Dude, Sweet Chocolate - Loco for Coco Chocolate Bar - Mar. 30, 2024

Chocolate of the Day

Dude, Sweet Chocolate
Loco for Coco Chocolate Bar
Good ++
Weight: .775 oz. (22 g.) / 1.55 oz. (44 g.) in total bar
Calories: 120 calories (estimate) in 1/2 bar 
Cost: $7.00 for 1 bar
Purchased from: Dude, Sweet Chocolate, online order

Welcome to Day #5 of Chocolate, Flowers and Honey Theme Week.

Today's "Loco for Coco" Chocolate Bar ("toasted coconut, honey crystal made where there are nuts") offering was from Dude, Sweet Chocolate (Dallas, TX).

Aroma notes included: roasted cacao (dark chocolate) with nutty, subtle honey-floral and very faint vanilla notes. 

Texture: This relatively thick bar had a hearty, almost stone-ground yet smooth, rich chocolate texture and mouthfeel, with a generous helping of tiny crunchy flecks.

Flavor notes included: hearty dark chocolate, with alluring, complex flavor inclusions. The light-colored flecks yielded flickers of buttery, coconut, honey, and barely detectable sea salt sparkles. 

I enjoy and appreciate well-executed layered and/or progressively unfolding flavor notes; and almost always find this approach more enjoyable than fully blended (or overly homogenized) flavors. 

If you prefer nutty peanut butter vs. smooth peanut butter; layered cakes or parfaits; complex flavor pairings; or the occasional chocolate with intact cacao nibs, you might like this flavorful bar.

Ingredients: Republica del cacao 68% Nutty chocolate (cacao beans, cane sugar, cocoa butter, vanilla beans), coconut, honey, sea salt.

Allergen-related information: None listed on package. 

Gnosis Chocolate - "Immunity" chocolate heart + Persian Love Cake - March 29, 2024

Chocolate of the Day

Gnosis Chocolate 
"Immunity" chocolate heart 
Good ++
Weight: .5 oz. (14.1 g.) (estimate) in total piece/heart
Calories: 77 calories (estimate) in 1 piece
Cost: N/A - included with larger shipment
Purchased from: Gnosis Chocolate, online order

Welcome to Day #4 of Chocolate, Flowers and Honey.

Today's "Immunity" (solid chocolate) heart was from Gnosis Chocolate (Astoria, NY).

Aroma notes included: chocolate, warm spice, and very faint herbs and mushroom.

This heart-shaped (individually-wrapped) chocolate had a pleasing aroma, flavor and texture/melt.

Flavor notes included: chocolate, warm spices (cinnamon, ginger, clove), and very faint herbs and mushroom. The warm spices extended into the finish.

Persian Love Cake
I paired this chocolate with a slice of gluten free, Persian Love Cake--made with almond flour, warm spices (cinnamon, cardamom) and rose water, and beautifully adorned with rose petals and chopped, green pistachio nuts.

Jcoco - 61% Orange Blossom Espresso in Peruvian dark chocolate - Mar. 28, 2024

Chocolate of the Day

Jcoco
61% Orange Blossom Espresso in Peruvian dark chocolate 
Good ++
Weight: 1 oz. (28 g.) in total bar
Calories: 155 calories (estimate) in 1 small bar
Cost: $3.49 (estimate) for 1 small bar
Purchased from: jcoco/Seattle Chocolate, online order 

Welcome to Day #3 of a Chocolate and Floral Series, including bars and confections with floral/flower-related ingredients.

Today's jcoco 61% Orange Blossom Espresso in Peruvian dark chocolate (bar) was made in Seattle, WA. (The jcoco brand is part of Seattle Chocolate Company, Seattle, WA.)

Aroma notes included: chocolate, orange blossom and ground coffee.

Texture: smooth chocolate with a very slight coffee grit.

Flavor notes included: relatively sweet, smooth dark chocolate (ganache); floral (orange blossom), warm spice, and coffee. 

This small bar was colorfully wrapped and is also available in a 3-bar pack.

Ingredients: 61% cacao dark chocolate (cracked cacao beans, cane sugar, cocoa butter, sunflower lecithin), coconut oil, decaffeinated espresso, orange oil, black tea powder, cloves, sea salt."

Allergen-related information: "Contains coconut. This product is manufactured in a plant that processes milk, soy, peanuts, tree nuts, egg and wheat products." (Vegan, Gluten free, Kosher dairy)

Dude, Sweet Chocolate - Flower Child Truffles - March 27, 2024

Chocolate of The Day

Dude, Sweet Chocolate
Flower Child Truffles
Good ++ - Good +++
Weight: .6 oz. (17 g.) / 3.6 oz. (103 g.) in total cylinder
Calories: 93 calories (estimate) for 1 truffle
Cost: $12.00 for 1 container of 6 truffles
Purchased from: Dude, Sweet Chocolate (online order)

Welcome to Day #1 of Floral Chocolate Series.

Today's Flower Child Truffles were from Dude, Sweet Chocolate (Dallas, TX). I love Chef Katherine Clapner's exploration of flavors -- from roasty and nutty to floral, and everything in between--with product names like "Crack in a Box" (chocolate bark squares) that will make you smile, because their descriptions are funny, and mostly true.

Aroma for these Flower Child truffles included: orange blossom, chocolate (brownie), jasmine, bergamot and very faint vanilla.

Tasting notes included: dark chocolate, and a floral explosion of orange blossoms (neroli), jasmine blossoms (think jasmine infused tea), and bergamot (think Earl Grey Tea) -- everywhere, all at once.

If you like floral flavors like I do, you'll appreciate this dose of floral gunpowder (embedded in a high-end chocolate) experience. 

Floral flavors (often more volatile and easily lost during processing) are often shunted to the back room, to be seen (read about) but not heard (or tasted). Not so today! 

Suggested wine and cheese pairings from the maker: "...Sauvignon Blanc, goat cheese and great brie (cheese)"

Ingredients: (Made with 55% Equatoriale chocolate from Valrhona, French butter and cane syrup...) and floral flavorings.

Allergen-related information: Contains dairy (butter).

Pacific Resources International - Ginger Dark Chocolate Patties Manuka Honey - Mar. 26, 2024

Chocolate of the Day

Pacific Resources International

Ginger - Dark Chocolate Patties Manuka Honey 

Good + - Good ++

Weight: 1.16 oz. (33 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 #7 of Chocolate and New Zealand Theme Week; and Day #1 of Chocolate, Flowers and Honey Week.

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

Aroma notes for these chocolates included: ultra-dark chocolate, honey, and very faint pollen, floral and warm spice.

The 99% cacao dark chocolate shell was thin and almost crunchy in a cool room. (Well-tempered chocolate breaks with a snap.) This outer, ebony-colored coating delivered satisfying ultra-dark flavor--and was thin enough to still showcase the generous, sticky-smooth and creamy, manuka honey center. 

Layered flavor notes included: ultra-dark chocolate; thick, authentic honey (with floral, pollen), and subtle, warm ginger.

What I liked. These chocolate patties had: 1.) a short list of (three) ingredients; 2.) a 99% ultra-dark chocolate coating that was refreshingly un-sugared and satisfying; a treat for dark fans; 3.) New Zealand Manuka Honey with an MGO rating* (MGO 60+); 4.) thoughtful layered flavors; and 5.) gluten free and dairy free ingredients.

