Ginger Elizabeth Chocolates - Candied Coconut + Makrut Lime (bar) - May 30, 2024

Chocolate of the Day

Ginger Elizabeth Chocolates
Candied Coconut + Makrut Lime (bar) - 43% Madagascar Couverture
Good ++ 
Weight: 2.6 oz. (75 g.) in total bar
Calories: 403 calories (estimate) in 1/2 bar
Cost: $7.99 for 1 bar
Purchased from: Farm Fresh, online order 

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

Today's Candied Coconut and Makrut Lime (bar) with 43% Madagascar Couverture was from Ginger Elizabeth Chocolates, Inc. (Sacramento, CA).

Today's lime flavor was from lime leaves and lime oil. The Makrut Lime leaves from Beck Grove Farm in Southern California (Fallbrook, CA).

Aroma notes for this 43% bar included: dark milk chocolate, fruit (lime, very faint sweet melon/cacao fruit), and very faint coconut and vanilla.

Texture: smooth dark milk chocolate and tiny, chewy/crunchy shreds of coconut.

Flavor notes included: dark milk chocolate; lilting, pleasingly complex lime; light vanilla; and very subtle coconut.

Flavors and textures were well-balanced and executed. Warning: the complex, slightly fruity sweet, milky cocoa and caramel notes made this bar slightly addictive, especially if you're hungry.

Maker's notes: "This custom single origin 43% chocolate from Madagascar is blended to have a higher amount of cocoa than traditional milk chocolate. Candied coconut and Makrut lime pair perfectly with the delicate acidity and soft caramel notes of this beautiful chocolate."

Ingredients: Milk Chocolate (Cocoa beans from Madagascar, Sugar, Cocoa Butter, Whole Milk Powder, Dried Skimmed Milk, Vanilla Extract, Soya Lecithin, Natural Vanilla Flavor), Cocoa Paste (100% Cocoa Beans from Madagascar), Organic Coconut, Cane Sugar, Organic Makrut Lime Leaves, Cold Pressed Lime Oil.

Allergen-related information: "This product contains milk, soybeans and coconut. This product may contain traces of wheat, eggs, peanuts and tree nuts."

Lindt - Excellence - Lime Dark Chocolate (bar) - May 29, 2024

Chocolate of the Day

Lindt 
Excellence - Lime Dark Chocolate (bar)
Good ++
Weight: 1.06 oz. (30 g.) / 3.5 oz. (100 g.) in total bar
Calories: 140 calories in 1 serving (30 grams)
Cost: $4.89 for 1 bar 
Purchased from: The Market at Edgewood, Palo Alto, CA

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

Today's Excellence - Lime Dark Chocolate (bar) was from Lindt -- distributed by Lindt and Sprungli (USA) Inc. (Stratham, NH).

Aroma notes included: dark chocolate and citrus (lime). 

Texture: smooth dark chocolate with tiny (slightly crunchy) freeze-dried lime bits--that hydrated in my mouth and tasted like flecks of pleasant (not bitter) lime fruit and peel.

Flavor notes included: smooth, relatively sweet dark chocolate and small sparkles of authentic (freeze-dried) lime fruit/rind. 

Many chocolates with fruit flavor inclusions start to taste more like candy. They often contain a higher percentage of sugar, and a lower percentage of cacao. 

While this 47% cacao chocolate was sweet (sugar was the first ingredient listed), the dark chocolate and lime both helped balance the sweetness; and the bitterness level was fairly low. The blend was well-balanced and executed.

I also liked that the smooth yet hearty (and less sugar-y tasting) dark chocolate with authentic lime also harmonized with the naturally occurring "fruit" flavors (e.g. "citrus" notes) found in cacao. 

Ingredients: Sugar, Chocolate, Cocoa Butter, Milk Fat, Freeze-Dried Lime, Natural Flavor, Soy Lecithin (Emulsifier).

Allergen-related information: Contains Milk, Soy. May Contain Sesame and Tree Nuts.

Holm Made Toffee Co. - Marionberry - Oregon Hazelnut Toffee - May 28, 2024

Chocolate of the Day

Holm Made Toffee Co.
Marionberry - Oregon Hazelnut Toffee
Good ++  
Weight: 2 oz. (56.6 g.) / 4 oz. (114 g.) in total package
Calories: 310 calories (estimate) in 1/2 package
Cost: $10.99 for 1 package
Purchased from: Farm Fresh, online order/add-in

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

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

Aroma notes included: sweet berry (fruit, jam), faint chocolate, and berry (somewhere between sweet black raspberry and ripe blackberry) jam shortbread cookie (with nuts, berries and vanilla). 

Texture: crunchy toffee core with creamy (dark and white chocolate)

Flavor notes included: sweet, crunchy, buttery toffee; nut and berry "cookie" with smooth/creamy rich chocolate and cocoa texture and flavor; and finely chopped hazelnuts that added a crunchy, nutty texture.

I liked that this rich toffee was made with real marionberries*, real butter, and no gluten, soy or corn syrup. Dark/flavor fans may prefer a version with more dark chocolate and less white chocolate, and more berry flavor. (Try the company's Vanilla and Cardamom toffee--my favorite Hold Made Toffee flavor--for a bit more chocolate flavor.)

This toffee confection was tasty, and it captured Oregon flavors like hazelnuts, marionberries and berry pie. 

Ingredients: Butter [cream (milk) & salt], pure cane sugar, Oregon hazelnuts, dark chocolate [unsweetened chocolate, sugar, sunflower lecithin, and vanilla], white chocolate [palm kernel and palm oils, whey, nonfat milk], blackberry oil [oils of natural flavors], freeze-dried Oregon marionberries.

Allergen-related information: Contains tree nuts (hazelnuts) and dairy 

*The Marionberry was created at Oregon State University in 1948. Considered a type of blackberry (a cross between Chehalem and Olallie blackberries), it also has some Himalaya blackberry and red raspberry heritage.

Mama Ganache - Cherry Almond Bark - May 27, 2024

Chocolate of the Day

Mama Ganache
Cherry Almond Bark
Good ++

Weight: 2 oz. (56.6 oz.) / 4 oz. (113 g.) in total package
Calories: 310 calories in 1/2 package 
Cost: N/A - gift from a friend
Purchased from: N/A - gift from a friend (Thank you Eric!)

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

Today's Cherry Almond Bark was from Mama Ganache, a Stafford's Chocolates Company (San Luis Obispo, CA).

Aroma notes included: dark chocolate (chocolate-y with very subtle loamy earth and oxalis*), and faint fruit (cherry) and nut.

Texture: smooth, relatively thick and creamy, chocolate bark with embedded pieces of dried cherries and almonds.

Dark chocolate and authentic Bing cherries are a reliably tasty blend. And roasted almonds are an excellent complement to chocolate and cherries. I enjoyed this combination.

