Auro - 64% Fine Dark Chocolate Coins - Feb. 28, 2019

Chocolate of the Day:

Auro
64% Fine Dark Chocolate Coins
Good
Weight: .5 oz. (14.1 g.) / 5.3 oz. (150 g.) in total package
Calories: 75 calories in 1/2 oz. serving
Cost: $N/A - gift
Purchased from: N/A - gift

Welcome to Day #3 of Chocolate Gifts Theme Week.

Today's Auro Chocolate 64% Fine Dark Chocolate Coins were produced by FODC, Inc. (Calamba City, Laguna, Philippines).

Thank you to Mike and Lawton for these high-end chocolate coins.

This chocolate had chocolatey, sweet and fruity (slight acetic acid - fruit vinegar) flavor and aroma notes.

Hacienda San Jose - 100% Dark Chocolate Los Rios Ecuador bar - Feb. 27, 2019

Chocolate of the Day:

Hacienda San Jose
100% Dark Chocolate Los Rios Ecuador bar
Good +++
Weight: .35 oz. (10 g.) / 1.76 oz. (50 g.) in total bar
Calories: 57 calories in 1/5 bar
Cost: $N/A - gift
Purchased from: N/A - gift

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

Thank you to Mike and Lawton for their generosity in sharing this bar, which was procured at a Fancy Foods show in San Francisco.

Today's Hacienda San Jose 100% Dark Chocolate Los Rios Ecuador bar provided a wonderful flavor ride, and fulfilled a promise of what a 100% Ecuador might be.

The aroma was lovely (and worth lingering on), starting with green notes, slight floral and very light coconut notes, followed by rich freshly baked chocolate brownie aroma, that morphed into freshly baked rye, sourdough bread notes, and finally into a buckwheat pancake aroma. Lovely ride. And that was without even taking one bite.

The flavor of this chocolate was also enjoyable, especially for a 100% bar. Hundred percenters can be densely dark and impenetrable, bitter or sour. Today's bar was more approachable and friendly.

The texture was smooth, with a slightly granular texture/melt, and a balanced, very slight astringency.

Sweet55 - Dark Chocolate with Lime - Feb. 26, 2019

Chocolate of the Day: 

Sweet55

Dark Chocolate with Lime

Good

Weight: 1 oz. (28.3 g.) (estimate) in total bar

Calories: 145 calories (estimate) in 1 bar

Cost: N/A - gift 

Purchased from: N/A - gift 

Welcome to Day #1 of Chocolate Gifts Theme Week. 

Thank you to the team at San Mateo Convention Center and Visitors Bureau for the introduction to Sweet55 (Half Moon Bay, CA).

Today's Dark Chocolate with Lime bar was part of an assortment of Swiss Chocolate Bars with nuts and fruits created by this local coast-side Bay Area company.

The dark, sweet chocolate was interspersed with balanced upticks in natural lime citrus flavor (lime oil).

I look forward to meeting Ursula Schnyder, Sweet55's chief chocolatier in the near future. We look forward to finding out more about the "dessert buffet" mentioned on the company's website.

Cave Man Foods - Dark Chocolate Almond Coconut bar - Feb. 25, 2019

Chocolate of the Day: 

Cave Man Foods, LLC
Dark Chocolate Almond Coconut bar
Good
Weight: 1.4 oz. (40 g.) in 1 bar
Calories: 220 calories in 1 bar
Cost: $0.50 for 1 bar (2 for $1.00)
Purchased from: Grocery Outlet Bargain Market, Palo Alto, CA

Welcome to Day #9 of Chocolate and Coconut Theme Week.

Today's Dark Chocolate Almond Coconut bar from Cave Man Foods, LLC (Lafayette, CA) was paleo, gluten free, dairy free, soy free and Non-GMO Project Verified—and part of the company's nutrition bar line. (They also make protein bars and other snack foods.)

This bar had a sweet,* nutty, coconut aroma, and a soft, crunchy chew. The almonds, seeds and coconut were tasty and satisfying. (A bit less sweetener would've been fine; but the syrup and the honey probably helped hold the bar together, along with the chocolate base.)