Ingredients: "Manuka/Honey, 99% cocoa dark chocolate, ground ginger"

Allergen-related information: None listed. (gluten free, dairy free, Kosher Certified)

*"MGO" refers to the level of methylglyoxal (MGO), a naturally occurring compound found in manuka honey. A higher level (rating number) is often associated with stronger antibacterial, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory properties. An MGO rating of "60" means that the honey has at least 60 mg. of methylglyoxal per kilogram.

Today's rating of 60 is above what you might find in some honey's, but it's not at the upper echelon of manuka honey offerings from this company/distributor. They also sell jars of New Zealand manuka honey with MGO 200+-500 ratings. 

Whittaker's - Nelson Pear and Manuka Honey in Milk Chocolate 33% - Mar. 25, 2024

Chocolate of the Day

Whittaker's
Nelson Pear and Manuka Honey in Milk Chocolate 33%
Good ++
Weight: .37 oz. (10.5 g.) in 1 bar
Calories: 57.5 calories (estimate) in 1 square
Cost: $N/A - gift
Purchased from: N/A - gift (Thank you Penny!)

Welcome to Day #6 of Chocolate and New Zealand Week.

Today's Nelson Pear and Manuka Honey in 33% Milk Chocolate bar was from Whittaker and Sons LTD (Porirua, New Zealand). 

This chocolate was part of NZ Artisan Collection--highlighting ingredients from different regions of New Zealand. The Nelson region is known for sunny beaches, locally grown produce, local seafood, and Manuka Honey.

Aroma notes included: milk chocolate, sweet vanilla and fruit (pear).

Texture: creamy milk chocolate and very small chewy fruit bits.

Flavor notes included: milk chocolate, sweet vanilla and honeyed pear.

Ingredients: Milk Chocolate [Sugar, Cocoa Solids 33%* (Pure Cocoa Butter & Cocoa Mass), NZ Milk Powder 30%*, Emulsifier (Soy Lecithin), Vanilla Flavour, Natural Flavour], Pear & Honey Pieces 10% [Pear Puree 33%, Concentrated Apple Puree, Invert Sugar, Sugar, Humectant (Glycerol), Manuka Honey 2.5%, Wheat Fibre, Gelling Agent (Pectin), Flavour, Acidity Regulator (Citric Acid)] *Minimum Percentage.

Allergen-related information: Contains Milk, Soy, Wheat. "May be present: Peanuts, Tree Nuts."

Whittaker's - Sea Salt And Caramel Brittle in 33% Milk Chocolate - March 24, 2024

Chocolate of the Day

Whittaker's 
Marlborough Sea Salt and Caramel Brittle In Milk Chocolate 
Good + - Good ++
Weight: .37 oz. (10.5 g.) in 1 bar
Calories: 57.5 calories (estimate) in 1 square
Cost: $ N/A - gift
Purchased from: N/A - gift (Thank you Penny!)

Welcome to Day #5 of Chocolate and New Zealand Series.

Today's Marlborough Sea Salt and Caramel Brittle in 33% Milk Chocolate square was from Whittaker and Sons LTD (Porirua, New Zealand).

This chocolate was part of the NZ Artisan Collection that highlighted flavor inclusions from different parts of New Zealand. Marlborough (on the northern end of the South Island, and one of 16 different regions/districts in New Zealand) produces wine grapes, sea salt, dairy, honey, and other products.

Aroma flavor notes included: sweet chocolate, vanilla and caramel.

Texture: smooth, creamy milk chocolate with crunchy micro bits of brittle.

Flavor notes included: rich, sweet 33% milk chocolate with vanilla; tiny bursts of crispy, toffee-like, brittle; and a subtle hint of sea salt.

Ingredients: Milk Chocolate [Sugar, Cocoa Solids 33%* (Pure Cocoa Butter & Cocoa Mass), NZ Milk Powder 30%*, Emulsifier (Soy Lecithin), Vanilla Flavour], Salted Caramel Pieces 10% [Sugar, Glucose, Salt, Clarified Butter (From Milk), Water, Emulsifier (Soy Lecithin), Natural Flavour, Natural Color (150A)]. *Minimum Percentage.

Allergen-related information: Contains milk, soy. May Be Present: Peanuts, Tree Nuts, Gluten.

Whittaker's - Sea Salt and Caramel Brittle with Saffron in Dark Chocolate - March 23, 2024

Chocolate of the Day

Whittaker's
Marlborough Sea Salt and Caramel Brittle with Saffron in Dark Chocolate
Good ++
Weight: .37 oz. (10.5 g.) in 1 bar
Calories: 57.5 calories (estimate) in 1 square
Cost: $N/A - gift
Purchased from: N/A - gift (Thank you Penny!)

Welcome to Day #4 of Chocolate and New Zealand Series.

Today's Marlborough 62% Dark Chocolate bar was from Whittaker and Sons LTD (Porirua, New Zealand).

Aroma flavor notes included: chocolate (ganache), caramel/toffee, and faint floral spice (vanilla, very faint saffron/botanical/marigold), and barely detectable earth.

Flavor notes included: creamy, sweet dark chocolate filled with tiny, crunchy, sugar-sparkly bits of caramel/toffee. There was also a faint chorus of floral (vanilla), backed up by a few barely detectable upticks of: sweet citrus (orange), sea salt, balanced earth and buttery floral spice (which I'm assuming was saffron) in the finish. 

I enjoyed the well-executed complexity of aromas and flavors that harmonized well together.

Ingredients: Dark Chocolate [Cocoa Solids 62%* (Cocoa Mass & Pure Cocoa Butter), Sugar, Emulsifier (Soy Lecithin), Vanilla Flavour]; Saffron Salted Caramel Pieces 12% [Sugar, Glucose, Saffron Infused Salt, Clarified Butter (From Milk), Water, Natural Colour (160A), Emulsifier (Soy Lecithin), Flavour]. (*Minimum Percentage.)

Allergen-related information: Contains milk, soy. "May Be Present: Peanuts, Tree Nuts, Gluten." 

Whittaker's - Wellington Roasted Supreme Coffee - Mar. 22, 2024

Chocolate of the Day

Whittaker's
Roasted Supreme Coffee in Dark Chocolate
Good +
Weight: .37 oz. (10.5 g.) in 1 bar
Calories: 57.5 calories (estimate) in 1 individually-wrapped square
Cost: $N/A gift
Purchased from: N/A - gift (Thank you Penny!)

Welcome to Day #3 of Chocolate and New Zealand Series.

Today's individually-wrapped square: Roasted Supreme Coffee in 50% Dark Chocolate was from Whittaker and Sons LTD (Porirua, New Zealand).

This dark chocolate was part of the company's New Zealand Artisan Collection, making good use of local ingredients. Today's flavor included roasted coffee from Wellington.

Aroma flavor notes included: sweet dark chocolate, coffee and very faint vanilla.

Texture: smooth texture and melt melt. (No detectable coffee grounds.)

Flavor notes included: smooth dark chocolate, coffee, and baked goods (chocolate and vanilla cake).

Ingredients: Dark Chocolate [Cocoa Solids 50%* (Cocoa Mass & Pure Cocoa Butter), Sugar, Emulsifier (Soy Lecithin), Vanilla Flavour]; Supreme Coffee 8%; Pure Cocoa Butter. *Minimum Percentage.

Allergen-related information: "May Be Present: Milk, Peanuts, Tree Nuts, Gluten." 