Ingredients: Organic Dark Chocolate (Organic Fairtrade Chocolate, Chocolate Liquor, Organic Fairtrade Cane Sugar, Organic Cocoa Butter, Organic Fairtrade Vanilla Extract), Bing Cherries, Almonds

Allergen-related information: Contains nuts (almonds). "Manufactured in a factory that handles tree nuts."

*Oxalis is a slightly tart green plant (also known as common yellow wood sorrel, and sour grass) that contains oxalic acid (aka Oxalates)--naturally occurring compounds in many plants such as leafy greens and seeds (including cacao). These compounds also can impart a faint lemon-green herb and/or citrus note(s) to greens, and to chocolate.

Andy's Orchard - Cherry Chocolate Fantasy - May 26, 2024

 Chocolate of the Day

Andy's Orchard
Cherry Chocolate Fantasy  
Good ++
Weight: 3.5 oz. (100 g.) / 7 oz. (200 g.) (estimate) in total container
Calories: 465 calories (estimate) in 1/2 container
Cost: $9.00 for 1 container
Purchased from: Andy's Orchard, Morgan Hill, CA 

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

Today's Cherry Chocolate Fantasy confections were from Andy's Orchard (Morgan Hill, CA).

Aroma notes included: sweet, dark chocolate (dark ganache, dark chocolate syrup and marshmallows, and brownies); and faint fruit, nut and vanilla.

Texture: blend of dark chocolate, nuts and dried cherry bits.

Tasting notes: rich jumble of chocolate-y flavors: dark chocolate surrounding chewy, authentic dried cherry pieces, pecans, and hints of marshmallow.

Ingredients: Chocolate, Marshmallows, Pecans, Dried Cherries

Allergen-related information: Contains nuts (pecans). "May Contain Pits or Pit Fragments."

Gnosis Chocolate - Date-Sweetened Earl Grey: Botanical Alchemy (bar) - May 25, 2024

Chocolate of the Day

Gnosis Chocolate
Date-Sweetened Earl Grey: Botanical Alchemy (bar)
Good ++
Weight: 1.1 oz. (30 g.) in total bar
Calories: 170 calories (estimate) in 1 bar
Cost: $5.50 for 1 bar
Purchased from: Gnosis Chocolate, online order

Welcome to Day #15 of Chocolate and Dates Theme Week(s).

Today's Date-Sweetened Earl Grey: Botanical Alchemy (bar)was created by Gnosis Chocolate (Astoria, NYC, NY).

Aroma notes for this bar included: smooth and flavorful dark chocolate with faint citrus/oxalis and barely there fruit-floral notes. 

Texture:  smooth, appealing texture with a very faint astringency/graininess in the finish.

Flavor notes included: dark chocolate (brownie) with balanced earth (cream/yogurt, loamy soil (mushroom, root and green vegetables). I enjoyed the Earl Grey (black) tea that showed up in the finish.

I also appreciated that this chocolate was mindfully made with a short list of (almost all) organic ingredients--and without soy (or other) lecithins.

Ingredients: 70% raw cacao beans*, ground dates*, coconut*, Earl Grey black tea, Blue Majik (TM) spirulina**, Love (*  = organic; ** = wild-crafted)

Allergen-related information: (Contains coconut)

 

Gnosis Chocolate - A Special Date (bar) - May 24, 2024

Chocolate of the Day

Gnosis Chocolate
A Special Date (bar)
Good ++ - Good +++
Weight: 1.1 oz. (30 g.) in total bar
Calories: 170 calories (estimate) in 1 bar
Cost: $5.50 for 1 bar
Purchased from: Gnosis Chocolate, online order

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

Today's "A Special Date" bar was created by Gnosis Chocolate  (Astoria, NYC, NY).

Aroma notes for this bar included: rich dark chocolate and faint dried fruit (date).

Texture: Smooth, creamy dark chocolate. (The whole bar was smooth; there was no date texture or any faint date sugar crystal graininess.)

Flavor notes included: tasty dark chocolate (dark chocolate torte) with subtly complex fruit (date).

Today's bar was one of my favorite date + chocolate blends this week. My two favorites were crafted with the fewest ingredients: just dark chocolate and dates. It's led me to believe that perhaps this is one of those combinations that works fairly well and doesn't necessarily benefit from additional company. 

I enjoyed the sweet, satisfying flavor of this chocolate. And the fact that it was made (with love) and just two, organic ingredients. Thank you to chocolate girl--aka gnosis chocolate maker Vanessa Barg.

Ingredients: 70% raw cacao beans*, ground dates*, Love (* = organic)

Allergen-related information: "Carefully handcrafted in a kitchen that also uses tree nuts and coconut."

Simply - Salted Peanut Chocolate Date Bars - May 23, 2024

Chocolate of the Day

Simply Gum, Inc.
Salted Peanut Chocolate Date Bars
Good ++
Weight: 1.48 oz. (42 g.) / 4.5 oz. (128 g.) in total bar
Calories: 180 calories in 2 pieces
Cost: $6.66 (sale price)
Purchased from: Whole Foods Market, Los Altos, CA 

Welcome to Day #13 of Chocolate and Dates Theme Week(s).

Today's Salted Peanut Chocolate Date Bars were from Simply Gum, Inc. (Brooklyn, NY).

Aroma notes for these gluten-free, vegan, small bars included: slightly umami/salty peanut, chocolate and date cookie.

An inner peanut and date blend offered a caramel-nougat-like filling, with a pliable date-like chew. The thin outer layer of dark chocolate was quite smooth. 

There was barely any of the faint graininess* in this bar that I've tasted in many other chocolate + date confections.

Flavor notes included: peanut-date-caramel (coconut sugar) nougat-like filling and subtle dark chocolate. The thin layer of dark chocolate took a back seat in this confection; but the flavors were all complementary and well-balanced.

The salted peanuts and chocolate help balance out the date-fruit sweetness. I also liked that these smaller snack-sized bars (that were not individually wrapped) were easy to share (weren't stuck together). 

Ingredients: Organic Dates, Roasted Peanuts, Dark Chocolate (Cocoa Mass, Organic Coconut Sugar, Cocoa Butter), Sea Salt

Allergen-related information: Contains: Peanuts, Coconut.

*A sense of graininess is often due to sugar crystals that can form in the dates as they age.

Jooliettes Date Nibbles - Blood Orange Dark Chocolate (covered diced dates) - May 22, 2024

Chocolate of the Day

Jooliettes Date Nibbles 
Blood Orange Dark Chocolate (covered diced dates)
Good + - Good ++
Weight: 1.06 oz. (30 g.) / 4 oz. (113 g.) in total bar
Calories: 120 calories in 1 serving
Cost: $6.99 for 1 package
Purchased from: Farm Fresh, online order

Welcome to Day #12 of Chocolate and Dates Theme Week(s).