*The bar was sweetened with agave syrup and honey.

Goodio Craft Chocolate - Licorice and Sea Buckthorn bar - Feb. 24, 2019

Chocolate of the Day: 

Goodio Craft Chocolate

Licorice and Sea Buckthorn bar

Good - Good +

Weight: .566 oz. (16 g.) / 1.7 oz. (48 g.) in total bar

Calories: 81 calories in 1/3 bar

Cost: 5.99 (Pounds) for 1 bar

Purchased from: Goodio (online order)

Welcome to Day #8 of Chocolate and Coconut Theme Week.

Today's Goodio Craft Chocolate Licorice and Sea Buckthorn organic, raw and vegan bar was made of stone-ground cacao by Helsinki Heaven Ltd (Helsinki, Finland).

The 53 percent cacao bar had balanced layered flavors: warm chocolate, followed by black licorice and then a hint of coconut. (Since I don't know what sea buckthorn tastes like, it was difficult to pick that out in the lineup.) Sweetened with coconut palm sugar, this was not as sweet as one might expect. (Thank you.)

Goodio Craft Chocolate - Coconut (bar) - Feb. 23, 2019

Chocolate of the Day: 

Goodio Craft Chocolate
Coconut (bar)
Good +
Weight: .566 oz. (16 g.) / 1.7 oz. (48 g.) in total package
Calories: 80 calories in 1/3 bar (1 serving)
Cost: 5.99 (Pounds) for 1 bar
Purchased from: Goodio.com (online order)

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

Today's Goodio Craft Chocolate Coconut bar was manufactured by Helsinki Heaven Ltd (Helsinki, Finland). The company makes a line of craft chocolate bars and coconut milk ice creams.

With today's bar, Finland is now added to the Chocolate Banquet list of countries where chocolate is being made from scratch (from cacao bean to chocolate bar).

This 51% Cacao, raw, organic, vegan bar was crafted using five ingredients: organic cacao beans, organic coconut palm sugar, organic cacao butter, organic coconut flakes and organic vanilla powder.

This bar was soy, gluten and dairy free, yet had the sweet, rich melt of a coconut milk chocolate bar. The texture was smooth, and the flavor was unapologetically coconut, through and through.

We've had a cooler, wetter winter here in California, with an exotic dusting of snow on surrounding hilltops for a week or two this February. (See photo at right.) However, it's still warmer than what I imagine a Scandinavian winter is like.

In case you are wondering...Today (Feb. 23), it was 39 degrees Fahrenheit (4 degrees Celsius) in Helsinki, Finland; and the sun set at 5:31 p.m. Not so bad.

Chocolate like this helps bring cheer to winter. Enjoy, wherever you might be.

Tru Fru - Coconut Melts - Feb. 22, 2019

Chocolate of the Day: 

Tru Fru, LLC
Coconut Melts
Good - Good +
Weight: 1/4 cup (30 g.) / 4.2 oz. (119 g.) in total package
Calories: 150 calories in 1 serving 
Cost: $5.99 for 1 package
Purchased from: Piazza's Fine Foods, Palo Alto, CA

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

We've sampled chocolates with shredded, raw and dehydrated coconut, coconut oil and coconut sugar. Today we're adding freeze dried coconut to this list.

The judicious used of crushed, freeze dried fresh fruit powder—to add concentrated, authentic fruit flavor to chocolate—seems to have been on the rise in recent years. And we like it.

Today's gluten free Coconut Melts were from Tru Fru, LLC (South Jordan, UT). The freeze-dried fresh coconut centers had an appealing light crunchy texture. And, as promised, a few seconds after you bit into them the coconut center swooned into a velvety melt with the chocolate coating.

These round pieces were a bit sweet, but the slightly earthy, dark chocolate helped balance the sweetness and lingered a bit in the aftertaste.

