Theo and Philo Chocolate Factory Inc. - 90% Dark Chocolate Philippines (bar) - Sept. 30, 2023

Chocolate of the Day

Theo and Philo Chocolate Factory Inc. 
90% Dark Chocolate Philippines (bar)
Good ++
Weight: 1.59 oz. (45 g.) in total bar
Calories: 250 calories in 1 bar
Cost: $6.52 for 1 bar
Purchased from: Bar and Cocoa, online order 

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

Today's 90% Dark Chocolate Philippines (bar) was manufactured by Theo and Philo Chocolate Factory Inc. (Valenzuela City, Metro Manila, Philippines), using cacao grown in the Philippines.

Aroma notes included: dark chocolate and subtle fruit (dark, sweet cherry, peach, mango).

The texture was thick and smooth.

Flavor notes included: dark chocolate (ultra-dark, dark chocolate cake with bittersweet chocolate frosting). Yes there was bitterness, but it was tolerable and it didn't block the appealing rich dark chocolate cake flavor. The maker's notes (below) may sound frightening, but (dark mythical creatures not withstanding) it rings true." The ultra-dark bitterness does not stop you from wanting to taste that chocolate cake and faint fruit.

Maker's tasting notes/description: "Black as midnight on a moonless night when aswangs* and manananggals* roam free, this chocolate bar makes true chocolate lovers quiver with glee. The bold yet delightful bitterness that is accompanied by a delicate fruitiness is enough to make the toughest man scream in relish--just ask your friendly neighborhood tikbalangi.*

Ingredients: Cacao beans, Sugar

Allergen-related information: "Processed in a facility that also processes peanuts and other tree nuts."

*Aswangs are evil, shape-shifting creatures in Filipino folk culture. Manananggals are vampire-like creatures that can separate their upper bodies from their lower bodies. And a tikbalang is a half human-half horse creature, similar to a centaur in Greek mythology.

Ranger Chocolate Co. - Kablon Philippines Dark Chocolate 75% (bar) - Sept. 29, 2023

Chocolate of the Day

Ranger Chocolate Co.

Kablon Philippines Dark Chocolate 75% (bar)
Good ++
Weight: 2.25 oz. (64 g.) in total bar
Calories: 349 calories (estimate) in 1 bar
Cost: $12.00 for 1 bar
Purchased from: Bar and Cocoa, online order

Welcome to Day #6 of Chocolate and Philippines Theme Week, featuring several chocolate bars made from cacao grown in the Philippines.

Today's Kablon Philippines Dark Chocolate 75% (Batch 1) (bar) was distributed by Ranger Chocolate Co. (Portland, OR). Kablon Farms (Davao, Philippines)-- owned by the Pantua family--grows a mix of Criollo variety cacao and more modern cacao hybrids.

Aroma and flavor notes included: bold, balanced drinking chocolate with a very faint (and well balanced) bitterness; very diffuse sweet fruit(s); subtle spices (warm spices, star anise); and very faint molasses cookie. The texture was smooth. 

I appreciated the well-executed complexity in this flavorful dark chocolate.

Maker's Tasting Notes: "graham cracker, cinnamon, nutmeg, molasses, peanut butter"

Ingredients: Organic cacao, organic sugar 

Allergen-related information: Manufactured in a facility that uses gluten, egg, milk, and tree nut ingredients. ("Vegan, Gluten Free, Dairy Free, Soy Free, Nut Free")

Puchero - Philippines 75% Mana Single Origin (bar) - Sept. 28, 2023

Chocolate of the Day

Puchero 
Philippines 75% Mana Single Origin (bar)
Good ++ - Good +++
Weight: 1.2 oz. (35 g.) / 2.4 oz. (70 g.) in total bar
Calories: 207.5 calories for 1/2 bar 593 calories in 100 g of bar 
Cost: $11.00 for 1 bar
Purchased from: Bar and Cocoa, online order 

Welcome to Day #5 of Chocolate and The Philippines Theme Week.

Today's Philippines 75% Mana Single Origin (bar) was made from bean-to-bar by Puchero* (Valladolid, Spain).

Aroma and flavor notes included: dark chocolate (rich drinking chocolate with a light, balanced bitterness); tropical fruit (sweet, ripe mango; mangosteen); very faint fermentation (fruit, red wine grape); faint, fleeting spice (black pepper); and very faint white floral (orchid).

This upbeat, flavorful dark chocolate reminded me of a festive glass of dark sangria with tropical fruits. It was a celebration of single origin, Trinitario (cacao variety) flavor. I associate Trinitario with its bright fruit flavors. The Mana cacao (from the Philippines, used to make today's chocolate) "consists of 5 selected Trinitario varieties."** 

Maker's tasting notes: "A bright and balanced profile with a cascade of flavours: tropical fruit, bergamot and fresh flowers."

Ingredients: Cacao beans, organic cane sugar, organic cacao butter.

Allergen-related information: May contain traces of nuts, milk and gluten

*Tostarix S.L. (Spain)

**Trinitario cacao(s)--thought to be a cross of Forastero and Criollo cacaos--have some of the boldness of a Forastero, but with bright/tart fruit and sometimes other nuanced (stone fruit, gentler, honied) notes of a Criollo heritage variety cacao. 

 

Auro Chocolate - Regalo Single Variety 50% Dark Milk Chocolate (bar) - Sept. 27, 2023

Chocolate of the Day

Auro Chocolate
Regalo Single Variety 50% Dark Milk Chocolate (bar)
Good ++ - Good +++
Weight: 2.12 oz. (60 g.) in total bar
Calories: 330 calories in 1 bar
Cost: $8.55 for 1 bar
Purchased from: Bar and Cocoa, online order 

Welcome to Day #4 of Chocolate and The Philippines Theme Week.

Today's limited edition Regalo Single Variety 50% chocolate (bar) was produced by Auro Chocolate* (Calamba City, Laguna, Philiippines).

Aroma and flavor notes for this single origin (Davao City) and single variety bar included: dark milk chocolate (cocoa, ganache); sweet, delicate floral-botanical; diffuse fruit (green apple, faint date/molasses; sweet, mild tangerine and tropical fruit (mango)); faint spice; and very faint fleeting vegetable (potato chip).

This 50% milk chocolate had a complex, lightly fruity character. The texture was uniform and smooth and became creamier upon melting. The pleasant, complex flavors made this an enjoyable and accessible chocolate. The choice of a partially processed/unrefined (muscovado) cane sugar contributed additional flavor depth (faint molasses). There was a very mild fruit astringency in the finish.

Maker's tasting notes: "Our Reserve Collection is passionately crafted from the finest beans of a single harvest to bring out the rare, distinctive characteristics of each community and their land. Located in the lush tropical forests of Davao, the Regalo variety has notes of green apple, green tea (and) pine wood."

Ingredients: Cacao mass, organic muscovado sugar, full cream milk powder, cacao butter, skim milk powder

Allergen-related information: Contains milk. This product is manufactured in a facility that processes other products which may contain soy, tree nuts and peanuts. Halal. Gluten Free.

*dba Filipinas Oro de Cacao, Inc. (Cuidad De Calamba, Barangay Punta, Calamba City, Laguna, Philippines

 

Auro Chocolate - Luna Single Variety 50% Chocolate (bar) - Sept. 26, 2023

Chocolate of the Day

Auro Chocolate
Luna Single Variety 50% Chocolate (bar)
Good +++
Weight: 2.12 oz. (60 g.) in total bar
Calories: 330 calories (estimate) in 1 bar
Cost: $8.55 for 1 bar
Purchased from: Bar and Cocoa, online order 

Welcome to Day #3 of Chocolate and The Philippines Theme Week.

Today's Luna Single Variety 50% chocolate (bar) was produced by Auro Chocolate* (Calamba City, Laguna, Philiippines).

Aroma and flavor notes included: dark milk chocolate, sweet, delicate floral-botanical; diffuse fruit (berry, faint date, and very faint pomegranate molasses; sweet, mild tangerine, grenache grape); and very faint fleeting vegetable (potato chip).