Today's Organic Blood Orange (Organic) Dark Chocolate (Covered Diced Dates) snack was distributed by Joolies Superfruit LLC (Coachella, CA). 

Aroma notes included: dark chocolate, relatively strong citrus (slightly floral orange juice) and subtle dried fruit (date). 

Flavor notes included: tart, sweet orange; dark chocolate; and softly chewy date centers. There was a very slight graininess in the texture. They were sweet and satsifying.

This week I've enjoyed the sheer variety of date and chocolate combinations. And many of the dates have hailed from here in California. Medjool dates grown in the Coachella Valley are popular (in) snacks and treats.* 

Ingredients: Dark Chocolate* (Unsweetened Chocolate*, Cane Sugar*, Cocoa Butter*, Natural Vanilla Extract*), Dates*, Cane Sugar*, Rice Flour*, Orange Juice Powder*, Sea Salt, Citric Acid, Tapioca Syrup*, Natural Flavor*. (* Organic)

Allergen-related information: "Processed in a facility that also manufactures products that contain Milk, Wheat, Peanuts, and Tree Nuts."

*My favorite childhood, date-related memory: sampling a date + nutmeg + vanilla ice cream milkshake on a visit to Southern California on a hot day.) And the smell of freshly squeezed orange juice being made that same visit. It was probably too hot for chocolate. (No A/C in the family car back then.)

 

Jooliettes Date Nibbles - Sea Salt Dark Chocolate (covered diced dates) - May 21, 2024

Chocolate of the Day

Jooliettes Date Nibbles 
Sea Salt Dark Chocolate (covered diced dates)
Good ++
Weight: 1.06 oz. (30 g.) / 4 oz. (113 g.) in total bar
Calories: 120 calories in 1 serving
Cost: $6.99 for 1 package
Purchased from: Farm Fresh, online order

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

Today's Organic Sea Salt Dark Chocolate (Covered Diced Dates) snack was distributed by Joolies Superfruit LLC (Coachella, CA).

Aroma notes for today's dark chocolate date nibbles included: dark chocolate; sweet-tart green (sugar + oxalis + vanilla); and faint dried fruit (date).

Texture: hearty, soft chew; plump, soft date pieces covered with smooth dark chocolate; with a very faint graininess (possibly from dates/rice flour).

Flavor notes included: smooth dark chocolate (with barely there vanilla), dates*, and tiny undulations of sea salt that balanced the sweetness. 

I liked the balance and layering of flavors; and the relatively short list of quality, organic ingredients. 

Ingredients: Dark Chocolate* (Unsweetened Chocolate*, Cane Sugar*, Cocoa Butter*, Natural Vanilla Extract*), Dates*, Rice Flour*, Sea Salt. (* Organic)

Allergen-related information: "Processed in a facility that also manufactures products that contain Milk, Wheat, Peanuts, and Tree Nuts." 

*This snack was made using upcycled Ugglies dates.

Gnosis Chocolate - Salted Caramel Filled Raw Chocolate Bar - May 20, 2024

Chocolate of The Day

Gnosis Chocolate 
Salted Caramel Filled Raw Chocolate Bar
Good + - Good ++
Weight: 1.25 oz. (35 g.) / 2.5 oz. (70 g.) in total bar
Calories: 193 calories (estimate) in 1/2 bar
Cost: $14.00 for 1 bar
Purchased from: Gnosis Chocolate, online order

Welcome to Day #10 of Chocolate and Dates Theme Week(s).

Today's Salted Caramel Filled Raw Chocolate Bar was from Gnosis Chocolate (Astoria, NY).

Aroma notes behind this thoughtfully crafted bar included: dark chocolate, very faint fruit (date), and very faint caramel and botanicals.

Texture: smooth (dark chocolate and velvety caramel), yet it was also slightly granular. 

Flavor notes included: dark chocolate and caramel with very faint nut and slightly sweet botanicals (consistent with maca, lucuma).

The sweetness level was relatively high; but it was less than most caramel filled chocolates. And it had less of a sugar buzz. (Thank you!) The salt was very subtle.

Ingredients: "raw cacao beans*, medjool dates*, raw cashews*, virgin coconut oil*, coconut sugar*, raw blue agave*, lucuma*, Balinese pyramid salt, maca root*, Love (* - organic)"

Allergen-related information: (contains cashews; coconut (oil, sugar))

The Conscious Bar - 75% Cacao Espresso Crunch (bar) - May 19, 2024

Chocolate of the Day

The Conscious Bar
75% Cacao - Espresso Crunch (bar)
Good ++
Weight: 1.15 oz. (32.5 g.) / 2.3 oz. (65 g.) in total bar
Calories: 145 calories in 1/2 bar
Cost: $81.90 for 7-bar variety pack
Purchased from: The Conscious Bar, online order

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

Today's 75% Cacao Espresso Crunch (bar) was distributed by The Conscious Bar LLC (Miami, FL).

Aroma notes included: strong, roasted coffee and dark chocolate.

Texture and flavor notes included: crunchy espresso roast coffee bits; faint/mild, fleeting, green pepper; and smooth dark chocolate. The relatively fibrous, roasted espresso bean texture and flavor lingered into the finish.

I liked the short list of organic ingredients. In today's bar the strong coffee (espresso) dominated the texture and flavor profile--making it difficult to pick up the nuances of the (fully incorporated) dates and dark chocolate. Although I did enjoy the espresso-in-chocolate taste more than the initial (strong) aroma. This would be an interesting bar for espresso, mocha and/or coffee fans to try. 

Ingredients: Organic Cacao Beans, Organic Coffee Beans, Organic Dates, Organic Cacao Butter

Allergen-related information: "Made In A Facility That Handles Milk, Eggs, Peanuts, And Tree Nuts."

The Conscious Bar - 75% Cacao Creamy Tahini (bar) - May 18, 2024

Chocolate of the Day

The Conscious Bar
75% Cacao - Creamy Tahini (bar)
Good ++
Weight: 1.15 oz. (32.5 g.) / 2.3 oz. (65 g.) in total bar
Calories: 170 calories in 1/2 bar
Cost: $81.90 for 7-bar variety pack
Purchased from: The Conscious Bar, online order

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

Today's 75% Cacao Creamy Tahini (bar) was distributed by The Conscious Bar LLC (Miami, FL).

Aroma notes included: dark chocolate, nut butter, sesame peanuts--and very faint, fleeting bitter fruit vinegar (that dissipated over a short time).

Texture: smooth dark chocolate with a velvety nut-butter creaminess. Both dates and tahini were fully incorporated into the chocolate.

