Sunday, April 30, 2023

Luisa's - Philippines 92% Cacao (bar) - Apr. 30, 2023

Chocolate of the Day

Vegan Chocolates by Luisa Ltd.
Philippines 92% Cacao (bar)
Good ++
Weight: .88 oz. (25 g.) / 1.76 oz. (50 g.) in total bar
Calories: 148 calories in 1/2 bar
Cost: $13.00 for 1 bar
Purchased from: Chocolate Covered, San Francisco, CA

Welcome to Day #2 of Chocolate and the Philippines Theme Week. 

Today's Philippines 92% Cacao (bar) was handcrafted and made from bean to bar at Vegan Chocolates by Luisa Ltd. (Nottingham, UK).

Aroma notes included: light molasses fig cookie, faint sweet green, sweet lemon and chocolate. A faint fermented fruit (light citrus and buttery stone fruit (peach, nectarine)) mellowed after opening; i.e. the faint fermented note tapered off* and the buttery, nectarine pie note remained.

This very thick bar was naturally sweet (fig/date, peach/nectarine, lemon and honey) and relatively low in bitterness for a high-percentage (92% cacao) chocolate. 

It tasted like a blend of Criollo (heritage) and Trinitario cacao varieties. There was one small uptick of slightly bitter earth, but otherwise everything was smooth sailing. 

Maker's chocolate tasting notes: Yellow fruits, spicy, brown fruits 

Ingredients: Cacao mass, unrefined sugar, cocoa butter

Allergen-related information: (No allergens listed.) (Vegan)

*Chocolate in a well-sealed pouch/package may sometimes have a lingering fermentation aroma when first opened. Leaving the freshly opened package open to the air for a few hours usually causes fermentation notes to diminish, or even disappear. However, don't wait too long, as some volatile, more delicate, desirable and interesting notes (e.g. florals) may escape as well.




Theo & Philo - Milk Chocolate with Barako Coffee - Apr. 29, 2023

Chocolate of the Day

Theo and Philo Chocolate Factory
Milk Chocolate with Barako Coffee (bar)
Good ++
Weight: .795 oz. (22.5 g.) / 1.59 oz. (45 g.) in total bar
Calories: 110 calories in 1/2 bar
Cost: $7.25 for 1 bar
Purchased from: Bar and Cocoa, online order

Welcome to Day #15 of Chocolate and Coffee Theme Week; and Day #1 of Chocolate and the Philippines Theme Week. 

Today's attractively-packaged Milk Chocolate with Barako* Coffee (bar) was made by Theo and Philo Chocolate Factory (Valenzuela City, Metro Manila, Philippines).

Aroma notes included: bold, roasted coffee and dark milk chocolate.

A fine mist of ground coffee was enshrined in a smooth dark milk chocolate base. 

The bold coffee was well integrated with the chocolate. In addition to a strong coffee flavor, there was a faint sweet wood/fibrous nut note, combined with relatively low level bitterness and acidity levels. 

The coffee balanced the sweeter, smoother dark milk chocolate and vice versa, creating a flavorful (and somewhat addictive) coffee and chocolate blend.

Ingredients: Sugar, cacao beans, milk powder, cocoa butter, coffee beans

Allergy-related information: Contains milk. Processed in a facility that also processes peanuts and other tree nuts. 

*Kapeng barako, aka barako coffee (Coffea liberica) is a variety of coffee grown in the Batangas and Cavite provinces--in Luzon, south of Manila.

The Tagalog word "barako" refers to wild boar--known to eat farmers' crops, including coffee--and a reference to a strong coffee.


Friday, April 28, 2023

Srsly Chocolate - Oaxacan Espresso 70% Dark (bar) - Apr. 28, 2023

Chocolate of the Day

Srsly Chocolate
Oaxacan Espresso 70% dark (bar)
Good + - Good ++
Weight: 1 oz. (28.3 g.) / 2 oz. (57 g.) in total bar
Calories: 155 calories (estimate) in 1/2 bar
Cost: $9.00 (plus any shipping) for 1 bar
Purchased from: Srsly Chocolate, online order 

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

Today's Oaxacan Coffee Espresso 70% dark (bar) was made from bean-to-bar by Srsly Chocolate (Austin, TX).

Aroma notes for this (Dom. Rep. cacao) chocolate included: chocolate, chili pepper, faint mole spice, and even fainter coffee.

The dark chocolate had a slightly granular astringency (that could also have been part of an authentic stoneground texture choice) and a slightly fruity (acidic red berry) flavor that meshed well with the faint roasted coffee and pepper flavors.

An uptick in rich, almost smoky (BBQ) spicy chili heat began its ascent about mid-way through each mouthful, tickling the throat on the way down.

This four-ingredient, wild bunch bar conjured up a flavorful southwest experience. And the bold, layered complexity of the cacao, chipotle (smoked and dried jalapeno) chili peppers, and coffee made it a good wake-up chocolate.

Maker's tasting notes: "Smoke and fruit dominate the beginning. A warm, complex coffee and chocolate middle note that gives way to a spicy finish..."

Ingredients: Organic cacao, organic cane sugar, coffee, chipotle pepper

Allergen-related information: "Made in a facility that also processes milk, eggs, tree nuts, peanuts and wheat."

Thursday, April 27, 2023

Goodnow Farms Chocolate - Milk Chocolate Cafe Con Leche 63% (bar) - Apr. 27, 2023

Chocolate of the Day

Goodnow Farms Chocolate
Milk Chocolate Cafe Con Leche 63% Cacao (bar)
Good + - Good ++
Weight: .97 oz. (27.5 g.) / 1.94 oz. (55 g.) in total bar
Calories: 170 calories in 1/2 bar
Cost: $16.50 for 1 bar
Purchased from: Bar and Cocoa, online order

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

Today's Milk Chocolate Cafe Con Leche 63% Cacao (bar) was crafted by Goodnow Farms Chocolate (Sudbury, MA). This bar was part of the company's "Maker's Choice" series created to highlight favorite flavor combinations.

For this Cafe Con Leche* dark milk chocolate, the maker(s) paired "directly sourced Boyaca (region) cacao (from Colombia) with Barrington Coffee's single origin Ketiara, grown by a women's cooperative in the Sumatra Highlands."

Very subtle aroma notes for this chocolate included: faint chocolate, as well as very faint lemon balm herb (green tea, oxalis) and dairy milk. 

Luxurious, creamy, milky texture and taste gave way to very creamy, dark chocolate (with milk-buffered dark, roasted earth notes) and mocha flavor, and finished with creamy coffee mocha (with buffered coffee acid and subtle red fruit notes).

The milk balanced sweetness (yet enabled a soft, undulating caramel note). It also melded and mellowed sharper/stronger chocolate and coffee notes, while still allowing for some complexity.

This dark milk chocolate honored the spirit of cafe con leche, and was not too sweet (thank you). The judicious use of sugar allowed more complex chocolate and coffee notes to shine through the rich whole milk (powder)--that had a starring, almost magical, role in this bar. 

Maker's tasting notes: "Imagine drinking a Cafe con Leche* in Central America!"

Ingredients: Single origin cacao beans, organic sugar, single origin cocoa butter, organic whole milk powder, single origin coffee.

Allergen-related information: "May contain trace amounts of peanuts and tree nuts."

*Cafe con leche (coffee with milk in English) is similar to a cafe latte or cappuccino. All three beverages are made with strong coffee (espresso) and milk. 

However, the milk in a cafe con leche is steamed (or scalded) rather than frothed. Also, it may contain slightly more (traditionally whole) cow's milk--50% milk and 50% coffee/espresso. Sugar is added to one's liking, and/or may be part of a thin "espuma" (foam) layer on top--made by whipping sugar and espresso.

