White Label - Uganda Semuliki Forest 72% (bar) - July 30, 2022

Chocolate of the Day

White Label 
Uganda Semuliki Forest 72% (bar)
Good ++
Weight: 1.15 oz. (32.5 g.) / 2.3 oz. (65 g.) in total bar
Calories: 178 calories (estimate) in 1/2 bar
Cost: $ Missing information
Purchased from: Mutari Chocolate, Santa Cruz, CA 

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

Today's White Label Uganda Semuliki Forest 72% dark chocolate (bar) was made in Santa Cruz, CA. 

This micro-batch bar was crafted using Forastero variety cacao (Upper Amazon and Amelonado) grown on small farms in (Bundibugyo) Uganda near the border with Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).

Aroma notes for this chocolate included fermentation (sweat), very faint stone fruit (apricot/nectarine), berry, and green floral (matcha green tea, vanilla), and chocolate (ganache).

This 72% cacao bar had smooth texture and flavor, that included true chocolate (ganache/mousse) diffuse and well-balanced subtle fruit acidity (berry, stone fruit) light, mellow bitterness, and barely detectable earth and roasted notes.

The sweetness level was about right for my taste. Good choice using a very slightly higher cacao percent (72% cacao vs. 70% cacao), as this chocolate seemed on the naturally sweet side. (Any more sugar, and cacao flavor nuances start to get lost.) 

The maker's tasting notes read as follows: "Goji berries, deep cocoa, vanilla," 

Cacao harvest took place during the 2017/2018 growing season; and producer Latitude Trade Co. worked with local farmers on fermentation.

Ingredients: Cacao beans, organic sugar, organic cocoa butter

Allergen-related information: (None listed on packaging that I could find.)

White Label Chocolate - Uganda Semuliki Forest 100% (bar) - July 29, 2022

Chocolate of the Day

White Label 
Uganda Semuliki Forest 100% (bar)
Good +
Weight: 1.15 oz. (32.5 g.) / 2.3 oz. (65 g.) in total bar
Calories: 178 calories (estimate) in 1/2 bar
Cost: $ Missing information
Purchased from: Mutari Chocolate, Santa Cruz, CA 

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

Today's White Label Uganda Semuliki Forest 100% dark chocolate (bar) was made in Santa Cruz, CA. 

This micro-batch bar was crafted using Forastero variety cacao grown on small farms in (Bundibugyo) Uganda.*

Aroma notes for this ultra-dark bar included: dark fruit (plum, purple/red grape) and true chocolate (deep, dark cocoa). 

This 100% cacao chocolate had a creamy smooth melt and texture.

Overall this bar had densely dark, relatively bitter and intense chocolate flavor. 100% (unsweetened) Forastero variety cacao beans can feel a bit intimidating (a bit like walking through a thick forest at night, with no light or sugar plum fairies in sight), and this bar was not for those with a sweet tooth. 

But, the taste also had some subtle complexity to it--most notably similar dark fruit notes (purple/red grape and dried plum) that were in the aroma, as well as a very faint, very fleeting (and not unpleasant) light savory greens note (cooked wood sorrel with salted butter).

Maker's tasting notes: "Goji berries, grape, deep cocoa"

Ingredients: Organic cocoa beans

Allergen-related information: (None listed on packaging that I could find.)

*The Forastero (Upper Amazon and Amelonado) cacao used to craft this chocolate was grown in Uganda by many farmers (smallholder farms of 1-3 acres), and harvested in the 2017/2018 season. The producer was Latitude Trade Co., a fermentation facility and organization that works directly with farmers. White Label is committed to transparent sharing of information and "beyond fair trade cacao."

White Label - Salted Brown Butter Milk 58% (bar) - July 28, 2022

Chocolate of the Day

White Label 
Salted Brown Butter Milk 58% (bar)
Good ++
Weight: 1.15 oz. (32.5 g.) / 2.3 oz. (65 g.) in total bar
Calories: 178 calories (estimate) in 1/2 bar
Cost: $ Missing information
Purchased from: Mutari Chocolate, Santa Cruz, CA 

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

Today's White Label Salted Brown Butter Milk 58% dark chocolate (bar) was made in Santa Cruz, CA.* The company is committed to transparent sharing of information and "beyond fair trade cacao." 

This micro-batch bar--and Good Food Awards Winner--was crafted using Forastero variety cacao, grown on small farms in the Semuliki Forest, close to Bundibugyo, in Western Uganda near the border with Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).

Aroma notes for this chocolate included: light caramel, milk chocolate, and very faint buttered and salted sauteed green vegetables (celery, green beans).

The texture was unique and almost sinfully addictive. The bar had a luxurious creamy melt and thick velvety (authentic butter) mouthfeel. It was so rich, it was like gnawing softly on a sweet stick of firm, room temperature butter that just happened to have chocolate in it too. 

Flavor notes included balanced, ultra-creamy milk chocolate with sparkles of salt. Brown sugar and browned butter resulted in rich flavor depth; although some of the cacao nuances may have been muffled a bit by the butter. There was also a brief, fleeting, very faint green  (light, almost floral, pleasing green tea) note in the finish.

This 58% cacao chocolate was, happily, not overly sweet (thank you!); and yet there was enough sugar, salt and fat(s) to trigger addiction-level cravings. Warning: You may find yourself eating more than you planned. (You'd think after 15 years of chocolate, I would be immune to this; but this is not the case.)

The maker's dedication to transparency could be seen in the detailed notes and cacao source facts provided (on the back of the package). The Forastero (Upper Amazon and Amelonado) Uganda cacao that was the basis for today's chocolate was grown by farmers on smallholder farms of 1-3 acres; and this cacao was harvested in 2019/2020, during the September to February growing season. The producer was Latitude Trade Co. 

Maker's tasting notes/description of this bar: "Caramel, cream, milk chocolate, salt." 

Ingredients: Cacao beans, brown sugar, organic cocoa butter, organic milk powders, browned butter, sea salt.

Allergen-related information: (None listed on packaging that I could find.) 

*Note: the White Label kitchen/small-batch factory and shop on Front Street in Santa Cruz, CA, closed earlier in 2022. Sadly, their old building (and other small businesses in the same block) looked like they were being torn down, as part of a very large mixed housing and commercial project.

As of spring 2022, White Label chocolate was being made in Watsonville, CA, and the chocolate makers are hoping to find/open a new retail location in Santa Cruz.

Moka Origins - Uganda Dark Chocolate 72% Cacao Semuliki Forest (bar) - July 27, 2022

Chocolate of the Day

Moka Origins
Uganda Dark Chocolate 72% Cacao Semuliki Forest (bar)
Good ++ - Good +++
Weight: 1.2 oz. (34 g.) / 2.4 oz. (68 g.) in total bar
Calories: 160 calories in 1/2 bar
Cost: $7.99 for 1 bar
Purchased from: Sigona's Market, Palo Alto, CA 

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

Today's Uganda Dark Chocolate 72% Cacao Semuliki Forest (bar) was created by Moka Origins (Honesdale, PA). The company offers small-batch, single origin chocolates and coffees, as well as drinking chocolates.

The (Forastero variety) cacao that Moka Origins used to make this Uganda bar was from Latitude Trade Company (a fermentation facility in Uganda). Latitude pays cocoa farmers 10% above market price for freshly harvested ("wet") cacao (beans with cacao fruit pulp). An estimated 50% of these 1,002 smallholder farmers are women.

Aroma notes for this bar included: subtle red fruit (diffuse red berry, red apple), smooth, creamy dark chocolate, and very faint warm spice.

This Organic dark chocolate had a smooth texture with a velvety melt and mouthfeel.

Flavors were similar to the aroma (i.e. faint red fruit and true chocolate). As is usually the case, the chocolate tasted even more chocolate-y (ultra-dark chocolate pudding/mousse) than the aroma. The taste also revealed a pleasant, faint (but bright), sweet green (floral green tea, kiwi) note. 