This 50% milk chocolate was very pleasing. The texture was uniform and smooth and became creamier upon melting. The flavors were very pleasant and with a lot of gentle complexity. The choice of a partially processed/unrefined (muscovado) cane sugar contributed additional flavor depth (faint molasses).

Ingredients: Cacao mass, organic muscovado sugar, full cream milk powder, cacao butter, skim milk powder

Allergen-related information: Contains milk. This product is manufactured in a facility that processes other products which may contain soy, tree nuts and peanuts. Halal.

*dba Filipinas Oro de Cacao, Inc. (Cuidad De Calamba, Barangay Punta, Calamba City, Laguna, Philippines

Auro Chocolate - Salted Peanut 47% Milk Chocolate with Salted Peanut (bar) - Sept. 25, 2023

Chocolate of the Day

Auro Chocolate
Salted Peanut 47% Milk Chocolate with Salted Peanut (bar)
Good ++
Weight: 2.12 oz. (60 g.) in total bar
Calories: 338 calories in 1 bar
Cost: $7.50 for 1 bar
Purchased from: Bar and Cocoa, online order 

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

Today's plant-based, Salted Peanut 47% Milk* Chocolate with Salted Peanut (bar) was produced by Auro Chocolate (Calamba City, Laguna, Philiippines).

Aroma notes included: rich dark chocolate, and nuts (peanuts).

The texture was a blend of smooth dark chocolate and softly crunchy bits of peanut.

The flavor notes were richer than expected for a chocolate and peanut blend. The 47% cacao chocolate tasted darker (closer to a 65%+ dark chocolate), and the peanuts tasted very authentic with a light roasted note. One of the reason for the clear flavors was that the "milk" in this Milk Chocolate bar was supplied by oat powder and not dairy milk. Any "milks" can blunt/soften cacao flavors; but that doesn't appear to have occurred here.

Bold and balanced dark chocolate with a judicious touch of salt made this an appealing chocolate.

Ingredients: Cane sugar, cacao mass, natural cacao butter, oat powder, roasted peanut, sea salt.

Allergen-related information: "Contains oats and peanuts. This product is manufactured in a facility that processes other products which may contain milk, tree nuts, and soy." (Halal.)

*The "milk" in this milk chocolate refers to the inclusion of oat powder. There were no dairy ingredients listed.

Chocolat Bonnat - No. 3 - Les Sirenes Philippines Chocolat Noir 75% de Cacao (bar) - Sept. 24, 2023

Chocolate of the Day

Chocolat Bonnat
No. 3 - Les Sirenes Philippines Chocolat Noir 75% de Cacao (bar)
Good ++
Weight: .88 oz. (25 g.) / 3.53 oz. (100 g.) in total bar
Calories: 150.75 calories in 1/4 bar
Cost: $18.50 for 1 bar
Purchased from: Bar and Cocoa, online order

Welcome to Day #1 of Chocolate and The Philippines Theme Week.*

Today's limited edition, No. 3 - Les Sirenes Philippines Chocolat Noir 75% de Cacao (bar) was from Chocolat Bonnat (Voiron Cedex, France).

Cacao was transported to the Philippines from Mexico by Spanish galleon ships as far back as the early 1600s.

Aroma and flavor notes included: bittersweet, baked fudge brownie, subtle caramel, butter, fleeting berry, spice and nut notes. 

The texture for this three-ingredient chocolate was notable: a very creamy texture (small particle size) with a melt and mouthfeel consistent with a generous amount of high-quality, pure cocoa butter. (No emulsifiers/lecithins here.)

Ingredients: Cacao, Cacao butter, Sugar

Allergen-related information: (No information listed on wrapper)

*This is the second single origin week this year (2023) featuring cacao grown in the Philippines.

 

Hotel Chocolat - Serious Dark Fix Collection - Sept. 23, 2023

Chocolate of the Day

Hotel Chocolat
Serious Dark Fix "H-Box" Collection (assortment box)
Good + - Good ++ (varied with piece)
Weight: 3.53 oz. (100 g.) / 5.46 oz. (155 g.) in total box of 14 pieces
Calories: 583 calories in 100 g. serving (tastes of all flavors)
Cost: 18.50 Euros / ($18.50 (estimate) USD) for 1 box
Purchased from: The Loop (shop), Dublin Airport (Collinstown, Ireland)

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

Today's Serious Dark Fix "H-Box" collection was from Hotel Chocolat (London). In 2017, the company opened its first shop in Dublin, Ireland.

This assortment included: Gin, Dark Rum, Praline 80%, Dizzy Praline 70%, Chilli, Honduras Pistachio Praline, Colombia Almond Praline, 70% Dark Macaron, Simple Dark, Hazelnut and Ginger, 70% Dark Baton, and Gianduja Bombe.

Below are some brief notes on this dark chocolate collection:

• Gin - boozy, bright citrus and authentic juniper, botanical and light floral notes
• Dark Rum - dark chocolate with authentically boozy, dark rum notes
• Dizzy Praline 70% - dark chocolate filled with a thick, creamy, lightly nutty center
• Chilli - very smooth with a slow burn that kicks in gradually
• Honduras Pistachio Praline - flavorful single origin dark exterior, filled with a nutty, slightly caramelized filling.
• Colombia Almond Praline - Smooth, flavorful dark chocolate with a soft, nutty (finely chopped almond) center
• Hazelnut and Ginger - authentic hazelnut and ginger (crunchy whole nuts, spicy sweet ginger pieces, dark chocolate)
• Dark Chocolate Baton - Sweet, smooth, dark, chocolate-y
• Gianduja Bombe - (round) dark chocolate + gianduja (hazelnut) paste - fully incorporated/blended in a rich, delicious thick center

My three favorites were: Gin, Hazelnut and Ginger, and Gianduja Bombe. The English and Irish know how to do chocolates infused with Gin and other spirits.

And yes, I could tell the difference(s) when single origin chocolates were used. These chocolates were a bit more flavorful. The Honduras chocolate was a bit more "dark"/intense with balanced earth notes. The Colombian cacao-based chocolate was smoother--with a bit more flavor range than the standard dark couverture/blends.

Ingredients: Cocoa solids (cocoa mass, cocoa butter), sugar, HAZELNUT paste, sweetened hazelnut paste (HAZELNUTS, sugar, emulsifier (sunflower lecithin)), butter oil (from MILK), full cream MILK powder, roasted HAZELNUTS, stabilisers (sorbitol, gycerol), ALMOND NUTS paste, glucose syrup, ginger pieces (dextrose, ginger, glucose syrup, sugar), pistachio nuts paste (PISTACHIO NUTS, rapeseed oil), rum, whipping cream (cream from MILK), stabiliser (carageenan)), skimmed MILK powder, vegetable fats (coconut, shea, sunflower), nibbed HAZELNUTS, gin, emulsifiers (SOYA lecithin, sunflower lecithin), cream (from MILK), dextrose, cocoa powder, flavourings, concentrated whey (from MILK), neutral alcohol, lactose (from MILK), natural colours (beetroot, annatto, carotene), MILK protein, Habanero chili powder. Dark chocolate contains minimum 70% cocoa solids. 

Allergen-related information: "For allergens, including cereals containing gluten, see ingredients in BOLD. All chocolates in this box may contain tree nuts, peanuts, milk, soya, gluten, wheat, egg, sesame. Suitable for vegetarians. Contains alcohol. No artificial flavours. Caution: Although every care has been taken to remove nut shells, some may still remain."

Nobo Ltd. - Irish Sea Salt (bar) - Sept. 22, 2023

Chocolate of the Day

Nobo Ltd.
Irish Sea Salt (bar)
Good ++
Weight: .88 oz. (25 g.) in 1 bar
Calories: 159 calories in 1 bar
Cost: 2.25 Euros ($2.25 (estim.) USD) for 1 bar
Purchased from: The Loop, Dublin Airport shop

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

Today's Irish Sea Salt (bar) was from Nobo Ltd. (Ranelagh, Ireland). The company produces a variety of gluten free, plant-based treats, confections, bars and spreads.