Navitas - Cacao Latte Plant-based drink mix - Apr. 26, 2023

Chocolate of the Day

Navitas Organics
Organic Cacao Latte - Plant-based drink mix
Good +
Weight: .42 oz. (12 g.) in 1 (single serving) packet
Calories: 50 calories in 1 packet
Cost: $ Missing information - $2.49 (estimate)
Purchased from: Country Sun Natural Foods, Palo Alto, CA

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

Today's Cacao Latte Plant-based Superfood Drink Mix (single-serving packet) was from Navitas Organics (Novato, CA).

Aroma notes included: warm, rich hot cocoa, faint warm spice, and very faint coconut marshmallow.

The texture was uniform and smooth (no lumps after stirring).

This warm beverage had a relatively mellow hot chocolate flavor, but wasn't nearly as sweet. (This will thrill some, but may disappoint those with a sweet tooth). It had a slightly bitter cocoa powder flavor edge to it, but otherwise was very satisfactory for a low calorie, plant-based hot cocoa beverage. 

I paired this beverage with two small chocolate and coffee sweets: a piece of organic coffee dark chocolate candy, and a small Chocolat Cafe-Tasse dark chocolate and coffee (Noir + Cafe) square. A perfect match.

Ingredients: Organic cacao powder, organic coconut oil powder, (organic acacia fiber, organic MCT* oil), organic coconut palm sugar, organic guar gum, natural flavor, sea salt, organic cinnamon, organic monk fruit extract.

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

*Medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs)--found in coconut, palm (and some other plant-based) oils--are believed to have certain health benefits.

Tuesday, April 25, 2023

Coblentz Chocolate - Dark Chocolate Espresso Beans - Apr. 25, 2023

Chocolate of the Day

Coblentz Chocolate Company 
Dark Chocolate Espresso Beans 
Good + - Good ++
Weight: 1 oz. (28.3 g.) / 6 oz. (170 g.) total package
Calories: 155 calories (estimate) in 1 oz. (28.3 g.) serving 
Cost: $10.99 for 1 package
Purchased from: The Market at Edgewood, Palo Alto, CA

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

Today's Dark Chocolate Espresso Beans were from Coblentz Chocolate Company (Walnut Creek, OH). 

Aroma notes for these glossy, ebony-colored pearls included: dark chocolate and faint coconut.

These dark chocolate covered coffee beans were a well-balanced blend of smooth and crunchy, and sweet and dark. Bold, but smooth, unsweetened, espresso roast coffee beans were housed inside a coat of relatively velvety, smooth and uniform dark chocolate. 

Just a small handful of these flavorful, but not overly sweet (or addictive), small dark orbs satisfied a dark chocolate craving; and provided a perfect morning boost.

Ingredients: Dark chocolate (sugar, chocolate liquor, cocoa butter, chocolate liquor processed with alkali, butterfat, soy lecithin (emulsifier), natural vanilla flavor, salt), coffee beans, water, gum arabic, confectioners glaze, modified starch (tapioca), vegetable oil (coconut, canola)

Allergen-related information: Contains: milk, soy



Chocolarder - Maleku Upala, Costa Rica 70% Dark Chocolate (bar) - Apr. 23, 2023

Chocolate of the Day

Chocolarder
Maleku Upala, Costa Rica 70% Dark Chocolate (bar)
Good + - Good ++
Weight:1.25 oz. (35 g.)/ 2.5 oz. (70 gram in total bar)
Calories: 185.8 calories in 1/2 bar
Cost $10.00 for 1 bar
Purchased from: Bar and Cocoa, online order

Welcome to Day #9 of Chocolate and Coffee Theme Week. This week's chocolates include coffee in many forms including: brewed, ground, and whole beans. 

Today's chocolate doesn't contain coffee, but it has coffee taste or "notes"--earning it a spot in this group.

The Maleku* Costa Rica 70% bar was from small batch, craft chocolate maker, Chocolarder (Falmouth, Cornwall, England).

This dark chocolate was made using Costa Rica-grown cacao. (Producer: Nahua Cacao.)

This relatively thick bar broke with a hard snap in a cool room (67 degrees F. / 19.4 degrees C.); and it had a smooth and uniform texture, with a very slight astringency (dryness) toward the finish.

The dark chocolate was a unique blend of complex aromas and flavors. 

Notes included: chocolate (fermented cacao, mocha, ganache), faint light green, floral botanical, citrus, faint pine (faint, fleeting sweet resin), and fruit (ripe yellow/orange fruit: pureed ripe banana, loquat and sweet pumpkin), fig, and fleeting goji berry. An initial faint overripe fruit note subsided after initial detection.

Maker's tasting notes: "Rich cocoa flavours with notes of coffee, fig, and caramelised banana"

Ingredients: Cocoa beans, raw unrefined sugar.

Allergen-related information: Made in a facility that also handles tree nuts and milk.

* The Maleku are "an indigenous people who still inhabit Costa Rica..." One estimate puts their remaining tribe members at only 650. 




The Xocolate Bar - Cafe Con Leche (bar) - Apr. 24, 2023

Chocolate of the Day

The Xocolate Bar
Cafe Con Leche (bar)
Good ++
Weight: 2 oz. (57 g.) in total bar
Calories: 310 calories (estimate) in 1/2 bar
Cost: $14.00 for 1 bar
Purchased from: The Phoenix (shop), Big Sur, CA

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

Today's Cafe Con Leche (bar) was from The Xocolate Bar (Berkeley, CA)

Aroma notes included: chocolate, mocha and roasted nut (peanut butter). (There were no nut or peanut ingredients in this bar.)

Rich, creamy, sweet milk chocolate surrounded crunchy whole, roasted (flavorful, relatively low acid) coffee beans (with nut, roasted coffee and mellow wood notes). The crunchy (whole) coffee beans helped balance out the sweetness to create a very harmonious flavor blend. 

Ingredients: Organic, fair trade milk chocolate (organic sugar, 40% cacao, organic milk, sunflower lecithin), roasted coffee beans

Allergy-related information: (None found on packaging.)








Sunday, April 23, 2023

Atypic Chocolate - Cafe Latte Coffee Chocolate (bar) - Apr. 22, 2023

Chocolate of the Day

Atypic Chocolate
Cafe Latte Coffee Chocolate with Milk (bar)
Good ++
Weight: 1.23 oz. (35 g.) / 2.47 oz. (70 g.) in total bar
Calories: 203 calories in 1/2 bar
Cost: $9.00 (sale) for 1 bar
Purchased from: Bar and Cocoa, online order

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

Today's Cafe Latte Coffee Chocolate (bar) was from Atypic Chocolate (Melbourne Market, VIC, Australia).

Aroma and Flavor

Aroma is a big part of taste. Aroma notes for this coffee milk chocolate bar included: hearty roasted and freshly ground coffee, dark milk chocolate and a double espresso coffee latte/mocha. 

Certain aromatic flavors, like vanilla and some floral/spice notes contribute to overall taste in a chocolate bar. Their smell permeates and uplifts the tasting experience.

Roasted and fermented coffees and cacaos are not delicate florals.* Yet the interplay between these two strong, yet harmonious, aromas and flavors is half the fun.

The coffee aroma of today's bar was strong and seductive with faint roasted earth, aromatic wood and red berry notes--which then undulated into bold/dark cacao milk chocolate flavors. The interplay between these strong, harmonious and overlapping flavors** was half the fun.