Minutes after the last bite, I tasted a very faint, slightly fruity/jammy finish (red berry and red apple--with a whisper of cherry, fresh nectarine and apricot--the kind of fruit plate that would be equally at home paired with a sip of high-end champagne or a graham cracker). 

This bar will please dark chocolate lovers who love a nice smooth, flavorful chocolate with sophisticated texture, flavor depth, and complexity (that may include a genteel fresh fruit finish). Nothing too wild or too cluttered; but like an elegant black dress in your closet, it's certainly not boring either.

Maker's description: "Rich dark chocolate with tasting notes of red berry and chocolate ganache"

Ingredients: Organic cocoa beans, organic cane sugar, organic cocoa butter

Allergen-related information: "Gluten Free, Vegan, Soy Free. Made in a facility that handles tree nuts."

Beyond Good - Uganda Single Origin Chocolate Toasted Hazelnut 73% Cocoa (bar) - July 26, 2022

Chocolate of the Day

Beyond Good  

Uganda Single Origin Chocolate Toasted Hazelnut 73% Cocoa (bar)

Good +++ 

Weight: .88 oz. (25 g.) / 2.64 oz. (75 g.) in total bar

Calories: 160 calories in 1/3 bar

Cost: $3.99 for 1 bar

Purchased from: New Leaf Community Markets, Half Moon Bay, CA

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

Today's Beyond Good Uganda Single Origin Chocolate Toasted Hazelnut 73% Cocoa (bar) was produced in Italy and distributed by Madecasse LLC (Brooklyn, NY). It was the third of three different Beyond Good Uganda cacao bars featured this week. And it may have been my favorite.

All three bars were made with "Beyond Good direct trade certified cocoa." The company has a long history of working directly with cocoa farmers in Madagascar (where they have a factory that employs local people); and they've been ramping up their commitment in Uganda, with possible plans for a second small factory there as well.*

Toasted Hazelnut 73% Cocoa (bar)

This fragrant bar had aroma notes that included bold, smooth dark chocolate with balanced subtle earth notes and ground hazelnut (gianduja). 

Likely inspired by the great, classic Italian/European marriage of hazelnuts + chocolate (gianduia/gianduja confections, hazelnut chocolate spreads), today's chocolate and hazelnut blend resulted in a bar that was somehow greater than its individual ingredients. 

The hazelnuts benefited from the single origin Uganda cacao chocolate (that was more flavorful than the average, smooth Italian dark chocolate) and the high quality hazelnut pieces added a mellow, well-rounded nutty flavor to the chocolate. Sparkles of sea salt and lovely light, authentic vanilla added the perfect finishing touches.

This bar hit a sweet spot for me. It was a beautifully orchestrated blend of high-quality, classic flavors. It wasn't too sweet (thank you!) so I could really enjoy the complex, layered chocolatey and nutty flavor and textures: creamy (chocolate and hazelnut paste) and crunchy (hazelnut bits and salt crystals). 

Maker's tasting notes/description: "Rich and chocolatey with crunchy hazelnuts"

Ingredients: Cocoa beans, cane sugar, hazelnut nibs, cocoa butter, hazelnut paste, sea salt, vanilla extract.

Allergen-related information: (Contained tree nuts - hazelnuts.) "May contain traces of milk (and) tree nuts." ("gluten free, soy free, vegan")

*Producing the chocolate we enjoy involves many steps and typically spans a long, geographically-distributed supply chain. 

Chocolate made entirely (from bean-to-bar) in the same country where the cacao is grown is still rare; but being able to perform more chocolate manufacturing steps (or adding more value) "in-country" (e.g., fermentation, drying, roasting, making cocoa nibs, manufacturing) helps to create more income for those who live in the country of cacao origin. 

Historically, cocoa farmers and field workers have received a very small percent of the amount charged to the end customer for a high-end chocolate bar. It's always great to see chocolate makers working directly with farmers to help them earn more for high-quality cacao. After all, when today's cocoa farmers retire, their children may not want to follow in their footsteps if they're barely able to make a living. 

  

Beyond Good - Uganda Orange Zest 73% Cocoa (bar) - July 25, 2022

Chocolate of the Day

Beyond Good  

Organic Uganda Single Origin Orange Zest 73% Cocoa (bar)

Good + - Good ++

Weight: .88 oz. (25 g.) / 2.64 oz. (75 g.) in total bar

Calories: 140 calories in 1/3 bar

Cost: $3.99 for 1 bar

Purchased from: New Leaf Community Markets, Half Moon Bay, CA

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

Today's Organic Beyond Good Uganda Orange Zest 73% Cocoa (bar) was produced in Italy and distributed by Madecasse LLC (Brooklyn, NY). It was one of a series of three Uganda 73% cocoa dark bars tasted this week, made with "Beyond Good direct trade certified cocoa."

Aroma notes for this citrus-forward chocolate included: orange oil/essence, dark chocolate and subtle vanilla.

A smooth, slightly soft, dark bittersweet (73% cacao) dark chocolate base was peppered with tiny bits of softly chewy and lightly sweetened, authentic bittersweet orange peel. 

It was difficult to detect the flavor nuances of the Uganda cacao with this much citrus (orange peel and oil); but this "chocolatey" chocolate bar offered a pleasing triad of flavors (dark chocolate, orange and vanilla). And it was refreshing to taste this judiciously sweetened version of this flavor trio. Vanilla added a slightly earthy, floral warmth one associates with desserts and baked goods.

Beyond Good tasting notes/description: "Rich and chocolatey with bursts of citrus"

Ingredients: Organic cocoa beans, organic cane sugar, organic candied orange peel (organic cane sugar, organic glucose syrup, organic orange peel), organic cocoa butter, organic orange oil, organic vanilla extract.

Allergen-related information: "May contain traces of milk (and) tree nuts." (Certified Organic, gluten free, soy free, vegan; Non-GMO Verified)

 

Beyond Good - Uganda Salted Caramel 73% Cocoa (bar) - July 24, 2022

Chocolate of the Day

Beyond Good  

Organic Uganda Salted Caramel 73% Cocoa (bar)

Good ++

Weight: .88 oz. (25 g.) / 2.64 oz. (75 g.) in total bar

Calories: 150 calories in 1/3 bar

Cost: $3.99 for 1 bar

Purchased from: New Leaf Community Markets, Half Moon Bay, CA

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

Today's Beyond Good Organic Uganda Salted Caramel 73% Cocoa (bar) was produced in Italy and distributed by Madecasse LLC (Brooklyn, NY).

Madecasse has been working with farmers in Madagascar and Uganda to source direct trade certified cocoa for many years, and has a chocolate factory in Madagascar, employing local Malagassy workers. They hope to open a second factory in Uganda. (They also offer a very nice Madagascar vanilla extract which may have been used in today's bar.) 

Aroma notes for this bar included rich dark chocolate, salty earth, brown sugar caramel.

I like well-executed complex chocolates, textures and layered flavors. This chocolate had all of the above. And this 73% cocoa chocolate wasn't too sweet (thank you).

A smooth, but flavorful dark chocolate base (that was bold, mellow as a fine whiskey might be, with gentle upticks of earth, vanilla and salt) was packed with tiny flecks of crunchy caramelized sugar. 

There was a very faint, diffuse stone fruit note, but overwhelmingly the flavor was, as promised, "chocolatey." It had a very authentic, well-rounded cacao/chocolate flavor--beyond brownies.

Beyond Good described their bar as follows: "Rich and chocolatey with a caramel crunch"

Ingredients: Organic cocoa beans, organic cane sugar, organic caramel (organic cane sugar, organic glucose syrup), organic cocoa butter, sea salt, organic vanilla extract.

