DAT Chocolate - Almond Crunch Dark Chocolate + Quinoa 63% Cacao (bar) - May 31, 2025

Chocolate of the Day

DAT Chocolate
Organic Almond Crunch Dark Chocolate + Quinoa 63% Cacao (bar)
Good ++ 
Weight: 1.25 oz. (35.5 g.) / 2.5 oz. (71 g.) in total bar
Calories: 162.5 calories in 1/2 bar
Cost: $N/A - part of a larger order; $56.00 for an 8-bar variety pack
Purchased from: Nutsola, online order 

Welcome to Day #1 of Chocolate and Quinoa Theme Week. Like cacao, quinoa has its origins in South America. Quinoa has long been a cultivated food staple, particularly with indigenous peoples in the Andean regions of Peru and Bolivia.

Today's DAT Chocolate Organic Almond Crunch Dark Chocolate + Quinoa (bar) was distributed by Nutsola LLC (Livingston, NJ)). This father and son run company offers several date-sweetened chocolates made without any other added sugars or artificial sweeteners/sugar alcohols.

Aroma notes for this 63% dark chocolate bar included: dark chocolate with nut (almond) and malt and subtle dark, sweet fruit (dates).

Texture: smooth dark chocolate with crunchy pieces of roasted almonds and quinoa. The dates were completely incorporated into the chocolate.

Flavor notes included: dark, dense, balanced, roasted cacao (well-managed, Forastero cacao variety), mild date sweetness, and gentle nut (almond) and quinoa. This chocolate was also accented with just the right amount (not very much) sea salt.

I enjoyed the level of natural sweetness. It wasn't too sweet. (It was less sugary sweet than most other 63% cacao dark chocolate bars.). I also appreciated the short list of organic ingredients.

Ingredients: Organic Cacao, Organic Date, Organic Cocoa Butter, Organic Roasted Almonds, Organic Quinoa, Sea Salt

Allergen-related information: "Contains Almonds. May contain occasional pits. Shares equipment with products containing Soy, Peanuts, Tree Nuts, Milk, Egg, and Wheat." 

Xocolatl Chocolate - Nicaragua 72% Dark Chocolate (bar) - May 30, 2025

Chocolate of the Day

Xocolatl Chocolate 
Nicaragua 72% Dark Chocolate (bar)
Good ++
Weight: 1.3 oz. (37.5 g.) / 2.6 oz. (75 g.) total bar
Calories: 200 calories in 1/2 bar
Cost: $11.00 for 1 bar
Purchased from: Xocolatl, online order

Welcome to Day #9 of Chocolate and Central America Theme Week.

Today's Nicaragua 72% Dark Chocolate (bar) was from Xocolatl LLC, a small batch chocolate maker based in Atlanta, GA. The company offers a variety of chocolates, including single origin bean-to-bar chocolates.

This bar was made using cacao sourced directly from Cacao Bisiesto "within the shaded forests of El Tuma, Nicaragua and produced in partnership with Birds Georgia.

Aroma notes for this 72% bar included: subtle dark chocolate; fleeting biscuit; and very faint, diffuse fruit and floral.

Flavor notes included: rich dark chocolate (fudge brownie, drinking chocolate), faint floral and oolong tea; and barely detectable, diffuse fruit (citrus). 

I liked this well-executed and flavorful dark chocolate with classic chocolate-y flavor--plus some additional, subtle complexity (floral and tea notes); and the short list of quality and organic ingredients.

Maker's description (tasting profile for this bar): "Classic cocoa, lightly floral, tannic with low acidity."

Ingredients: "Cacao, Cane Sugar*, and Cocoa Butter* (* organic)"

Allergen-related information: Made on Equipment that processes soy, wheat, peanuts & tree nuts (almond, hazelnut, pecan).

The Organic House - Banana Foster 65% Cacao, Nicaragua (bar) - May 29, 2025

Chocolate of the Day

The Organic House
Banana Foster 65% Cacao, Nicaragua (bar)
Good ++
Weight: .97 oz. (27.5 g.) / 1.94 oz. (55 g.) in total bar
Calories: 147 calories (estimate) in 1/2 bar
Cost: $13.00 for 1 bar
Purchased from: Bar & Cocoa, online order

Welcome to Day #8 of Chocolate and Central America Theme Week.

Today's Banana Foster 65% Cacao, Nicaragua O'Payo (bar) was from The Organic House (Burlington, ON, Canada).

This bar was made with O'Payo Nicaragua cacao from Ingemann, a family-owned cacao producer in Nicaragua.

Aroma notes included: smooth dark chocolate, light tropical fruit (banana) and faint, light sweet green.

Texture: smooth hearty texture and thick, creamy melt. The banana and coconut sugar were fully incorporated into the chocolate.

Flavor notes included: dark chocolate accompanied by all aspects of banana: sweet, fruity, smooth, bitter/astringent; faint dark sugars (coconut flower sugar/brown sugar); fleeting caramel; and sweet floral (vanilla).