Flavor notes included: smooth dark chocolate; subtle tahini (toasted, fully ground sesame seeds with creamy nut butter-like texture). Not too sweet (thank you!). The flavors were not too bold (nothing spikey or off that I could taste). And it was mellow without being too blah. 

I enjoyed the blend of these three ingredients (cacao, date and sesame). It was well balanced and executed. And I appreciated the maker's choice to fully blend them together, resulting in a creamy, smooth end product. (I normally like layered flavors and textures, but this was a great choice here.)

Ingredients: Organic Cacao Beans, Organic Dates, Organic Tahini, Organic Cacao Butter

Allergen-related information: "Made In A Facility That Handles Milk, Eggs, Peanuts, And Tree Nuts."

The Conscious Bar - 75% Cacao Orange Blossom (bar) - May 17, 2024

Chocolate of the Day

The Conscious Bar
75% Cacao - Orange Blossom (bar)
Good ++
Weight: 1.15 oz. (32.5 g.) / 2.3 oz. (65 g.) in total bar
Calories: 160 calories in 1/2 bar
Cost: $81.90 for 7-bar variety pack
Purchased from: online order

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

Today's 75% Cacao Orange Blossom (bar) was distributed by The Conscious Bar LLC (Miami, FL).

Aroma notes included: dark chocolate and orange (oil).

The texture was relatively smooth. (The dates were fully integrated with the chocolate.)

Flavor notes included: dark chocolate and orange (fruit, extract, blossom).

Once again, I appreciated the short list of organic ingredients, and the 75% dark chocolate and date blend in The Conscious Bar's 7-bar variety pack I've sampled this week. (The chocolate was naturally sweet, but too sweet; not too bold or blah.)

The orange oil was pleasant, and even complex (floral). In general orange is a flavor that harmonizes well with dates and chocolate; but it may be a bit strong for someone who is hunting for (fruit, floral or other) inherent nuances present in the cacao.

Ingredients: Organic Cacao Beans, Organic Dates, Organic Cacao Butter, Pure Orange Oil

Allergen-related information: "Made In A Facility That Handles Milk, Eggs, Peanuts, And Tree Nuts." 

The Conscious Bar - 75% Cacao Almond Sea Salt (bar) - May 16, 2024

Chocolate of the Day

The Conscious Bar
75% Cacao Almond Sea Salt (bar)
Good ++
Weight: 1.15 oz. (32.5 g.) / 2.3 oz. (65 g.) in total bar
Calories: 165 calories in 1/2 bar
Cost: $81.90 for a 7-bar variety pack
Purchased from: The Conscious Bar, online order 

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

Today's 75% Cacao Almond Sea Salt (bar) was distributed by The Conscious Bar LLC (Miami, FL).

Aroma notes included: dark chocolate (very slightly fruity, dark ganache) and nuts (almonds).

Texture: Smooth chocolate interspersed with a generous, uniform constellation of crunchy almond bits. (Note: the dates were fully incorporated into the chocolate.)

Flavor notes included: chocolate (smooth, dark; chocolate-y), with roasted almond texture and flavor, faint fruit (date), and a judicious pinch of sea salt. 

The balance of flavors and the sweetness levels in this week's bars (by The Conscious Bar) have been just right (for me at least) this week. 

The natural sweetness from the dates is enough to be very pleasant. The chocolate is smooth, but still with some complexity in terms of flavor(s)--almonds in today's case. And, their 75% dark chocolate choice is not so bold that it will scare milk chocolate fans.

I also appreciated the use of a short list of quality, organic ingredients.

Ingredients: Organic Cacao Beans, Organic Almonds, Organic Cacao Butter, Organic Dates, Sea Salt.

Allergen-related information: "Made In A Facility That Handles Milk, Eggs, Peanuts, And Tree Nuts."

The Conscious Bar - 75% Cacao Smooth Dark Chocolate (bar) - May 15, 2024

Chocolate of the Day

The Conscious Bar
75% Cacao Smooth Dark Chocolate (bar)
Good ++
Weight: 1.15 oz. (32.5 g.) / 2.3 oz. (65 g.) in total bar
Calories: 160 calories in 1/2 bar
Cost: $81.90 for a 7-bar variety pack
Purchased from: online order

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

Today's 75% Cacao Smooth Dark Chocolate (bar) was distributed by The Conscious Bar LLC (Miami, FL).

Aroma notes included: pleasant, flavorful dark chocolate with subtle sweet green and fruit (ripe, dried, dark, sweet berry, date), and very faint (barely detectable coconut-like sweet herb)

Texture: Pleasing, rich, smooth texture: creamy with a very faint thick, natural, paste-like quality (dates).

Flavor notes included: smooth, rich chocolate flavor with well-balanced, rich dried fruit notes (date, dark sweet berry, and very faint (and fleeting) stone fruit (light peach or nectarine). 

This was a well-executed dark chocolate and dates bar--that was (as promised) very smooth, with some depth/complexity but no spiky or unexpected flavors. The choice of 75% cacao seemed just right. It wasn't too sweet, nor was it too bold.

Ingredients: Organic Cacao Beans, Organic Dates, Organic Cacao Butter.

Allergen-related information: "Made In A Facility That Handles Milk, Eggs, Peanuts, And Tree Nuts." 

The Conscious Bar - 75% Cacao Roasted Hazelnut (bar) - May 14, 2024

Chocolate of the Day

The Conscious Bar
75% Cacao - Roasted Hazelnut (bar)
Good ++
Weight: 1.15 oz. (32.5 g.) / 2.3 oz. (65 g.) in total bar
Calories: 170 calories in 1/2 bar
Cost: $81.90 for a 7-bar variety pack
Purchased from: online order

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

Today's 75% Cacao Roasted Hazelnut (bar) was distributed by The Conscious Bar LLC (Miami, FL).

Aroma notes included: dark chocolate (roasted cacao, very faint fruit), and faint toasted nut and barely detectable roasted grain (popcorn). 

Texture: smooth dark chocolate with softly crunchy nuts (hazelnut bits). (No date particles detected; dates were fully integrated with chocolate; thank you!)

Flavor notes included: smooth, dark chocolate, permeated with a dark roast cacao and nut flavor and occasional fleeting flickers of fruit (dark, ripe, berry jam and date). 

The slight roastiness made this dark bar seem a little "darker" than its other Conscious Bar 75% cacao chocolate siblings (which tasted more like 68%-70% cacao chocolate. (Other factors that can make different chocolates taste "darker" include cacao origin(s), cacao variety(ies), and cacao bean roasting profiles; and these were not listed on the label.) All the bars were relatively smooth and well-executed. 

I enjoyed this balanced and gluten-free chocolate, made with a short list of Organic ingredients. And the flavors meshed well together. 