Whittaker's - Hawke's Bay Plum and Roasted Almonds in Dark Chocolate - March 21, 2024

Chocolate of the Day

Whittaker's
Hawke's Bay Plum and Roasted Almonds in Dark Chocolate
Good ++
Weight: .37 oz. (10.5 g.) in 1 bar
Calories: 57.5 calories (estimate) in 1 individually-wrapped square 
Cost: $N/A gift 
Purchased from: N/A - gift (Thank you Penny!)

Welcome to Day #2 of Chocolate and New Zealand Series.

Today's individually-wrapped square: Hawke's Bay Black Doris Plum and Roasted Almonds In 50% Dark Chocolate was from Whittaker and Sons LTD (Porirua, New Zealand).

This dark chocolate--part of the company's NZ Artisan Collection--was made with Black Doris Plum(s) from Hawke's Bay* (one of 16 regions of New Zealand, located on country's North Island), and roasted almonds.

Aroma flavor notes included: sweet dark chocolate (dark ganache; chocolate and vanilla cake); fruit (red grape, ripe plum); and vanilla flavoring.

Texture: smooth dark chocolate with flecks of crunchy roasted almond and barely detectable fruit particles (easier to identify by flavor than by texture).

Flavor notes included: dark chocolate (with a touch of vanilla) with uniformly dispersed sweet refreshing red fruit (red grape, sweet plum and berry jam) and tiny hits of roasted nut (almond flecks).

Ingredients: Dark Chocolate [Cocoa Solids 50%* (Cocoa Mass & Pure Cocoa Butter), Sugar, Emulsifier (Soy Lecithin), Natural Flavour, Vanilla Flavour]; Roasted Almonds 5%; Freeze Dried Plum Pieces 1.5%. *Minimum Percentage.

Allergen-related information:  Contains: Almonds, Soy. "May Be Present: Milk, Peanuts, Other Tree Nuts, Gluten."

*Hawke's Bay is known for apples, stone fruits (including peaches, plums, apricots and nectarines), wine grapes--and almonds. This region is sometimes referred to as "The Fruit Bowl of New Zealand".

Hogarth Chocolate Makers - Gianduia Dark Hazelnut (bar) - Mar. 20, 2024

Chocolate of the Day

Hogarth Chocolate Makers
Gianduia Dark Hazelnut (bar)
Good ++
Weight: 1.23 oz. (35 g.) / 2.47 oz. (70 g.) in total bar
Calories: 206.62 calories in 1/2 bar
Cost: $11.50 for 1 bar
Purchased from: Bar and Cocoa, online order

Welcome to Day #12 of Chocolate and Hazelnuts Theme Week, and Day #1 of Chocolate and New Zealand Series.

Today's Gianduia Dark Hazelnut 45% Cacao (bar)--made with New Zealand hazelnuts--was from Hogarth Chocolate Makers (Nelson, New Zealand). 

Founded by Karl (a former fisherman and sailor) and Marina Hogarth, the eponymous small-batch, bean-to-bar company offers a wide range of bean-to-bar chocolate bars with interesting and thoughtful flavor inclusions, and some single origin bars.

This "Kiwi style Gianduia" chocolate was made with toasted and ground New Zealand hazelnuts.

Aroma notes included: mild dark milk* chocolate with peach green tea and very faint nut and butter.

Texture: soft, smooth and relatively creamy/buttery. 

Flavor notes: lightly roasted, fragrant dark chocolate with green tea, stone fruit (peach, very faint sweet red berry jam), nut butter, very faint green tea and dairy milk.* 

The ground hazelnuts (30% of bar) had become one with the chocolate, creating an almost seamless fusion between relatively mild and nuanced cacao (think Criollo variety) and hazelnut chocolate (gianduia) flavors. The 45% cacao chocolate was also low in bitterness and acidity.

Ingredients: Cocoa Solids 45% (Cocoa Beans, Cocoa Butter**), Cane Sugar*, Hazelnuts (30%).

Allergen-related information: Contains Nuts. May Contain Traces of Milk. 

*Aroma or flavor notes do not necessarily track with actual ingredients. For example in this case, there are no milk ingredients, but there were like dairy-like/buttermilk-like notes.

Dude, Sweet Chocolate - "Crack in a Box" Chocolate Bark - Mar. 19, 2024

Chocolate of the Day

Dude, Sweet Chocolate
Crack in a Box Chocolate Bark
Good ++ - Good +++
Weight: 2.75 oz. (78 g.) / 5.5 oz. (156 g.) in total box
Calories: 426 calories (estimate) in 1/2 box/serving
Cost: $14.75 for 1 box
Purchased from: Dude, Sweet Chocolate (online order)

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

Today's Crack in a Box Chocolate Bark was from Dude, Sweet Chocolate (Dallas, TX). Thank you to Chef Katherine Clapner for producing so many delicious and fun chocolates to try.*

Aroma notes included: dark chocolate and roasted nuts (hazelnuts) and seeds. (There were no seeds, except for the cacao seeds (cocoa mass and nibs), aka cocoa beans.**

A neat stack of bark-squares fit nicely inside a simple, small box. But this offering had big texture and taste experience. Roasty, toasty hearty crunchy texture and rich yet smooth dark chocolate flavor.

The well-executed treatment of the candied, salted nuts (and the addition of Valrhona cocoa nibs) created texture and flavor depth. Roasted hazelnuts were joined by almonds and macadamia nuts. And a touch of vanilla and sea salt rounded out these square slabs very nicely.

Warning: addictive

Ingredients: Republica 70% guittard 72% (cocoa mass from Peru and Ecuador, sugar, cocoa butter, natural vanilla), candied nuts (hazelnuts, almonds, macadamia nuts, powdered sugar, egg whites, sea salt), Valrhona cocoa nibs.

Allergen-related information: "Contains: Eggs, Tree Nuts (Hazelnut, Almond, Macadamia)."

*Chocolate salami anyone? (It does look like a salami, but it's all chocolate.)

**Yep, that's right. We keep calling cacao seeds..."beans". Just like we call some foods "nuts" when they're really drupes (macadamia nuts), legumes (peanuts), seeds (pistachio nuts), or something else. You'll be happy to know that the hazelnuts that have appeared in all the chocolates this past week are considered true nuts. 

We call coffee seeds (coffee cherry pits) "beans" too, because they sort of look like beans. By that logic, I could come up with lots of creative names for items (and animals/people)--if I wasn't already busy hunting for new chocolates, and becoming fully theobromine-ated 365 days a year.

Dude, Sweet Chocolate - Praline Chocolate Bar crunchy hazelnut caramel - March 18, 2027

Chocolate of the Day 

Dude, Sweet Chocolate
Praline Chocolate Bar crunchy hazelnut caramel
Good ++
Weight: .78 oz. (22 g.) / 1.55 oz. (44 g.) in total bar
Calories: 121 calories (estimate) in 1/2 bar
Cost: $7.00 for 1 bar
Purchased from: Dude, Sweet Chocolate, online order

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

Today's Praline Chocolate Bar crunchy hazelnut caramel was created by Dude, Sweet Chocolate (Dallas, TX).

Prominent aroma notes included: bold, dark, roasted (not quite smoky, almost coffee) cacao and toasted nuts.

Texture: This relatively thick dark bar had layered textures: smooth, bold dark chocolate and an embedded riot of crunchy toffee-like sugar and hazelnut bits.

Flavor notes included: bold, roasty dark chocolate (tasted more like 70%-72% than 62% cacao) with a uniform field of sugared hazelnut sparkly bits.