The freeze-dried bananas maintained a lot of their original concentrated flavor

I enjoyed this naturally sweet, flavorful and complex tropical banana ride, and appreciated the thoughtful sourcing and diligent execution behind all the ingredients, e.g. the use of single origin (Peru) cocoa butter.

Maker's Tasting Notes: "Fruity notes accompanied with sweet notes of banana and vanilla."

Ingredients: "Nicaragua O'Payo cacao beans, Coconut flower nectar, Bananas, Peru cacao butter, Vanilla beans"

Allergen-related information: Made in a facility that uses tree nuts.  

Cacao Sampaka - Copan Honduras 70% Chocolate Dark (bar) - May 28, 2025

Chocolate of the Day

Cacao Sampaka
Copan Honduras 70% Chocolate Dark (bar)
Good ++   

Weight: 1.05 oz. (30 g.) / 2.64 oz. (75 g.) in total bar
Calories: 170 calories in 1/3 bar
Cost: $13.99 for 1 bar

Purchased from: Caputo's, online order

Bienvenidos (welcome) to Day #7 of Chocolate and Central America Theme Week.

Today's Copan Honduras 70% Chocolate Negro (Dark) (bar) from Cacao Sampaka (Barcelona, Spain) was made in Spain and imported by Forever Cheese LLC (New York, NY).

Aroma notes included: dark chocolate with diffuse fruit (fresh cherries, very faint cherry brandy, dark sugar (brown sugar) and faint vanilla.

Texture: well-tempered, smooth texture and melt.

Flavor notes included: dark chocolate with natural sweetness/brightness, balanced bitterness, diffuse faint fruit (cherry, sweet orange) and very faint (barely detectable) sweet tobacco and whiskey cocktail.

I enjoyed this relatively hearty, well-balanced chocolate and its authentic and subtly complex fruit notes.

Ingredients: "Honduras Cacao Nibs, Sugar, Cocoa Butter, Emulsifier (Soy Lecithin), Cocoa: 70% minimum."

Allergen-related information: "May Contain Traces of: Nuts (Almond, Hazelnut, Pistachio, Macadamia Nut, Pecan Nut), Peanuts, Lactose, Milk and Sesame."

Standout Chocolate - Lachua Guatemala Organic 70% (bar) - May 27, 2025

Chocolate of the Day

Standout Chocolate 
Lachua Guatemala Organic 70% (bar)
Good +++ 
Weight: 1.76 oz. (50 g.) in total bar
Calories: 146 calories in 1/2 bar
Cost: $9.99 for 1 bar
Purchased from: Caputo's, online order

Welcome to Day #6 of Chocolate and Central America Theme Week.

Today's Lachua Guatemala Organic 70% (bar) from Standout Chocolate, was produced and packaged in Sweden. The cacao beans grown in the Lachua region of Guatemala were sourced from Cacao Verapaz.

Aroma notes included: dark chocolate with bright, appealing bouquet of tropical fruit (mango, citrus, cacao).

Texture: smooth dark chocolate

Flavor notes included: bright, slightly tangy fruits (citrus, mango, cacao and sweet, juicy and ripe purple grape).

I really enjoyed this well-balanced, naturally sweet and fruity dark chocolate. So much flavor elicited from just two ingredients! This bar was a great example of how special a single origin chocolate can be.

Maker's Taste (Tasting) Notes: Citrus, Tropical Fruits, Dark Sugars

Ingredients: Cacao Beans, Sugar

Allergen-related information: May Contain Traces of Milk

A. Morin - Costa Rica - Quetzal Noir 70% cacao (bar) - May 26, 2025

Chocolate of the Day

A. Morin 
Costa Rica - Quetzal Noir 70% cacao (bar)
Good ++ 
Weight: 1.76 oz. (50 g.) / 3.52 oz. (100 g.) in total bar
Calories: 294 calories in 1/2 bar
Cost: $11.00 for 1 bar
Purchased from: Bar & Cocoa, online order

Welcome to Day #5 of Chocolate and Central America Theme Week.

Today's Costa Rica - Quetzel Noir 70% cacao (bar) was made by A. Morin Chocolatiers (Donzere, France) using cacao grown in O'Payo Nicaragua cacao. The company has been in the family since 1884.

Aroma and flavor notes included: relatively aromatic and bold (but well-balanced) dark chocolate with complex notes: (from roasted woody earth (peat) to toast and coffee, to diffuse, almost honeyed fruit (concord grape)). 

It tasted much better than the initial sniff/aroma seemed to indicate; or put another way, it finished unexpectedly delightfully. It reminded me of certain red wines that way.

I found this chocolate oddly addictive, and had to stop myself from eating too much. This says something about the cacao beans as well as the chocolate maker.

Ingredients: Cocoa beans from Costa Rica, cane sugar, cocoa butter, sunflower lecithin. Cocoa 70% minimim.

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

Zotter - Belize 72% + Panama 72% Dark Chocolate (bars) - May 25, 2025

Chocolate(s) of the Day

Zotter 
Belize 72% + Panama 72% Dark Chocolate (bars)
Good ++
Weight: 1.23 oz. (35 g.) / 2.47 oz. (70 g.) in total pkg. of 2 bars
Calories: 200 calories in 1/2 of each two bars x 2 -- adding up to 1/2 pkg.
Cost: $10.19 for 1 bar
Purchased from: Zotter USA, online order

Welcome to Day #4 of Chocolate and Central America Theme Week.