Allergen-related information: "May contain traces of milk and tree nuts." Certified Organic, gluten free, soy free, vegan; Non-GMO Verified

Lumineux - Uganda 68% Dark Chocolate (bar) - July 23, 2022

Chocolate of the Day

Lumineux Chocolate
Uganda 68% Dark Chocolate (bar)
Good ++
Weight: .9 oz. (25 g.) / 1.8 oz. (50 g.) in total bar
Calories: 120 calories in 1/2 bar
Cost: $8.00 for 1 bar ($40.00 for 5 different bars)
Purchased from: Good Food Awards Marketplace/store, online order 

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

Today's Uganda 68% Dark Chocolate (bar) was from Lumineux Chocolate (Greenville, SC). Ben and Becca Snyder founded their small-batch chocolate company to produce high-quality chocolate, and to showcase flavors in African cacao. 

Aroma and flavor notes for this Uganda bar included: dark chocolate with dark, rich stone fruit (plum, light prune), faint whiskey, very faint botanical (light green, maple, warm spice, clean mineral) and very faint graham cracker/cookie notes. 

Tasting the chocolate also yielded a richer, authentic chocolate (brownie batter) flavor.

This 68% cacao chocolate was relatively sweet (given I was tasting other 100% and 85% Ghana bars in the last few days). But the complex and balanced flavors shone through and helped balance the sweetness; and the chocolate was relatively low in acidity and bitterness. The finish was clean with lingering traces of fruit, brownie and whiskey toward the end.

So, I'd say, mission accomplished with this Ghana bar--as far as highlighting more complex and more gently nuanced fine flavors--words that in decades past weren't applied to the very bold, intense cacao often associated with African countries. The bold flavors were tamed and blended and lots of sugar was added; and farmers in Africa (and elsewhere) were not always  paid to grow and develop fine flavored cacao.

Maker's tasting notes: "Plum, Bourbon"

Ingredients: Cocoa nibs, cane sugar, cocoa butter

Allergen-related information: (No information listed that I could find.)

Fjak - 100% Organic Mork Uganda Semuliki Forest Single Origin (bar) - July 22, 2022

Chocolate of the Day

Fjak Sjokolade
100% Organic Mork Uganda Semuliki Forest Single Origin (bar)
Good ++
Weight: .935 oz. (26.5 g.) / ~ 1.87 oz. (53 g.) in total bar
Calories: 155 calories in 1/2 bar
Cost: $11.00 for 1 bar 
Purchased from: Bar and Cocoa, online order

Welcome to Day #1 of Chocolate and Uganda Theme Week.

Today's 100% Mork (Dark) Uganda Semuliki Forest Single Origin (bar) was crafted by Fjak Sjokolade bean-to-bar makers in their small factory by the Hardangerfjord (a long fjord in Western Norway).

Popular with artisan chocolate makers, Semuliki Forest cacao (located in Bundibugyo, in Western Uganda), is made up of cacao from many small farms. (About half the farmers are women.) Uganda lies in east-central Africa and is about the size of the State of Kansas in the U.S.

Aroma notes detected, in order of appearance, were: peat (this faded after being opened for a few minutes), botanical (diffuse fruit, very faint green, maple), dark cocoa, and very faint sweet, smokey whiskey.

Flavor notes for this bar included: bold but balanced tobacco, cacao (ultra dark nibs, brownie), and roasted nuts. The nut notes helped to round out and balance a subtle smokey, slightly peat-like, flavor and acidity. 

This unique, 2-ingredient bar may appeal to those who enjoy a strong whiskey and/or a whiff of fine, aromatic tobacco. With 0% sugars of any kind, the taste was, as expected, very dark, but it did have its own sense of mellow, implied sweetness (as you might find in a malted whiskey). It was quite enjoyable if you enjoy these bolder flavors.

 Maker's tasting notes: Intense dark chocolate with notes of nuts and tobacco.

Ingredients: Organic cocoa beans, organic cocoa butter

Allergen-related information: "Processed in a facility that handles nuts, dairy (and) gluten." Made with certified Organic ingredients; vegan.

 

Moodify Food - "A Little Buzzed" Oatmeal Cup (chocolate + coffee item) -- July 21, 2022

Chocolate of the Day

Moodify Food

"A Little Buzzed" Oatmeal Cup

Good + - Good ++

Weight: 2.06 oz. (59 g.) in total container (dry weight)

Calories: 230 calories in 1 container 

Cost: $3.99 for 1 container

Purchased from: Farm Fresh to You, produce delivery service, add-on item

Welcome to Day #20 of Chocolate and Coffee Theme Week.

Today's Moodify Food * "A Little Buzzed" Oatmeal Cup was distributed by GMF Foods LLC (Denver, CO). The brand name is a reference to how modifying your food can influence your mood and health. They offer a line of single-serving oatmeal cups with this sentiment in mind.

The pleasing aroma and flavor for today's cocoa and coffee flavored oatmeal cup included: rich, fragrant oat(meal) with cocoa, coffee and cinnamon. Cocoa nibs added bits of (softly) crunchy texture and true essential (unsweetened) cacao taste with faint roasted nutty seed and very faint green/botanical flavors.

Prepared with hot water with a short 3-minute wait time, one could easily allow less or more time, if a slightly coarser or creamier oatmeal texture is desired.

Sweetened with a judicious amount of date sugar, I found the sweetness level just right. 

This was a perfect wake up meal--not too heavy, but more substantial than a cup of coffee with the added benefits of authentic cocoa (cocoa nibs and cocoa powder) and cinnamon--as well as a touch of amaranth and ground flax seed for some extra fiber and heft. It left me feeling a little uplifted and not too "buzzed"--as promised.

Ingredients: Gluten free oats, date sugar, cocoa nibs, cocoa powder, amaranth, ground flax, ground coffee, and cinnamon.

Allergen-related information: "Manufactured in a facility that processes peanuts, tree nuts, coconut, and dairy." "Non-GMO" ingredients; (Gluten free oats were used.)

*The company, co-founded and headed by Christine Keller (San Francisco, CA) had its beginnings in 2020 and ramped up amid Covid-19 challenges. (Glad they made it work!)

Hogarth Chocolate Makers - Espresso Italian Roast Dark Chocolate (bar) - July 20, 2022

Chocolate of the Day

Hogarth Chocolate Makers

Espresso Italian Roast Dark Chocolate 68% Cacao (bar)

Good ++

Weight: 1.235 oz. (35 g.) / 2.47 oz. (70 g.) in total bar

Calories: 83.174 calories in 1/5 bar (1 serving) 

Cost: $11.00 for 1 bar

Purchased from: Bar and Cocoa, online order

Welcome to Day #19 of Chocolate and Coffee Theme Week.

Today's Espresso Italian Roast Dark Chocolate 68% Cacao (bar) was from Hogarth Chocolate Makers (Nelson, New Zealand).

Aroma notes for this bar included: true chocolate (dark chocolate fudge), coffee, diffuse faint red fruit, roasted nutty-seed and wood notes (maple sap, very faint green), and very faint warm spice.

The attractively patterned Hogarth bar was relatively thick (in terms of size/depth), and had a smooth texture with a relatively thick, slow melt.

This complex blend of dark, sweet roasted coffee and chocolate--with flavor notes that mirrored the aroma notes mentioned above--was the product of Pomeroy's Coffee dark roasted Italian style blend + 68% cacao Dominican Republic OKO Caribe cacao. 

This 68% dark chocolate was relatively sweet but also had complex, dark and satisfying well-balanced flavor.

Ingredients: Cocoa solids 68% (organic cocoa beans, organic fairtrade cocoa butter), organic sugar, coffee beans.