Koukla Delights - Matcha Macaroons with Cacao Nibs - Feb. 21, 2019

Chocolate of the Day: 

Koukla Delights
Matcha Macaroons with Cacao Nibs
Good
Weight: 1.06 oz. (30 g.) / 5.29 oz. (150 g.) in total package
Calories: 100 calories in 1 serving (2 pieces)
Cost: $3.99 for 1 package
Purchased from: Grocery Outlet Bargain Market, Palo Alto, CA

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

Today's Matcha Macaroons with Cacao Nibs were made in Canada by Koukla* Delights Inc. (Montreal, QC). These coconut macaroons were not as sweet as some (thank you); and they were gently flavored with green tea. Cacao nibs added flavor and a slight bit of crunchy cacao texture.

*Koukla is Greek for doll, and happened to be a father's pet name for his daughter, Evelyn Jerassy, who developed the Koukla line of dehydrated, vegan, paleo and gluten free, organic macaroons, including today's Matcha and Cacao Nibs flavor.

Alter Eco - Dark Chocolate Coconut Clusters, seeds and salt - Feb. 20, 2019

Chocolate of the Day: 

Alter Eco
Organic Dark Chocolate Coconut Clusters - seeds and salt
Good
Weight: 1.02 oz. (29 g.) / 3.2 oz. (91 g.) in total package
Calories: 160 calories in 1/4 cup
Cost: $1.99 for 1 package
Purchased from: Grocery Outlet Bargain Market, Palo Alto, CA

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

Today's package of Dark Chocolate Coconut Clusters (with) seeds and salt was distributed by Alter Eco (San Francisco, CA).

These organic, 70% cocoa dark chocolate pieces were topped with a pleasant, authentic tasting layer of coconut. Flavors and textures were well balanced. They were not too sweet (thank you). Pumpkin and sunflower seeds added a soft crunch. And sea salt provided a hint of savory sparkle.

Luna - Rica Chocolate Coconut Almond bar - Feb. 19, 2019

Chocolate of the Day: 

Clif Bar and Company
Luna - Rica - Chocolate Coconut Almond bar
Good
Weight: 1.41 oz. (40 g.) / 16.92 oz. (480 g.) in total box of 12 bars
Calories: 170 calories in 1 bar
Cost: $6.99 for 1 box of 12 bars
Purchased from: Grocery Outlet Bargain Market, Palo Alto, CA

Welcome to Day #10 of Chocolate and Dates Theme Week, and Day #3 of Chocolate and Coconut Theme Week.

Today's Luna Rica Chocolate Coconut Almond bar was from Clif Bar and Company (Emeryville, CA). The Luna Rica filled bars are relatively new. ("Rica" means rich and delicious in Spanish.)

This almond butter filled fruit and nut bar was quite sweet. Organic date paste was the first ingredient listed on the label, followed by Organic almond butter and Organic unsweetened chocolate. It also contained dried cane syrup. Further down the ingredient list was organic coconut.

The segmented bar was, as promised, rich in flavor. (I would have preferred a less sweet bar with no sea salt myself, but others will like this.)

For those who are concerned about allergens, this organic bar was gluten free, but contained soy, peanuts, almonds, cashews and coconut.

Larabar - Coconut Kale Cacao bar - Feb. 18, 2019

Chocolate of the Day:

Larabar
Organic with Superfoods - Coconut Kale Cacao bar
Good
Weight: 1.6 oz. (45 g.) in total bar
Calories: 190 calories in 1 bar
Cost: $1.50 for 1 bar
Purchased from: Whole Foods Market, Los Altos, CA

Welcome to Day #9 of Chocolate and Dates Theme Week, and Day #2 of Chocolate and Coconut Theme Week.

Today's Larabar Organic Coconut Kale Cacao bar was distributed by Small Planet Foods, Inc. (Minneapolis, MN).

This organic bar had an easy chew with rich date, chocolate and coconut flavor. Cacao nibs gave this bar a slightly crunchy texture and authentic cacao flavor. (For those with a fear of greens, the kale was well incorporated and did not impart any obvious flavor.)

*Ingredients: Organic Dates, Organic Almonds, Organic Coconut, Organic Cacao Nibs, Organic Kale and Organic Cocoa Powder.