Aroma and taste notes were a pleasing blend of gentle sweet and salty/savory flavors, that included very faint cashew coconut shortbread cookie; soft fruit (grape/raisin); and sea salt.

This chocolate bar did not break with a snap. Instead the texture was cohesive, smooth and softly creamy--with a distinctive, smooth melt. (Cocoa butter was the number one ingredient.)

A lower cacao percentage chocolate is often very sweet but may still have some detectable (diluted) sour/bitter cacao notes. This 48% cocoa plant-based chocolate bar--made with single origin Colombian cacao--was very smooth and low in bitterness, and it was not (surprisingly) too sweet. 

Nut butters (in this case cashew butter) helped mellow/dilute flavors 

Coconut sugar was the number two ingredient (after cocoa butter). It added an authentic "warm" (brown/coconut sugar) flavor, while being less "buzzy" (lower on the glycemic index) than processed sugars. 

Last, but not least, I loved the Irish sea salt. It created a very satisfying, integrated sense of healthy snack balance. 

Ingredients: Cocoa butter, coconut sugar, cocoa mass, cashew nut butter, coconut, Irish sea salt (0.5%).

Allergen-related information: Contains cashews, coconut. Made on equipment that handles milk, soya, peanuts and other nuts. (Made in the EU.)

Butlers Chocolates - Drumshanbo with Sardinian Citrus Gunpowder Irish Gin flavoured Truffles - Sept. 21, 2023

Chocolate of the Day

Butlers Chocolates
Drumshanbo with Sardinian Citrus
Gunpowder Irish Gin flavoured Chocolate Truffles
Good + - Good ++
Weight: 1.76 oz. (50 g.) / 3.52 oz. (100 g.) in total box of 8 pieces
Calories: 249 calories in 4 pieces (498 kcals in 100 g.)
Cost: 9.00 Euros or $9.00 (estimated USD) for 1 box
Purchased from: The Loop Dublin Airport (shop), Collinstown (Dublin), Ireland

Welcome to Day #5 of Chocolate and Ireland Series.

Today's Dumshanbo with Sardinian Citrus Gunpowder Irish Gin flavoured Chocolate Truffles was from Butlers Chocolates UC (Dublin, Ireland). 

Butlers was founded in 1932 by Marion Bailey-Butler. It subsequently was acquired; and in the 1980s the company name became Butlers Irish Chocolates.

. It subsequently was acquired; and in the 1980s the company name became Butlers Irish Chocolates.

The Drumshanbo Gunpowder Irish Gin with Sardinian Citrus used to animate these chocolates was "slow distilled at The Shed Distillery--located in the village of Drumshanbo, County Leitrim. Founded in 2014 by PJ Rigney, this producer of gin (including Gunpowder Irish Gin), whiskey and vodka was the first distillery in this area in over 100 years. 

Aroma notes for these filled confections included: sweet milk chocolate and faint citrus (lemon, various other citrus) and spirits (gin, botanicals).

The thick, Butlers Chocolates 32% milk chocolate* outer shell was thick, creamy and sweet. But, things got a lot more flavorful inside, after the first bite.

Botanical inclusions in the gin (that flavored the centers) included the traditional juniper, angelica root, orris root, caraway seed, coriander seed, meadowsweet, cardamom and star anise. But the flavor notes were even more multi-layered and complex, and included citrus (lemon, lemon peel, sweet grapefruit), botanicals (herbal, floral (meadowsweet), gunpowder tea, and balanced juniper in the finish)...and very faint cedar.

The citrus, tea and herbal notes really helped to counter the inherent sweetness of these milk chocolates. 

Ingredients: Sugar, whole milk powder, cocoa butter, cocoa mass, Drumshanbo Irish Gin with Sardinian Citrus(R) (6.9%), sweetened condensed milk (milk, sugar), invert sugar syrup, glucose syrup, lemon compound (lemon 47%), sugar, nature flavouring, acidity regulator: sodium citrate, anti-oxidant: ascorbic acid), emulsifier: soya lecithin, glycerol, citric acid, natural flavouring. (Milk chocolate contains: 32% cocoa solids minimum, 20% milk solids minimum. White chocolate contains: 26% cocoa solids minimum, 20% milk solids minimum). Alcohol by volume: 3.15%

Allergen-related information: Contains milk, soy. "This product may contain nut traces."

*The cacao origin listed: "West Africa."

Teeling Distillery - Whiskey Chocolate Truffles - Sept. 20, 2023

Chocolate of the Day

Teeling Distillery
Teeling Whiskey Truffles - Dark Chocolate
Good +
Weight: Missing information
Calories: Missing information
Cost: 6.00 Euros ($6.00 (estim.) USD) for 1 box of 4 pieces
Purchased from: Teeling Distillery, Dublin, Ireland

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

Today's Teeling Whiskey Dark Chocolate Truffles were purchased at Teelings Distillery, in The Liberties (Dublin, Ireland). These chocolates were made for Teeling by Skelligs Chocolate (St. Finian's Bay, County Kerry, Ireland). 

Teeling Distillery offers a lively tour and tasting on-site; and the chocolates in the gift shop were a fun find/take-away. 

Aroma notes included: dark chocolate, and faint spirits (whiskey).

A firm, outer dark chocolate shell surrounded a flavorful, sweet dark chocolate ganache (center) that was infused with attractive whiskey notes.

Ingredients: Dark Chocolate (cocoa mass, sugar, cocoa butter, Emulsifier (Soya lecithin), natural vanilla flavouring), Dark Chocolate Compound Vegetable Fat, sugar, fat-reduced cocoa powder; Whey powder, Emulsifier (Soya lecithin), creme, Teeling Irish Whiskey. 

Allergen-related information: "Produced in a factory that handles nuts."

 

The Fumbally - Hot Chocolate and Gluten Free Chocolate Cake - Sept. 19, 2023

Chocolate(s) of the Day

The Fumbally

Hot Chocolate
Good ++
1 Cup
Calories: Unknown
Cost: 4.10 Euros ($4.10 (estim.) USD) for 1 cup
Purchased from: The Fumbally, Dublin, Ireland

Gluten Free Chocolate Cake
Good ++ 
1 Slice
Calories: Unknown
Cost: 4.90 Euros ($4.90 (estim.) USD) for 1 slice
Purchased from: The Fumbally, Dublin, Ireland

Welcome to Day #3 of Chocolate and Ireland Theme Week. Sometimes the best way to explore chocolate is to sit in a cafe.

Today's two chocolate items were from The Fumbally, located in The Liberties area of Dublin, Ireland.

This community cafe was a wonderful place to have breakfast, and watch the world go by. As the weather shifted from light showers to dry pavement and back again, I enjoyed eating fresh eggs and sipping a cup of hot chocolate. I also tried the Fumbally gluten-free chocolate cake. 

The cocoa was warm, sweet, chocolate-y and inviting, with a decorative dash of cocoa powder across the top.

The gluten free chocolate cake was silky smooth, authentic and chocolate-y with a very thin flaky layer on top (like you'd find on a brownie or tort).

Both items were a bit on the sweet side; but portions were enjoyable (not too big/heavy, or too small), and were very satisfying as a dual dose of chocolate on a rainy day. 

I don't have a list of ingredients or potential allergens for these two gluten-free chocolate offerings, but The Fumbally's food tasted healthy and made from scratch to me.

Lir Chocolates - Guinness Dark Chocolate (bar) - Sept. 18, 2023

Chocolate of the Day

Lir Chocolates
Guinness Dark Chocolate (bar)
Good +
Weight: 1.06 oz. (30 g.) / 3.18 g. (90 g.) in total bar
Calories: 175.5 calories in 1/3 bar
Cost: 3.00 Euros ($3.00 (estim.) USD) for 1 bar
Purchased from: Guinness Storehouse, St. James's Gate, Dublin, Ireland

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

Today's Guinness Dark Chocolate (bar) was made by Lir Chocolates (Johnstown, Navan, County Meath, Ireland)--"with chocolate from multiple countries." In addition to producing their own chocolates, Lir partners with famous Irish product brands like Guinness to produce novelty chocolate offerings. (Lir also makes a box of small Guinness chocolate ("glasses"), and a Guinness Chocolate Rugby Ball.)