I loved the bolder dark chocolate flavors and the well-executed layered textures. Not too sweet (thank you!) and not too bitter either (at least for my taste). Not too moreish.* (One ounce (28 g.) was hearty and very satisfying.) This praline dark bar scored well into the Goldilocks zone for this dark fan.

Ingredients: Republica 62% chocolate (sugar, cocoa butter, whole milk powder, cocoa liquor from Peru, natural vanilla extract).

Allergen-related information: Tree Nuts, (Hazelnut); dairy. (According to chief chocolatier Katherine: the milk powder in the ingredients list (above) is a small amount used in the caramelization process. I could not taste the milk myself.)

*Moreish is an informal adjective used to describe foods (typically with a certain balance of sugar, fat and salt) that may trigger the desire to to eat more and more of something; even if it's not the best thing you ever have tasted. (I'm looking at you potato chips, certain ice creams, and some salted milk chocolates.) 

Beekman 1802 - Roasted Hazelnut chocolates - Mar. 17, 2024

Chocolate of the Day

Beekman 1802
"Goat Poop" Roasted Hazelnuts chocolate
Good +
Weight: 1.6 oz. (45 g.) / 16 oz. (454 g.) in total container
Calories: 230 calories in 1 serving 
Cost: $28.00 for 1 container with assorted flavors
Purchased from: Beekman 1802 site, online order

Welcome to Day #9 of Chocolate and Hazelnuts.

Today's Belgian chocolate covered Roasted Hazelnuts chocolates (part of a Goat Poop assortment of chocolate covered rounds/ovals) were from Beekman 1802 (tm) (Sharon Springs, NY).

Where did the goat poop name come from? (Short answer: There are goats on Beekman 1802 Farm. The company also sells a variety of goat milk skin care products.)

Aroma notes included: sweet milk chocolate, faint caramel and nut. (Note: these hazelnut pieces were packed in with other dark and milk chocolate covered rounds, so all the sweet smells were co-mingling.

Flavor notes included: smooth creamy, sweet milk chocolate and crunchy whole hazelnuts.

Ingredients: Chocolate (Sugar, Cocoa Butter, Belgian Unsweetened Chocolate, Whole Milk Powder, Skim Milk Powder, Butterfat, Soya Lecithin, Vanilla Extract), Roasted Hazelnuts.

Allergen-related information: Contains: Milk, Soy, Wheat, Tree Nuts (Almonds, Hazelnuts), Tartrazine. May Contain: Sulphites, Eggs, Peanuts.

 

Zotter - Hazelnut Kiss (bar) - Mar. 16, 2024

Chocolate of the Day

Zotter
Zotter Classic - Hazelnut Kiss (bar)
Good ++
Weight: 1.23 oz. (35 g.) / 2.47 oz. (70 g.) in total bar
Calories: 200 calories in 1/2 bar
Cost: $8.99 for 1 bar 
Purchased from: zotterusa, online order

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

Today's Zotter Classic Hazelnut Kiss bar was made by Zotter in Austria and distributed by Zotter Chocolates US, LLC (Fort Myers, FL).

Aroma notes included: rich roasted nut butter and subtle dark or dark milk chocolate.

This bar had a very appealing smooth, creamy melt and texture. The hazelnuts were completely incorporated into the dark milk chocolate (no nut bits).

Flavor notes included: sweet dark milk chocolate and faint chocolate nut (hazelnut) spread.

I enjoyed the rich, roasted hazelnut nut butter aroma; and the ground hazelnuts also balanced the relatively sweet chocolate.

Ingredients: Cane Sugar**, Cocoa Butter**, Cocoa Mass**, Hazelnuts**(13%), Dry Whole Milk, Dry Skim Milk, Dark Brown Cane Sugar**, Lecithin (Soy)*, Vanilla Bean Powder*, Salt, Cinnamon**, (*Organic - 87% Organic) (** = Organic, and Fair Trade/Fair Traded)

Allergen-related information: Contains hazelnuts, milk, soy. Manufactured on equipment that processes other tree nuts, peanuts and sesame.

Holm Made Toffee Co. - Oregon Hazelnut Toffee - Cardamom & Vanilla - Mar. 15, 2024

 Chocolate of the Day

Holm Made Toffee Co.
Oregon Hazelnut Toffee - Cardamom + Vanilla
Good ++ - Good +++
Weight: 4 oz. (114 g.) in total package
Calories: 620 calories (estimate) in 1 package
Cost: $10.99 for 1 package
Purchased from: FarmFresh, online order 

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

Today's Hazelnut Toffee was from Holm Made Toffee Co. LLC (Bend, OR).

Aroma notes included: buttery toffee, nuts, and faint chocolate and warm spices (vanilla).

The texture for the toffee was perfect, i.e. in the Goldilocks* zone. It was crunchy toffee that wasn't too hard or too soft. It was just right.

Flavor notes included: rich buttery toffee, smooth dark chocolate, wonderful cardamom and warm vanilla.

I really enjoyed this flavorful confection. The green cardamom, hazelnut and brown sugar toffee flavors were especially good. (I love fresh cardamom.) I felt I was enjoying the best possible blend of authentic warm chai tea with smooth dark chocolate (a touch of rich cocoa) and high-quality hazelnuts. 

Warning: addictive. Don't eat when you're very hungry.

Ingredients: "Butter [cream (milk) & salt], pure cane sugar, Oregon hazelnuts, dark chocolate [unsweetened chocolate, sugar, sunflower lecithin and vanilla], green cardamom, pure vanilla extract"

Allergy-related information: Contains hazelnuts, dairy (cream/milk)

*Goldilocks zone refers to a character in a European fairy tale. In the modern version I grew up with (Goldilocks and the Three Bears) a girl named Goldilocks enters a bear family home and, finding them out, samples their three bowls of porridge, chairs and beds. She finds the porridge(s), in sequence, too hot, then too cold, and finally--just right! (Same sequence with the chairs and beds.) Today the term "Goldilocks zone" pops up in several contexts (including food, ecology and various sciences).

 

Zotter - Praline Variation - Dark Milk Chocolate 60% filled (almond, hazelnut praline) bar - Mar. 14, 2024

Chocolate of the Day

Zotter
Praline Variation - Dark Milk Chocolate 60% filled with almond, hazelnut praline (bar)
Good ++
Weight: 1.23 oz. (35 g.) / 2.47 oz. (70 g.) in total bar
Calories: 400 calories in 1/2 bar
Cost: $4.49 for 1 bar
Purchased from: zotterusa.com, online order

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

Today's "Praline Variation" (bar)--Dark Milk Chocolate 60% filled with almond and hazelnut praline-- was made in Austria, and distributed by Zotter Chocolates US LLC (Fort Myers, FL).

Aroma notes included: sweet chocolate and nut butter (almonds, hazelnuts).

I liked the slim, flavorful layers in this "hand-scooped," filled bar. Melt-away, creamy dark milk chocolate encased a sweet almond and hazelnut praline center with occasional crunchy sweet crystals.

Flavor notes included: smooth dark milk chocolate and authentic nut praline (almond and hazelnut), with very faint warm spice, green, floral and citrus notes. 

The subtle notes were very thoughtfully cultivated by the maker. Very small quantities of vanilla, cinnamon, rose petal and lemon were added, and enhanced/mirrored naturally occurring cacao notes. Dark brown sugar (vs. refined cane sugar) also added some subtle flavor depth. 

Warning this bar might be slightly addictive. 