Siren Snacks - Dark Chocolate Brownie Protein Bites - Feb. 17, 2019

Chocolate of the Day: 

Siren Snacks Inc.
Dark Chocolate Brownie Protein Bites
Weight: .85 oz. (24 g.) / 1.7 oz. (48 g.) in total package
Calories: 100 calories in 1/2 package
Cost: $ missing information
Purchased from: missing information

Welcome to Day #8 of Chocolate and Dates Theme Week.

Today's Dark Chocolate Brownie Protein Bites were from Siren Snacks Inc. (San Francisco, CA).

These snackable bites had the texture of a firm but soft-baked cookie, and were dairy, gluten, grain, soy and GMO free. The protein came from pea protein (#1 ingredient listed). Dates and coconut sugar provided some sweetness.

While not as chocolatey rich as actual brownies, the chocolate flavor in these small, cube-shaped protein bites was supplied by organic chocolate chips, Dutch cocoa and "Natural Chocolate Flavor."

Siren Snacks - Cookie Dough Protein Bites - Feb. 16, 2019

Chocolate of the Day: 

Siren Snacks Inc.
Cookie Dough Protein Bites
Weight: .85 oz. (24 g.) / 1.7 oz. (48 g.) in total package
Calories: 100 calories in 1/2 package
Cost: $ missing information
Purchased from: missing information

Welcome to Day #7 of Chocolate and Dates Theme Week.

Today's Cookie Dough Protein Bites were from Siren Snacks Inc. (San Francisco, CA).

These small, cube-shaped protein bites were dairy, gluten, grain, soy and GMO free. The texture was compressed, but relatively soft, and slightly crumbly. The protein was supplied by pea protein (#1 ingredient listed, followed by dates).

Organic chocolate chips and Dutch cocoa (#7 and #9 on ingredients list, respectively) provided subtle chocolate flavor.

Epic - Almond Butter Chocolate Performance Bar - Feb. 15, 2019

Chocolate of the Day:

Epic Provisions

Almond Butter Chocolate Performance Bar

Good

Weight: 1.87 oz. (53 g.) in 1 bar

Calories: 210 calories in 1 bar

Cost: $2.49 for 1 bar

Purchased from: Whole Foods Market, Los Altos, CA

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

Today's Almond Butter Chocolate Performance Bar from Epic Provisions (Austin, TX)* had a firm, chewy texture with date fruit flavor balanced by nuts** (ground almonds). 

Egg whites added some heft and protein. And unsweetened chocolate, sea salt and vanilla extract added very subtle flavor accents.

*Epic Provisions was purchased by General Mills.

**Some people feel the flavor of dates is too acidic. Almonds are relatively alkaline and help balance out this concentrated fruit acidity in dates and other dried fruits.

Epic - Peanut Butter Chocolate Performance Bar - Feb. 14, 2019

Chocolate of the Day: 

Epic
Peanut Butter Chocolate Performance Bar
Good
Weight: 1.87 oz. (53 g.) in 1 bar
Calories: 210 calories in 1 bar
Purchased from: Whole Foods Market, Los Altos, CA

Happy Valentines Day! And, welcome to Day #5 of Chocolate and Dates Theme Week.

Today's Peanut Butter Chocolate Performance Bar was from Epic Provisions (Austin, TX).*

This chewy, substantial bar was made from dates, peanuts, cage-free egg whites, chocolate, peanut oil and sea salt, with no added sugar (thank you!).

Here's hoping that you're having an epic Valentines Day. And that you're enjoying your dates connecting with the outdoors (even if you're just eating this bar in front of an epic screen-saver). 

Rather than pictures of red hearts, we're focused on green today. The storms and rain this winter in California have resulted in green hills and grass in our dry Golden State. We're enjoying the cleaner, rain-washed air, and occasional patches of bright blue sky and sun.

*Epic is known for their 100 percent grass-fed animal protein bars. This bar contained egg, but no meat. General Mills bought Epic in 2014 for $820 million; and Epic operates under California-based Annie's Homegrown, the organic and natural food maker (also owned by General Mills).