Today's 72% dark duo was made in Austria and distributed by Zotter US LLC (Fort Myers, FL) -- using cacao from two different countries: Belize and Panama.

Both Belize and Panama bars had relatively long conch times: 21 hours and 22 hours respectively.  Belize 72% cacao (bar) was joined by a Panama 72% cacao (bar); i.e. these two were individually wrapped, but wrapped up in the same package. 

Both Belize and Panama bars had relatively long conch times: 21 hours and 22 hours respectively and were relatively subtle in aroma and flavor. (No harsh or spiky notes.)

Belize "vs." Panama comparisons were not directly possible. The attractively packaged dual-origin bars concept was appealing; however, the two bars weren't clearly labeled, so they are identified below only as Bar #1 and Bar #2.

Bar #1

Aroma and flavor notes were very subtle... dark chocolate flavor (dark chocolate torte/tart, ganache, very slightly earthy, ultra-dark brownie). Diffuse, sweet fruit (citrus, raisin, dark ganache). 

The texture was smooth and creamy.

Bar #2

Aroma and flavor notes included: sweet green (light green fig jam on freshly baked,fluffy bread); nut (faint cashew); almost floral; light, clean/clean mineral taste; and very faint bitter/earth drinking chocolate/ultra-dark cookie/brownie in the finish.

Texture: light, almost whipped/fluffy melt and mouthfeel.

Both of these Organic 72% dark bars has much in common. They both were made using cacaos "cultivated in the jungles of South America by indigenous farmers." And both chocolates were made with just three ingredients: Organic, Fair Traded Cocoa Mass, Cane Sugar and Cocoa Butter,

I liked: 1.) the gently complex flavor notes; 2.) the short list of thoughtfully sourced single origin and organic ingredients; 3.) the smooth textured chocolates; 4.) and being able to taste these two single origin chocolates side-by-side.

Allergen-related information: "Manufactured on Equipment That Processes Tree Nuts., Peanuts, Milk, Sesame and Soy."

Goodnow Farms Chocolate - Maker's Choice - Dark Chocolate Pure Passion Fruit, Guatemala 70% Cacao (bar) - May 24, 2025

Chocolate of the Day

Goodnow Farms
Limited Edition Dark Chocolate Pure Passion Fruit 70% Cacao - Guatemala (bar)
Good ++  
Weight: .97 oz. (27.5 g.) / 1.94 oz. (55 g.) in total bar
Calories: 170 calories in 1/2 bar
Cost: $18.00 for 1 bar
Purchased from: Goodnow Farms Chocolate, online order

Welcome to Day #3 of Chocolate and Central America Theme Week.

Today's Limited Edition Dark Chocolate Pure Passion Fruit 70% Cacao - Guatemala (bar) was made from bean to bar by Goodnow Farms Chocolate (Sudbury, MA), as part of their "Maker's Choice" series.

Aroma notes included: dark chocolate (bitter to bittersweet) and balanced, tart-sweet fruit (passion fruit).

Texture: smooth and satisfying texture and melt  

Flavor notes included: a perfect blend (for me) between the dark, balanced-bitter cacao and tart-sweet passion fruit. There was a very faint earth flavor - but it was so well balanced/managed that it would be hard to imagine this bar without it. This chocolate had an almost dynamic, lilting quality to it. Very enjoyable.

I found this 70% bar addictive--in a way that I often do with excellent dark milk chocolate bars. This sweet-tart dark chocolate had an almost dynamic, lilting quality to it. Very enjoyable.

Maker's description: "This passion fruit dark chocolate is a powerful expression of luscious, sweet and tart tropical fruit. Our bright, Guatemalan Asochivite cacao pairs perfectly with the tropical citrus flavors of passion fruit, and our freshly pressed cocoa butter creates a smooth and rich chocolate experience."

Ingredients: Single Origin Cacao Beans, Organic Cane Sugar, Single Origin Cocoa Butter, Passion Fruit Powder

Allergen-related information: None listed on packaging. "Soy Free, Vegan, Gluten Free"  

Goodnow Farms Chocolate - Dark Chocolate Yasica Especial 70% Cacao (bar) - May 23, 2025

Chocolate of the Day

Goodnow Farms
Limited Edition Dark Chocolate Yasica Especial 70% Cacao - Guatemala (bar)
Good ++ - Good +++ 
Weight: .97 oz. (27.5 g.) / 1.94 oz. (55 g.) in total bar
Calories: 160 calories in 1/2 bar
Cost: $35.00 for 1 bar
Purchased from: Goodnow Farms Chocolate, online order

Welcome to Day #2 of Chocolate and Central America Theme Week.

Today's Limited Edition Dark Chocolate Yasica Especial 70% Cacao - Guatemala (bar) was created by Goodnow Farms Chocolate (Sudbury, MA), as part of their "Limited Release" series.