Ingredients: Cane Sugar**, Cocoa Mass**, Cocoa Butter**, Almonds (13%), Hazelnuts (12%), Dry Whole Milk, Butter (Cream), Dry Sweet Whey, Dry Skim Milk, Dark Brown Cane Sugar**, Lecithin (Soy)*, Salt, Vanilla Bean Powder**, Cinnamon**, Rose Petals*, Lemon Powder* (Lemon Juice Concentrate*, Corn Starch*, Sugar*) (* = Organic; 90% Organic) (**Organic, Fair Trade)

Allergen-related information: Contains: Almonds, Hazelnuts, Milk, Soy. Manufactured on Equipment That Processes Other Tree Nuts, Peanuts, Eggs, Sesame and Gluten.

TCHO - "Hazel Nuts!"- Oat Milk Chocolate - Mar. 13, 2024

Chocolate of the Day

TCHO
"Hazel Nuts!" Oat Milk Chocolate (bars)
Good ++ - Good +++
Weight: .83 oz. (23 g.) / 2.5 oz. (70 g.) in total package of 3 bars
Calories: 130 calories in 1 bar (1/3 package)
Cost: $5.99+ (estimate) for 1 bar 
Purchased from: Piazza's, Palo Alto, CA

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

Today's "Hazel Nuts!" Oat Milk Chocolate bar was from TCHO (Berkeley, CA).

Aroma notes included: relatively sweet, milk chocolate and hazelnuts.

Texture: skillfully executed creamy oat milk, studded with crunchy nut bits. 

Flavor notes included: complex/flavorful "milk" chocolate, and authentic, nuanced and fresh hazelnut.

Both taste and textures were well balanced; and the sweetness was offset by high-quality hazelnuts and chocolate and a bit of sea salt. This chocolate had more pleasing complexity than other comparable oat and other alternative milk bars; and it was slightly addictive.

What I loved about this bar: 1.) expert blend of creamy and crunchy; 2.) high-quality hazelnut bits and flavor; 3.) sweet, but not overwhelmingly so--balanced by just the right amount of sea salt; 4.) a fairly tasty oat milk chocolate; and 5.) individually-wrapped small bars, making sharing easier.

Ingredients: Cane Sugar*, Cacao Beans**, Cacao Butter**, Gluten Free Oat Flour* (Oat Flour, Natural Vitamin E, Hazelnut Butter*, Dried Hazelnuts*, Sea Salt, Sunflower Lecithin*, Vanilla Beans* (*Organic, **Fair Trade Certified by Fair Trade USA)

Allergen-related information: Contains hazelnuts. May contain other tree nuts. Certified Kosher DE by Earth Kosher.

LOVO - Hazelnut Milk Chocolate (bar) - Mar. 12, 2024

Chocolate of the Day

LOVO
Hazelnut Milk Chocolate (bar)
Good - Good +
Weight: 1.41 oz. (40 g.) / 2.82 oz. (80 g.) in total bar
Calories: 220 calories in 1/2 bar
Cost: $5.79 for 1 bar
Purchased from: Country Sun Natural Foods, Palo Alto, CA

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

Today's LOVO Hazelnut Milk Chocolate bar was manufactured (in Switzerland) for Radically Good Food Co. (Toronto, ON, Canada).

Aroma notes included: very subtle chocolate (cocoa), and almost undetectable nut/oat sweet cereal.

This oat milk chocolate was relatively smooth and creamy. (Zero oat particles/grit detected.) I liked the almost silken mouthfeel--not always easy to achieve with plant milks. (The Swiss know a thing or two about how to achieve smooth chocolates.) 

Flavor notes included: uniform, very sweet plant-milk chocolate, faint vanilla frosting, and very faint nut and oat. 

There were no "off" (or bold) flavors that stood out. However, the almost overwhelming sweetness of this chocolate also eclipsed subtle flavors. There was too much sugar for me; but candy fans and those looking for a non-dairy (alternative milk) chocolate confection with a nice smooth texture might like this.

Ingredients: Sugar, cocoa mass*, hazelnuts, cocoa butter*, sunflower lecithin, organic vanilla extract. (*Rainforest Alliance Certified. "Find out more at ra.org.") 

Allergen-related information: Contains hazelnuts. "Produced on equipment that also processes products containing milk, almonds, coconut and peanuts."

Monsoon Chocolate - Hazelnuts Covered in Dark Chocolate - Mar. 11, 2024

Chocolate of the Day

Monsoon Chocolate
Hazelnuts Covered in Dark Chocolate
Good + - Good ++
Weight: 1.5 oz. (42.5 g.) / 6 oz. (170 g.) in total package
Calories: 233 calories (estimate) in 1/4 package
Cost: $12.50 for 1 package
Purchased from: Bar and Cocoa, online order

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

Today's Hazelnuts Covered in Dark Chocolate were hand-crafted by Monsoon Chocolate, LLC (Tucson, AZ), using hazelnuts from Oregon--the state that produces up to 99% of hazelnuts in the U.S.

Aroma notes included: sweet dark chocolate and authentic hazelnuts.

Texture: a generous coating of ebony-hued dark chocolate encased roasted hazelnuts--at the heart of each round piece.

Flavor notes included: sweet dark chocolate (chocolate-y, faint green (oxalis) and nut), and hazelnuts.

What I enjoyed about these dark chocolate and hazelnut confections: 1.) a generous coating of rich dark chocolate; 2.) the hazelnuts (flavor and texture); 3.) a relatively short list of ingredients and the lack of confectioners glaze(s).

Ingredients: Roasted Oregon Hazelnuts*, Gianduja (Dark Chocolate [Cocoa Beans, Cane Sugar*, Cocoa Butter*), Hazelnuts*, Cane Sugar*], Dark Chocolate (Cocoa Beans, Cane Sugar*, Cocoa Butter*), Maldon Salt, Maltodextrin, Acacia Gum. (* = Organic)

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

Amedei - Milk Chocolate with Hazelnuts (chocolate block) - Mar. 10, 2024

Chocolate of the Day

Amedei 
Prendime - Cioccolato Al Latte Con Nocciole
(Milk Chocolate with Hazelnuts)
Good ++
Weight: 2.65 oz. (75 g.) / 5.3 oz. (150 g.) in total chocolate block (bar)
Calories: 435 calories in 1/2 bar
Cost: $16.50 for 1 bar
Purchased from: Bar and Cocoa, online order

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

Today's Milk Chocolate with Hazelnuts bar was from Amedei* S.R.L. (Pontedera, Pisa, Italy). 

Aroma notes for this Tuscan chocolate included: roasted nuts (hazelnuts, peanuts) and subtle milk chocolate. (Note: this bar did not contain peanuts.)

The large bar was packed with whole, crunchy, toasted Piedmont (IGP**) hazelnuts. There was just enough sweet, buttery milk chocolate to bind these round nuts together. 

Flavor notes included: authentic, high-quality hazelnuts with complex nutty notes; and sweet, smooth milk chocolate.

Ingredients: Cane Sugar, Piedmont Hazelnut (30%), Cocoa Butter, Whole Milk Powder, Cocoa Mass. (Cocoa min. 32%.)

Allergen-related information: Contains hazelnuts, milk. "May contain traces of almond, pistachio, walnut."

*The Amedei Tuscany "Italian chocolate brand was founded by Cecilia Tessieri," the "first female master chocolatier" in Europe.