Allergen-related information: "May contain traces of milk and nuts." "Vegan, Gluten Free, Soy Free"

Haagen-Dazs - Coffee Almond Toffee Crunch Ice Cream bar + Double Belgian Chocolate Chip and Coffee Ice Creams - July 19, 2022

Chocolate(s) of the Day

Haagen-Dazs

1.) Coffee Almond Toffee Crunch ice cream bar 
Good + - Good ++
Weight: 3 fl. oz. (78 g.) / 9 fl. oz. (266 mL) in 1 box of 3 bars
Calories: 270 calories in 1 bar
Cost: $4.75 (estimate) for 1 box of 3 bars 
Purchased from: Safeway, Palo Alto, CA

2.) Double Belgian Chocolate Chip Ice Cream
Good ++ - Good +++
Weight: 2/3 cup (133 g.) / 14 fl. oz. (414 mL.) in total container
Calories: 420 calories in 1 serving 
Cost: $2.50 (sale) for 1 container (2 for $5.00 USD)
Purchased from: Safeway, Mountain View, CA

Welcome to Day #18 of Chocolate and Coffee Theme Week(s) -- a series that has included a lot of coffee + coffee/mocha ice cream-related items, just in time for summer weather. 

Today's three Haagen-Dazs frozen offerings: 1.) Coffee Almond Toffee Crunch ice cream bar and 2.) Double Belgian Chocolate Chip and 3.) Coffee ice creams were distributed by Dreyer's Grand Ice Cream, Inc. (Oakland, CA).

Coffee Almond Toffee Crunch (ice cream bar)

As with many frozen items, today's Haagen-Dazs Coffee Almond Toffee ice cream bar had a subtle aroma (compared to room temperature bars and confections), but with identifiable notes of chocolate, nuts and caramel/toffee.

The texture was a blend of a smooth ice cream interior and a crunchy chocolate outer shell and a thin shards of toffee candy and tiny bits of almond. The ice cream center had a creamy texture with vanilla and faint coffee flavor.

Ingredients: Coffee ice cream: cream, skim milk, sugar, egg yolks, coffee; milk chocolate and vegetable oil coating with almonds and toffee: milk chocolate (sugar, whole milk powder, chocolate, cocoa butter, soy lecithin, vanilla extract), coconut oil, almonds roasted in vegetable oil (almonds, safflower oil), toffee (corn syrup, sugar, butter (cream, salt), brown sugar, almonds, baking soda, soy lecithin, salt). 

Allergen-related information: Contains: milk, almond, egg and soy ingredients. 

Double Belgian Chocolate Chip + Coffee ice creams

The Haagen-Dazs Belgian chocolate (and Coffee) ice cream flavors were relatively smooth and mild; however, I was pleasantly surprised that the Double Belgian Chocolate ice cream had maintained very faint, diffuse fruit, nut, floral and light earth (authentic cacao) notes. 

Most chocolate ice creams are made using cocoa processed with alkali (a process that neutralizes acidic and/or bitter flavors in cacao. Today's Double Belgian Chocolate ice cream did contain some alkalized cocoa, but also a healthy dose of Belgian dark chocolate.

The chocolate ice cream paired nicely with Haagen-Dazs Coffee ice cream. Both the Double Belgian Chocolate Chip and Coffee flavors had a satisfying and filling, authentic creamy texture, mouthfeel and taste.

Ingredients: Chocolate ice cream: Cream, skim milk, dark chocolate (Belgian chocolate, sugar, cocoa butter, soy lecithin, vanilla extract), sugar, egg yolks, cocoa processed with alkali, vanilla extract. Chocolate chunks with vegetable oil: Belgian chocolate (sugar, chocolate, cocoa butter, soy lecithin, natural flavor), cottonseed oil, coconut oil.

Allergen-related information: Contains milk, egg and soy ingredients. 

Haagen-Dazs - Coffee Chip Ice Cream - July 18, 2022

Chocolate of the Day

Haagen-Dazs
Coffee Chip Ice Cream
Good ++
Weight: 14 fl. oz. (414 mL) in 1 container 
Calories: 890 calories in 1 container
Cost: $2.50 (sale) for 1 container (2 for $5.00)

Welcome to Day #17 of Chocolate and Coffee Theme Week(s).

Today's Haagen-Dazs Coffee Chip Ice Cream was distributed by Dreyer's Grand Ice Cream, Inc. (Oakland, CA).

This ice cream offered subtle, smooth and creamy coffee flavor and smooth dark chocolate chunks (chips) with true chocolatey (rich cocoa) flavor.

Years ago (and hundreds of chocolates ago), I tasted the "light" version of this ice cream. I have to admit, I really liked the full fat version (i.e. number one ingredients was cream, and this also contained egg yolks and butter oil). 

Ingredients: Cream, milk, sugar, powdered sugar (sugar, corn starch), egg yolks, coconut oil, coffee, cocoa processed with alkali, butter oil, soy lecithin, natural flavor, milk.

Allergen-related information: "Contains milk, egg, and soy ingredients."

Revolution Gelato - Mocha Madness Plant-based Mini Gelato Pie - July 17, 2022

Chocolate of the Day

Revolution Gelato
Mocha Madness
Good +
Weight: 2.5 oz. (71 g.) in 1 mini pie
Calories: 260 calories in 1 mini pie
Cost: $2.59 for 1 pie
Purchased from: Piazza's, Palo Alto, CA 

Welcome to Day #16 of Chocolate and Coffee Theme Week.

Today's Mocha Madness Plant-based Mini Gelato Pie was made for Revolution Gelato (Atlanta, GA). 

This frozen mocha pie had a subtle aroma, and an initial flavor that had a slightly coconutty, wheat-y/starchy, with plant-based taste and texture.* 

This Mocha pie also tasted lower in sugar--normally something I like. Although it made me realize that sugar (and cream/milk) are what I'm expecting when I eat gelato or ice cream desserts (even though I'm always trying to find one with less sugar). This was a helpful reality check.

The thick chocolate cookie-like pie "pastry" crust, was filled with non-dairy coffee gelato, and topped with a crispy frozen dark chocolate layer on top. 

I liked the concept (very nice to have options like this) and the complexity from the layered flavors; however, these flavors tasted plant-based and natural but didn't always feel totally integrated.

*Warning: This was not gluten free. One of the reasons why this pie might have had an odd taste: the pie crust contained wheat (and barley and corn) flours and subtle nut (cashews). Occasionally I fail to read labels correctly, and buy something with wheat/gluten. Even less frequently, I eat something before I realize it's not gluten-free. This was one of those times.

Ingredients: Gelato*: water, organic tapioca syrup, organic cold brew coffee (water, organic coffee), organic cane sugar, organic coconut oil, organic cashews, organic gum arabic, organic coffee, organic guar gum, sea salt, crust: flour (wheat flour, malted barley flour, niacin, iron, thiamin mononitrate, riboflavin, folic acid), palm oil, sugar, corn flour, cocoa (processed with alkali), water, salt, xanthan gum, topping: organic chocolate (organic cocoa mass, organic sugar, organic cocoa butter), organic coconut oil.

Allergen-related information: Contains: wheat, cashew, coconut. "Made in a facility that also processes dairy, eggs, peanuts, and soy" (Keep frozen)

Dreyer's - Mocha Almond Avenue ice cream - July 16, 2022

Chocolate of the Day

Dreyer's 

Mocha Almond Avenue ice cream

Good ++ - Good +++

Weight: 2/3 cup (86 g.) / 1.5 Quarts (1.41 Liter) in total container

Calories: 200 calories in 2/3 cup serving

Cost: $5.99 (estimate) for 1 container 

Purchased from: Safeway, Palo Alto, CA

Welcome to Day #15 of Chocolate and Coffee Theme Week--a series that has been temporarily high-jacked by a series of coffee/mocha frozen dessert entries due to summer weather.

Today's Mocha Almond Avenue ice cream was distributed by Dreyer's Grand Ice Cream, Inc. (Oakland, CA), a company originally founded in Oakland in 1928.* 

Of all the ice creams so far this week, this Mocha Almond Avenue ice cream evoked the most positive childhood memories related to coffee and chocolate ice creams. It also had the most generous (and tasty) serving of nuts (almonds).

The aroma telegraphed rich, creamy coffee latte with faint nutty notes. The texture was light (pillowy) and quite creamy. And the flavors were smooth and well-balanced. A creamy coffee ice cream base contained well incorporated swirls of smooth dark chocolate fudge and the aforementioned crunchy hunks of roasted almonds.

