Aloha - Coconut Chocolate Almond protein bar - Nov. 16, 2024

Chocolate of the Day

Aloha 
Coconut Chocolate Almond (plant-based protein bar)
Good + 
Weight: 1.98 oz. (56 g.) in 1 bar
Calories: 260 calories in 1 bar
Cost: $3.99 (estimate) for 1 bar

Purchased from: Mollie Stone's Markets, Palo Alto, CA 

Welcome to Day #10 of Chocolate and Hawaii Week.

Today's Coconut Chocolate Almond (bar) was manufactured for Aloha (an employee-owned, Certified B Corporation based in Littleton, CO). The company sources ingredients like coffee and macadamia nuts from Hawaii-based farms and partners with other Hawaii-based organizations.

Aroma notes included: chocolate, coconut, nut (almond), and very faint vanilla.

The texture was substantial and chewy (but not overly tough). This bar was both moist (cohesive) and slightly dry (mouthfeel)--for a chocolate bar at least--from protein powder (ground rice, seed), ground almonds and coconut shreds, and fiber. 

Flavor notes included: chocolate (cocoa, coconut brownie), coconut, and nut (almond). 

The chocolate-y flavor came from incorporated (I'm assuming melted/softened) chocolate chips as well as added chocolate liquor, cocoa powder and cocoa butter. 

While it's unfair to compare a bean-to-bar craft chocolate bar with a protein bar, I liked that this thoughtfully produced chocolate plant protein bar was organic, not too sweet, lacked lecithin and vegetable gums, and contained 14 grams of plant protein as well as a tiny amount of salt. 

And if you're launching into a big day--going outside to watch high surf on a King Tide day on San Francisco Bay in this case--it's nice to have some protein + cacao under your belt.

Ingredients: Protein Blend* (Brown Rice Protein*, Pumpkin Seed Protein*), Tapioca Syrup*, Almonds*, Coconut*, Chocolate Chips* (Chocolate*, Cane Sugar*, Cocoa Butter*, Vanilla Extract*), Vegetable Glycerin*, Tapioca Fiber*, Chocolate Liquor*, Cocoa Powder*, Cocoa Butter*, Evaporated Coconut Water*, Natural Flavor*, Sea Salt, Vanilla Extract*, Monk Fruit*

Allergen-related information: "Contains Tree Nuts (Almonds and Coconut)" "Manufactured In A Facility That Also Processes Fish, Milk, Peanuts, Sesame, Soy, and Wheat."