Aroma and flavor notes included: appealing dark chocolate with a faint and diffuse fruitiness (soft peach; very faint banana; even fainter sweet strawberry and sweet red bell pepper). 

Texture: smooth, with a satisfying melt and a very slight astringency (dryness/graininess) in the finish.

I really enjoyed the authentic, balanced and gentle bouquet of fruit notes in this cacao -- exactly the kind of subtle complexity, low acidity and bitterness; and gentle honey-ed sweetness you'd hope to taste from a single origin, heritage (Criollo) cacao-based chocolate. The makers enhanced this tasting experience by also using single origin cocoa butter--rather than bulk, deodorized cocoa butter typically added in chocolate making.

Was this worth $35.00 (USD)? Years ago, I was able to see the great work that Giff Laube was doing in Nicaragua; and I'm willing to pay this price, to enjoy great chocolate in the future--chocolates made possible by makers like Goodnow Farms using great single origin cacaos from the forests and farms in Central America.

Will others feel the same? Hard to know. Cacao prices are currently at a 60-year high this year. They'll likely remain high due to several short-term (tariff uncertainties) and long-term challenges (climate change).

Maker's description: "Rich with notes of juicy strawberries, cream, honey and cashews, this rare Nicaraguan Yasica Especial dark chocolate is crafted from ancient Central American Criollo white cacao. Along the Yasica River, farmer Giff Laube tends his small patch of trees yielding only one sack of cacao. In local Matagalpan legend, Yasica embodies adventure and new discovery; enjoy this special chocolate tasting journey!"

Ingredients: Single Origin Cacao Beans, Organic Cane Sugar, Single Origin Cocoa Butter

Allergen-related information: None listed on packaging. "Soy Free, Vegan, Gluten Free" 

Goodnow Farms - Maple Asochivite 70% Cacao Guatemala (bar) - May 22, 2025

Chocolate of the Day

Goodnow Farms
Maple Asochivite 70% Cacao - Guatemala (bar)
Good +++ 
Weight: .97 oz. (27.5 g.) / 1.94 oz. (55 g.) in total bar
Calories: 160 calories in 1/2 bar
Cost: N/A - free sample bar from Goodnow Farms (thank you)
Purchased from: Goodnow Farms Chocolate, part of a larger online order

Welcome to Day #15 of Chocolate, Bees and Trees Week, and Day #1 of Chocolate and Central America Theme Week.

Today's Maple Asochivite 70% Cacao Guatemala (bar) was created by Goodnow Farms Chocolate (Sudbury, MA), as part of their "Maker's Choice" series--that highlights high-quality and single origin flavor combinations.

Aroma notes included: fragrant dark chocolate with faint, diffuse fruits (stone fruits, mild citrus), maple, butter and warm spice (cinnamon) notes.

Texture: smooth and satisfying. The maple sugar was fully incorporated into the chocolate.

Flavor notes included: a delicious blend of chocolate and maple with subtle fruit (peach jam) and warm spice. This tree sweetener (maple sugar) had satisfying, authentic depth of flavor that really complemented the single-origin Guatemala cacao.

This was a great, well-curated and well-executed combination of slightly fruity, well-balanced cacao and high-quality maple sugar. In less capable hands the end results would not have been as impressive. The sugar would have overpowered the cacao, or vice versa. This blend sang; and it over-delivered on my expectations.

Maker's description: "The bright, fruity flavors of our directly sourced Asochivite cacao from Alta Verapaz, Guatemala combine perfectly with sweet maple sugar we source from familiy-owned Severence Maple in Northfield, MA. Chocolate meets French toast..."

Ingredients: Single Origin Cacao Beans, Maple Sugar, Single Origin Cocoa Butter

Allergen-related information: None listed on packaging. "Soy Free, Vegan, Gluten Free"

Nutsola - DAT Organic Cashew Butter 6?% Cacao (bar) - May 21, 2025

Chocolate of the Day

Nutsola
DAT Organic Chocolate Cashew Butter Dark Chocolate 67% Cacao data sweetened (bar)
Good ++ 
Weight: 1.25 oz. (35.5 g.) / 2.5 oz. (71 g.) in total bar 
Calories: 175 calories in 1/2 bar

Cost: $65.00 for 8-bar variety pack (4 flavors)

Purchased from: Nutsola, online order

Welcome to Day #14 of Chocolate, Bees and Trees Theme Week.

Today's DAT Organic Chocolate Cashew Butter Dark Chocolate 67% Cacao data sweetened (bar) was distributed by Nutsola LLC (Livingston, NJ).

Aroma and flavor notes included: chocolate (roasted, balanced cacao), subtle fruit and nut (cashew). 

Texture: mostly smooth, with very faint (barely detectable) graininess--that was likely from dates. The cashew butter filling contributed to a smooth, pleasing melt and mouthfeel.

I liked that this chocolate wasn't too sweet, and that "No Added Sugar" meant no artificial sweeteners. Dates still contain sugars; but it's nice to have this option. (Many "sugar free" chocolates still can contain artificial sweeteners.) 