Aroma notes for today's Irish stout-forward chocolate included sweet dark chocolate and sharp, sweet malted barley--just like the aroma in the Guinness facility where I bought these.

The bar's texture was silky smooth, buttery and slightly oily (butter oil).

Flavor notes included: smooth dark (52%) chocolate and bold brew notes (roasted, malted barley, hops, stout, dark beer).

Tasting notes: "Intense dark chocolate flavoured with the complex notes of Guinness (TM)."

Ingredients: Cocoa Mass, Sugar, Cocoa Butter, Butter Oil (Milk), Flavourings, Emulsifier: Lecithins (Soya), Guinness (TM) Beer (contains Barley and Gluten). Dark Chocolate contains Cocoa Solids 52% minimum. 

Allergen-related information: Contains: Milk, Soya, Barley, Gluten. May contain traces of Nuts and Peanuts. This product contains alcohol (0.2%). Not suitable for children. 

Bombus Natural Energy - Raw Energy Orange and Cocoa - Sept. 17, 2023

Chocolate of the Day

Bombus Natural Energy
Orange and Cocoa Beans Raw Energy (bar)
Good +
Weight: 1.76 oz. (50 g.) in total bar
Calories: 183.8 calories in 1 bar (367.6 kcals per 100 g.)
Cost: $1.89 (estimate) USD for 1 bar 
Purchased from: Wicklow Gaol (shop), Wicklow, Ireland

Welcome to Day #1 of Chocolate and Ireland Week. 

Today's Orange and Cocoa Beans Raw Energy (bar) was from Bombus Natural Energy (Krnov, Moravskoslezky kraj, Czech Republic). The company offers a variety of health-oriented, gluten free bars created at lower temperatures (to preserve nutritional properties), and without extra sugar or preservatives.

This chocolate may have been from somewhere else in Europe, but it was bought during a stop at the Wicklow Gaol*, an historic spot in Wicklow, Ireland. 

Aroma notes for today's energy bar included: cocoa, orange and dried fruit (dates).

The texture was substantial, soft, "date-y" and chewy.

Flavor notes included: authentic cocoa/cacao, natural orange, dried fruit (date), and faint coconut.

Ingredients: Dates (67.5%), Coconut (15%), Cocoa (8%), Cocoa Beans (8%), Orange Concentrate (1.2%), Orange Oil (0.3%).

Allergen-related information: (Gluten Free and Lactose Free); "Possible allergens: nuts, sesame"

*Wicklow Gaol is an ancient Irish jail with a lot of interesting history--most of it sad (as you might have already guessed). 

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Hedh-Escalante Chocolatier - Swedish Chocolate Ball - Sept. 16, 2023

Chocolate of the Day

Hedh-Escalante Chocolatier
Swedish Chocolate Ball
Good+ - Good ++
Weight: 1.59 oz. (45 g.) in 1 ball
Calories: 215 calories (estimate) in 1 ball
Cost: $3.50 (35 Swedish Kr.) for 1 ball
Purchased from: In-flight purchase, SAS airline flight to Stockholm, Sweden 

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

Today's Swedish Chocolate Ball was from Hedh Escalante Chocolatier (Malmo, Sweden). Jan Hedth and Maria Escalante have been producing a variety of chocolate confections since 2005, including some specially made for SAS Airlines--which is where I found today's Chocolate Ball.

Aroma notes for this round confection included: chocolate (fudge-cake), butter, and very light coconut.

The texture was soft, almost cake-like chocolate interspersed with chewy coconut shreds on the outside/covering.

Flavor notes for this generously sized ball included: rich chocolate fudge cake, with slightly buttery, nutty, mocha, very faint vanilla--and coconut.

Ingredients: "OATMEAL (Gluten free), Lactose free butter (pasteurized CREAM, lactase enzyme, salt), Sugar, Dark chocolate 70% (cocoa mass, sugar, cocoa butter, emulsifier, lecithin (SOY), vanilla), Syrup, Coconut, Cocoa powder, invert sugar, Preservative (Potassium Sorbate) (E202), Coffee, Vanilla, Salt.

Allergen-related information: (Contains dairy, soy.)

Fjak Sjokolade - 72% Mork (Dark) Guatemala Alta Verapaz, Lachua (bar) - Sept. 15, 2023

Chocolate of the Day

Fjak Sjokolade
72% Mork (Dark) Guatemala - Alta Verapaz, Lachua (bar)
Good ++
Weight: .935 oz. (26.5 g.) / 1.87 oz. (53 g.) in total bar
Calories: 146 calories (estimate) in 1/2 bar
Cost: 85,00 (Norwegian Kroner) / $7.98 (USD) for 1 bar
Purchased from: Hotel Ullensvang (Hardangerfjord), Norway

Welcome to Day #7 of Scandinavian Chocolate Week.

Today's 72% Mork (Dark) Guatemala - Alta Verapaz, Lachua (bar) was from Fjak Sjokolade (Eidfjord, Norway).

The company produces the chocolates in small, single origin batches.

Aroma notes included: smooth dark chocolate (ganache) and balanced botanical (sweet green, floral, nut, seed).

The texture was rich, chocolate-y and smooth with a slight astringency toward the finish.

Flavor notes included: dark chocolate, and faint caffe latte, dried fruit (peach), and very faint green sweet nut/seed. 

This dark chocolate was relatively low in bitterness, but not in flavor. It had nice, elegantly complex and well-balanced flavor notes that extended into a pleasant finish.

Maker's Tasting Notes: "Velvety dark chocolate with apricot and a touch of light roasted coffee notes"

Ingredients: Cocoa beans, Cane Sugar & Cocoa butter

Allergen-related information: (None listed.)

 

Fjak Sjokolade - Solbaer Smuldrepai (Blackcurrant Pie) - Sept. 14, 2023

Chocolate of the Day

Fjak Sjokolade
Solbaer Smuldrepai (Blackcurrant Pie) (bar)
Good ++
Weight: .935 oz. (26.5 g.) / 1.87 oz. (~53 g.) in total bar
Calories: 155 calories in 1/2 bar
Cost: 85,00 Norwegian Kroner ($7.98 USD)
Purchased from: Gift shop in Hotel Ullensvang, Hardangerfjord, Norway

Fjak Sjokolade
45% Melk Nibs & Eikerokt Salt (45% Milk Nibs & Oak Smoked Salt) (bar)
Good + - Good ++
Weight: .935 oz. (26.5 g.) / 1.87 oz. (~53 g.) in total bar
Calories: 127 calories in 1/2 bar
Cost: 85,00 Norwegian Kroner ($7.98 USD)
Purchased from: Gift shop in Hotel Ullensvang, Hardangerfjord, Norway

Welcome to Day #6 of Scandinavian Chocolate Theme Week.

Today's White Chocolate Blackcurrant Pie and 45% Milk Nibs and Oak Smoked Chocolate bars were created by Fjak Sjokolade (Eidfjord, Norway) on the Hardangerfjord. 

The company produces small-batch, bean-to-bar chocolate. They offer a variety of bars, as well as a few confections and drinking chocolate options.

Blackcurrant Pie

Aroma and flavor notes for this pie-inspired, white chocolate bar included: oats, nuts, and bright sweet berry.

The texture was a satisfying blend of creamy (almost buttery), scarlet-hued berry (blackcurrant infused white chocolate) and crunchy oat and nut ("pie crust") bits. It was berry-sweet, but not overly so (thank you!).

This Nordic bar was well-balanced, with a natural, tart-sweetness and authentic-tasting fruit and crust elements. 

Ingredients: Cocoa butter* cane sugar*, milk powder*, blackcurrant*, gluten free oats*, gluten free almonds*, and honey.* (* Organic)

Allergen-related information: Contains milk.

45% Milk Nibs and Oak Smoked Salt

Aroma notes for this dark milk chocolate included: dark milk chocolate, subtle smoked wood, caramel, and very faint savory, nut/seed.

The texture was a blend of creamy (milk chocolate) and crunchy (cacao nibs).

