (estimate) for 1 container
Purchased from: missing information

Welcome to Day #11 of Chocolate and Caramel Theme Week.

Today's Haagen-Dazs Salted Caramel and Chocolate Ice Cream Crispy Trio Layers was a smooth blend of salted caramel and chocolate ice creams with thin layers of darker, Belgian chocolate.

The Haagen-Dazs brand was created 57 years ago in New York City, and has since been part of a few corporate portfolios, including Pillsbury, General Mills, and the Dreyers subsidiary of Nestle. Thankfully, the list of ingredients has stayed relatively short and the quality has remained relatively high over the years.










Saturday, June 9, 2018

Green and Black's - Dark Chocolate Salted Caramel 70% - June 9, 2018

Chocolate of the Day: 

Green and Black's
Pure Dark Chocolate Salted Caramel 70% Cacao
Good - Good +
Weight: .705 oz. (20 g.) / 4.23 oz. (120 g.) in total package
Calories: 115 calories in 2 pieces
Cost: $3.81 (sale) for 1 package
Purchased from: Target, Mountain View, CA

Welcome to Day #10 Chocolate and Caramel Theme Week.

Today's package of individually-wrapped Green and Black's Pure Dark Chocolate Salted Caramel 70% Cacao (small bars) was distributed by Mondelez International LLC (East Hanover, NJ).

This truly international product started out with cacao grown in Africa,* Yorkshire Caramel and Anglesey Sea Salt. The small bars were made in Poland, and distributed by a large U.S.-based corporation.

The 70% cacao dark chocolate base was smooth and had a pleasant browned butter/brown sugar (with a hint of malt) aroma. Flecks of caramel and flakes of sea salt added some texture.

Good news. These small bars contained no artificial colors, flavors or preservatives. However, sadly (for a gluten-free person), they did contain wheat (glucose syrup, from wheat). Caramels made in Europe are more likely to contain glucose syrup, instead of corn syrup more frequently encountered in U.S. confections.

*The company cites their involvement in the Cocoa Life program; cocoa is "hand-harvested from African small-holder farms."






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