When both fruit and nut ingredients have been skillfully integrated into a dark chocolate, the end result can be particularly satisfying. Rather than popping out and competing with each other, a harmonious blend of these three ingredients can seem to (pleasingly) amplify naturally occurring notes found in cacao.  Thank you to the makers for their skillful integration of dates and chocolate in all their bars I've tasted so far.

Ingredients: Organic Cacao Beans, Organic Hazelnuts, Organic Dates, Organic Cacao Butter

Allergen-related information: Contains hazelnuts. "Made In A Facility That Handles Milk, Eggs, Peanuts, And Tree Nuts." 

The Conscious Bar - 75% Cacao - Toasted Coconut Flakes (bar) - May 13, 2024

Chocolate of the Day

The Conscious Bar
75% Cacao - Toasted Coconut Flakes (bar)
Good ++
Weight: 1.15 oz. (32.5 g.) / 2.3 oz. (65 g.) in total bar
Calories: 175 calories in 1/2 bar
Cost: $81.90 for a 7-bar variety pack
Purchased from: online order

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

Today's 75% Cacao Toasted Coconut Flakes (bar) was distributed by The Conscious Bar LLC (Miami, FL).

Aroma notes included: dark chocolate, light floral (vanilla, coconut), date, and very faint sweet, green nut.

Texture: The dark chocolate base was relatively creamy, and interspersed with authentic, chewy flecks of coconut. The coconut flakes were just about the right size--thin enough to have an almost delicate, authentic melty-chew (i.e. they weren't too dry or tough, or slathered in sugar/syrup -- thank you!).

Flavor notes included: smooth but gently flavorful 75% dark chocolate melded effectively with authentic coconut flakes. The background date sweetness (there was no added sugar other than dates) tasted authentic and did not overwhelm: the dates seemed to be well incorporated into the chocolate, with no trace of date texture/graininess. There was a pleasant faint, sweet nutty note throughout (likely from the coconut) that I liked. 

I enjoyed this nicely balanced and well-executed, gluten-free chocolate, made with a short list of Organic ingredients.

Ingredients: Organic Cacao Beans, Organic Coconut Flakes, Organic Dates, Organic Cacao Butter

Allergen-related information: "Made In A Facility That Handles Milk, Eggs, Peanuts, And Tree Nuts." 

Mindright Inc. - Nootropic-Infused Protein Bar - Chocolate Sea Salt - May 12, 2024

Chocolate of The Day

Mindright Inc.
Nootropic-Infused Protein Bar - Chocolate Sea Salt 

Good + - Good ++
Weight: 1.76 oz. (50 g.) in 1 bar
Calories: 200 calories in 1 bar
Cost: $ Missing information
Purchased from: Missing information (store in Palo Alto, CA)

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

Today's Nootropic-Infused Protein Bar - Chocolate Sea Salt - was distributed by Get Mindright Inc. (Orange, CA). 

The company offers a line of gluten free superfood snacks and protein bars--including several flavors with chocolate or chocolate chips. (This bar contained 10 grams of protein.) And, you guessed it, this bar was sweetened with chocolate chips, coconut sugar and...dates.

Aroma notes for this chocolate sea salt bar included: dark chocolate, ripe sweet dark berry, date and very faint coconut and sweet vanilla.

Texture: soft chewy; fudge-y; smooth with some very faint, slightly hearty-grainy texture (could be from date paste, pea protein, fiber (vegetable), powder (cocoa) or other nutraceuticals/nootropic ingredients**). The latter textural aspect was not objectionable, unless you were expecting silky smooth dark chocolate. 

Flavor notes included: sweet dark chocolate (dark ganache, chocolate chips), dried fruit (date, berry), faint sweet coconut and faint nut (almond); and faint sweet, green floral (vanilla). The quantity of sea salt seemed just right--enough to balance the sweetness a bit, but not enough to dominate any other flavor(s).

Ingredients: Prebiotic vegetable fiber, almond butter, almonds, pea protein, coconut sugar, dates, chocolate chips (unsweetened chocolate, cane sugar, cocoa butter), cocoa powder, vegetable glycerin, natural flavors, vanilla flavor, Nootropic Blend: (MCT Oil Powder, Magnesium Aquamin (tm), Whole Coffee Fruit Extract (Cognatiq*), sea salt.

Allergen-related information: Contains tree nuts (almonds), coconut (sugar). "Manufactured In A Facility That Processes Tree Nuts, Peanuts, Sesame, Soy, Wheat, and Milk."

*COGNATIQ is a trademark of VDF Futureceuticals, Inc. Pat. FCPatent.com.

** Added food items with nutritional/health benefits (including certain naturally-occurring minerals, vitamins)--that, in today's case, are thought to have specific brain-benefitting properties.

Gnosis Chocolate - Elderberry Dark Velvet Bar - May 11, 2024

Chocolate of the Day

Gnosis Chocolate
Elderberry Dark Velvet (bar)
Good + - Good ++
Weight: 1.5 oz. (42 g.) / 3 oz. (84 g.) in total bar
Calories: 232 calories (estimate) in 1/2 bar
Cost: $20.00 for 1 bar
Purchased from: Gnosis Chocolate, online order

Welcome to Day #1 of Chocolate and Dates Theme Week, featuring date-containing and date-sweetened chocolates.

Today's Elderberry Dark Velvet (bar) was created by Gnosis Chocolate (Astoria, NY).

Described as a Botanical Truffle Style Bar, the aroma notes for this thick, filled chocolate included: dark chocolate and fruit (ripe dark berry, date).

Texture: dark chocolate couverture surrounded a softer, fruitier filling. The chocolate had a very faint graininess (from added mushrooms/date perhaps?).

Flavor notes included: rich, sweet, fruity dark chocolate; dark, sweet berry (elderberry) and date; and a very, very faint smoky/umami earth (mushroom-like flavor) in the finish.

The overall dark chocolate and berry/date flavors were authentic and the bar had a natural berry and date fruit sweetness--that was balanced by well-executed, smooth, flavorful, (raw) dark chocolate. I also liked the lack of a sugar buzz (blood sugar spike) after eating this.

Ingredients: raw cacao beans*, elderberries*, medjool dates*, yacon syrup*, virgin coconut oil*, coconut sugar*, Paul Stamets Mycommunity Immunity Mushroom Blend (chaga, maitake, reishi, cordyceps, royal sun blazei, enokitake, mesima, lion's mane, turkey tails, oyster, artist's conk, oregon ganaderma, agarikon, amadou, shiitake, birch polypore, split gill polypore). * = organic

Allergen-related information: Contains coconut (oil, sugar). (No allergen information listed on package.)