Flavor notes included: sweet (45%) milk chocolate, tiny bits of crunchy cacao nibs and salt, and very faint smoked spice (salt, black pepper).

Ingredients: Cocoa beans, cane sugar*, milk powder*, cocoa butter*, cacao nibs* and oak smoked salt.

Allergen-related information: Contains milk.

Peter Beier - D75TAN - Tanzania Dark 75% (bar) - Sept. 13, 2023

Chocolate of the Day

Peter Beier
D75TAN - Tanzania Dark 75% (bar)
Good +
Weight: 1.4 oz. (40 g.) / 2.8 oz. (80 g.) in total bar
Calories: 233.6 calories in 1/2 bar
Cost: $7.12 USD (49,50 DKK) for 1 bar
Purchased from: Peter Beier (shop), Copenhagen, Denmark

Welcome to Day #5 of Scandinavian Chocolate Theme Week.

Today's D75TAN - Tanzania Dark 75% (bar) was from Peter Beier Chokolade A/S (Helsinger, Danmark). The company offered a range of chocolate confections; single origin and blend bars; and ice cream flavors in their downtown Copenhagen shop,

The cacao variety used to make today's Tanzania dark chocolate: Trinitario cacao beans.

Aroma notes included: dark chocolate, faint vanilla cookie, and subtle, sweet green (botanical, floral).

The texture was very smooth (as were other Peter Beier origin bars featured this week).

Flavor notes included: bold bittersweet dark chocolate (bitter cocoa); very faint, fleeting coconut and botanical; and red fruit.

Maker's Taste Profile (notes): "Intense cocoa, floral, ripe bananas, cherries and lily of the valley."

Ingredients: Cocoa mass, sugar, cocoa butter, emulsifier (soya lecithin), natural vanilla aroma. (77.5% cacao solids.)

Allergen-related information: (Can contain traces of milk or nuts.)

Peter Beier - D80GHA Ghana Dark 80% (bar) - Sept. 12, 2023

Chocolate of the Day

Peter Beier 
D80GHA - Ghana Dark 80% (bar)
Good - Good +
Weight: 1.4 oz. (40 g.) / 1.8 oz. (80 g.) in total bar
Calories: 145 calories in 1/2 bar
Cost: $7.12 (49,50 DKK) for 1 bar
Purchased from: Peter Beier (shop), Copenhagen, Denmark

Welcome to Day #4 of Scandinavian Chocolate Theme Week.

Today's D80GHA Ghana Dark 80% (bar) was from Peter Beier Chokolade A/S (Helsinger, Danmark). 

The cacao bean variety(ies) used to make this ultra-dark chocolate were: "West African Amelonado/Criollo/Trinitario"

Aroma notes included: mellow dark chocolate with very faint green, cookie, and butter notes.

The texture was very creamy, almost silken, and smooth.

Flavor notes included: bitter, sweet roasted chocolate and faint butter. This pronounced bitter note in today's chocolate will not be for everyone; but it was interesting to try.

Maker's Taste Profile (notes): "Intense roasted cocoa, coconut, dusty and a bitter aftertaste."

Ingredients: Cocoa mass, sugar, cocoa butter, emulsifier (soya lecithin), natural vanilla aroma. 82.6% cacao solids.

Allergen-related information: (Can contain traces of milk or nuts.)

Peter Beier - D66BRA - Brazil Dark 66% - Sept. 11, 2023

​Chocolate of the Day

Peter Beier Chokolade
D66BRA - Brazil Dark 66% (pieces)
Good - Good +
Weight: .795 - .88 oz. (22.5 - 25 g.) / (1.59-1.76 oz.) (45-50 g.) in 1 container
Calories: 138.4 calories in 1/2 container
Cost: $7.05 USD (49,00 DKK) for 1 container
Purchased from: Peter Beier (store), Copenhagen, Denmark

Welcome to Day #3 of Scandinavian Chocolate Theme Week, and to 17 rewarding years of eating a different chocolate each and every day.

Today’s D66BRA - Brazil 66% Dark Chocolate--uniquely packaged, in the form of pastille-sized, small cacao pod-shaped pieces in a metal tin--was from Peter Beier Danmark (Helsinger, Danmark).*

Aroma notes for this single origin Brazil dark chocolate included: slightly bitter/sour dark cocoa (light loamy earth, yogurt, roasted cocoa, faint wood), and faint vanilla.

The texture was smooth, almost silky, and buttery.

Flavor notes included: deep dark cocoa with balanced bitter notes (porter, stout), and sour (milk/yogurt), faint roasted wood, and very faint and diffuse fruit (citrus, tart berry, dried banana, dried sweet and sour cacao pulp).

The cacao variety used to make this 66% dark chocolate was: “Amelonado/Bahia Superior.” While many steps go into creating chocolate flavor(s), Amelonado and Forastero varieties of cacao also tend to have bolder, denser/stronger flavors. 

Company’s Taste Profile notes read as follows: “Intense bitter, cocoa, fruity, unripe banana, a smokey hint.”

Ingredients: Cocoa mass, sugar, cocoa butter, emulsifier: Soya lecithin, natural vanilla.

Allergen-related information: May contain traces of milk or nuts.

*It sounded like the tin may be taken back into a Peter Beier shop for a refill.

Peter Beier - D71.6PCSB - PB Special Blend (bar) - Sept. 10, 2023

Chocolate of the Day

Peter Beier 
D71.6PBSB - Peter Beier Special Blend - Dark 71.6% (bar)
Good ++
Weight: 1.4 oz. (40 g.) / 2.8 oz. (80 g.) in total bar
Calories: 283 calories in 1/2 bar
Cost: $7.12 USD (49,50 DKK) for 1 bar
Purchased from: Peter Beier (shop), Copenhagen, Denmark

Welcome to Day #9 of Dark Chocolate Theme Week, and Day #1 of Scandinavian Chocolate Week.

Today's D71.6PBSB - Dark 71.6% PB Special Blend was from Peter Beier Danmark (Helsinger, Danmark).

Aroma notes included: dark chocolate (ganache), faint salted butter, very faint dried fruit (fig cookie, barely detectable rye bread with butter and honey, banana, and sweet (green) tea.

The texture was buttery (almost silky) smooth.

Flavor notes included: chocolate-y (very smooth, buttery dark chocolate) with subtle variations on the aroma notes (listed above): gentle dried fruit, honey, and fig, that lingered into a very pleasant finish.

This thoughtfully executed dark blend (made with Hispaniola/Criollo cacao) had an attractive, subtle complexity with an enjoyable dark chocolate aroma and flavor profile; and it was relatively low in bitterness.

Maker's Taste Profile (notes): "Cocoa, honey, green tea and a butter flowery aftertaste."

Ingredients: Cocoa mass, sugar, cocoa butter, emulsifier (soya lecithin). 71.9% cacao solids.

Allergen-related information: (Can contain traces of milk or nuts.)

Summerbird Chokolade - Amber Organic Chocolate Miniature (Assortment) - Sept. 8, 2023

Chocolate(s) of the Day

Summerbird Chokolade
Amber Organic Chocolate Miniature (Assortment)
1.) Mint Noir - Amber Noir Chocolate, Mint, Caramel - Good - Good +
2.) Liquorice - Amber Classic Chocolate + Liquorice - Good +
3.) Fleur D' Orange Praline - Amber Classic Chocolate - Good +
4.) Vanilla - Amber Blond Chocolate, Vanilla, Caramel - Good +
Weight: 1.41 oz. (45 g.) box of 8 small filled chocolates (4 flavors x 2)
Calories: 246 calories for 1 box of 8 pieces
Cost: $ N/A - free gift with hotel stay

Today's Summerbird Chokolade (Denmark) Organic mixed chocolates were from Denmark. Note: This petite assortment was the second chocolate item of two featured today. (See the previous post for the first item: a Smooth 72% Cocoa Dark Chocolate (bar) from Endangered Species Chocolate, LLC (Indianapolis, IN).

Aroma notes varied according to the flavor, and included sweet chocolate with faint caramel notes, and notes that corresponded to each of the flavor additions: mint, liquorice, orange and vanilla/caramel, respectively.