I also appreciated the flavor and texture of the cashew butter, that complemented the dark chocolate nicely.

Ingredients: "Organic Cacao, Organic Date, Organic Cashew Butter, Organic Cocoa Butter, Sea Salt"

Allergen-related information: "Contains Cashews. May contain occasional pits. Shares equipment with products containing Soy, Peanuts, Tree Nuts, Milk, Egg, and Wheat."

Nutsola - DAT Organic Chocolate Simply Dark Chocolate 67% Cacao data sweetened (bar) - May 20, 2025

Chocolate of the Day

Nutsola
DAT Organic Chocolate Simply Dark Chocolate 67% Cacao data sweetened (bar)
Good + - Good ++ 
Weight: .625 oz. (17.75 g.) / 2.5 oz. (71 g.) in total bar
Calories: 87.5 calories in 1/4 bar
Cost: $65.00 for 8-bar variety pack (4 flavors)

Purchased from: Nutsola, online order

Welcome to Day #13 of Chocolate, Bees and Trees Theme Week, including several chocolates with tree-based sweeteners (primarily maple sugar from maple tree sap and dates from date palm trees).

Today's DAT Organic Chocolate Simply Dark Chocolate 67% Cacao data sweetened (bar) was from Nutsola LLC (Livingston, NJ). 

The company offers a variety of chocolate bars sweetened only with dates and without other added sugars or artificial sweeteners.

Aroma and flavor notes included: dark, relatively dense cacao/chocolate and very faint, diffuse dried fruit (date). The dates were fully incorporated into the chocolate; however, there was some trace of them in the texture.

The texture of this chocolate was similar to stone-ground cacao (less processed chocolate) and/or the texture from some pureed dates.

I liked the sweetness level (balanced, less sugary sweet, less sugar buzz); and the shorter ingredient list--and use of Organic ingredients. 

The cacao tasted like a well-managed Forastero (cacao variety). There weren't a lot of bright, floral or fruity (acidic) cacao notes. A very faint dose of sea salt helped to balance bitterness.

Eating only 1/4 bar was satisfying. Without added sugar (other than the natural sugars supplied by the dates) it was not addictive in the same way as some other chocolates can be.* 

Ingredients: "Organic Cacao, Organic Date, Organic Cocoa Butter, Sea Salt"

Allergen-related information: May (contain) occasional pits. Shares equipment with products containing Soy, Peanuts, Tree Nuts, Milk, Egg, and Wheat.

*Our taste receptors react more strongly to certain combinations of sugar, fat and salt--often triggering our brain's (dopaminergic) reward system and a craving for more.

Spring & Mulberry - Mulberry Fennel 72% Cacao Date Sweetened Chocolate (bar) - May 19, 2025

Chocolate of the Day

Spring & Mulberry 
Mulberry Fennel 72% Cacao date sweetened chocolate
Good ++
Weight: 2.1 oz. (60 g.) in total bar
Calories: 260 calories in 1/2 bar
Cost: $9.75 for 1 bar (with quantity discount)
Purchased from: Spring & Mulberry, online order

Welcome to Day #12 of Chocolate, Bees and Trees Theme Week, including a range of chocolates sweetened with honey and tree-based sugars (maple and date).

Today's Mulberry Fennel 72% Cacao (bar) was distributed by Spring & Mulberry (Raleigh, NC).

Aroma notes included: sweet, mellow but dark, chocolate with faint herbal, dried fruit forest--and a very faint scent I associated with light fruit/cacao astringency. (Note: there was very little astringency in the flavor/texture.)

Texture: a mix of smooth, relatively dense dark 72% cacao chocolate (that was not too acidic or bitter); crunchy fennel seeds; and slightly chewy dried mulberries. (The thinly sliced almonds were soft enough to blend into the mix without standing out in terms of texture or flavor.)

I enjoyed the mix of flavors. It's rare to find chocolates with mulberries--delicious and nutritious small berries--much less mulberries and fennel seeds. The sweetness level was just right for me (a dark chocolate fan).

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

Ingredients: Cacao Beans*, Dates*, Cacao Butter*, White Mulberries*, Almonds*, Fennel Seeds* (* Organic)

Allergen-related information: Contains Tree Nuts: Almonds. May Contain Tree Nuts, Peanuts, Milk, Soy, and Wheat.

Spring & Mulberry - Pecan Date 72% Cacao date sweetened (bar) - May 18, 2025

Chocolate of the Day

Spring & Mulberry 
Pecan Date 72% Cacao date sweetened (bar)
Good ++
Weight: 1.05 oz. (30 g.) / 2.1 oz. (60 g.) in total bar
Calories: 150 calories in 1/2 bar
Cost: $9.75 for 1 bar (with quantity discount)
Purchased from: Spring & Mulberry, online order

Welcome to Day #11 of Chocolate, Bees and Trees Theme Week, including a range of chocolates sweetened with honey and tree-based sugars (maple and date).

Today's Pecan Date 72% Cacao (bar) was from Spring & Mulberry (Raleigh, NC). The company offers a variety of date-sweetened chocolate bars, most with flavor inclusions.