Ingredients: Skim milk, cream, sugar, fudge swirl (sugar, corn syrup, skim milk, cream, cocoa processed with alkali, palm oil, bitter chocolate, modified tapioca starch, sodium alginate), corn syrup, roasted almonds (almonds, safflower oil, salt), whey, coffee, guar gum, carob bean gum, monoglycerides.

Allergen-related information: "Contains milk and almond ingredients."

*In 2004, Dreyer's invested in Haagen-Dazs. In 2006, Dreyer's became a subsidiary of Nestle; and in 2019 Nestle sold their U.S. ice cream brands to become part of Swiss joint venture company, Froneri as part of an estimated $4 billion deal. Note: If you live in the Eastern U.S. (east of the Rockies), the Dreyer's brand may be sold as Edy's Ice Cream. 

Negranti Creamery - Black Coffee Chocolate Chip Sheep Milk Ice Cream - July 15, 2022

Chocolate of the Day

Negranti Creamery
Black Coffee Chocolate Chip (sheep milk ice cream)
Good ++
Weight: 1/2 cup (85 g.) / 1 Pint (473 mL.) in total container
Calories: 150 calories in 1 serving
Cost: $8.99 for 1 container
Purchased from: Piazza's, Palo Alto, CA

Welcome to Day #14 of Chocolate and Coffee Theme Week(s).

Today's Black Coffee Chocolate Chip sheep milk* ice cream was created by Alex Negranti and team at Negranti Creamery (Paso Robles, CA).

This ice cream had an authentic, rich coffee with milk aroma. 

The texture was more like traditional (home made/high-quality) ice milk--hard to find anymore. It was refreshing and satisfying, with an even, relatively quick melt, and with a bit less heavy cream and other residue(s). (The absence of vegetable gums and other ingredients often used in ice creams to enhance "creaminess" was refreshing in and of itself.)

Strong, bold dark, "black" coffee flavor melded with naturally sweet (almost fruity) and faintly nutty notes in this ice cream. Tiny chocolate chunks provided flecks of crunchy texture and added flavor depth.

Ingredients: Sheep milk, cane sugar, coffee, chocolate chunks (sugar, chocolate, cocoa butter, milk fat), tapioca starch. 

Allergen-related information: (Contained dairy (sheep milk)). "Made on shared equipment, may contain nuts."

*Why sheep milk? The sheep milk used to make today's ice cream almost certainly contained the easier-to-digest A2 protein (vs. the A1 protein in most cow milk sold in the U.S.). And the sheep were pasture-fed. (A grass diet can contribute to a healthier nutritional profile.) 

Also, sheep milk is said to be higher in certain vitamins and minerals as well as having fats that are healthier and easier to digest. 

Finally, unlike goat milk's very slightly gamey flavor, sheep milk tends to be neutral and slightly sweet.

Yasso - Coffee Chocolate Chip Frozen Greek Yogurt (bars) - July 14, 2022

Chocolate of the Day

Yasso, Inc. 
Coffee Chocolate Chip - Frozen Greek Yogurt (bars)
Good ++
Weight: 3.5 fl. oz. (103 mL) / 14 fl. oz. (414 mL) in total package of 4 bars
Calories: 100 calories in 1 bar
Cost: $5.50 (2 for $11.00) for 1 package/box of 4 bars
Purchased from: Safeway, Mountain View, CA

Yasso, Inc.
Coffee Poppables - Naturally Flavored Frozen Greek Yogurt
Good ++
Weight: .68 fl. oz. (20 mL) / 4.08 fl. oz. (120 mL) in total package of 6
Calories: 50 calories in 1 piece
Cost: $5.50 (2 for $11.00) for 1 package of 6 pieces
Purchased from: Safeway, Mountain View, CA

Welcome to Day #13 of Chocolate and Coffee Theme Week, and Happy Bastille Day* to all who celebrate this holiday. Summer weather has prompted a series of items this week from the frozen/ice cream sections of local stores.

Today's Coffee Chocolate Chip Naturally Flavored Frozen Greek Yogurt (bars) and Coffee Poppables were manufactured for Yasso, Inc. (Boulder, CO). The company produces a line of frozen snacks including bars (plain and chocolate covered), ice cream-style sandwiches and poppables.

Coffee Chocolate Chip bar

The frozen coffee bar had a light coffee/mocha scent, an easy melt and creamy texture. An authentic coffee flavor lingered into the finish. The generous smattering of small chocolate chips had just the right melt and accessible chocolate flavor. (The chips were neither too hard or waxy, nor too soft). 

Coffee Poppable

The second yogurt treat--a dome-shaped, frozen Coffee "Poppable"--had more textural contrast than the Coffee bar. It had a thin, softly crunchy outer dark chocolate shell (with just the right texture), a creamy coffee frozen yogurt interior, and some crispy quinoa bits. 

At 50 calories a pop, these were a relative caloric bargain.

Both these Yasso coffee + chocolate greek yogurt treats ("ice cream upgraded") were creamy, appealing and sweet, without being too sugary. 

Coffee Chocolate Chip (bar) Ingredients: Nonfat milk, greek yogurt (nonfat milk, ultrafiltered nonfat milk, cultures), sugar, chocolate flavored chip (powdered sugar (sugar, cornstarch), coconut oil, cocoa processed with alkali, cocoa, soy lecithin, vanilla extract), milk protein concentrate, maltodextrin, cream, coffee extract, locust bean gum, guar gum, natural flavor.

Allergen-related information: "Contains milk and soy." "Processed in a facility that uses tree nuts, eggs, peanuts and wheat."

Coffee Poppables Ingredients: Nonfat milk, dark chocolate flavored coating (coconut oil, sugar, cocoa powder processed with alkali, chocolate liquor, soybean oil, soy lecithin, vanilla extract), sugar, greek yogurt (nonfat milk, ultrafiltered nonfat milk, cultures), cream, milk protein concentrate, crisp quinoa, maltodextrin, coffee extract, locust bean gum, guar gum, natural flavor.

Allergen-related information: "Contains milk and soy." "Processed in a facility that uses tree nuts, eggs, peanuts, and wheat."

*Bastille Day, also known as French National Day (La Fete Nacional), is a holiday celebrated in France and many of its territories, to commemorate the storming of the Bastille (prison) on July 14, 1789. This event is often cited as a turning point in the French Revolution. Similar to the 4th of July (Independence Day) in the U.S., this public holiday is often celebrated with fireworks in the evening.

Taza Chocolate - Dark Chocolate Covered Espresso Beans - July 13, 2022

Chocolate of the Day

Taza Chocolate
Dark Chocolate Covered Espresso Beans 
Good ++ 
Weight: 1 oz. (28 g.) / 3.5 oz. (99 g.) in total package
Calories: 130 calories in 1 oz. (28 g.) serving (about 36 pieces)
Cost: $3.99 for 1 serving
Purchased from: Grocery Outlet Bargain Market, Palo Alto, CA 

Welcome to Day #12 of Chocolate and Coffee Theme Week.

Today's Organic and Vegan* Dark Chocolate Covered Espresso Beans were from Taza Chocolate (Somerville, MA). 

My favorite part of this tasting experience may have been when I first opened the package and inhaled deeply. Many of this past week's featured items have been more chocolate forward. Today it was coffee's turn. These espresso beans had a wonderful, bold coffee aroma.

The texture was a study in contrasts: smooth, creamy dark (direct trade, Ghana) chocolate covered crunchy, almost fibrous, coffee beans. Taza Chocolate is known for chocolate that is stone-ground cho--a process that can result in bolder/less processed flavor and a thicker/almost gritty texture. (I noticed no grit in today's chocolate. It seemed very thick and creamy in contrast with the roasted coffee beans.)

The flavor notes included the aforementioned bold espresso-roast coffee beans and true chocolate. However, the more fully intact (less processed) flavors also had vibrant, authentic complexity with flickers of fruit (diffuse red berry, faint red apple and nectarine, olive), balanced earth, roasted (wood, seed, nut) and sweetness (light brown sugar, faint vanilla).