The outer couverature chocolate layers were smooth in texture, and the inner ganache (fillings) had sweet soft caramel and/or ganache layers inside.

Flavor notes included: sweet light chocolate (slightly caramelized white chocolate) and darker sweet chocolate, plus four different flavor additions: 1.) mint extract or natural flavor, 2.) sweet liquorice, 3.) pleasant, sweet and slightly floral orange, and 4.) sweet caramel and vanilla. 

These pretty little "amber"* chocolate confections tasted like caramel-infused, milky white chocolates. Sugar was the number one ingredient (and they also contained other processed sugars/syrups). They were low in cocoa solids; but real cocoa butter was a plus. (There were no added vegetable oils.)

These confections were too sweet for me; but they may appeal to those with a sweet tooth. Given the relatively high sugar levels, the small pieces were just the right size for tasting.

Ingredients: "*sugar, *cocoa butter (23%), *invert sugar syrup, *milk powder (14%), *cocoa mass (8%), *hazelnuts, *glucose syrup, *butter, water, emulsifier (*soy lecithin), *liquorice powder, *vanilla, *lemon juice, Maldon Seasalt, *blood orange oil, Laeso Salt, *orange blossom water, *peppermint oil"

Allergen-related information: Contains milk, hazelnut, soy. (Glucose source not identified.)

*Amber chocolate is a light caramel-hued, Nordic chocolate with a milky texture and sweet, faint fruit flavor that is "not dark, milk or white chocolate."

Endangered Species - Smooth 72% Dark Chocolate (bar) - Sept. 9, 2023

Chocolate(s) of the Day

Endangered Species
Smooth 72% Dark Chocolate (bar)
Good +
Weight: 1.5 oz. (42.5 g.) / 3 oz. (85 g.) in total bar
Calories: 255 calories in 1/2 bar (170 in 1/3 bar)
Cost: N/A - gift from family (Thank you Megan!) 
Purchased from: N/A - received as a gift from family

Welcome to Day #8 of Dark Chocolate Theme Week--a week that ends with primarily U.S. made chocolates and transitions into the first day of a Chocolate and Scandinavia Theme Week. 

(Note: See the next post for a write-up on today's second chocolate, an assortment of Summerbird Chokolade Amber Chocolates from Denmark.)

Today's "Smooth" 72% Dark Chocolate (bar) was from Endangered Species Chocolate, LLC (Indianapolis, IN). 

The company has been supporting wildlife preservation work for many years. And 10% of annual net profits are donated to organizations supporting habitats for wildlife. Each Endangered Species flavor/bar includes information on an endangered species, e.g. today's wrapper included information on the plight of the chimpanzee.

Aroma notes for this dark chocolate included: smooth, sweet, roasted dark chocolate and light, warm spice (vanilla).

This well-tempered dark chocolate broke with a snap in a cool room and the texture was smooth, thick and relatively creamy.

Flavor notes included: smooth, bold, dense dark (Forastero-like cacao variety*) roasted cacao (bold drinking chocolate with faint, warm vanilla); well managed, slight bitterness; and very faint green herb (oxalis).

Maker's description: "Dark, silky and deliciously bold, this chocolate is packed full of pure cocoa flavor, free of all artificial sweeteners or additives..."

Ingredients: "Bittersweet Chocolate (Chocolate Liquor, Cane Sugar, Cocoa Butter, Soy Lecithin, Vanilla)."

Allergen-related information: "Contains Soy. Produced on Equipment That Also Processes Products Containing Milk, Peanuts and Tree Nuts."

*Forastero is the most common variety of cacao grown worldwide, and this type is associated with relatively bold, robust flavor that can be moderately bitter, acidic, deep and "dense" in flavor, depending on where its grown and how it is processed. 

Becca's Petites - Chocolat Noir Bouchees (Snack Mix) - Sept. 8, 2023

Chocolate(s) of the Day

Becca's Petites
Chocolate Noir Bouchees (Snack Mix)
Good ++
Weight: 3.5 oz. (99 g.) in total package
Calories: 460 calories in 1 package
Cost: $7.75 USD for 1 package 
Purchased from: Napa Farms Market, SFO Airport, San Francisco, CA

Welcome to Day #7 of Dark Chocolate Theme Week. 

Today's Becca's Petites "Chocolate Noir Bouchees" Snack Mix was manufactured by Gourmecca Kitchen LLC (Marin, CA). 

Note: This is the second of two dark chocolate items featured today. (See previous post for information on Equal Exchange's Organic 92% Cacao Total Eclipse Transcendently dark bar.)

The crunchy texture of these (gluten free, dairy free and vegan) small, granola-like, snack pieces--or bouchees ("mouthfuls")--was interspersed with upticks in creamy dark chocolate and slightly softer, rich nut bits.

This rich, almost crispy-crunchy mix had authentic, chocolate and very light coconut and nut flavors. It was satisfying, and slightly addictive--while only mildly triggering the "more-ish" sugar/salt snack threshold. (It was sweetened with coconut and apple juice; and very lightly seasoned with sea salt.)

Ingredients: Almonds, walnuts, dark chocolate (cane sugar, cacao beans*, cocoa butter*, sunflower lecithin, vanilla), almond butter, coconut chips, apple puree, apple juice concentrate, coconut nectar, cinnamon, pure vanilla extract, sea salt. ("No GMOs.") (* Fair Trade)

"Allergen Warning: Almond, Walnut, Coconut. Made in a facility that handles milk chocolate."

Equal Exchange - Organic Dark Chocolate 92% Cacao Total Eclipse (bar) - Sept. 8, 2023

Chocolate(s) of the Day

Equal Exchange
Organic Dark Chocolate 92% Cacao Total Eclipse (bar)
Good + - Good ++
Weight: 1.4 oz. (40 g.) / 2.8 oz. (80 g.) in total bar
Calories: 253.3 calories in 1/2 bar
Cost: $4.79 for 1 bar
Purchased from: New Leaf Community Markets, Half Moon Bay, CA 

Welcome to Day #7 of Dark Chocolate Theme Week. 

Note: The second of two dark chocolate items (Becca's Petites Chocolat Noir Bouchees) featured today can be found in a separate/next entry.

Today's Organic Dark Chocolate 92% Cacao Total Eclipse (bar) was produced in Switzerland for Equal Exchange Co-op (W. Bridgewater, MA).

This bar was described as "Transcendently dark." Chocolates with greater than 90% cacao tend to go beyond the limits of what most people have experienced. Some will enjoy the journey, and others may miss the sugar. But, there's more to the story...and it extends to how the cacao was transported from distant lands covered with temperate rainforests into a high-percentage dark chocolate, and how it reached us at all.

The organic cacao(s) used to make this ultra-dark chocolate were "grown by small farmer co-ops" in Togo*, Dominican Republic and Peru.

Aroma notes for this dark chocolate included: rich cocoa (drinking chocolate) and subtle vanilla bean.

The texture was smooth, thick and buttery (cocoa buttery).

Flavor notes included: bold, barely sweetened, smooth, ultra-dark chocolate with a balanced bitterness; subtle vanilla bean; and very faint, fleeting sweet red berry (raspberry jam). 

For those wanting less sugar and more unsweetened cacao flavor(s), this 92% dark chocolate blend is worth trying. You're also supporting many small cacao, sugar and vanilla farmer co-ops around the globe. (The organic cane sugar is from Paraguay, and the organic vanilla was from Madagascar.)

Ingredients: *Organic Chocolate Liquor, *Organic Cocoa Butter, *Organic Raw Cane Sugar, "Organic Ground Vanilla Beans." ("* Fairly Traded Ingredient By Weight 100% From Fair Trade Co-operatives.")

Allergen-related information: "May Contain Milk, Peanuts, Hazelnuts, Almonds & Coconut."

*Equal Exchange has been serving as an "alternative trader" and supporting small farmer agricultural co-ops (coffee, cacao, other) for decades. 