Aroma and flavor notes included: very sweet chocolate, date, nut (pecan) and scattered sparkles of sea salt. 

The sweetness level in the flavor also seemed quite high. Perhaps because I was expecting something darker with this "no added sugar" 72% cacao chocolate bar. 

The date sweetness also seemed to obscure any harsh (or more nuanced) cacao notes. (Dates contain natural sugars (fructose, glucose) and are typically relatively low in acidity and/or can mask sour and bitter flavors. Salt can also lessen/moderate bitter flavors.)

Texture: relatively smooth with chewy date and nut (pecan), and grains of salt. The dates seemed fresh (i.e. not too chewy or tough). 

I appreciated the short list of organic and quality ingredients. 

Ingredients: Cacao Beans, Dates*, Cacao Butter*, Pecans, Himalayan Salt (* Organic)

Allergen-related information: Contains Tree Nuts: Pecans. May Contain Date Pit or Shell Fragments. Made in a Facility That Also Handles Tree Nuts, Peanuts, Milk, Soy, and Wheat.

The Chocolate Conspiracy - Raspberry 75% Cacao Chocolate Bar sweetened with honey - May 17, 2025

Chocolate of the Day

The Chocolate Conspiracy
Raspberry 75% Cacao Chocolate Bar sweetened with honey
Good ++
Weight: .625 oz. (17.50 g.) / 1.25 oz. (35 g.) in total bar
Calories: 110 calories in 1/2 bar
Cost: $13.00 for 1 bar
Purchased from: The Chocolate Conspiracy, online order

Welcome to Day #10 of Chocolate, Bees and Trees Theme Week.

Today's Raspberry 75% Cacao Chocolate Bar from The Chocolate Conspiracy (Salt Lake City, UT) was made from bean-to-bar using cacao from Peru (Ucayali region) and sweetened with raw, unfiltered wildflower honey.

Aroma notes included: chocolate and sweet, fruit honey cake.

Texture: smooth, soft, silken texture, melt and mouthfeel. (The raspberries were fully incorporated. No seed grit. Thank you!)

Flavor notes were similar to the aroma notes only with a deeper dark chocolate flavor. This 75% cacao dark chocolate was relatively dark, but also quite smooth. The honey, coconut palm sugar, berry and faint vanilla were authentic, balanced and contributed a gently complex sweetness.

Maker's description: "...crafted from organic, unroasted, single-origin cacao beans from the Ucayali region of Peru and sweetened with raw, unfiltered wildflower honey. This results in a silky texture and unique flavor."

Ingredients: "Raw Organic Cacao Beans, Raw Unfiltered Honey, Raw Organic Cacao Butter, Organic Raspberry, Organic Raw Vanilla Bean, Organic Coconut Palm Sugar."

Allergen-related information: "Manufactured in a facility that also processes peanuts, almonds, cashews, walnuts, pecans, coconut, and pistachios." ("Gluten Free, Soy Free, Dairy Free...No Refined Sugar, Fair-Trade Cacao")

 

Chocolat Madagascar - Mokarana Honey Fine Dark Chocolate 85% Cacao (bar) - May 16, 2025

Chocolate of the Day

Chocolat Madagascar
Mokarana Honey Fine Dark Chocolate 85% Cacao (bar)

Good ++
Weight: 1.325 oz. (37.5 g.) / 2.65 oz. (75 g.) in total bar
Calories: 222 calories (estimate) in 1/2 bar 
Cost: $13.00 for 1 bar 

Purchased from: Bar & Cocoa, online order 

Welcome to Day #9 of Chocolate, Bees and Trees Theme Week.

Today's Mokarana Honey Fine Dark Chocolate 85% Cacao (bar)--made with Cacao Grand Cru de Sambirano--was from Chocolat Madagascar (United Kingdom). 

The company is based in the UK, but the chocolate was crafted (tree-to-bar/"in country") by Chocolaterie Robert (Antananarivo, Madagascar).

Aroma notes included: chocolate, faint spice and very faint banana bread and sweet green seed/nut.

Texture: relatively soft, velvety dark chocolate

Flavor notes included: dark chocolate fudge brownie with honey.

I enjoyed the gently complex aroma and flavor elements: fudge brownie, honey, spice, fruit (banana), and that the chocolate wasn't too sweet--or too bitter for an ultra-dark 85% cacao bar. 

Ingredients: Madagascar cocoa beans, Mokarana Honey. (Madagascar Origin)."

Allergen-related information: "May contain milk, soya & cashew nuts."

Honeymoon Chocolates - Coffee Milk Chocolate (bar) - May 15, 2025

Chocolate of the Day

Honeymoon Chocolates
Coffee Milk Chocolate (bar)
Good ++
Weight: 1.1 oz. (31 g.) / 2.2 oz. (62 g.) in total bar
Calories: 170 calories in 1/2 bar
Cost: N/A - gift from family member ($12.00)
Purchased from: N/A - gift from family member (Thank you Katy!)