This chocolate really captured the smoothness of a creamy milk chocolate, and the seductive aromas and flavors of a double espresso caffe/cafe latte. It was flavorful, balanced, relatively complex, and not too sweet (thank you!). This was chocolate worth savoring slowly, and enjoying any time of day.

Ingredients: Coffee beans, cacao butter, organic cane sugar, Australian milk powder, sunflower lecithin. 

Allergen-related information: Contains milk. May contain traces (of) gluten, tree nuts. 

*Although if you have the chance to be in a coffee plantation when the small ivory-colored coffee flowers blooms, do it. The smell is pure floral perfume heaven.

**Both grow within 20 degrees of the equator and both are some of the rare foods that are both fermented and roasted. Cacao came originally from the Americas, and coffee from north Africa. Traders spread them both far and wide in past centuries. I'm grateful they met up.

Friday, April 21, 2023

South Bay Chocolate Co. - Dark Chocolate Roasted Coffee Bark with Crunchy Toffee - Apr. 21, 2023

Chocolate of the Day

South Bay Chocolate Co.
Dark Chocolate Roasted Coffee Bark with Crunchy Toffee
Good + - Good ++
Weight: 1 oz. square (28 g.) / 16 oz. (453 g.) in total package
Calories: 140 calories in 1 oz. square (piece)
Cost: $9.99 for 1 package
Purchased from: Grocery Outlet Bargain Market, Palo Alto, CA

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

Today's Dark Chocolate Roasted Coffee Bark with Crunchy Toffee was from South Bay Chocolate Co. (produced by Clover Confection Co., Torrance, CA).

Aroma notes for this dark chocolate coffee bark included: freshly roasted coffee and dark chocolate.

Each piece (shard) was a blend of smooth and rich (dark chocolate) and crunchy, and almost crispy, textures (coffee, toffee flecks/"crumbles").

The sweetness level (not too sweet) and balanced flavors were a plus. The coffee's bold, rich flavor(s) helped balance the sweet sparkles of embedded crunchy toffee bits.

Ingredients: Dark chocolate (unsweetened chocolate, sugar, cocoa butter, butterfat, soy lecithin, vanilla extract), toffee bits (sugar, vegetable oil (palm oil, sunflower oil), butter, almonds. Contains less than 2% of the following salt, soy lecithin, chocolate), coffee.

Allergen-related information: Contains milk, soy, and almonds. Made on shared equipment. May contain trace amounts peanuts, wheat, other tree nuts, eggs and sesame.

*South Bay Chocolate Co. is a registered trademark of Clover Confection Co., LLC (Torrance, CA).

Ethereal Confections - Coffee Infused Chocolate Topped with Cacao Nibs and Coffee Beans (bar) - Apr. 20, 2023

Chocolate of the Day

Ethereal Craft Chocolate
Coffee Infused Chocolate Topped With Cacao Nibs and Coffee Beans (bar)
Good ++ 
Weight: .83 oz. (23.6 g.) / 2.5 oz. (71 g.) in total bar
Calories: 148 calories in 1/3 bar
Cost: $11.00 for 1 bar
Purchased from: Flax Art and Design, San Francisco, CA

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

Today's Coffee Infused Chocolate Topped with Cacao Nibs and Coffee Beans (bar) was from Ethereal Confections (Woodstock, IL). The company offers a variety of bean-to-bar chocolate bars and chocolate confections.

Aroma notes for this bar included: dark chocolate, cacao (nibs), and roasted coffee.

Smooth dark chocolate was interspersed with crunchy cacao nibs and tiny pieces of coffee bean.

Flavor notes included: dark chocolate (ganache, fudge brownie) faint earth and nut, authentic cacao (nib) and coffee. 

This 66% cacao dark chocolate wasn't too sweet (thank you). It tasted a bit darker than 66%--more like 70% dark chocolate--thanks to the presence of coffee, cacao nibs and coffee bean pieces that added texture and balanced out the sugar. 

The flavors were nicely balanced, complementary; and there were no "off" notes (that can occasionally happen with the odd cacao bean nib. Not here.

Ingredients: Organic chocolate (organic cocoa beans, organic cane sugar, organic cocoa butter), organic coffee beans, organic cocoa nibs

Allergen-related information: Made on shared equipment with peanuts and tree nuts. (Vegan.)

Wednesday, April 19, 2023

Ethel's Baking Co. - Brownie (GF) with coffee - Apr. 19, 2023

Chocolate of the Day

Ethel's Baking Co.
Brownie (Gluten Free, contained coffee)
Good +
Weight: 2.66 oz. (75.6 g.) / 8 oz. (227 g.) in total container of 3 brownies
Calories: 340 calories in 1 brownie/bar
Cost: $6.59 for 1 container (3 brownies)
Purchased from: The Market at Edgewood, Palo Alto, CA

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

Today's Gluten Free Brownie was from Ethel's Baking Co. (Shelby Township, MI).

Aroma notes included: sweet chocolate (brownie and chocolate cake).

These generously sized, gluten free brownies (3 bars in one container) were soft, sweet and chocolate-y on the inside, and had a very thin, flaky crust layer. 

These relatively dense, fudge-y cake brownies had an authentic egg and butter richness and heft to them.  

They were also very sweet. So much so that even all that rich chocolate and faint touches of coffee and salt couldn't balance all the sugar for me. (I found myself enjoying this brownie with a handful of pecans, walnuts and a dash of small cinnamon to help cushion a potential blood sugar spike--that did not happen.)

Those with a sweet tooth who enjoy a good, hearty brownie and are looking for a substantial gluten-free dessert will rejoice. However, the relatively high sugar level made it difficult to detect other possible chocolate flavor nuances. 

Next time, I'll share one of these large brownies with a friend; or will pair this thoughtfully constructed (gluten free, and made in a GF dedicated facility) sweet brownie with a stronger coffee beverage.

Ingredients: Semi-sweet chocolate chips (sugar, unsweetened chocolate, cocoa butter, soy lecithin or sunflower lecithin, vanilla), cane sugar, butter (sweet cream, salt), eggs, Ethel's gluten-free flour blend (brown rice flour, modified tapioca starch, potato starch, corn starch, corn flour, white rice flour, xanthan gum), bittersweet chocolate chips (unsweetened chocolate, sugar, cocoa powder, soy lecithin, vanilla), water, vanilla extract (water, ethyl alcohol, extractives of vanilla beans, coffee, leavening agent (sodium acid pyrophosphate, sodium bicarbonate, corn starch, monocalcium phosphate).

Allergen-related information: Contains eggs, milk, soy. Made in a facility with tree nuts. Gluten free (made in a gluten free dedicated facility).


Tuesday, April 18, 2023

World Market - Kyoto Style Cold Brew Coffee Dark Chocolate (bar) - Apr. 18, 2023

Chocolate of the Day

Manufactured for World Market
(Chocolates of the World series)
Kyoto Style Cold Brew Coffee Dark Chocolate (bar)
Good + - Good ++
Weight: 1 oz. (28.3 g.) / 3 oz. (85 g.) in total bar
Calories: 150 calories in 1/3 (1 oz. of) bar
Cost: $N/A - gift from family member
Purchased from: N/A - Gift from Megan (thank you!)

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

Today's Kyoto Style Cold Brew Coffee Dark Chocolate (bar) was manufactured for World Market* by Astor Chocolate Corp. (Lakewood, NJ). 

Kyoto style refers to a cold brew style coffee also known as cold drip coffee.

Aroma notes for this bar included: dark roast coffee (and cacao), dark chocolate, and faint vanilla.