Sun & Swell foods - Cacao Fruit and Nut Bites - Feb. 13, 2019

Chocolate of the Day:

Sun and Swell foods

Cacao Fruit and Nut Bites

Good - Good +

Weight: 1.06 oz. (30 g.) / 1.6 oz. (45 g. ) in total package*

Calories: 133 calories in 2 bites (per label)*

Cost: $3.49 for 1 package

Purchased from: Piazza's Fine Foods, Palo Alto, CA

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

Today's Cacao Fruit and Nut Bites were distributed by Sun and Swell foods (Santa Barbara, CA). 

These round bites with an appealing soft crunch (cacao nibs?) were made from just five ingredients: organic cashews, organic dates, organic raisins, organic cacao and organic cinnamon. They were not too sweet (thank you); and the cinnamon gave them a subtle spice kick.

Although not nut-free, these soy-free, dairy-free and gluten-free bites would be a great snack for those avoiding common allergens. 

*The label read: one 3-piece package (one serving) weighed 1.6 oz. (45 g.), and contained 200 calories. The package I purchased actually contained four pieces. I calculated weights and calories, for two pieces, based on 2/3 of one package, per label.

Mush Foods LLC - Overnight Oats with Dark Cacao - Feb. 12, 2019

Chocolate of the Day: 

Mush Foods LLC
Overnight Oats - Dark Cacao
Good
Weight: 3 oz. (85 g.) / 6 oz. (170 g.) in total container
Calories: 105 calories in 1 container
Cost: $4.29 for 1 container
Purchased from: The Market at Edgewood, Palo Alto, CA

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

Today's Dark Cacao Overnight Oats were from Mush Foods LLC (National City, CA).

Made with almond mylk, oats, dates, cacao powder, and a tiny bit of sea salt, this oat meal was satisfying and not too sweet (thank you).

Gracie Jones Gluten Free Bake Shop - Peanut Butter Cups - Feb. 11, 2019

Chocolate of the Day: 

Gracie Jones Gluten Free Bake Shop
Peanut Butter Cups
Good - Good +
Weight: unlabeled item - no information
Calories: information not available
Cost: $7.00 (estimate) for 1 package of 6 pieces
Purchased from: Gracie Jones Gluten Free Bake Shop, Palo Alto, CA

Welcome to Day #8 of Chocolate and Peanuts Theme Week, and Day #2 of Chocolate and Dates Theme Week.

Today's layered peanut butter cups were from Gracie Jones Gluten Free Bake Shop (Palo Alto, CA). This Bake Shop is a little island of Gluten Free heaven, where customers don't have to point at every item and ask if it's gluten free or not. This bakery has a small, but impressive fresh supply of sweet baked goods—and savory items as well. (Banh Mi sandwiches on fresh baked bread. Thank you!)

These cups had authentic chocolate and peanut butter flavor, and a smooth, rich melt, with a very slight coconut oil flavor note and texture.

I paired these with a whole organic date. One small date is so full of natural concentrated fruit sweetness, it can stop a sweet craving in its tracks. That and two peanut butter cups.

Clif Bar and Company - LUNA Rica Chocolate Peanut Butter Bar - Feb. 10, 2019

Chocolate of the Day: 

Clif Bar and Company

LUNA - Rica Chocolate Peanut Butter bar

Good

Weight: 1.41 oz. (40 g.) for 1 bar / 16.92 oz. (480 g.) in total box

Calories: 160 calories in 1 bar

Cost: $6.99 for 1 box of 12 bars

Purchased from: Grocery Outlet Bargain Market, Palo Alto, CA

Welcome to Day #7 of Chocolate and Peanuts Theme Week, and Day #1 of Chocolate and Dates Theme Week.

Today's Luna - Rica Chocolate Peanut Butter bar from Clif Bar and Company (Emeryville, CA) was a "Peanut Butter filled Fruit and Nut Bar."

Dates (the first ingredient listed) helped give this bar a soft, chewy texture and dried fruit-flavor sweetness.

