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."

Lydgate Farms - 55% Dark Chocolate Covered Macadamia Nuts - Nov. 15, 2024

Chocolate of the Day

Lydgate Farms Chocolate 
55% Dark Chocolate Covered Macadamia Nuts  
Good ++ - Good +++
Weight: 2 oz. (56.6 g.) / 4 oz. (113 g.) in total package 
Calories: 310 calories (estimate) in 1/2 container
Cost: $20.00 + shipping for 1 package
Purchased from: Lydgate Farms, online order

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

Today's 55% Dark Chocolate Covered Macadamia Nuts from Lydgate Farms (Kapa'a, HI) were manufactured for Lydgate by Feve Chocolates (San Francisco, CA).

Aroma notes included: chocolate (dark ganache) and sweet nut (cashew shortbread cookie).

The texture was a blend of softly crunchy macadamia nuts covered with a smooth, creamy dark chocolate.

The chocolate covering was just thick enough to add flavor, depth and chocolate richness, but not so thick that it prevented the subtler sugar, light caramel, vanilla, salt and macadamia nut flavor notes to shine.

I really enjoyed these well-executed, well-balanced, flavorful and slightly addictive Hawaiian cacao and macadamia nut confections. Definitely a cut above what you'll usually find in stores.

Ingredients: Hawaiian macadamia nuts, dark chocolate (Hawaiian cacao beans, cane sugar, cocoa butter, sunflower lecithin, vanilla beans), sugar, salt, cocoa butter, cocoa powder 

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