A full serving (approximately 36 pieces, or 1 oz. (28 g.)) of these flavorful Dark Chocolate Covered Espresso Beans (and the caffeine and theobromine they contain) will engage all your tasting senses and leave you wide awake and ready to start your walk, hike, run, ride or other project.

Ingredients: Organic cane sugar, organic cacao beans, organic espresso beans, organic cocoa butter, organic vanilla beans.

Allergen-related information: "May contain traces of tree nuts and sesame seeds." "Dairy Free, Soy Free, Vegan,* Gluten Free"

*Many chocolate covered items use shellacs, glazes or "varnishes" made from insect-derived resinous lac/shellac to give them a shiny, glossy appearance--making them ineligible for Vegan status. Today's Vegan Taza chocolate-covered offering did not contain these insect-derived ingredients.

Stumptown Coffee Roasters - Cold Brew Coffee with Oatmilk Chocolate - July 12, 2022

Chocolate of the Day

Stumptown Coffee Roasters 
Cold Brew Coffee with Oatmilk Chocolate 

Good +

Weight: 5.5 fl. oz. (162.5 mL.) / 11 fl. oz. (325 mL) in total container
Calories: 140 calories in 1 container

Cost: $1.99 for 1 container

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

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

Today's Stumptown Cold Brew Coffee with Oatmilk Chocolate was manufactured for Stumptown Coffee Roasters (Portland, OR). 

This plant-based, refrigerated beverage was made with oat milk from Oatly Group AB* (Malmo, Sweden) and had a pleasant mocha and oat biscuit aroma.

The texture was relatively thick and hearty (creamy, with no oat grit). (It also contained vegetable gums that contributed to the homogenized mouthfeel.)

The Stumptown coffee was present in the aroma, but not so much in the actual flavor. The taste was more oat-y, with a mild chocolate milk flavor and a hint of warm vanilla. (The added cocoa powder had been alkalized.) 

This oat-forward chilled beverage was relatively satisfying and filling. Refreshingly, it was also not too sweet (thank you!).

Ingredients: Oatmilk (water, oats), cold brew coffee (water, coffee), contains 2% of less of low erucic acid rapeseed oil, cane sugar, cocoa powder processed with alkali, dipotassium phosphate, gum acacia, gellan gum, calcium carbonate, tricalcium phosphate, sea salt, natural flavors, dicalcium phosphate.

Allergen-related information: "Vegan, Gluten Free, Low Sugar, Dairy Free" (No other information listed on container label.)

*Oatly, a Swedish food company founded in the 1990s, produces dairy alternative offerings based on oats. The company is now owned by China Resources, a Belgium-based investment group (Verlinvest), The Blackstone Group, as well as employees and other investors.

Exquisito Chocolates - Cacao Nibble, Single Origin Roasted Cacao Nibs - July 11, 2022

Chocolate of the Day

Exquisito Chocolates
Cacao Nibble, Single Origin Roasted Cacao Nibs
Good ++
Weight: 3 TB (28 g.) / 5 oz. (142 g.) in total package
Calories: 175 calories (estimate) in 1 serving
Cost: $10.00 (double check) for 1 package 
Purchased from: Exquisito Chocolates, online order

Welcome to Day #10 of Chocolate and Coffee Theme Week. 

Today's Cacao Nibble, Single Origin Roasted Cacao Nibs were from Exquisito Chocolates (Little Havana, Miami, FL).

The aroma for these softly crunchy, fresh cocoa nibs included cacao with medium (balanced) acidity, faint green and faint roasted nut and spice (pecan, cinnamon) notes.

Flavor notes included: authentic, unsweetened cacao with mild-moderate acidity, chocolate (faintly earthy/loamy brownie), and subtle(roasted (nutty, faintly woody seed, coffee) notes. 

These nibs were well-balanced with medium complexity and no "off" notes. They were suitable for several uses, including for snacking/nibbling if you like nibs. They also would be good for inclusion in sweet or savory dishes/rubs or sauces, marinating in whiskey or spirits, or in brownies, smoothies and chocolate confections.

Note: I tasted these first (by themselves) and also used some to make an (unbaked) cocoa nib confection with them (with coconut oil, finely ground almonds, coconut sugar, cinnamon, and sea salt). 

Maker's tasting notes: "Roasted nuts"

Ingredients: Cacao beans

Allergen-related information: (None listed on package, but the following information was included in the item description on the Exquisito Chocolates website: "Cacao processed in a facility that also processes milk, peanuts, tree nuts and wheat.")

TCHO - "Choco Latte" Coffee Truffle Filled Oat Milk Chocolate (bar) - July 11, 2022

Chocolate of the Day

TCHO
"Choco Latte" Coffee Truffle Filled Oat Milk Chocolate (bar)
Good + - Good ++
Weight: .833 oz. (23.3 g.)/2.5 oz. (70 g.) in total package of 3 bars
Calories: 130 calories in 1 small bar
Cost: $N/A - part of sample pack, tour (gift from a friend)
Purchased from: N/A - part of a sample pack, tour (Thank you Toni!)

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

Today's "Choco Latte" Coffee Truffle Filled Oat Milk Chocolate (bar) was from TCHO Ventures Inc. (Berkeley, CA).

In late 2021 TCHO indicated they were making changes to their chocolate bar line-up, based on customer input they'd asked for. 

Among the changes: their existing (dairy) milk chocolate bars eventually would be replaced by a line of Organic, 100% Plant Based chocolate bars (including several filled bars). And the traditional square-shaped package would now hold 3 individually-wrapped bars, instead of one (larger) square bar. (Dairy milk would be replaced with oat and nut milks.)

If the established TCHO Mokaccino (dairy) milk chocolate bar--made with coffee from Blue Bottle Coffee, Inc. (Oakland, CA)--eventually disappears, today's Choco Latte bar with a "shot of dense mocha espresso" may be a logical successor. (Today's bar also contained Blue Bottle "premium and ethically sourced coffee beans.")

Today's 100% plant based bar had a relatively bold coffee and dark milk chocolate aroma and and a very smooth, creamy melt and texture (enabled by cocoa butter and cashew butter). 

There was also a slight caramel-like, sugar sweetness to the 47% cacao chocolate (shell) of this filled bar that enveloped the coffee-infused truffle core. The choice of coconut sugar helped add a faint brown sugar note and softened the sugar buzz a bit.

Unlike many filled bars, the texture and flavor differences between the coating and the filling were barely perceptible. The small differences between the two resulted in mild flavor depth and complexity--a good thing.

The oat milk was very well incorporated in this creamy blended bar; there was no detectable oat flour/milk grit or graininess. Although the oat milk may have neutralized coffee and chocolate flavors a bit (like dairy milk softens stronger flavors in traditional milk chocolate bars).

Ingredients: Organic, Fair Trade cacao beans; Organic, Fair Trade cocoa butter; Organic coconut sugar; Organic gluten free oat flour (Organic oat flour, Natural Vitamin E (to preserve freshness)). Organic cashew butter; Organic cane sugar; Organic coffee beans; Organic coconut oil; Organic sunflower lecithin; sea salt; Organic vanilla beans.

Allergen-related information: (Contains gluten free oats, cashews (cashew butter), coconut oil.) "May contain soy, milk, and other tree nuts." "Certified Kosher DE by Earth Kosher." 

Exquisito Chocolates - Cafe Con Leche Per'La Coffee (bar) - July 9, 2022

Chocolate of the Day

Exquisito Chocolates
Cafe Con Leche with Per'La Coffee (bar)
Good ++
Weight: 1.25 oz. (35.5 g.) / 2.5 oz. (71 g.) in total bar
Calories: 194 calories (estimate) in 1/2 bar
Cost: $8.00 for 1 bar
Purchased from: Exquisito Chocolates, online order

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

Today's Cafe Con Leche with Per'La Coffee (bar) was handcrafted by Exquisito Chocolates (in Little Havana, Miami, FL). 