***Indicazione Geografica Protetta (IGP) or "Indication of Geographic Protection" for Piedmont hazelnuts (nocciola Piemonte). A variety of foods (cheeses, meats, hazelnuts), wines, and other agricultural products from Italy carry this IGP designation.

Chocolove - "Bites" - Hazelnut Truffle in 33% Milk Chocolate - Mar. 9, 2024

Chocolate of the Day

Chocolove 
Bites - Hazelnut Truffle in 33% Milk Chocolate 
Good + - Good ++
Weight: 1.06 oz. (30 g.) / 7.05 oz. (200 g.) in total package of 20  
Calories: 170 calories in 3 pieces 
Cost: $9.99 for 1 package
Purchased from: FarmFresh, online order 

Welcome to Day #12 of Chocolate and Outdoors Theme Week; and Day #1 of Chocolate and Hazelnut Theme Week.

Today's Bites - Hazelnut Truffle(s) in 33% Milk Chocolate were from Chocolove (Boulder, CO).

Aroma notes for these individually-wrapped, tree-shaped, filled bites included: rich milk chocolate, (warm cocoa with faint vanilla), and subtle nut butter (hazelnut).

A thick, creamy milk chocolate "tree" shell surrounded a ground hazelnut (nut butter) center, creating a layered gianduja confection-like tasting experience.

These will appeal to those with a sweet tooth who like milk chocolate and nut butter treats. (Think peanut butter cup offerings -- only with hazelnut butter.)

What I liked: 1.) the blend of chocolate and hazelnuts; 2.) these were made without gluten-containing ingredients and no artificial preservatives; 3.) individually wrapped chocolates that were easy to share with others and enjoy on a hike or other cool weather outdoor activity this month.

Ingredients: Milk Chocolate (Sugar, Cocoa Butter**, Milk, Cocoa Liquor**, Soy Lecithin and/or Sunflower Lecithin, Vanilla), Hazelnut Butter, Cocoa Butter**, Organic Butter Oil, Sea Salt, Vitamin E (Mixed Tocopherols, Sunflower Oil). (** = Rainforest Alliance Certified. Find out more at ra.org.)

Allergen-related information: Contains: Hazelnuts, Milk, Soy. Made in a Facility That Also Processes Eggs, Peanuts, and Other Tree Nuts.

 

Chocolove - Bites - Peppermint Creme in 55% Dark Chocolate - Mar. 8, 2024

Chocolate of the Day

Chocolove 
Bites - Peppermint Creme in 55% Dark Chocolate
Good ++
Weight: 1.06 oz. (30 g.) / 7.05 oz. (200 g.) total package of 21 bites
Calories: 130 calories in 1 serving (3 pieces)
Cost: $9.99 for 1 package
Purchased from: FarmFresh, online order 

Welcome to Day #9 of Chocolate and Outdoors Theme Week--featuring granolas, trail mixes, tree-shaped chocolates and other outdoor-related chocolate items.

Today's individually-wrapped, tree-shaped Peppermint Cremes in 55% (Belgian) Dark Chocolate were from Chocolove (Boulder, CO).

Aroma notes for these chocolates "tree" bites included: hearty, smooth dark chocolate and aromatic creme-de-menthe peppermint.

The thick dark chocolate (pine-tree shaped) outer shell was firm, almost crunchy in a cool room (64 degrees F.), and provided good protection for the soft, white, fondant center.

Flavor notes included: hearty, smooth dark chocolate (that tasted like it could've been 65% or even 70% dark chocolate) and zingy soft peppermint. 

This was a well-executed and tasty blend of authentic dark chocolate and peppermint -- two bold flavors that can stand up to, and complement, each other very nicely in the right proportions. I felt like I was up in the snow-covered Sierra mountains on a crisp, sunny day.

Ingredients: Dark Chocolate (Cocoa Liquor**, Sugar, Cocoa Butter**, Soy Lecithin and/or Sunflower Lecithin, Vanilla), Fondant (Cane Sugar, Glucose Syrup, Water), Tapioca Syrup, Cocoa Butter**, Peppermint Oil (**Rainforest Alliance Certified. Find out more at ra.org.)

Allergen-related information: "Contains Soy. Made In A Facility That Also Processes Milk, Eggs, Peanuts, and Tree Nuts."

 

Ticket Chocolate - Easter Egg Hot Chocolate Bomb - Mar. 7, 2024

Chocolate of the Day

Ticket Chocolate
Easter Egg Hot Chocolate Bombs

Good ++
Weight: 1.4 oz. (39.5 g.) / 2.8 oz. (79 g.) in total package of 2
Calories: 200 calories (estimate) in 1 serving (1 egg)
Cost: $12.99 for 1 package of 2 eggs
Purchased from: FarmFresh, online order

Welcome to Day #8 of Chocolate and Outdoors Theme Week, featuring granolas, trail mixes, tree-shaped chocolates and other outdoor-loving treats. 

Today's Easter Egg Hot Chocolate Bombs were from Ticket Chocolate (Loomis, CA). This egg came nestled in some shiny green "grass"--a great tie-in with the greener-than-green (pre-Easter/Spring) grassy hills right now in northern California.

These were pretty (Belgian) chocolate eggs, decorated with very thin stripes of white chocolate and colored dot sprinkles. 

Aroma notes included: rich hot chocolate (cocoa), marshmallow and vanilla.

When put into a cup of hot water (and gently stirred), this egg "bomb" magically transformed into a cup of hot chocolate--with (voila!) a marshmallow floating on top--in seconds. (The marshmallow was inside the egg. And, when the outer chocolate egg shell melted, the generously-sized marshmallow bobbed up to the top.) 

The texture was smooth and creamy, and the marshmallow was fresh, soft, sweet and light.

Flavor notes included: pleasing, rich, smooth and creamy hot chocolate with marshmallow, and subtle warm vanilla.

I loved the Easter egg/spring holiday themed transformational (egg to hot chocolate) aspect. It was a well-executed, clever concept; and an attractive, sweet, creamy, cocoa winter warmer. (If you want to skip the artificial colors, you can scrape off the festive round candy confetti, before blending the chocolate egg with hot water.)

Ingredients: Milk & white couverture chocolate (sugar, cocoa butter, whole milk powder, cocoa mass, soy lecithin, natural vanilla flavor), Vanilla marshmallow (cane sugar, invert sugar, water, brown rice syrup, gelatin, powdered sugar, rice starch and/or tapioca starch, natural vanilla flavor, vanilla extract, marshmallow flavor, salt, vanilla beans), Confetti sprinkles (sugar, rice flour, partially hydrogenated vegetable oil, corn starch, cellulose gum, carrageenan, soy lecithin, titanium dioxide, yellow 5, red 3, yellow 6, artificial flavor, blue 1), cocoa mix powder (sugar, whey, nonfat dry milk, cocoa powder [Dutch process], creamer [coconut oil, corn syrup solids, sodium caseinate, dipotassium phosphate], natural flavors, guar gum, salt). 

Allergen-related information: Contains milk, coconut (and soy). "Crafted in facilities that also process wheat, peanuts, tree nuts and sesame."

Thousand Oaks Acorn Co. - The Acorn Bar (Coffee, Chocolate, Cinnamon) - Mar. 6, 2024

Chocolate of the Day

Thousand Oaks Acorn Co.
The Acorn Bar - Gluten Free - Coffee, Chocolate, Cinnamon
Good + - Good ++
Weight: 1.75 oz. (49.6 g.) in total bar
Calories: 210 calories in 1 bar
Cost: $5.00 for 1 bar (part of a $30 pack of 6 bars)
Purchased from: Thousand Oaks Acorn Co., online order

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

Today's Gluten Free Coffee, Chocolate and Cinnamon Acorn Bar was from Thousand Oaks Acorn Co. (Thousand Oaks, CA).