The well-tempered broke with a snap in a cool room (67 degrees F. (18.3 degrees C.)). The smooth dark chocolate was embedded with tiny bits of ground, roasted coffee beans and cacao nibs (pieces of cacao bean), that contributed a mild grittiness

The flavors were well balanced and smooth and were well integrated (uniform). The individual roasted notes of chocolate and coffee were difficult to identify and distinguish (between each other).

Ingredients: Dark chocolate (chocolate liquor, sugar, cocoa butter, soy lecithin, natural vanilla flavor), cocoa nibs, ground roasted coffee beans

Allergen-related information: Contains soy. May contain milk, wheat, peanuts, and tree nuts.

*Formerly Cost Plus World Market.




Monday, April 17, 2023

Califia Farms - Cold Brew Coffee with Almondmilk Mocha - Apr. 17, 2023

Chocolate of the Day

Califia Farms 
Cold Brew Coffee with Almondmilk - Mocha  
Good + - Good ++
Weight: 10.5 fl. oz. (310 mL g.) in total bottle
Calories: 110 calories in 1 bottle
Cost: $ Missing information
Purchased from: Country Sun Natural Foods, Palo Alto, CA 

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

Today's Califia Farms Cold Brew Coffee with Almondmilk Mocha (beverage) was distributed by Califia Farms, LLC (Bakersfield, CA).

Aroma notes included: chocolate milk and faint mocha.

The texture for this dairy-free, almondmilk-based, chilled coffee beverage was very smooth and similar to low-fat dairy-milk.

The (Rainforest Alliance certified) cold brew coffee and chocolate (alkalized cocoa powder) flavors were relatively mild and pleasant. (There were also very faint nut and vanilla-like notes.)

The caffeine level (less than 50 mg in this bottle) and sweetness levels (Total carbs.: 17 g., including 2 g. fiber) were relatively low as well, making this a relatively relaxing, pick-me-up. It was a smooth, cold beverage enjoyed on a warm afternoon that still let me sleep later in the evening.

Ingredients: Cold brew coffee (water, coffee), almondmilk (almonds, water), cane sugar, alkalized cocoa powder, natural flavor, potassium citrate, calcium carbonate, sea salt, sunflower lecithin, monk fruit juice concentrate, guar gum, gellan gum.

Allergen-related information: Contains almonds. (Vegan, Kosher, Non-GMO Verified, carrageenan free, gluten free)

Sunday, April 16, 2023

Pacific Resources International - Coffee Dark Chocolate Patties Manuka Honey - Apr. 16, 2023

Chocolate of the Day

Pacific Resources International
Coffee - Dark Chocolate Patties Manuka Honey 
Good + - Good ++
Weight: 1.07 oz. (30.3 g.) / 5 oz. (141.5 g.) in total package
Calories: 120 calories in 3 pieces
Cost: $9.99 for 1 package
Purchased from: Country Sun Natural Foods, Palo Alto, CA

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

Today's Coffee Dark Chocolate Patties with Manuka Honey* were distributed by Pacific Resources International (Carpinteria, CA).

Aroma notes for these patties--individually swaddled in dark coffee-colored foil--included rich floral sweetness (saffron honey and other floral/botanical honey notes), bold, dark chocolate; and very faint, fleeting savory (Parmesan cheese).

Flavor notes followed the aroma notes and included: richly nuanced, sweet honey, quickly followed by bitter, unsweetened chocolate--a bold, slightly earthy, woodsy/nutty dark chocolate that lingered into the finish after the honey notes had subsided. The dark, slightly bitter notes were also joined by dark roast Arabica coffee--a flavor that surfaced in the finish, after the 99% dark chocolate melted away.

These patties were a perfect example of sweet and bitter, yin and yang, gold and ebony. The powerful, deep floral bouquet and sweetness of the Manuka honey was lovely. This honey from New Zealand, made by bees--from Manuka tree/flower nectar, is arguably one of the best on Earth. In stark contrast was the ultra-dark (99%) bitter dark chocolate. 

Both honey filling and dark chocolate had an appealingly smooth texture. The honey was silkier, and the dark chocolate was creamier.

I deeply appreciate layered flavors. And today's three-ingredient, bold honey + chocolate + coffee dessert parfait confection, delivered on this concept.

My favorite chocolates showcase a few, high-quality and well-executed flavor layers. A select few also deliver a magical resolve--from separate layers into a harmonious blend. 

In today's case, three strong flavors were well-cultivated and layered but not completely integrated. Is it fair to expect 99% harmony from a trio of flavor divas? No, it's not. Only a very few chocolates deliver both craft and magic. And this feat tends to be very flavor-dependent. 

Ingredients: "Manuka/Honey, 99% cocoa dark chocolate, arabica coffee (ground)"

Allergen-related information:  "Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free and Kosher-certified..."

Saturday, April 15, 2023

Stone Grindz Chocolate - Cappuccino Coconut Milk 55% Cacao (bar) - Apr. 15, 2023

Chocolate of the Day

Stone Grindz Chocolate
Cappuccino Coconut Milk 55% Cacao (bar)
Good +++
Weight: 1 oz. (28.3 g.) / 2 oz. (57 g.) in total bar
Calories: 155 calories (estimate) in 1/2 bar
Cost: $11.00 for 1 bar
Purchased from: Chocolate Covered, San Francisco, CA

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

Today's Cappuccino Coconut Milk 55% (bar) was from Stone Grindz Chocolate (Scottsdale, AZ). 

This coconut milk chocolate was made using cacao from Peru, and was "ground with Blue Bottle Espresso." 

Aroma notes included: coffee candy, caffe latte/cappuccino with spice (vanilla, cinnamon and caramel) and chocolate (dark coconut milk ganache, very faint earth and red berry).

The 55% chocolate had a seductive creamy melt and smooth texture. You'll be forgiven if you think this bar contained dairy milk or cream. This well-executed, award-winning, dairy-free bar fooled me.

Flavor notes included: dark chocolate and sweet and flavorful coffee with cappuccino and light caramel notes. It was sweet (and addictive); but the sugar was well-balanced with the flavorful espresso coffee and chocolate--and well-integrated with the harmonious and nuanced rich mocha fiesta this bar conjured.

Maker's tasting notes: "Notes of espresso, caramel macchiato, chocolate frosting"

Ingredients: Cacao*, cacao butter*, cane sugar*, coconut*, coffee, vanilla bean*, sea salt. (*Organically farmed)

Allergen-related information: Soy free, gluten free, dairy free, vegan. (Contained coconut.)

Friday, April 14, 2023

Chocolove - Ganache & Coconut in Dark Chocolate - Apr. 14, 2023

Chocolate of the Day

Chocolove
Ganache and Coconut in Dark Chocolate
Good ++
Weight: 1.4 oz. (40 g.) in total package of 2 small bars
Calories: 180 calories in 1 package of 2 small bars
Cost: $1.99 for 1 bar
Purchased from: Nugget Markets, Tiburon, CA

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

Today's Ganache and Coconut in Dark Chocolate was from Chocolove (Boulder, CO).

Aroma notes for this bar included: dark chocolate, sweet coconut, and hot cocoa

A generous, creamy, almost buttery, soft dark chocolate (rich, dark chocolate ganache) coating enveloped a softly chewy, sweet, shredded coconut center. 

The dark chocolate was smooth, balanced and relatively uniform, with a very faint earthy fudge brownie note.

Having two smaller bars in the same package made it easy to share this with a friend. But, I also had no problem eating both pieces (considered one serving).