SCOOPS PROCAB (Kpalime, Togo) was founded in 2013, and has been an Equal Exchange partner since 2018. Along with help from Gebana Togo, SCOOPS PROCAB were the "first producers in Togo to grow and export organic cacao;" and through this process the small farmer co-op members have gained access to more markets and greater economic resources.

Scharffen Berger - 82% Cacao Extra Dark Chocolate (bar) - Sept. 7, 2023

Chocolate of the Day

Scharffen Berger 
82% Cacao Extra Dark Chocolate (bar)
Good +
Weight: 1 oz. (28.3 g.) / 3 oz. (85 g.) in total bar
Calories: 150 calories in 1/3 bar
Cost: $5.19 for 1 bar
Purchased from: The Market at Edgewood, Palo Alto, CA

Welcome to Day #6 of Dark Chocolate Theme Week.

Today's 82% Cacao Extra Dark Chocolate (bar) was from Scharffen Berger Chocolate Maker (Ashland, OR). 

Aroma notes included: relatively sweet dark chocolate (cocoa/drinking chocolate with very faint vanilla), and very faint green botanical and fruit.

The texture was smooth but with an astringency (graininess/dryness) toward (and extending well) into the finish.

Flavor notes included: relatively bold dark chocolate (in keeping with an 82% cacao dark chocolate), very faint, diffuse fruit (red berry and citrus syrup/drink), and faint bitter earth. A very subtle amount of vanilla added a sense of sweet cocoa warmth.

Ingredients: "Cacao Beans, Sugar, Vanilla Bean."

Allergen-related information: "Produced in a facility that processes tree nuts and dairy."

 

Hu Products - Simple Dark Chocolate Organic 70% Cacao (bar) + Peter Beier dark confections - Sept. 6, 2023

Chocolate(s) of the Day

Hu Products LLC

Simple Dark 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 for 1 bar
Purchased from: Grocery Outlet Bargain Market, Palo Alto, CA

Peter Beier
Dark Chocolate Caramel, Ginger and Egg Spice
Good ++
Weight: 1.2 oz. (34 g.) in 3 different, filled chocolates
Calories: 186 calories (estimate) in 3 chocolates
Cost: 33,66 Danish Krone ($4.84 USD) for 3 pieces
Purchased from: Peter Beier (shop), Copenhagen, Denmark

Welcome to Day #5 of Dark Chocolate Theme Week.

Hu Simple Dark Chocolate

Today's Simple Dark Chocolate Organic 70% Cacao (bar) was made in Italy and distributed by Hu Products LLC (Austin, TX). Hu company founders have sought to "unite Ultrasimple (tm) ingredients with unbeatable taste."

Simple and high-quality is how I like my dark chocolate. My favorite bars have only two, maybe three, ingredients: cocoa bean solids and cocoa butter, and a sweetener. 

Additional ingredients can muddle flavors or can contain too much of something that you don't really want or need. (Too much sugar or vanilla can drown out subtle cacao flavors, and added "natural flavors" don't usually improve a chocolate's taste.) So, hats off to Hu and other companies who have taken this back-to-the-basics path.

Aroma notes for this dark chocolate included: dark chocolate, faint brown/coconut sugar, and very faint fruit (red berry jelly) and nut (almond).

This relatively thick bar had a relatively hearty texture with smooth consistency and a barely there stone-ground like granularity and flavor. (Stone ground and/or less ground/processed cacao can have more intact flavors.)

Flavor notes included: rich smooth cocoa/sweet drinking chocolate with relatively low bitterness and acidity; very faint nut (almond, cashew) and fruit (diffuse, sweet red fruit).

This 70% dark chocolate was uniform and well-balanced and made with a simple list of Organic and Fairtrade ingredients. The company used no lecithin emulsifiers (thank you), no processed cane sugar (or artificial sweeteners -- thank you), and no dairy or soy. Simple pleasures.

Peter Beier (Denmark)

Note: I also enjoyed three dark chocolate confections (filled chocolates: caramel, ginger and egg spice) from a Peter Beier shop (in Copenhagen, Denmark) later this evening.

Ingredients: Organic cacao*, organic unrefined coconut sugar, organic cocoa butter* (*Certified Fairtrade ingredients)

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

Alter Eco - Truffle Thins - Classic Dark Chocolate Organics (bar) - Sept. 5, 2023

Chocolate of the Day

Alter Eco
Truffle Thins Classic Organic Dark Chocolate (bar)
Good ++
Weight: 1.48 oz. (42 g.) / 2.96 oz. (84 g.) in total bar
Calories: 255 calories in 1/2 bar
Cost: $4.99 for 1 bar
Purchased from: New Leaf Community Markets, Half Moon Bay, CA 

Welcome to Day #4 of Dark Chocolate Theme Week.

Today's Organic Alter Eco Truffle Thins - Classic Dark Chocolate Organics (bar) was made in Switzerland and distributed by Alter Eco Foods (San Francisco, CA). 

The company describes themselves having some of the cleanest, greenest (certified Organic) chocolate bars and confections available. E.g., they actively support regenerative agricultural methods** where cacao is grown. 

Aroma notes included: smooth dark chocolate (chocolate ganache, mousse) with faint citrus (lemon) + green herb (oxalis); faint brown sugar; vanilla; and barely detectable botanical (very light, woody-nutty plant stalk/husk).

There are dark chocolate bars and dark chocolate filled confections. Today's 60% filled chocolate bar was both...organic dark chocolate filled with ganache..."part truffle, part chocolate bar."

The dual construction of this bar--dark chocolate bar filled with a softer, creamy chocolate ganache inside--resulted in a smooth, almost buttery melt and mouthfeel, with subtle textural depth.

Flavor notes included: smooth, creamy and sweet dark chocolate (dark chocolate mousse, ganache, torte) with fleeting fruit (berry jam) and lemon herb (oxalis), and faint vanilla.

This certified organic and gluten free, rich filled chocolate tasted like sweet, creamy cool chocolate ice cream or warm, thick, drinking chocolate. Yes, it was sweet (which I sometimes don't care for); but it was also quite tasty and a little addictive.

Ingredients: Organic dark chocolate (*organic cacao beans, *organic raw cane sugar, *organic cocoa butter, *organic vanilla beans), chocolate creme filling (organic coconut oil, *organic raw cane sugar, *organic cacao beans, *organic cocoa butter, organic whole milk, natural flavor, *organic vanilla beans).

Allergen-related information: "Contains milk and coconut. May contain hazelnuts, almonds, and soy. Individuals who are allergic to these should not consume this product."

*Fair for Life Fair Trade certified. Contains 86% Fair Trade ingredients. (Cacao: 60% minimum.)

**Regenerative farming for cacao involves planting a diverse mix of trees around the (often smaller) cacao trees to "mimic an abundant forest ecosystem." These methods can allow the planting of more trees per acre, increase carbon absorption and biodiversity (habitat), soil fertility, drought resistance and can provide shade for the cacao trees and the farmers.

Taza Chocolate - 70% Dark Chocolate "Deliciously Dark" (bar) - Sept. 4, 2023

Chocolate of the Day

Taza Chocolate 
70% Dark Chocolate "Deliciously Dark" (bar)
Good ++
Weight: 1.25 oz. (35 g.) / 2.5 oz. (70 g.) in total bar
Calories: 190 calories in 1/2 bar
Cost: $1.99 for 1 bar
Purchased from: Grocery Outlet Bargain Market, Palo Alto, CA

Welcome to Day #3 of Dark Chocolate Week.

Today's 70% Dark Chocolate "Deliciously Dark" (bar) was made from bean-to-bar by Taza Chocolate (Somerville, MA). 

The company offers a variety of bars, drinking chocolates and confections. Several years ago, I sampled another "plain" 70% dark chocolate. However, this had a slightly different title, and likely was made with a different cacao blend (different cacao growing regions, farms) and different harvest years.

Aroma notes for this vegan and dairy-free bar included: dark chocolate (deep, rich chocolate cookie/warm drinking chocolate); sweet green floral/botanical; subtle, balanced earth; and dried fruit (plum, banana).