The company (a small batch chocolate factory and retail shop) offers a line of truffles, bars and confections, including bean-to-bar and single origin chocolates.*

Today's smooth, creamy and cocoa-buttery dark coffee bar was a seamless blend of sweet, authentic coffee blended with 63% cacao dark chocolate. 

The espresso used to make this bar was from Miami-based Per'La Specialty Roasters.

All five ingredients were very effectively used and were well balanced. (No preservatives or emulsifiers.)

Ingredients: Cacao beans, unrefined cane sugar, cocoa butter, milk, espresso.

Allergy-related information: (Contained milk) (No other information on package. See website more more detail.)

*Exquisito Chocolates owner/founder, Carolina Quijano, has described a chocolate maker as a "masochistic chocolatier who also self-produces chocolate from cocoa beans." 

Humorous and very true. A chocolatier can buy blocks of chocolate from a chocolate maker; but a chocolate maker (making chocolates from scratch) must go through many more steps to create bean-to-bar chocolate.

Exquisito Chocolates - "Miami Vice" Cafe con Leche + Dulce de Leche chocolate - July 8, 2022

Chocolate of the Day

Exquisito Chocolates

"Miami Vice"

Cafe con Leche + Dulce de Leche chocolate
Good ++

Weight: .5 oz. (14.1 g.) / 3 oz. (85 g.) (estimate) in 6-piece assortment box

Calories: 77 calories (estimate) in 1 piece

Cost: $3.50 for 1 piece ($21.00 for a 6-piece assortment box) 

Purchased from: Exquisito Chocolates, online order

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

Today's "Miami Vice" (Cafe con Leche + Dulce de Leche) chocolate was from Exquisito Chocolates (Little Havana, Miami, FL). These two flavors were part of a 6-piece Artisan Collection assortment box.

This festive ("painted" with tiny speckles of hot pink and turquoise) domed chocolate combined two Miami flavors: cafe con leche (coffee with milk) and dulce de leche (caramelized/cooked milk)

Aroma flavor notes for this smooth, flavorful and sweet Miami-infused confection included chocolate with a hint of coffee caramel.

Ingredients: (Not listed on box)

Allergen-related information: (Not listed on box) 

Lady Bird Provisions, LLC - Happy Cacao Coffee Bombs - July 7, 2022

Chocolate of the Day

Lady Bird Provisions, LLC

Happy Cacao Coffee Bombs

Good ++

Weight: .6 oz. (17 g.) / 5.4 oz. (153 g.) in total package of 9 bombs/pieces

Calories: 110 calories in 1 bomb/piece 

Cost: $10.49 for 1 package of 9 bombs/pieces

Purchased from: Sprouts Farmers Market, Mountain View, CA (now closed) 

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

Today's "Happy Cacao" Coffee Bombs were from Lady Bird Provisions, LLC (Austin, TX). The company offers a line of Coffee Bombs and collagen coffee creamers (other flavors include: Peppermint Mocha and Vanilla Cinnamon) to blend with hot coffee, milk or tea.

The resulting hot beverage had a rich buttery, brothy texture and mouthfeel and had pleasing mocha cinnamon notes. 

The cacao tasted authentic, and the sweetness level was just about right, i.e. not too sweet (thank you). The judicious amount of maple sugar contributed a nice, naturally sweet accent flavor with the cinnamon.

Marketing these "bombs" just for coffee or tea, might be limiting the versatility of this tasty, low-carbohydrate (total carbs: 2 g. per bomb), rich buttery cacao add-in. I'm already planning to make a small hot shot with a small cup of hot water, with one or two cacao bombs (and very little coffee) to enjoy as a morning boost later this week. Mixing this "bomb" into oatmeal also would be tasty. 

Note: each bomb does contain a hefty amount of saturated (coconut and butter) fat; but if you're an active person and eat healthy, I don't see that as an issue. I tend to eat much less later in the day if I start my morning with some healthy fat and protein.

Ingredients: Organic, unrefined coconut oil, grass-fed bovine collagen peptides and grass-fed butter, organic cacao, pure maple sugar, organic Ceylon cinnamon.

Allergen-related information: Contains tree nuts (coconut), milk (butter).

Tillamook - Cold Brew Coffee Chocolate Chip Frozen Custard - July 6, 2022

Chocolate of the Day

Tillamook
Cold Brew Coffee Chocolate Chip Frozen Custard
Good ++
Weight: 2/3 cup (132 g.) / 15 fl. oz. (444 mL) in total container
Calories: 350 calories in 1 serving
Cost: $2.49 for 1 container
Purchased from: Grocery Outlet Bargain Market, Palo Alto, CA

Welcome to Day #5 of Chocolate and Coffee Theme Week

Today's Cold Brew Coffee Chocolate Chip Frozen Custard was from Tillamook County Creamery Association (Tillamook, OR).

Tillamook is an Oregon-based dairy farmer co-op formed in 1909, that produces dairy products like cheeses, ice creams, yogurts and other dairy products.

Aroma notes for this frozen dessert included authentic roasted coffee with rich, whole milk.

This "ultra-creamy" (16 percent butterfat) frozen custard style ice cream contained egg yolks and featured an abundance of actual cream. Not surprisingly it had a satisfying creamy texture, creamy flavor and an authentic cream finish. 

And it featured three flavors that blend very well with cream without being completely neutralized: coffee, chocolate and vanilla. (The other flavor that comes to mind is caramel.) This creamy frozen custard was infused with lovely cold brewed coffee flavor, sugar, a smattering of small chocolate chunks/chips, and a faint hint of vanilla.

Ingredients: Cream, skim milk, sugar, tapioca syrup, coffee, milk, pasteurized egg yolks, chocolate liquor, cocoa butter, locust bean gum, guar gum, vanilla extract.

Allergen-related information: "Contains milk, eggs." "Made on equipment that makes products containing milk, egg, peanut, soy, tree nuts, wheat."

 

Blue Tree Gourmet - Mocha Crisp - July 5, 2022

Chocolate of the Day

Blue Tree Gourmet

Mocha Crisp

Good +

Weight: 1.4 oz. (40 g.) / 7 oz. (198 g.) in total package

Calories: 160 calories in 1 serving (2 pieces)

Cost: $8.95 (estimate) for 1 package of 10 pieces (Thank you John!)

Purchased from: Crissy Field, Warming Hut, San Francisco, CA

Welcome to Day #4 of Chocolate and Coffee Theme Week. There are many ways to enjoy coffee, and not always in beverage form.

Today's Mocha Crisps were from Blue Tree Gourmet, LLC (Sun Valley, CA). The company offers a line of oat-based crisps, including two containing chocolate (Mocha and Chocolate Chip).

The aroma for this granola/biscuit was oat-forward with very faint mocha and vanilla notes. These substantial crisps had a robust, crunchy, crispy, oat-y texture, and were very lightly sweetened (thank you).

The Mocha Crisps had a very authentic oat-y flavor, from aroma to finish, with faint cocoa and mocha, and very faint sunflower seed background notes.

These hearty crisps with a whole oat biscuit flavor would go well with coffee, mocha or hot chocolate, especially on a chilly, foggy day. 

Ingredients: Gluten free rolled oats, tapioca syrup, brown cane sugar, expeller-pressed sunflower oil, pure maple syrup, cocoa powder processed with alkali, coffee, vanilla extract (vanilla extractives in water, alcohol), salt.

Allergen-related information: "Manufactured in a facility that processes tree nuts, soy, and/or wheat." "Vegan, Gluten Free, Non-GMO"

Shekoh Confections - Irish Cream - July 4, 2022

Chocolate of the Day

Shekoh Confections
Irish Cream
Weight: .4 oz. (11.3 g.) in 1 piece
Calories: 62 calories (estimate) in 1 piece 
Cost: $4.40 ($22 for a 5-piece box)
Purchased from: Shekoh Confections, Palo Alto, CA

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

Today's Irish Cream chocolate was created by Chef Shekoh Moossavi at Shekoh Confections (Palo Alto, CA). 