Where I live (California), we're surrounded by several varieties of oak trees; however, we rarely get the opportunity to try an edible acorn product, much less one with chocolate.

Aroma notes included: coffee cookie, chocolate/mocha, oat cookie/cereal, and very faint coconut, spice and dried fruit.

Texture: All the ingredients were fully incorporated/blended; and the bar had a hearty, chewy texture, with a very slightly stone-ground meal/seed mouthfeel (pea protein, flaxseed meal, acorn flour). It hung together well and was not crumbly. 

Flavor notes included: an attractive, aromatic blend of mocha (coffee + chocolate brownie bar), along with several "back seat" flavors: brown sugar and oats; warm spice (ginger); coconut; and faint dried fruit (apricot).

I enjoyed: 1.) the rich aroma and flavors; 2.) trying a bar with acorn meal (thank you!); 3.) the fact that this was brown sugar sweetened, but wasn't overly sweet or gooey; 4.) that it was substantial and filling--making it great as a fuel for outdoor treks. I will be taking these on future hikes.

Ingredients: Oats, Brown Sugar, Vegan Butter Oil Blend (Palm Fruit, Canola, Flax and Olive), Water, < 2% Salt, Natural Flavor, Pea Protein, Sunflower Lecithin, Lactic Acid (To Protect Freshness), Annatto Extract (Color), Water, Flaxseed Meal, Acorn Flour, Organic Ginger Chips, Coconut Flakes, Apricots.

Allergen-related information: "Contains: Acorn." "Made in a Facility on Shared Equipment That Also Processes Soy, Peanuts, and Other Tree Nuts, and Fish (Marine Collagens).

*

 

Maya Chocolates - S'mores 65% Dark Chocolate Marshmallow and GF Graham Cracker (bar) - Mar. 5, 2024

Chocolate of the Day

Maya Chocolates
S'mores - 65% Dark Chocolate Marshmallow and GF Graham Cracker (bar)
Good ++
Weight: 2.2 oz. (62.4 g.) in total bar
Calories: 341 calories (estimate) in 1 bar
Cost: $4.79 for 1 bar
Purchased from: Country Sun Natural Foods, Palo Alto, CA

Welcome to Day #6 of Chocolate and Outdoors Theme. It's still too cold for a campfire to make old fashioned (original version) of s'mores; fortunately, this chocolate bar rendition of this childhood/camping favorite was on hand.

Today's S'mores Chocolate (bar) was from Maya Chocolates (Pinole, CA).

Aroma notes included: sweet dark chocolate, faint vanilla icing, and very faint nut/seed cookie.

Texture: smooth dark chocolate that broke with a snap, topped with soft, fluffy marshmallows, crunchy roasted almonds and light crumbly-crunchy graham cracker pieces.

Flavor notes included: authentic, rich and sweet dark chocolate--accented with vanilla, marshmallow and graham cracker flavors and textures.

This was a fun and slightly addicting bar. I appreciated the dark chocolate; and I found myself eating more to get to the marshmallows and larger sections of (gluten free) graham cracker--chasing childhood memories all the way. The sprinkling of roasted almond pieces were a nice addition, and complemented/balanced (the sweetness of) the classic s'mores flavor trio. 

Ingredients: Cane Sugar, Cocoa, Butter (Milk), Soy Lecithin, Marshmallow, Ghram (sic) Cracker, Roasted Almonds

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

Bearclaw Kitchen - Mt. Rosemary Trail Mix - Mar. 4, 2024

Chocolate of the Day

Bearclaw Kitchen 
Mt. Rosemary Trail Mix 
Good ++ 
Weight: 2 oz. (57 g.) in total package
Calories: 310 calories in 1 package 
Cost: $3.99 for 1 package
Purchased from: FarmFresh, online order

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

Today's Mt. Rosemary Trail Mix was from Bearclaw Kitchen (Los Angeles, CA). 

The company was founded by a "pastry chef with a big appetite" who urges us to "Please Devour and Claw On."

Aroma notes for this trail mix included: herb (rosemary); spice (ginger); seeds and nuts; diffuse (dried) fruit; and very faint chocolate.

This rich textural blend included crunchy, softly crunchy, chewy (coconut, dried fruit) and smooth (chocolate chips) elements.

Flavor notes were similar to the aroma notes (rosemary, ginger, seeds, nuts), but with more pronounced coconut, nut and dark chocolate.

I liked the aromatic and flavorful rosemary glazed cashews, and ginger. These flavors harmonized well and elevated this trail mix.

Ingredients: Pumpkin Seeds, Rosemary-Candied Cashews (Cashews, Sugar, Rosemary), Salted Almonds (Almonds, Salt), Dried Cranberries (Cranberries, Sugar, Sunflower Oil), Chocolate Chips (Cacao Beans, Sugar, Sunflower Lecithin, Vanilla), Crystallized Ginger (Ginger, Sugar), Coconut Flakes, Grapeseed Oil. 

Allergen-related information: "Contains Tree Nuts (Almonds, Cashews, Coconut). Baked In A Facility That Handles Milk, Eggs, Soy, Wheat & Peanuts."

Grandy Organics - Dark Chocolate Coconola Grain-Free Granola - Mar. 3, 2024

Chocolate of the Day

Grandy Organics
Dark Chocolate Coconola Grain-Free Granola
Good ++ 
Weight: 1/4 cup (30 g.) / 9 oz. (255 g.) in total package
Calories: 160 calories in 1/4 cup (1 serving)
Cost: $10.99 for 1 package
Purchased from: The Market at Edgewood, Palo Alto, CA

Welcome to Day #4 of Chocolate and Outdoors Theme Week, featuring granolas, trail mixes, tree-shaped chocolates, and other treats enjoyed outside. 

Today's Organic Dark Chocolate Coconola Grain-Free Granola was made by Grandy Organics (Hiram, ME) and was part of a day full of alternating rain and sun 

Aroma notes for this granola included: coconut, sweet green, subtle seeds and nuts, and chocolate.

This granola had a pleasing, satisfying crunchy, baked texture. Crunchy coconut clusters were balanced by the seeds (pumpkin, sunflower and sesame) and nuts (pecans, cashews); enriched by smooth dark chocolate chips/pieces; and seasoned with maple syrup. 

I liked the texture (crunchy, without being too hard); the addition of the sesame seeds to the seed and nut blend; the fact that it was Organic and grain-free; the dark chocolate; and that it was sweetened with sugars that were relatively lower on the glycemic* index (and more flavorful).

Ingredients: Organic Unsweetened Coconut*, Organic Coconut Nectar, Organic Pumpkin Seeds, Organic Sunflower Seeds, Organic Dark Chocolate* (Organic Cane Sugar, Organic Cocoa Liquor, Organic Cocoa Butter), Organic Sesame Seeds, Organic Pecans, Organic Cashews*, and Organic Maple Syrup. (* = Fair Trade Certified (tm) by Fair Trade USA (R); 33.9% Fair Trade Ingredients.)

Allergen-related information: "Contains: Coconut, sesame, pecans, and cashews." "Allergen Advisory: Created in a bakery that uses peanuts, tree nuts, soy, wheat, and sesame."