 

Chocolove - 55% Cocoa - Salted Almond Butter in Dark Chocolate (bar) - May 10, 2024

Chocolate of The Day 

Chocolove
55% Cocoa Salted Almond Butter in Dark Chocolate (bar)
Good ++ 
Weight: 1.6 oz. (45 g.) / 3.2 oz. (90 g.) in total bar
Calories: 240 calories in 1/2 bar
Cost: $3.49 for 1 bar
Purchased from: Piazza's, Palo Alto, CA

Welcome to Chocolate Banquet, and a transition day between Chocolate and Virtual Caribbean Cruise and Chocolate and Dates Theme Week.

Today's 55% Cocoa Salted Almond Butter in Dark Chocolate (bar) was from Chocolove (Boulder, CO).

Aroma notes included: dark chocolate (faint roasted, ultra-dark but smooth, Forastero-like variety cacao).

Texture: relatively thick smooth dark chocolate encasing a thick, rich, nutty almond butter filling.

Flavor notes included: ultra-dark, bold dark chocolate (rich, dark, drinking chocolate), very faint graham cracker, and lightly salted almond butter filling. It was quite "dark" for 55% Cacao chocolate, but also relatively smooth. The almond butter added mellow, nutty flavor.

So where's the Caribbean in this chocolate? I paired this bar with plantain chips and nances (small fruits that look like yellow cherries) -- two popular Caribbean fruits/foods that complemented this U.S.-made chocolate. It's back to the virtual mainland today.

Ingredients: Dark Chocolate (Cocoa Liquor**, Sugar, Cocoa Butter**, Soy Lecithin and/or Sunflower Lecithin, Vanilla), Almond Butter (Dry Roasted Unblanched Almonds), Milk Chocolate (Sugar, Cocoa Butter**, Milk, Cocoa Liquor**, Soy Lecithin and/or Sunflower Lecithin, Vanilla), Organic Palm Fruit Oil, Organic Butter Oil, Sea Salt, Sunflower Lecithin. (** Rainforest Alliance Certified. Find out more at RA.org.)

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

Venice Organics - Stress & Immunity Support - Reishi & Chaga 70% Chocolate (Dominican Republic) Bar - May 9, 2024

Chocolate of the Day

Venice Organics
Stress & Immunity Support - Reishi & Chaga 70% Chocolate Bar
Dominican Republic - Single Origin 
Good ++ 
Weight: 1.325 oz. (37.5 g.) / 2.65 oz. (75 g.) in total bar
Calories: 206 calories (estimate) in 1/2 bar
Cost: $11.99 for 1 bar
Purchased from: Farm Fresh, online order

Welcome to the last day (Day #7) of Chocolate and Virtual Caribbean Cruise Theme Week.

This virtual cruise week has been relaxing. Today's Dominican Republic cacao chocolate even offered stress and immunity support--an appreciated dose of dark benefits before rejoining a more hectic life back on the virtual mainland next week.

Today's Organic "Stress and Immunity Support" Reishi & Chaga 70% Chocolate Bar was made from cacao bean-to-chocolate bar--by Venice Organics (Los Angeles, CA), using single origin cacao from the Dominican Republic.

Aroma notes for this single origin dark chocolate included: pleasing dark chocolate; sweet green (coconut sugar, almost floral); and very faint, herby botanicals; and slightly woodsy almost-coconut shell. (There was no shell in this bar.)

Texture: smooth, almost creamy, fully incorporated ingredients (with zero detectable graininess from any mushroom particles in case you're wondering).

Flavor notes included: rich dark chocolate (dark brownie, extra dark ganache), and some well-balanced, very faint earth-toned complexity (very faint woodsy, coconut sugar, and umami/mushroom); and all these harmonious flavor notes tapered off together into a pleasant finish.

Ingredients: *Chocolate (*Cocoa, *Coconut Sugar, *Cocoa Butter), *Cocoa Butter, *Reishi, *Chaga (* = Organic) 

Allergen-related information: Processed in shared equipment with products containing nuts. 

 

Zotter Chocolate - Opus 5 - Cuvee 72% Dark Chocolate (2023 Edition) - May 8, 2024

Chocolate of the Day

Zotter Chocolate
Opus 5 - Cuvee 72% Dark Chocolate (2023 Edition) 
Good ++ 
Weight: 1.23 oz. (35 g.) / 2.47 oz. (70 g.) in total package of 2 bars
Calories: 210 calories in 1 bar
Cost: $8.99 for 1 package of 2 bars
Purchased from: Zotter, online order

Welcome to Day #6 of Chocolate and Virtual Caribbean Cruise Week.

Today's Opus 5 - Cuvee 72% Dark Chocolate (2023 Edition) was made in Austria and distributed by Zotter US LLC (Fort Myers, FL).

This "island hopping" bar was made using a blend of five cacaos from Madagascar, Sao Tome, the Dominican Republic, Haiti and Belize. Zotter describes this cuvee as having "Caribbean flair...and a harmonious, and at the same time incredibly exciting aroma profile." 

Each cacao variety was individually roasted (with their own roast profile), and then combined together, and the chocolate was conched for 20 hours.

Aroma notes for this 72% chocolate included: bittersweet chocolate; faint, fleeting molasses; diffuse fruit (cherry, faint salted lime). 

Texture: smooth texture with a very faint, barely detectable astringency/fruit tannic acidity toward the finish.

Flavor notes included: dark chocolate (with very, very faint aromatic wood) and  a complex and delicious fruit blend (dark, ripe-sweet berry; sapote; dried tropical fruits; elderberry juice/sangria with a little squeeze of citrus, and warm spice).

Maker's tasting notes: "...The intense fragrance and flavor of speculoos, spices, and citrus fruit take center stage. In the nose, you'll experience especially festive accents of spiced shortbread and almond marzipan, enhanced by strong notes of orange and lime. On the palate, you'll initially perceive a mildly roasted flavor or biscuits, almonds, and cream, which eventually culminates in a spritz citrus fruit aroma (oranges, limes, and grapefruit) with herbal and mildly spicy characteristics. The finish gracefully fades into subtly roast accents and gentle notes of wood.

Ingredients: Cocoa Mass**, Cane Sugar**, Cocoa Butter** (** = Organic and Fair Trade)

Allergen-related information: "Manufactured on equipment that processes tree nuts, peanuts, milk, gluten, soy and sesame."

Zotter - Labooko Dominican Republic 62% Dark Chocolate (bar) - May 7, 2024 (bonus entry)

Chocolate of the Day

Zotter
Dominican Republic 62% Dark Chocolate (bar)
Good + - Good ++
Weight: 1.23 oz. (35 g.) / 2.47 oz. (70 g.) in total package of 2 bars
Calories: 200 calories in 1 bar
Cost: $8.99 for 1 bar
Purchased from: Zotter, online order

Welcome to Day #5 of Chocolate and Virtual Caribbean Cruise Week. This bar was the second chocolate (bar) featured today--a bonus entry. 