Five Star Organics - Ocho Peanut Butter milk chocolate bars - Feb. 9, 2019

Chocolate of the Day: 

Five Star Organics LLC
Ocho Peanut Butter milk chocolate bars

Good

Weight: 1.3 oz. (38 g.) / 3.52 oz. (100 g.) in total package

Calories: 210 calories in 3 pieces

Cost: $ missing information for 1 package of 8 mini bars

Purchased from: Grocery Outlet Bargain Market, Palo Alto, CA

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

Today's individually-wrapped Ocho Peanut Butter - peanut butter in milk chocolate small bars were from Five Star Organics LLC (Oakland, CA).

These organic, peanutty, miniature candy bars were covered in smooth, creamy milk chocolate and would be easy to share with others. Ocho is the Spanish word for eight. And there were eight little bars in this package.

JoJo's - Peanut Butter Delight bars - Feb. 8, 2019

Chocolate of the Day:

JoJo's Chocolate LLC

Peanut Butter Delight bars

Good - Good +

Weight: 1.2 oz. (34 g.) / 8.4 oz. (238 g.) in total package

Calories: 160 calories in 1 bar

Cost: $10.99 for 1 package of 7 bars

Purchased from: Sprouts Farmers Market, Mountain View, CA 

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

Today's package of Peanut Butter Delight bars were from JoJo's Chocolate LLC (Orem, UT).

These satisfying* bark-style, rectangular bars, with just the right amount of crunch, were made of 70 percent dark chocolate, peanuts, hemp protein, peanut flour, sea salt, and "organic peanut butter flavoring oil."

While not individually wrapped, these bars would be great on a hike. Wrap them in some dry greens, or tuck them into a tiffin or bento box or baggie. They'll fit right in with almost any snack choices, and as long as they're protected from heat and, as with any chocolate, the possibility of melting in your pocket.

*Each dark chocolate bar contained only 6 grams of sugar (and no other sweeteners). And the 6 grams of protein helped fulfill the company's tagline "kick the craving." 

DZA Brands, LLC - Peanut Butter Chocolate Gelato - Feb. 7, 2019

Chocolate of the Day: 

DZA Brands, LLC
taste of inspirations - Peanut Butter Chocolate Naturally Flavored Gelato
Good
Weight: 1/3 cup (53 g.) / 16 fl. oz. (1 Pint) ( 473 mL) in total container
Calories: 135 calories in 1/3 cup
Cost: $2.99 (estimate) for 1 container
Purchased from: Grocery Outlet Bargain Market, Palo Alto, CA

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

This morning's "taste of inspirations" Peanut Butter Chocolate Naturally Flavored Gelato was from DZA Brands, LLC (Salisbury, NC).

It offered subtle chocolate and peanut butter flavor and a relatively creamy, uniform texture with a very slightly granular mouthfeel.

Justin's - Mini Dark Chocolate Peanut Butter Cups, Organic - Feb. 6, 2019

Chocolate of the Day:

Justin's
Organic Mini Dark Chocolate Peanut Butter Cups
Good +++
Weight: 1.4 oz. (40 g.) / 4.7 oz. (133 g.) in total package
Calories: 210 calories in one (3-piece) serving
Cost: $5.19 for 1 package
Purchased from: The Market at Edgewood, Palo Alto, CA 

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

True confession: I had a childhood love affair with chocolate peanut butter cups. And I still like them a lot. However, making my own became more appealing as I grew older, and as I started reading ingredient labels. Fortunately, there were others who felt the same way.

Today's Organic Mini Dark Chocolate Peanut Butter Cups from Justin's (Boulder, CO) were a yummy, adult version of a childhood milk chocolate classic.

Each individually-wrapped little dark chocolate cup was filled with authentic tasting peanut butter; and the packaging and size made them a bit more shareable and transportable than their full-sized counterparts. (Justin's also makes full-sized dark and milk chocolate peanut butter cups—and full-sized almond butter and cashew butter cups as well.)

And, yes, there really is a "Justin" behind Justin's. Founder Justin Gold got his start by developing his own nut butters, and then started to sell these at the Boulder Farmers' Market. Nut butters led to nut butter cups...And the rest, as they say, is history. Justin's products can now be found far and wide in the U.S.

These gluten free peanut butter cups contained peanuts and soy.