This Non-GMO Verified dark chocolate was sweet without being cloyingly so. This also reminded me of an luxe version of a classic childhood candy bar.*

Ingredients: Dark chocolate ([Rainforest Alliance certified**] cocoa liquor, sugar, [Rainforest Alliance certified] cocoa butter, soy lecithin and/or sunflower lecithin, vanilla), organic cream (milk, gellan gum), tapioca syrup, organic coconut, dextrose, glycerin, cane sugar, organic honey, organic butter, organic palm fruit oil, organic butter oil, sorbitol, sunflower lecithin, vanilla extract.

Allergen-related information: "Contains milk, coconut, soy. May contain traces of wheat, eggs, peanuts or other nuts."

*Today's bar recalls several higher end dark chocolate confections filled with a coconut centers, and the Dark Chocolate Coconut Mounds candy bar--currently owned and being produced by The Hershey Company, that was a top seller during my childhood.

The Mounds candy bar was produced by Peter Paul Candy Manufacturing Company (starting in 1929, after buying the offering from the original entrepreneur and Connecticut candy maker, Vincent Nitido.) Decades later, Peter Paul merged with Cadbury in 1978. And Hershey purchased U.S. Operations in the late 1980s.)

** "100% of the cocoa in this product comes from Rainforest Alliance Certified farms." "Cocoa from Rainforest Alliance Certified farms is grown in ways that benefit farm families, wildlife and the environment. To learn more about the Rainforest Alliance, visit www.rainforest-alliance.org."


Blue Stripes Urban Cacao - Whole Cacao Trail Mix Dark Chocolate Coconut - Apr. 13, 2023

Chocolate of the Day

Blue Stripes Urban Cacao
Whole Cacao Trail Mix - Dark Chocolate Coconut 
Good ++ 
Weight: 1/4 cup (34 g.) / 8 oz. (226 g.) in total package
Calories: 190 calories in 1 serving
Cost: $4.99 for 1 package
Purchased from: Piazza's, Palo Alto, CA 

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

Today's Dark Chocolate Coconut Whole Cacao Trail Mix was distributed by Blue Stripes LLC (New York, NY). 

The company produces offerings with upcycled cacao that include "the whole cacao pod" (cacao fruit, cacao beans (seeds), and cacao pod shell fiber). (They also offer cacao fruit juices, chocolate bars and granola.)

Today's certified non-GMO and vegan trail mix included dried cacao fruit (with pod fiber), chocolate covered cacao beans, and 70% dark chocolate chips. 

But, that's not all. The cacao pieces sat amidst hearty chunks of nuts (cashews, Brazil nuts), coconut, and red goji berries.

Aroma notes included: coconut, soft green, chocolate/cacao, fruit (berry), nuts, and faint cashew/nut shortbread cookie.

The texture included mostly softly crunchy items (coconut, cashews, Brazil nuts, chocolate chips). Despite relatively large pieces (good for trail eating on the go), the only items with a firmer, molar-engaging chew were the sweet, dried fruit nuggets made of dried cacao fruit and flecks of cacao pod fiber.

The biggest items in this constellation were large brown orbs composed of soft, nutty, hazelnut chocolates with crunchy, authentic cocoa bean centers.

Flavors were well balanced and mirrored the aroma notes. This was a multi-sensory cacao field trip contained in just one handful. The sweetness level was authentic. No gratuitously sugared items (thank you!). Just a bit of intermittent dried fruits and 70% dark chocolate. The minimal sugar allowed authentic, unvarnished nut and coconut flavors to shine through. The coconut flavor was natural and subtle.

But how was it as a trail mix? This engaging, cacao-filled mix delivered tasty, portable trail fuel for an active day outdoors. Yep, healthy and fun, as advertised. I could see including this trail mix in a chocolate tasting class to illustrate what "whole cacao" means and taste like.

Thank you to Blue Stripes Urban Cacao for showing us what's possible with certified, upcycled cacao--a possibility that had been discussed for years; but, as with anything new, it has taken a few pioneering companies willing to take risks, to implement new offerings (and supply chains) and successfully educate and connect with distributors and consumers. No small task.

Ingredients: Hazelnut chocolate covered cacao beans (100% cacao liquor, coconut sugar, cacao beans, hazelnut butter, cacao butter, cacao shell fiber, cacao fruit sugar, sea salt), cashews, Brazil nuts, dried cacao fruit, dried coconut, goji berries, 70% chocolate (cacao mass, coconut sugar, cacao butter).

Allergen-related information: Contains cashews, Brazil nuts, coconut, hazelnut. Allergen claims made prior to production, beware that product is produced in a facility that also processes tree nuts, soy, peanuts, milk (and) wheat. 

Thursday, April 13, 2023

Myracle Kitchen - Chocolate Coconut Bytes - Apr. 12, 2023

Chocolate of the Day

Myracle Kitchen 
Chocolate Coconut Bytes 
Good ++
Weight: 1.1 oz. (30 g.) / 3.17 oz. (90g.) in total package
Calories: 180 calories in 1 serving
Cost: $ Missing information
Purchased from: Missing information

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

Today's Myracle Kitchen Chocolate Coconut Bytes were a product of Sri Lanka and distributed by Nurture Brands LLC (Larchmont, NY). (Certified B Corp.)

Aroma and flavor notes for these light, petite disc-shaped treats included: sweet coconut and cocoa.

The perfectly light and crunchy texture of these "byte" sized pieces easy to eat (and somewhat addictive). And the balanced flavors (sweet, authentic coconut accented with cocoa) were appealing as well. 

Ingredients: Organic coconut, organic coconut sugar, organic coconut nectar, organic cocoa powder, organic tapioca starch, sea salt.  

Allergen-related information: Contains coconut. Made at a facility that also processes milk and sesame. ("Organic, Gluten free, no dairy ingredients")


Koolfi Creamery - Dark Chocolate Dairy-Free Chocolate frozen dessert w/ Organic Coconut milk - Apr. 11, 2023

Chocolate of the Day

Koolfi Creamery
Dark Chocolate Dairy-Free Chocolate frozen dessert with Organic Coconut milk
Good + - Good ++
Weight: 1/4 container (118.2 mL) / 1 Pint (473 mL) in total container
Calories:  (No information listed)
Cost: $12.99 for total container
Purchased from: The Market at Edgewood, Palo Alto, CA

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

Today's Dark Chocolate Dairy-Free Chocolate frozen dessert made with Organic Coconut milk was created by Koolfi Creamery (San Leandro, CA).

The company is a local (San Francisco Bay Area), small batch frozen dessert maker (ice creams and vegan/dairy free (coconut milk-based frozen desserts), that offers a variety of India-inspired flavors (mango lassi, kheer rice pudding, cardamom, kulfi, and many more).

Aroma and flavor notes for this Dark Chocolate vegan frozen dessert included: dark cocoa (powder), and it had both a smooth texture and a very slight graininess.* 

Ingredients: Organic coconut milk (coconut, water), organic brown rice syrup, sugar, maltodextrin, Dutch processed cocoa powder, chocolate (cacao beans, sugar, sunflower lecithin, vanilla), dextrose, tapioca flour, xanthan gum, Himalayan pink salt

Allergen-related information: "Coconut. Product is made on equipment that processes milk, eggs, wheat, peanuts, tree nuts, soy"

*It was not clear whether this batch may have acquired this slight graininess from the ingredients (cocoa powder?), or whether it was process, storage or transport related, e.g. a slight melting and re-freezing again before I bought it. The other (five) ice cream flavors I've tried from this same company (all very good, none with cocoa powder/chocolate) were creamy and smooth and did not have this textural characteristic.