Taza Chocolate is known for its slightly rougher texture. Their description notes that this chocolate "isn't silky smooth--on purpose." This 70% dark bar had a stone-ground, slightly granular texture--that wasn't objectionable to me because the company delivered (once again) on their promise of chocolate with texture and "bright, bold flavor that is...unique...never boring and always satisfying." 

Shorter cacao bean grind/processing times can mean a rougher texture; but you also get a more flavorful chocolate. And if makers purchase/start with high-quality cacao, why wouldn't they want to preserve great flavors--not to mention more of the nutrients, like polyphenol/flavonols and trace B and C vitamins?

If you prefer silky, buttery texture over flavor, there are plenty of good options out there. But, either way, if you're a dark chocolate fan, I recommend giving Taza Chocolate dark chocolate a try. (The company has also focused on cacao sourcing practices and partnering with farmers in cacao growing countries since their inception.)

Flavor notes for this 70% "Deliciously Dark" bar included: hearty, authentic cacao flavor with deep, dark chocolate and mild, well-balanced earth notes and very subtle green floral and fruit notes similar to the aroma notes (listed above). It also was relatively sweet for a 70% dark chocolate -- perhaps due to some of these naturally sweet-tasting flavor notes and being able to "taste" the rougher grains of sugar more. I'm not sure.

I enjoy well-executed, complex dark chocolates, where you can taste the variety(ies) of cacao that were used. Today's chocolate had cacao flavor notes I associated with bold Forastero (deep, dark cocoa)--with a little Trinitario (fruit) and possibly Arriba or Nacional (green, floral) cacao varieties blended in for good measure.)

Ingredients: Organic Cacao Beans, Organic Cane Sugar, Organic Cocoa Butter. 

Allergen-related information: "May Contain Traces of Tree Nuts and Sesame Seeds."

Miss Jones Baking Co. - Keto Double Chocolate Fudge Ready-to-Bake Cookies - Sept. 3, 2023

Chocolate of the Day

Miss Jones Baking Co.
Keto Double Chocolate Fudge Ready-to-Bake Cookies
Good + - Good ++
Weight: .99 oz. (28 g.) / 11.84 oz. (336 g.) in 1 package of 12 cookies
Calories: 110 calories in 1 cookie
Cost: $3.99 for 1 package of 12
Purchased from: Grocery Outlet Bargain Market, Palo Alto, CA 

Welcome to Day #2 of Dark Chocolate Theme Week.

Today's Keto Double Chocolate Fudge Ready-to-Bake Cookies were from Miss Jones Baking Co. (San Francisco, CA), and distributed by The Purple Mixer, Inc. (Corte Madera, CA).

Aroma notes for these grain-free chocolate cookies included: chocolate (brownie) and faint nut (almond) and vanilla. The fact that these cookies emerged freshly baked from the oven enhanced the aroma quite a bit. Nothing like the smell of freshly baked cookies. 

Texture for these chewy-crunchy cookies varied slightly depending on how/how long they were cooked. They got crunchier when I let them cool down a bit.

Flavor notes included: chocolate-y, nutty, brownie cookie, very faint vanilla, and a very slight non-sugar sweetener (erythritol) note. (I'm not a fan of erythritol; at least the taste wasn't too strong.)

It can be tough to make a truly wonderful gluten-free cookie. It's great to see more Keto-friendly and lower sugar options out there for gluten-free cookies--that are tasty and not too crumbly. I look forward to tasting the other gluten-free cookie offerings from Miss Jones.

Ingredients: "Almond Flour, Erythritol, Butter, Chocolate Chips (Unsweetened Chocolate, Cane Sugar, Cocoa Butter), Water, Cocoa Powder, Tapioca Fiber, Tapioca Starch, Salt, Natural Flavor, Baking Soda, Monk Fruit Extract."

Allergen-related information: Contains almonds, milk. May contain: peanuts, eggs, soy.  

Chocolate Naive - "Molecules" - Bioactive 75% Dark Chocolate (bar) - Sept. 2, 2023

Chocolate of the Day

Chocolate Naive 
"Molecules" - Bioactive 75% Chocolate (bar) 
Good +
Weight: .5 oz. (14.1 g.) / 2 oz. (57 g.) in total bar
Calories: 85.36 calories in 1/4 bar 
Cost: Missing information (Currently available at Bar & Cocoa for $15 USD)
Purchased from: Missing information

Welcome to Day #8 of Chocolate and Lithuania Theme Week, and Day #1 of Dark Chocolate Theme Week.

Today's "Molecules" (tm) Bioactive 75% Dark Chocolate (bar) was created by chocolatier Domantus Uzpalis and team at Chocolate Naive (Vilnius, Lithuania). 

Aroma notes include: chocolate (dark milk* chocolate ganache) faint tart fruit (fruit vinegar), faint minerality, very faint (barely detectable) spice (black/white peppercorn).

Flavor notes included: smooth, relatively mild (for 75%) dark chocolate and an uptick in sweetness that had a slight menthol/cool edge (erythritol).** I am not a huge fan of erythritol, but I understand the desire to find a sugar substitute. Thankfully, this chocolate was not overly sweetened with this sugar replacement.**

In fairness to Chocolate Naive, this bar was expired by the time I tasted it. There were no off flavors. But, freshly made chocolate yields the most vibrant, authentic taste experience, with subtle aroma and texture qualities most intact.

Speaking of technical characteristics...It was interesting that research into naturally occurring active components of cacao--and how to best preserve certain cacao components--inspired this Chocolate Naive "Molecules" (tm) chocolate.

I would love to hear more on this subject. Cacao contains chemicals/compounds that are stimulants (theobromine and small amounts of caffeine), polyphenolic antioxidants (flavonoids), as well as "feel good" chemicals (e.g. anandamide), and satisfying mineral content (magnesium, iron, copper, zinc, etc.). Preserving, even optimizing, beneficial compounds would interest those trying to maximize good health.

Ingredients: "Molecules (TM) cacao, erytriol*, pure cacao butter*, zinc.  (*organic)"

Allergen-related information: "May contain traces of milk, barley or nuts."

*Note: these are my tasting notes/observations. There are no milk ingredients listed for this chocolate; although it does say it may contain traces of milk.

** Artificial/synthetic sweeteners like Erythritol can cause an upset stomach in some people. It also alters the taste of chocolate(s).

Taitau - No Sugar Added 46% Milk Chocolate (bar) - Sept. 1, 2023

Chocolate of the Day

Taitau (Tai Tau)
No Sugar Added 46% Milk Chocolate (bar)
Good 
Weight: .706 oz. (20 g.) / 3.5 oz. (100 g.) in total bar
Calories: 100 in 1 serving (3 squares)
Cost: $3.39 for 1 bar
Purchased from: Crossroads Specialty Market, Palo Alto, CA

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

Today's No Sugar 46% Milk Chocolate (bar) from Taitau (Tai Tau) Exclusive Selection (Lietuva, Lithuania) was imported into the U.S. by B&I Overseas Trading Inc. (Van Nuys, CA).

This bar was made using "premium quality Granada cocoa beans." 

Aroma notes for this bar included: dark chocolate, subtle vanilla, very faint light spice (cinnamon), and even fainter spice-wood.  

The texture was uniformly smooth and creamy, almost buttery.

Flavor notes were similar to the aroma notes, and included: balanced, dark milk chocolate (cocoa, ganache), subtle vanilla, followed by a sizable uptick in erythritol (slight menthol sensation, overly sweet).

I'd hoped this might be a milk chocolate bar without any sweeteners, i.e. where only the natural sugars in the milk supply the sweetness. (I love the few chocolates that offer this experience.) This chocolate may be a welcome offering for those who can't have sugar; but the taste of erythritol (alternative sweetener) was too strong for me to enjoy.

Ingredients: "Cocoa butter, sweetener - erythritol, skimmed milk powder, cocoa mass, emulsifier - rapeseed (canola) lecithin, flavouring vanillin. Contains naturally occurring sugars. Contains at least 46% of cocoa solids, and 22% of dry milk solids."

Allergen-related information: "Contains milk." "This product may contain traces of hazelnuts and wheat gluten." "Excessive consumption may cause laxative effects."