*The Glycemic Index Scale (0 to 100) measures how much a food raises blood sugar. (Pure glucose is at the top of this scale with a score of 100. Sucrose (sugar) is scored at approximately 68.) Pure honey: 58. Coconut sugar: 50 - 54. Maple syrup: 54.

Nu-Trail - Cacao Nut Granola - Mar. 2, 2024

Chocolate of the Day

Nu-Trail 
Cacao Nut Granola
Good + - Good ++ 
Weight: 1.06 oz. (30 g.) / 8 oz. (227 g.) in total package
Calories: 160 calories in 1 serving
Cost: $10.99 for 1 package
Purchased from: The Market at Edgewood, Palo Alto, CA

Welcome to Day #3 of Chocolate and Outdoors Theme Week -- including granolas, trail mixes, tree-shaped chocolates, and an outdoor spring egg hot cocoa experience.

Today's (gluten-free and keto certified) Nu-Trail Cacao Nut Granola was manufactured for Snacks Generation Inc. (Miami, FL).

Aroma notes for this "no sugar added" granola included: sweet coconut, cacao and very faint (barely detectable) sweet green, botanical extracts, nuts and seeds.

Flavor notes for this crunchy granola included: coconut, nut, cacao/chocolate, seed, and nut.

Ingredients: Sunflower Seeds, Pumpkin Seeds, Coconut, Erythritol, Pecans, Almonds, Butter (Pasteurized Cream, Natural Flavor), Unsweetened Chocolate, Whey Protein Concentrate, Salt, Natural Flavors, Monkfruit Extract

Allergen-related information: "Contains: Milk, Tree Nuts (Almond, Coconut, Pecan)." "Processed in a Facility That Also Processes Dairy, Wheat, Tree Nuts, Sesame, and Soy."

The Granola Guru - Cacao Almond Butter - Mar. 1, 2024

Chocolate of the Day

The Granola Guru
Cacao Almond Butter 
Good ++
Weight: 1/4 cup (28 g.) / 10 oz. (283 g.) in total package
Calories: 130 calories in 1 serving
Cost: $9.99 for 1 package
Purchased from: Piazza's, Palo Alto, CA

Welcome to Day #2 of Chocolate and Outdoors Week--a week that includes granolas, trail mixes, tree-shaped chocolates, and an outdoor mug of spring egg hot chocolate. 

Growing up and spending a lot of time outdoors, we often made their own granolas--inspired by Muesli-style oat cereals from Europe--and trail mixes.

Today's Cacao Almond Butter granola from The Granola Guru (Oakland, CA) was made with gluten-free oats. Company founder, Ayana K., has created a "dairy free, vegan-friendly...nourishing superfood snack...with no refined sugars."

Rich aroma notes for this outdoor-friendly granola included: authentic cacao; maple and brown/unrefined sugars; grains, oats, and faint malt; and nuts (almonds).

The ebony-hued granola was full of rich, authentic cacao and nut (almond) flavors. And the use of quality ingredients, oils and sweeteners created a better tasting experience. This was a dark chocolate lovers granola!

Ingredients: "Gluten Free Oats, Almonds, Maple Syrup, Organic Coconut Oil, Organic Olive Oil, Almond Butter, Organic Cacao Powder, Organic Coconut Sugar, Organic Coconut, Organic Cacao Nibs, Water, Organic Flaxseed Meal, Pink Himalayan Sea Salt, Vanilla Bean"

Allergen-related information: "Contains: Almond, Coconut. Manufactured in a facility that also processes: tree nuts, wheat, soybeans, peanuts, and dairy."

Premium Orchard - Chocolate Almond & Cherry Blend - Feb. 28, 2024

Chocolate of the Day

Premium Orchard 
Chocolate Almond and Cherry Blend 
Good ++
Weight: 1/4 cup (34 g.) / 12 oz. (340 g.) in total package
Calories: 160 calories in 1/4 cup serving
Cost: $5.99 for 1 package
Purchased from: Grocery Outlet Bargain Market, Palo Alto, CA 

Welcome to Day #10 of Chocolate and Almonds Week, and Day #1 of Chocolate Outdoors Theme Week.

Today's Premium Orchard Deluxe Chocolate Almond and Cherry Blend was manufactured by Mixed Nuts, Inc. (Pico Rivera, CA).

Aroma notes for this mix included: a subtle, appealing and rich blend of fruits, nut and chocolate.

Textures and flavors included: generously sized, plump, dried, chewy red fruits (cherries and cranberries); large lightly salted cashews; and smooth, shiny and dark chocolate covered almonds with crunchy nut interiors.

What I liked about this blend: 1.) balanced flavors; not too sweet and not too salty; 2.) hearty, enjoyable and portable snack that could be enjoyed outside, at home or on the go.

Ingredients: Dark Chocolate Covered Almonds (Semi-Sweet Chocolate [Sugar, Unsweetened Chocolate, Cocoa Butter, Milk Fat, Soy Lecithin, Natural Flavor], Roasted Almonds and Confectioner's Glaze), Dried Cranberries (Cranberries, Sugar, and Sunflower Oil), Roasted Cashews (Cashews, Non-GMO Canola Oil and Sea Salt), and Dried Sour Cherries (Cherries, Sugar, and Sunflower Oil).

Allergen-related information: "Contains: Almonds, Cashews, Milk and Soy. Manufactured on Equipment That Also Processes Peanuts, Tree Nuts, Soy, Wheat and Dairy Products. Contains a bioengineered food ingredient."

Nature's Garden - Oat Milk Chocolate Covered Matcha Almonds - Feb. 27, 2024

Chocolate of the Day

Nature's Garden
Oat Milk Chocolate Covered Matcha Almonds
Good + - Good ++
Weight: 1 oz. (28 g.) / 5 oz. (142 g.) in total package
Calories: 160 calories in 1 serving
Cost: $3.99 for 1 package
Purchased from: Grocery Outlet Bargain Market, Palo Alto, CA

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

Today's Nature's Garden Oak Milk Chocolate Covered Matcha Almonds were from Cibo Vita Inc. (Totowa, NJ).

Aroma and layered flavor notes included: subtle chocolate; faint oat/cereal; sweet green, almost fruity/floral, refreshing tea (green tea); and nut (almond). 

There were pleasant, light, lingering almond butter and fruit (jelly/jam) + oatmeal/oat bread sandwich notes in the finish. 

Overall I enjoyed the flavors in these almonds. The chocolate element was subtle, and added some complementary flavor depth to the lighter green/floral and nut notes.

These coated almonds were made in the USA -- using ingredients sourced from Canada, Colombia and the United States.

Ingredients: Oat Milk Chocolate (Sugar, Cocoa Butter, Dried Gluten Free Oat Powder, Cocoa Mass, Dried Rice Powder, Sunflower Lecithin, Vanilla Extract, Natural Flavor), Roasted Almonds (Almonds, Peanut Oil), Matcha Seasoning (Sugar, Natural Flavor, Salt, Sunflower Oil, Maltodextrin [Corn], Silicon Dioxide, Gum Arabic, Soybean Oil, Citric Acid), Natural Flavor Green Tea Type Oil, Sugar, Maltodextrin, Dextrin, Color (Spirulina Extract), Color (Turmeric). 

Allergen-related information: Contains Tree Nuts (Almonds) (and peanut oil). "Made in a facility that processes peanuts, tree nuts, milk, soy, wheat, egg & sesame. May contain pits, shell pieces or other naturally occurring objects."