Monday, April 10, 2023

Zazubean - Buff'd Strong Chocolate with Coconut Sugar 90% Cacao (bar) - Apr. 10, 2023

Chocolate of the Day

Zazubean Organic Chocolate
Buff'd Strong Chocolate with Coconut Sugar 90% Cacao (bar)
Good + - Good ++ 
Weight: 1.5 oz. (42.5 g.) / 3 oz. (85 g.) in total bar
Calories: 270 calories in 1/2 bar
Cost: $ Missing information
Purchased from: Missing information

Welcome to Day #3 of Chocolate and Coconut Theme Week, featuring chocolates with coconut sugar, milk, and meat inclusions.

Today's Buff'd Strong Chocolate with Coconut Sugar 90% Cacao (bar) was manufactured (in Switzerland) for Zazubean Organic Chocolate (Vancouver, B.C., Canada).

Aroma notes included: light citrus (lemony green herb, oxalis), faint vanilla coconut graham cracker.

This well-tempered bar had a relatively thick, almost creamy smooth, texture and an attractive, rich, semi-bitter flavor (like a good cup of roasted coffee). 

The 90% ultra-dark bar was, as expected, not too sweet (thank you!). A light touch of coconut sugar provided sweetness. And chocolate flavor notes included very faint, balanced earth and very faint, diffuse red fruit (berry) notes.

Certified organic and fair trade (made with "100% Fair Trade certified ingredients"*), this chocolate will appeal to ultra-dark chocolate fans who enjoy a smooth sophisticated blend, made with a short list of thoughtfully specified ingredients. (Cacao beans are sourced from "Dominican (Republic), Ecuador and Panama.")

*Ingredients: Organic, Fair Trade cocoa mass; Organic and Fair Trade cocoa butter; Organic and Fair Trade coconut blossom sugar; Organic and Fair Trade vanilla

Allergen-related information: (Contained coconut.) May contain milk, tree nuts and peanuts. Gluten free, soy free, vegan, kosher and "paleo friendly."

Sunday, April 9, 2023

Bliss Unlimited - Cosmic Bliss, Chocolate Euphoria ice cream - Apr. 9, 2023

Chocolate of the Day

Bliss Unlimited
Cosmic Bliss - Chocolate Euphoria
Good + - Good ++
Weight: 2/3 cup (129 g.) / 14 fl. oz. (414 mL) total container
Calories: 320 calories in 2/3 cup (1 serving)
Cost: $ Missing information
Purchased from: Missing information

Welcome to Day #2 of Chocolate and Coconut Theme Week. No chocolate coconut eggs or coconut macaroons this (Easter, Passover, Ramadan) weekend; but, after a winter full of storms, the sunny spring day outside is cause enough for celebration.

Today's Cosmic Bliss Chocolate Euphoria Organic Grass-Fed Dairy ice cream, was distributed by Bliss Unlimited LLC (Eugene, OR). (Cosmic Bliss is a HumanCo brand.)

Cosmic Bliss (formerly Coconut Bliss) became known for its coconut milk-based, non-dairy frozen desserts. However, in 2022, after 17 years of being solely plant-based, grass-fed, organic dairy-based flavors were added to expand their line up as part of a re-branding.

Today's Chocolate Euphoria flavor's dairy milk and cream were paired with coconut syrup and a healthy dose of cocoa. This ice cream had a welcoming texture--a velvety melt and mouthfeel--and a strong, serious cocoa powder aroma and flavor. A subtle trace of vanilla extract added a little welcome uplift.

Ingredients: Organic, fair trade whole milk; organic, fair trade heavy cream; organic, fair trade coconut syrup; organic, fair trade cocoa (processed with alkali); organic, fair trade non-fat milk; organic, fair trade egg yolk; organic, fair trade guar gum; organic, fair trade vanilla extract.

Allergen-related information: Contains milk, egg, coconut.

Saturday, April 8, 2023

Hu Chocolate - Salty Dark Chocolate Organic 70% Cacao (bar) - Apr. 8, 2023

Chocolate of the Day

Hu Chocolate
Salty - Dark Chocolate Organic 70% Cacao (bar)
Good + - Good ++
Weight: 1.05 oz. (30 g.) / 2.1 oz. (60 g.) in total bar
Calories: 190 calories in 1/2 bar
Cost: $2.99 (estimate) for 1 bar
Purchased from: Grocery Outlet Bargain Market, Palo Alto, CA 

Welcome to Day #8 of Chocolate and Sea Salt. 

Today's Hu Salty Dark Chocolate Organic 70% Cacao, Vegan, Paleo bar was made in Italy and distributed by Hu Products, LLC (Austin, TX).

The company has earned a reputation for thoughtful ingredients. It has long eschewed refined/cane sugar, sugar alcohols, erythritol--choosing coconut palm sugar* instead. Also missing/avoided are potential allergens and ingredients like dairy, soy, palm oil, and lecithins (emulsifiers). And the founders were early adopters of organic and fair trade cacao and cocoa butter for their line of chocolate bars and confections.

Aroma notes for this bar included: chocolate (rich cocoa, dark drinking chocolate), faint molasses and/or coconut sugar, and very faint salt (fleeting, salted potato chip).

This Organic, Fairtrade sweet and salty chocolate had a smooth, stoneground texture and taste, and a satisfying mouthfeel (cocoa butter).

Flavor notes included chocolate (dark chocolate ganache, faint fleeting earth), faint molasses cookie, and salt. The sweetness (coconut palm sugar) was uniform; and this less refined sugar felt less "buzzy" than cane sugar.*

There was one slightly more salty bite in the bar than the others that justified the "Salty" moniker. (Often the case with salted chocolates.) Otherwise the flavors were balanced and the bar was more sweet than salty.

Ingredients: Organic, Fairtrade cacao; Organic unrefined coconut sugar; Organic, Fairtrade cocoa butter, sea salt.

Allergen-related information: Contains coconut. May contain almond, cashews, hazelnut, pistachio, and dairy. Allergen cleans made prior to production, but beware that product is produced using equipment that also processes tree nuts, soy, dairy (and) wheat.

*Coconut palm sugar is made from coconut flower blossom sap--often hand harvested--from high up in palm tree canopies, growing in tropical locales. 

Notably, this sugar has a lower score on the Glycemic Index (than glucose or cane sugar). This is a good thing for those with insulin resistance or blood sugar management challenges. Although it must be noted there are many factors that go into blood sugar levels. E.g., a piece of fruit has high sugar levels, but may be accompanied by fiber and other nutrients.

Bottom line: with coconut palm sugar or brown sugars, you may experience a lower, or less rapid/pronounced, spike in blood sugar than you would with more processed "white" cane sugar used in most chocolates. 

My experience: coconut palm sugar feels (subjectively) like a lower blood sugar spike (up to 30-40% less) for me. And I enjoy less of a sugar buzz. Your mileage may vary.

Friday, April 7, 2023

Noi Sirius - 70% Extra Bitter Sea Salt Dark Chocolate (bar) - Apr. 7, 2023

Chocolate of the Day

Noi Sirius 
70% Extra Bitter Sea Salt Dark Chocolate (bar)
Good + - Good ++
Weight: 6 squares (29 g.) / 7.05 oz. (200 g.) in total bar
Calories: 160 calories in 1 serving (6 squares, 29 g.) of bar 
Cost: $ Missing information
Purchased from: Missing information

Welcome to Day #7 of Chocolate and Sea Salt Theme Week.

Today's 70% Extra Bitter Sea Salt Dark Chocolate (bar) was from Noi Sirius (Reykjavik, Iceland).

Iceland is about the size of Kentucky in the U.S., and has a vast and grand feel to it, in part due to its rugged climate, proximity to the sea, and hilly, volcanic terrain. Notably, it's also home to several chocolatiers and chocolate makers. 

One of the largest Iceland chocolate companies, and producer of today's traditional Icelandic chocolate bar, is Noi Sirius (founded in 1920). 