Today's Dominican Republic 62% Dark Chocolate (bar) was made in Austria and distributed by Zotter USA LLC (Fort Myers, FL). It was created with cacao from Zorzal* in the Dominican Republic.

Aroma notes for this Fair Traded and Organic bar included: chocolate-y, faint green-white floral (orchid, lily).

The texture was smooth and creamy, almost like thick, creamy, high-end dark chocolate frosting (on a warm day).

Flavor notes included: rich chocolate-y (hot cocoa, chocolate chocolate frosting; smooth, moist, nut brownie); lots of naturally sweet and chocolate-y notes continued into the finish. The true chocolate notes were bold/flavorful enough to keep this 62% bar from tasting over-sugared.

Maker's Tasting Notes: "Fragrance profile: nutty caramel; Taste profile: very mild and sweet, chocolatey, with notes of walnut, caramel and pickled cherries"

Ingredients: Cocoa Mass**, Cane Sugar**, Cocoa Butter** (** = Fair Traded and Organic) Fair Traded, Fair Trade Content in Total = 100%.

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

*Zorzal is a private bird sanctuary and nature reserve that "extends over 412 hectares of land, and 70% of that has been designated to remain wild rainforest. The cacao is grown and harvested directly within this nature reserve. And Zorzal also cooperates with neighboring farmers who are actively included in the project and supply their own cacao....As a result, cacao is an ideal conservation tool: it thrives as a mixed crop and is traditionally well suited to wild harvesting."

White Label - Trinidad Garcia Estate 72% (bar) - May 7, 2024

 Chocolate of the Day

White Label
Trinidad Garcia Estate 72% (bar)
Good +
Weight: 1.15 oz. (32.5 g.) / 2.3 oz. (65 g.) in total bar
Calories: 178 calories (estimate) in 1/2 bar
Cost: Missing information
Purchased from: White Label/Mutari - Santa Cruz

Welcome to Day #5 of Chocolate and Virtual Caribbean Cruise Theme Week.

This Trinidad Garcia Estate 72% dark chocolate (bar) was from White Label Chocolate (Santa Cruz/Watsonville, CA).

This cacao was grown on the Garcia Estate in Trinidad--sourced from producer Joseph Garcia. (The cacao was harvested in the 2019 season, fermented for six days inside wooden fermentation boxes, and dried for 8 days using raised beds.)

Aroma and flavor notes for this smooth, even-textured bar included: dark chocolate (dark ganache), herb/spice (very faint star anise), very faint botanical/floral (vanilla-tobacco).

This bar had a natural sweetness to it and an interesting, balanced and subtle complexity.

Maker's tasting notes: "Nutty, Sweet, Tabacco, Floral"

Ingredients: Cacao Beans, Organic Sugar, Organic Cocoa Butter

Allergen-related information: (none listed)

Spinnaker Chocolate - 58% Trinidad Dark Milk (bar) - May 6, 2024

Chocolate of the Day

Spinnaker Chocolate
58% Trinidad Dark Milk (bar)
Good ++ - Good +++
Weight: 1 oz. (28.3 g.) / 2 oz. (57 g.) in total bar
Calories: 140 calories in 1/2 bar
Cost: $ Missing information
Purchased from: Spinnaker Chocolate

Welcome to Day #5 of Chocolate and Virtual Caribbean Cruise Theme Week.

Today's 58% Trinidad Dark Milk (Batch: Jun 2023/71.1 bar) was from Spinnaker Chocolate (Seattle, WA).

Aroma notes included: dark milk chocolate (cocoa, milky/buttery caramel).

Texture: creamy texture, melt and mouthfeel.

Flavor notes included: dark milk chocolate with butter, caramel; and very faint sweet fruit-floral (vanilla; flowers (very muted butterfly pea flower and almost undetectable rose); and very faint, balanced, aromatic pepper in the finish.

I loved the cream and caramel notes (and creamy texture), as well as the traces of other, almost floral-fruit nuances in this bar. It was borderline addictive. At least two people I shared this bar with were converted from dark chocolate only lovers to dark milk fans. 

Sadly this Trinidad bar is not currently available; however, other single origin dark milks are listed for sale on the Spinnaker website. Hoping today's bar will return in the future. 

Ingredients: Cacao, Organic Cane Sugar, Dried Milk, Cocoa Butter

Allergen-related information: Contains: Milk. 

 

Solstice - 70% Rio Claro Dark Chocolate (bar) - May 5, 2024

Chocolate of the Day

Solstice Chocolate
70% Rio Claro Dark Chocolate (bar)
Good + - Good ++
Weight: 1.15 oz. (32.5 g.) / 2.3 oz. (65 g.) in total bar
Calories: 160 calories in 1/2 bar
Cost: $16.00 for 1 bar
Purchased from: Solstice Chocolate, online order

Welcome to Day #3 of Chocolate and Virtual Caribbean Cruise Theme Week.

This special, limited edition 70% Rio Claro Dark Chocolate bar (Lot 904), from Solstice Chocolate, Inc. (Salt Lake City, UT) was made with cacao grown in Trinidad.

Trinidad and Tobago are known for their Trinitario variety cacao(s). Trinitario is thought to be a cross between Forastero (usually bolder, denser flavor) and Criollo (usually more delicate, nuanced, heritage flavors) variety cacaos. (The Spanish likely brought cacao to the islands in the 1500s; commercial production began in the 1670s.) 

Aroma notes included: dark chocolate (dark chocolate ganache), diffuse and faint stone fruit (peach, nectarine); very faint, fleeting sweet molasses; lush green forest; and clean mineral water.

This well-tempered, smooth bar had a uniform texture with a creamy melt and mouthfeel.

Flavor notes included: dark chocolate (dark ganache); very faint diffuse fruit (berry pie); and very faint, fleeting earth/sour milk.

Maker's tasting notes: "Berries, Pie Crust, Almonds"

Ingredients: Cacao Bean, Organic Cane Sugar, Cocoa Butter

Allergen-related information: Gluten, dairy and nut free. "Produced in a tree nut, peanut, gluten, dairy and soybean free facility."

Venice Organics - Cacao Bliss 70 - 70% Chocolate Bar (Dominican Republic) - May 4, 2024

Chocolate of The Day

Venice Organics
Cacao Bliss 70% Chocolate Bar 
Good ++ - Good +++
Weight: 2.65 oz. (75 g.) in total bar
Calories: 420 calories in 1 bar
Cost: $9.99 for 1 bar
Purchased from: Farm Fresh, online order

Welcome to Day #2 of Chocolate and Virtual Caribbean Cruise Theme Week.

Today's "Cacao Bliss 70" - 70% Chocolate Bar was from Venice Organics (Los Angeles, CA).