Welcome to Day #8 of Chocolate, Bees and Trees Theme Week.

Today's Coffee Milk Chocolate (bar) was from Honeymoon Chocolates (Saint Louis, MO). This chocolate was sweetened with raw, unfiltered honey. 

Aroma notes included: pleasing, aromatic, fresh ground coffee, chocolate, coffee latte and very faint honey.

Texture: relatively smooth with a very slightly waxy but pleasing melt (in a cold room). 

Flavor notes included smooth-flavored dark milk chocolate with coffee and honey.

I enjoyed the aroma, flavors and the short list of quality, organic ingredients. I also appreciated that a portion of the proceeds from the company's chocolate bars are "automatically donated to support honeybee research--and that cacao transaction pricing (farm gate ($2.16 per kilogram) and beyond) information was included in the interest of transparency.*

Ingredients: Organic Raw Honey, Organic Cacao, Organic Cacao Butter, Organic Nonfat Dairy, Organic Coffee

Allergen-related information: Contains Dairy. Manufactured in a Facility That Prepares Dairy & Gluten Products. Also, the following advisory notice read: "This Product Contains Raw Honey and Should Not Be Given to Infants Under the Age of One.")

*It's very rare for this information to be easily accessible to the end consumer.

Qantu - Erable et Sel (Maple & fleur de sel) (bar) - May 14, 2025

Chocolate of the Day

Qantu
Erable et Sel (Maple & fleur de sel) bar
Good + - Good ++
Weight: .88 oz. (25 g.) / 1.76 oz. (50 g.) in total bar
Calories: 156 calories in 1/2 bar 
Cost: $12.00 for 1 bar
Purchased from: Bar & Cocoa, online order

Welcome to Day #7 of Chocolate, Bees and Trees Theme Week.

Today's Erable et Sel (Maple & fleur de sel) bar was from Qantu Cacao et Chocolat Inc. (Montreal, QC, Canada). 

Aroma notes included: sweet brown/maple sugar, faint caramel chocolate cookie.

Texture: smooth, fully incorporated maple sugar and salt.

Flavor notes included: dark chocolate with sweet, slightly acidic (banana tannins) maple sugar and faint sea salt.

The flavor notes in this blend of cacao and maple sugar had an interesting complexity. The sea salt provided a very light accent flavor.

Maker's tasting notes: "Nose: sweet spices, caramel; Mouth: banana cinnamon; Finish: pecans and other nuts"

Ingredients: "organic cocoa beans, organic pure maple sugar, organic cocoa butter, Maras fleur de sel"

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

Ranger Chocolate - Doug-fir Peppermint Pattie (5 pack) - May 13, 2025

Chocolate of the Day

Ranger Chocolate Co.
Doug-fir Peppermint Pattie (5 pack)
Good ++ - Good +++
Weight: 1 oz. (28 g.) / 1.23 oz. (70 g.) in total package of 5 patties
Calories: 145 calories (estim.) in 2 patties
Cost: $12.00 for 1 package of 5 patties
Purchased from: Ranger Chocolate, online order

Welcome to Day #6 of Chocolate, Bees and Trees Theme Week.

Today's Doug-fir Peppermint Pattie(s) were from Ranger Chocolate Co. (Portland, OR).

Aroma and flavor notes included authentic, refreshing peppermint and faint, aromatic and sweet pine (Douglas fir tips).

Texture: smooth dark chocolate with a fondant cream-style mint filling

I enjoyed these peppermint and fir tree flavored patties; they were refreshing and highly addictive.

Ingredients: "confectioners sugar (sugar and tapioca starch), chocolate (organic cacao, cacao butter, organic sugar), tapioca syrup, tapioca starch, extract (vanilla, water, alcohol, fir needle oil), sea salt, peppermint oil"

Allergen-related ingredients: "Manufactured in a facility that uses gluten, egg, milk, sesame, and tree nut ingredients"

 

The Organic House - Chocolate Easter Egg - Vegan Cookies & Cream - May 12, 2025

Chocolate of the Day

The Organic House
Chocolate Easter Egg - Vegan Cookies & Cream
Good ++
Weight: 1.76 oz. (50 g.) / 3.52 oz. (100 g.) in total Egg
Calories: 300 calories in 1/2 Egg

Cost: $13.50 (approximately) for 1 Egg (Paid $26.99 for 2 Eggs)
Purchased from: Bar and Cocoa, online order

Welcome to Day #5 of Chocolate, Bees and Trees Week -- including several chocolates with honey, maple and other tree-related flavors (besides cacao).

Today's Chocolate Easter Egg - Vegan Cookies & Cream was from The Organic House (Burlington, ON, Canada). 

The company offers a variety of gluten free and dairy free chocolates--including some sweetened with Canadian maple sugar. This Easter egg was a version of the company's Cookies & Cream maple oat milk chocolate (Philippines cacao) bar -- with maple flavored white/oat milk chocolate and cacao nibs. 

Aroma and flavor notes included: smooth dark chocolate, maple sugar, green, sweet nut and grain and faint floral cacao (nibs).