Some Iceland chocolates (and some delicious hot chocolates as well) contain Icelandic milk; and/or sea salt from local salt works.

Today's generously sized package contained two large bars--a quantity suitable for many uses, including baking chocolate or inclusion in a variety of chocolate desserts. I enjoyed eating it by itself.

Aroma notes for this 70% chocolate included: dark chocolate (faint mocha roast) and faint sea salt caramel.

Each thick, scored bar broke with a hearty snap and had a relatively smooth, uniform texture.

Flavor notes included dark chocolate and a very faint, balanced light earth and even fainter aromatic spice (black pepper, pfeffernuse cookie) note in the finish. 

This set of 70% bars was labeled as "Extra Bitter." However, I found them to be relatively low in bitterness (from a dark chocolate lover's perspective) and acidity. They did fall on the darker side in the overall line-up of the company's chocolate offerings.

I appreciated this chocolate was relatively low in sugar. And the touch of sea salt seemed just right -- not too salty, but enough to add a bit of complementary, slightly addictive sweet-and-salt, warm savory flavor.

Ingredients: Cocoa mass, sugar, fat reduced cocoa powder, Icelandic sea salt (1%), soy lecithin, bourbon vanilla, cocoa dry solids minimum 70%.

Allergen-related information: Contains soy. Produced in a factory which works with milk, soy, tree nuts, coconuts and wheat.


Thursday, April 6, 2023

Srsly Chocolate - Sal De Rey 70% Dark (bar) - Apr. 6, 2023

Chocolate of the Day

Srsly Chocolate
Sal de Rey 70% Dark (bar) 
Good ++ - Good +++
Weight: 1 oz. (28 g.) / 2 oz. (56 g.) in total bar
Calories: 155 calories (estimate) in 1/2 bar
Cost: $9.00 + shipping for 1 bar
Purchased from: Srsly Chocolate, online order

Welcome to Day #6 of Chocolate and Sea Salt Theme Week.

Today's Sal de Rey 70% Dark (bar) was from Srsly Chocolate Inc. (Austin, TX).

Aroma notes for this dark chocolate included: chocolate, dried fruit (raisin, date, plum), sweet green herbal spice and faint licorice, and very faint molasses. 

(After last week's largely tamed yet dark and impenetrable Forastero-style cacao flavors from Ghana, one good whiff of this chocolate lit up my Trinitario hybrid variety cacao radar. (Fruit! There are fruit trees and other botanicals in this sunlit jungle.)

Relatively thick, this bar broke with a well-tempered, audible snap. The texture was fairly smooth (almost creamy) with a brief bit of fleeting (fruit) astringency.

Made with Dominican Republic cacao (that was stone ground in Texas) and a constellation of small, glistening Texas salt crystals* this chocolate sparkled with well-executed, balanced, big flavors.

The fruit and other aroma notes (hinted at above) also revealed themselves in the taste (fruit salad with sweet orange, watermelon, mango, passion fruit, banana, dried fruits); and the dark chocolate flavor bloomed into something wonderful. (Have you ever tried a fresh tropical fruit and watermelon salad with a pinch of sea salt? Maybe a little chili and salt?)

Back to the seductive, sweet, salty, and satisfying chocolate that had the rich flavor of a fine drinking chocolate...Yes, this bar would be at home on a fruit and/or cheese plate, or grated over a dessert. (Sea salt dark chocolate mousse or brownies anyone?) But, to fully appreciate the nuanced, fruity cocoa complexity in this 70% dark chocolate with sea salt, enjoy it all by itself first.

Ingredients: Organic cacao, organic cane sugar, hand harvested Texas salt

Allergen-related information: "Made in a factory that processes milk, eggs, tree nuts, peanuts and wheat"

 *Maker's notes: "This bar celebrates Texas salt. We hand harvested salt from the bank of an ancient salt lake in the Rio Grande Valley...The unique minerality of this Texas salt accentuates the bright fruit notes of the chocolate." (Yes, it does.)

Theo & Philo Chocolate Factory - 60% Dark Chocolate with Green Banana Chips + Pink Salt (bar) - Apr. 5, 2023

Chocolate of the Day

Theo and Philo Chocolate Factory
60% Dark Chocolate with Green Banana Chips + Pink Salt (bar)
Good ++
Weight: .795 oz. (22.5 g.) / 1.59 oz. (45 g.) in total bar
Calories: 111 calories in 1/2 bar
Cost: $7.25 for 1 bar
Purchased from: Bar and Cocoa, online order

Welcome to Day #5 of Chocolate and Sea Salt Theme Week.

Today's 60% Dark Chocolate with Green Banana Chips + Pink Salt (bar) was from Theo and Philo Chocolate Factory, Inc. (Manila, Philippines).

Aroma notes for this bar included: soft fruit (tropical, banana), subtle chocolate, and mild, sweet floral (vanilla, coconut).

Layered bits of green banana chips in lush 60% dark chocolate created a satisfying, softly crunchy (starchy, crispy) texture. The sweet-salt balance was in the delicious and addictive range.

This chocolate bar made with cacao from the Philippines reminded me of a very enjoyable, rich chocolate cookie (lacy, buttery dark chocolate and almond florentines) or a tropical island chocolate profiterole. Delicate but also rich, crunchy and delicious.

Understated aroma and flavor notes were elegantly complex and authentic and not boring.

Ingredients: Cacao beans, sugar, banana, cocoa butter, coconut oil, Himalayan salt.

Allergen-related information: (Cotained coconut.) Processed in a facility that also processes peanuts and other tree nuts.

Tuesday, April 4, 2023

Endangered Species - Oat Milk Sea Salt + Dark Chocolate (bar) - Apr. 4, 2023

Chocolate of the Day

Endangered Species Chocolate
Oat Milk Sea Salt + Dark Chocolate 75% Cocoa (bar)
Good +
Weight: 1 oz. (28.3 g.) / 3 oz. (85 g.) in total bar
Calories: 170 calories in 1/3 bar
Cost: $3.86 (sale) for 1 bar
Purchased from: Country Sun Natural Foods, Palo Alto, CA

Welcome to Day #4 of Chocolate and Sea Salt Theme Week.

Today's Oat Milk Sea Salt + Dark Chocolate 75% Cocoa (bar) was created by Endangered Species Chocolate, LLC (Indianapolis, IN).

The company has donated a portion of their net proceeds* to causes that help preserve wildlife for many years, and continues to do so. (Inside the leopard print-adorned wrapper surrounding today's bar was additional information on the endangered Amur Leopard, and more info. about organizations they support.)

Aroma notes for this oat milk chocolate bar included: dark chocolate (faintly roasted), deep dark Forastero-variety like cacao). Very faint notes included: floral perfume (vanilla), citrus (lemon green (oxalis)), and cookie/biscuit.

This dark chocolate bar broke with a hard snap (in a cold room), and the flavor notes mirrored the dark chocolate aroma notes listed above. 

The oat milk showed up a bit in the finish (as a faint, fine oat particle grittiness); but was not really detectable until this point. 

The oat milk may also have mellowed the 75% dark chocolate flavors (there was relatively low bitterness, acidity for such a dark tasting chocolate); and the sugar taste as well. (It was not overly sweet; thank you.)

The pink Himalayan salt added an extra flavor accent that complemented the dark chocolate.

Dark chocolate, non-dairy and vegan fans who don't care for overly sweet chocolates and like supporting good causes are most likely to appreciate this bar. 

This chocolate bar does not contain milk; but there may be traces of milk in the manufacturing process.