This bar was made using "award winning" Dominican Republic (single origin and Organic) chocolate.

Aroma notes included: dark chocolate (bold, dark, aromatic cacao) with subtle earth, diffuse fruit (citrus, berry, date).

Texture: pleasing melt and creamy texture.

Flavor notes included: well-executed, bold and flavorful yet smooth dark chocolate; broad spectrum of flavors included rich chocolate-y, with subtle, well-balanced earth; diffuse fruit (mild, sweet citrus, berry) and fleeting sweet green and floral, and very faint tropical fruit (cacao pulp, mango).

I really enjoyed this Dominican Republic dark bar with a great texture and flavor range; and it did not taste overly sweet (thank you!).

Ingredients: "Cocoa beans, *Coconut sugar, *Cocoa butter (* = Organic)

Allergen-related information: "Processed in shared equipment with products containing nuts." (Certified Organic; no gluten or dairy ingredients)

Castronovo - Signature Collection Puerto Rico 70% (bar) - May 3, 2024

Chocolate of the Day

Castronovo Chocolate
Signature Collection Puerto Rico 70% (bar)
Good ++
Weight: 1.1 oz. (31.1 g.) / 2.2 oz. (62.2 g.) in total bar
Calories: 150 calories in 1/2 bar
Cost: $16.00 for 1 bar
Purchased from: Castronovo, online order

Welcome to Day #1 of Caribbean Chocolate Cruise Week. After a week-long virtual visit to Haiti (through the magic of chocolate), it's time to explore other Caribbean destinations (Puerto Rico, Dominican Republic, Trinidad and then back to Haiti).

Historically cacao was brought to Puerto Rico (from Central and South America) by the Spanish. However, I can't remember tasting a chocolate made entirely of cacao grown in Puerto Rico, so a big thank you to Castronovo for making this possible. See information below for more information.*

Today's Signature Collection Puerto Rico 70% (bar) was from Castronovo Chocolate (Stuart, FL). Aroma notes included: dark chocolate; faint sweet floral (vanilla) green/botanical; and (appealing) pickled peppers--that faded after the package had been opened for a bit.

Texture: smooth, even, texture and melt.

Flavor notes included: well balanced, sweet and flavorful dark chocolate with intriguing, faint, fleeting pickled pepper; and fruit (ripe berry (blackberry) and date). These notes all harmonized very well together and made for a very nice dark chocolate bar.

I really liked this well-executed dark chocolate, and found it somewhat addictive--with its, well-balanced, tasty, almost piquant flavor element(s).

Maker's tasting notes: "I love this chocolate for its nice natural flavors of date, vanilla, a sweet nuttiness like pecan and a delicious creaminess..."

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

Allergen-related information: "Made in a facility that uses milk and wheat. Contains no nuts. Made in a nut-free facility (nut-free and soy-free)."

*Castronovo has been working with a farmer named Juan in Puerto Rico since 2016, on fermentation and fundraising after a 2017 hurricane. Some background on the cacao farm from Castronovo Website is pasted below:

"...Juan discovered some very old original cacao trees, growing wild amongst a variety of fruit trees in the forest. He describes the pods as being very large with red and yellow colors. Hurricane Maria in 2017 wiped out a newly planted 60-acre farm, but the old trees grown in the agro-forest on his father's land survived. Despite the setback from Hurrican(e) Maria, they have replanted and have adopted cultivation techniques to provide more resilience from future storms. They continue learning as much as they can with a vision to develop the fine cacao industry in Puerto Rico..."

By trying this fine chocolate from the USA...you can support more chocolate from Puerto Rico in the future. "All proceeds from the cacao purchase go directly to the farm."

Bixby Chocolate - Haiti 70% Dark Chocolate Bar - May 2, 2024

Chocolate of the Day

Bixby Chocolate
Organic Haiti 70% Dark Chocolate Bar
Good ++
Weight: 1 oz. (28.3 g.) / 2 oz. (56 g.) in total bar
Calories: 120 calories in 1/2 bar
Cost: $8.00 + shipping for 1 bar 
Purchased from: Bixby Chocolate, online order

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

Today's Organic Haiti 70% Dark Chocolate Bar was from Bixby Chocolate (Rockland, ME). Made with PISA Cacao.

Aroma notes included: bold dark chocolate with relatively subtle balanced earth.

Texture: even, almost stone-ground-creamy texture to start. And the creaminess increased, during each bite that was tasted. 

Flavor notes included: deep chocolate-y flavor, with very balanced (loam-like) earth. 

The sweetness level was a bit high (though right in the range of a 70% dark chocolate), and the bitterness was relatively lower than I expected--based on what the (bolder) aroma signaled.

Overall I enjoyed this bar. The chocolate was bold and balanced with satisfying texture, especially for a two-ingredient bar. And it was Organic.

Ingredients: Organic Cacao Beans, Organic Cane Sugar.

Allergen-related information: "Manufactured in a facility that processes: milk, peanuts, soy, and tree nut ingredients." ("Organic, Vegan, Gluten Free")

Marabou Products - Choco Kreyol - May 1, 2024

Chocolate of the Day

Marabou Products
Choco Kreyol
OK ++
Weight: 1 oz. (28.3 g.) / 3 oz. (85 g.) in total package
Calories: 25 calories (estimate) in two sips
Cost: $5.99 for 1 package
Purchased from: Marabou Products, online order (Etsy)

Welcome to Day #6 of Chocolate and Haiti Week.

Today's 100% Bio Choco Kreyol (Haiti) drinking chocolate was distributed by Marabou Products LLC, (Miami, FL). 

This chocolate came with a recipe printed on the back of the package; and I prepared this chocolate with boiling water, according to the directions. The chocolate dissolved very nicely in hot water with minimal stirring and the resulting drinking chocolate had a rich cocoa color and texture.

Aroma notes included: rich, ultra-dark chocolate with earth, loam notes.

Texture: nice drinking chocolate texture, melt and mouthfeel. 

It was relatively smooth in texture (even with no milk added). And if you're like most people, you will want to add milk and sugar. I did not.*

Flavor notes included: bold dark chocolate with very earthy aspects (dark loam, compost, roasted/burned organic fibrous matter, very faint tree bark/rubber).  

I liked the appearance (color), texture and hearty, earthy aroma; and the fact that it was made with organic cacao from Haiti. However, the earthier flavor note(s) were too strong, and a bit off. I'm not sure it was due to the fermentation process or other/subsequent steps in product manufacturing.

Ingredients: (Haitian cacao)

Allergen-related information: (No information for this product.)

*Note: I sampled this chocolate (melted in hot water)--without adding milk or sugar, so I could really taste the cacao. These ingredients would have likely offset/helped balance the stronger cacao flavor(s).