Aroma notes for this Irish Cream chocolate included: smooth, dark cocoa, and a very faint lemon-green herb (oxalis, wood sorrel, lemon balm).

This filled chocolate had layered textures and flavors. Under the yellow-green surface, was a perfectly executed thin, velvety, domed dark chocolate cover/couverature, and inside that was a softer, creamy ganache (filling).

The filling was infused with a soft touch of Bailey's Irish Cream liqueur, conjuring up the taste of a creamy, after-dinner adult coffee. It was just the right amount to add pleasing complementary flavor to the dark chocolate, and not enough to taste any alcohol or overwhelm the other chocolate flavor nuances.

Chef's description: "Bailey's Irish Cream infused with Valrhona dark chocolate."

Ingredients: (Not listed on small box)

Allergen-related information: (Not listed on small box)

 

Shekoh Confections - Espresso - July 3, 2022

Chocolate of the Day

Shekoh Confections
Espresso
Good++
Weight: .48 oz. (13.6 g.) in 1 piece
Calories: 74 calories (estimate) in 1 piece 
Cost: $4.45 ($22.25 for a 5-piece box)
Purchased from: Shekoh Confections, Palo Alto, CA

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

Today's Espresso filled chocolate was created by Chef Shekoh Moossavi at Shekoh Confections (Palo Alto, CA).

Aroma and flavor notes for this thimble-shaped, domed confection included coffee latte, light caramel and smooth dark chocolate notes. The dark chocolate had very faint tart green notes (oxalis, wood sorrel) and true chocolate/mocha notes.

Today's filled chocolate had well-executed, relatively subtle, well-balanced, layered flavors. This creamy, sweet dark espresso chocolate will likely appeal to dark and milk chocolate lovers.

Maker's description: Espresso beans infused with Valrhona dark chocolate ganache.

Ingredients: (Not listed on small box)

Allergen-related information: (Not listed on small box)

 

One One Cacao - Blue Mountain Coffee 71% (bar) - July 2, 2022

Chocolate of the Day

One One Cacao 
Blue Mountain Coffee 71% (bar)
Good ++ - Good +++
Weight: .353 oz. (10 g.) (estimate) in 1 sample-sized bar
Calories: 55 calories (estimate) in 1 sample bar
Cost: $53 - one of 6 sample bar chocolate tasting
Purchased from: Happy Chocolate Experiences, online order 

Welcome to Day #14 of Chocolate and Jamaica Theme Week, and Day #1 of Chocolate and Coffee Theme Week. 

Today's Blue Mountain Coffee 71% sample bar was from One One Cacao (Kingston Parish, Jamaica).

This sample-sized Jamaican coffee bar was part of an online Jamaica chocolate tasting with One One Cacao founder, Nick Davis, arranged by Sunita de Tourreil at Happy Chocolate Experiences.*

Aroma notes for this 71% dark bar included subtle coffee, nut, savory (salted purple grape, very faint smoked sea salt/savory), and light fruit (raisin) and almost invisible floral (honey).**

The texture was smooth, but slightly rustic (think stone-ground chocolates, or chocolate with finely ground coffee). 

This chocolate offered substantial, hearty, well-balanced dark chocolate (faint brownie batter and dark fudge cake) flavors. Do savor slowly to fully enjoy the wonderful Blue Mountain coffee and cacao elements in this chocolate. 

The sweetness was pleasant and not overwhelming. These were high-quality coffee and cocoa beans to start with. The aroma and flavor notes were subtle,  complex, hearty and satisfying all at the same time. The beans' natural flavors (varieties, fermentation, conching/grind and refine times) and the roast time(s)--for both coffee and cacao--seemed very well calibrated to hit this point. Thank you to One One Cacao.

Maker's description: "Jamaica's Blue Mountain Coffee is often said to be the most expensive in the world. It isn't but it's super expensive compared to (your) average cup of Joe because of the incredible fruity and floral notes found in a light medium roast of the beans. Wait a second! Fruit floral notes, combined with Trinitario cacao's similar profile, with the chocolate notes in the coffee itself. It's a match made in heaven, we roast both beans using state of the art fluid bed bed technology to tease out the best flavour. Two bean's one love!"

Ingredients: (Not included on small sample packet.)

Allergen-related information: (Not included on small sample packet.)

*Sunita previously founded The Chocolate Garage in Palo Alto, CA. Happy Chocolate Experiences enable chocolate lovers expand their awareness about great chocolate, and makers around the world.

**Note: I enjoy well-balanced salt, savory and umami flavors/flavor inclusions in chocolate, and considered this very faint salt/savory/salted buttered nut note a plus.

Moonsoon Chocolate LLC - Bachelor's Hall Estate 100% Jamaica (bar) - July 1, 2022

Chocolate of the Day

Moonsoon Chocolate LLC

Bachelor's Hall Estate 100% Jamaica (bar)

Good ++ - Good +++

Weight: .88 oz. (25 g.) / 1.76 oz. (50 g.) in total bar

Calories: 139 calories (estimate) in 1/2 bar

Cost: $14.00 for 1 bar

Purchased from: Bar and Cocoa, online order

Welcome to Day #13 of Chocolate and Jamaica Theme Week.

Today's Bachelor's Hall Estate 100% Jamaica (bar) was from Monsoon Chocolate LLC (Tucson, AZ).

Subtle aroma and flavor notes included very faint chocolate (chocolate mousse) molasses spice, green tea, faint caramel and very faint, fresh-baked bread with butter and honey and peach jam. 

This chocolate was wonderfully approachable for a 100% cacao bar. This was similar to the 100% bar from LetterPress earlier this week (and yesterday's 85% bar from Moonsoon Chocolate). All three were made from cacao from Bachelor's Hall Estate*--and all three were low in bitterness and acidity, but not flavor. Today's 100%er had very mild, balanced green + fruit acidity, and possessed a well-executed, well-balanced subtle complexity, with no detectable "off" notes. 

Ingredients: Cocoa beans

Allergen-related information: "There is no gluten or animal product added to this bar. However it is processed in a facility that also processes wheat, dairy, nuts and soy" 

*"Bachelor's Hall Estate is a 1000 acre farm located in St. Thomas Parish, Jamaica, and is owned and operated by Desmond Jadusingh, who inherited the farm from his grandfather. The cacao grown here was originally transplanted from Trinidad in the 1800s, and Desmond does a remarkable job of fermenting and drying the cocoa--resulting in some of the most exquisite and sought after beans in the world."

Monsoon Chocolate - Bachelor's Hall Estate 85% Jamaica (bar) - June 30, 2022

Chocolate of the Day

Moonsoon Chocolate LLC

Bachelor's Hall Estate 85% Jamaica (bar)

Good ++ 

Weight: .88 oz. (25 g.) / 1.76 oz. (50 g.) in total bar

Calories: 139 calories (estimate) in 1/2 bar

Cost: $13.99 for 1 bar

Purchased from: Bar and Cocoa, online order

Welcome to Day #12 of Chocolate and Jamaica Theme Week.

Today's Bachelor's Hall Estate 85% Jamaica (bar) was from Monsoon Chocolate LLC (Tucson, AZ).

Subtle aroma and flavor notes included very faint chocolate (chocolate pudding/mousse) molasses spice, fresh green stalks, green tea, caramel and fresh-baked bread and butter. 

This chocolate was very approachable, friendly and intriguing. It would be very hard to find another 85% cacao bar so low bitterness and acidity. It was quiet mild, but had a well-executed, well-balanced, whispered complexity, with no detectable "off" notes. 

Ingredients: Cocoa beans, organic cane sugar, organic cocoa butter

Allergen-related information: "There is no gluten or animal product added to this bar; however it is processed in a facility that also processes wheat, dairy, nuts and soy"