Ingredients: Chocolate (chocolate liquor, cane sugar, cocoa butter, whole grain oats, soy lecithin, vanilla), pink Himalayan salt.

Allergen-related information: Contains soy. Produced on equipment that also processes products containing milk, peanuts and tree nuts.

*Ten percent of net proceeds are donated. "Endangered Species Chocolate partners with non-profit wildlife and conservation organizations that are making a measurable and significant difference," such as National Forest Foundation, The Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund International, and Wildcats Conservation Alliance.



Monday, April 3, 2023

Letterpress - Ashanti Ghana Sea Salt 70% Dark Chocolate (bar) - Apr. 3, 2023

Chocolate of the Day

Letterpress Chocolate LLC
Ashanti Ghana Sea Salt 70% Dark Chocolate (bar)
Good ++ 
Weight: 1 oz. (28.3 g.) / 2 oz. (57 g.) in total bar
Calories: 155 calories (estimate) in 1/2 bar
Cost: $10.00 for 1 bar
Purchased from: Bar and Cocoa, online order

Welcome to Day #7 of Chocolate and Ghana Theme Week, and Day #3 of Chocolate and Sea Salt Theme Week. 

Today's Ashanti Ghana Sea Salt 70% Dark Chocolate (bar) was from Letterpress Chocolate LLC, a small batch, bean-to-bar chocolate maker in Los Angeles, CA.

Ashanti, a cocoa growing region in Ghana, has experienced slave labor and low prices for farmers. To help ensure higher payments to these farmers, Letterpress worked with The Ghana Cocoa Board (and paid above commodity prices) when they obtained the cocoa used to make today's chocolate.

Aroma notes included: chocolate (brownie, dark chocolate sauce/ganache) and very faint citrus (lemon herb, oxalis).

This well-tempered bar had a smooth, almost velvety, chocolate-y texture and melt.

The flavor was satisfying chocolate brownie flavor with a very light touch of sea salt. The brownie-forward flavor was not terribly complex; however, the chocolate flavor was rich, lovable, well-balanced, well-executed, and with no off-notes.

The sweetness level was average for a 70% cocoa chocolate (fairly sweet for ultra-dark fans, but not overwhelmingly so). This was a slightly addictive, salted brownie treasure.

Maker's tasting notes: salted brownie, graham cracker

Ingredients: Cacao beans, certified organic unrefined cane sugar, certified organic cocoa butter, sea salt

Allergen-related information: Processed in a facility that also processes nuts and dairy.

Sunday, April 2, 2023

MIA - Ghana Gold - Sea Salt and Cocoa Nibs Dark Chocolate 73% Cocoa (bar) - Apr. 2, 2023

Chocolate of the Day

MIA
Ghana Gold - Sea Salt and Cocoa Nibs Dark Chocolate 73% Cocoa (bar)
Good +
Weight: 1.5 oz. (42.5 g.) / 3 oz. (85 g.) in total bar
Calories: 250 calories in 1/2 bar
Cost: $2.49 for 1 bar
Purchased from: Grocery Outlet Bargain Market, Palo Alto, CA

Welcome to Day #6 of Chocolate and Ghana Theme Week, and Day #2 of Chocolate and Sea Salt Theme Week.

Today's MIA Ghana Gold - Sea Salt and Cocoa Nibs Dark Chocolate Chocolate 73% Cocoa (bar) was a product of Ghana and distributed by Kuanza Ltd. (London, UK).

MIA chocolate bars don't just contain cacao grown in Africa. Their finished chocolate is made in two African countries (Madagascar and Ghana). Only a small percent of chocolate bars are made from bean to bar in Africa.*

This Sea Salt and Nibs chocolate was part of the company's "Ghana Gold" series of bars (announced in 2022) made with Ghana cacao.*

Aroma notes included: chocolate (sweet cocoa), faint citrus (lemony herb, oxalis), and even faint cookie (graham cracker and coconut shortbread cookie).

The well-tempered smooth chocolate had a relatively slow, even melt (eaten in a cool room) and was interspersed with small crunchy flecks of cocoa bean (cocoa nibs). 

Flavor notes included rich cocoa (faint roasted mocha latte with a twist of lemon peel). The citrus was slightly sweet and had a mild tartness (faint lemon acidity and faint bitterness).

Too much salt can overpower more delicate cacao notes. That was not a problem with this relatively mild sea salt and nibs chocolate. If anything, a bit more cocoa (e.g. deep, dark brownie-ness) and sea salt might've helped to balance the inherent sweetness--that was relatively high for a 73% cacao chocolate with cacao nibs. (In defense of choices made with this bar, U.S. foods tend to have a lot of salt and sugar. You can always add salt if you need more. But, overly salty chocolate is very hard to fix.) 

Fans of less intense dark chocolate will enjoy the lighter touch this bar offers.

Ingredients: Cocoa mass, cane sugar, cocoa nibs (7%), cocoa butter, emulsifier (sunflower lecithin), salt (less than 1%). Minimum cocoa solids: 73%.

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

*MIA is a brand of Kuanza Ltd. (I'm guessing that MIA might stand for Made in Africa, but I could be mistaken.) While Africa produces the bulk (approximately 70%) of the world's cacao, only about 1% of finished chocolate is produced in Africa. 

Making finished chocolate "in country" (Ghana in this case) allows cacao farmers and producer communities to benefit from proceeds that normally flow out of Africa and into manufacturing centers in other nations.

MIA - Ghana Gold Fleur de Sel Milk Chocolate 48% Cocoa (bar) - Apr. 1, 2023

Chocolate of the Day

MIA
Ghana Gold - Fleur de Sel Milk Chocolate 48% Cocoa (bar)
Good +
Weight: 1.5 oz. (42.5 g.) / 3 oz. (85 g.) in total bar
Calories: 250 calories in 1/2 bar
Cost: $2.49 for 1 bar
Purchased from: Grocery Outlet Bargain Market, Palo Alto, CA

Welcome to Day #5 of Chocolate and Ghana Theme Week, and Day #1 of Chocolate and Sea Salt Theme Week.

Today's MIA Ghana Gold - Fleur de Sel Milk Chocolate 48% Cocoa (bar) was a product of Ghana and distributed by Kuanza Ltd. (London, UK).

MIA produces chocolates (bars) made using cacao grown in Africa; and produces finished chocolate in two African countries (Madagascar and Ghana). Only a small percent of chocolate bars are made from bean to bar in Africa.*

This chocolate was part of the company's "Ghana Gold" series of bars (announced in 2022) made with Ghana cacao.*

The aroma notes were relatively uniform and included: sweet, milky cocoa and very faint salt dough. The texture was smooth and creamy. And this 48% cocoa bar had a sweet milk chocolate flavor and finish with a blush of caramel.

The salt was very subtle. (It was inherent in the fleeting salted caramel notes I tasted.) This milk chocolate may be most appreciated by those with a sweet tooth.

Ingredients: Cocoa mass, cane sugar, whole milk powder, cocoa butter, emulsifier (sunflower lecithin), salt (less than 1%). Minimum cocoa solids: 48%.

Allergen-related information: Contained milk. "May contain traces of tree nuts and peanuts."

*MIA is a brand of Kuanza Ltd. (I'm guessing that MIA might stand for Made in Africa, but I could be mistaken.) MIA co-founders, Brett Beach and Sarah Lescrauwaet, lived in Africa for seven years. 

While Africa produces the bulk (approximately 70%) of the world's cacao, only 1% of finished chocolate is produced in Africa. 

Brett and Sarah saw an opportunity to make finished chocolate "in country" where the farmers and producer communities can benefit from proceeds that normally flow out of Africa and into manufacturing centers in other nations.

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