Texture: smooth (dark and white chocolate melded together, with crunchy (authentic cacao) nibs.

I wasn't sure I could detect a "cookie" flavor; but it became more evident when I tasted the chocolate from start to finish. Today's egg was sweet and satisfying. The nibs helped sell the cookie crunch. And the subtle cashew and oat/oat milk ingredients also helped round out a faint, "cookie-like" taste.

I liked the flavor and texture blend: use of organic and gluten-free ingredients, the rich, sweet (less processed) maple and coconut sugars that added some pleasing, subtle, flavor warmth (think very faint brown sugar, caramel) and depth.

Ingredients: "Organic cacao butter, Organic cacao beans, Ontario maple sugar, Organic cashews, Organic coconut flower nectar, Gf organic oats."

Allergen-related information: "Contains Cashews, Oats. May contain: Almonds, Hazelnuts, Pistachios."

Wildwood Chocolate - Ginger Pistachio 70% Cacao (bar) - May 11, 2025

Chocolate of the Day

Wildwood Chocolate
Ginger Pistachio 70% Cacao (bar)
Good ++ 
Weight: 1.58 oz. (45 g.) / 3.17 oz. (90 g.) in total bar
Calories: 240 calories in 1/2 bar
Cost: $14.99 for 1 bar 
Purchased from: The Market at Edgewood, Palo Alto, CA

Welcome to Day #13 of Chocolate and Warm Spices and Day #4 of Chocolate, Bees and Trees Theme Week--that includes chocolates with honey, maple and other tree flavors or references.

Today's Ginger Pistachio 70% Cacao (bar) was from Wildwood Chocolate (Portland, OR). The company name was likely inspired by the local Wildwood Trail in Forest Park in Portland.)

Aroma and flavor notes included: smooth, bittersweet dark chocolate; and authentic, balanced and "fresh" (just the right texture) flavor inclusions: candied ginger and salted roasted pistachio.

I loved the great balance of smooth dark chocolate, sweet and spicy and salty nutty flavors--as well as the well-executed smooth and chewy textures in this bar.

Ingredients: "Bittersweet Chocolate (cocoa mass, sugar, cocoa butter, soy lecithin, vanilla extract), Roasted Pistachios (pistachio, salt), Candied Ginger (ginger, sugar), Sea Salt."

Allergen-related information: "Contains Soy and Tree Nuts (Pistachio). May contain traces of the following if not listed above due to shared equipment: milk, peanuts, wheat or eggs."

Goodnow Farms - Winter Maple with Spiced Brown Butter (bar) - May 10, 2025

Chocolate of the Day

Goodnow Farms
Winter Maple with Spiced Brown Butter (bar)
Good ++
Weight: .97 oz. (27.5 g.) / 1.94 oz. (55 g.) in total bar
Calories: 160 calories in 1/2 bar
Cost: $18.00 for 1 bar
Purchased from: online order

Welcome to Day #12 of Chocolate and Warm Spices, and Day #3 of Bees and Trees Theme Week--including several chocolates flavored or sweetened with honey, maple and/or dates.

Today's Winter Maple with Spiced Brown Butter (bar) was from Goodnow Farms Chocolate (Sudbury, MA).

Aroma and tasting notes included: warming spices (ginger, cardamom); dark milk chocolate; and maple sugar and butter caramel. (Note: there was no ginger in this chocolate; but there was cardamom.)

Texture: very smooth, buttery texture and melt. The maple sugar and spices were fully incorporated into the bar (no spice grit, thank you!)

I enjoyed the sweet flavors (spices, butter caramel, maple) and texture. It was rich enough to be satisfying after a few bites. I could also see a chef choosing this chocolate to make a very rich, sophisticated chocolate dessert (mousse, tart, truffle).

Ingredients: Single Origin Cacao Beans, Maple Sugar, Single Origin Cocoa Butter, Butter, Cardamom

Allergen-related information: Contains Milk.

The Chocolate Conspiracy - Blackberry Ginger 73% Cacao Chocolate Bar - May 9, 2025

Chocolate of the Day

The Chocolate Conspiracy
Blackberry Ginger 73% Cacao Chocolate Bar
Good ++
Weight: .625 oz. (17.50 g.) / 1.25 oz. (35 g.) in total bar
Calories: 110 calories in 1/2 bar
Cost: $12.99 for 1 bar
Purchased from: Caputo's, online order

Welcome to Day #11 of Chocolate and Warm Spices Week, and Day #2 of Chocolate, Bees and Trees Theme Week.

Today's Blackberry Ginger 73% Cacao Chocolate Bar (Batch #000143) from The Chocolate Conspiracy (Salt Lake City, UT) was made from bean-to-bar using cacao from Peru (Ucayali region).

Aroma notes included: subtle dark chocolate with warm spice (ginger) and berry notes

Texture: smooth, almost soft, silken texture, melt and mouthfeel. The honey, blackberry Ginger balsamic vinegar and ginger oil were completely incorporated into the dark chocolate. (There were no blackberry seeds or spice grit.)

Flavor notes were similar to the aroma notes only with a deeper dark chocolate flavor. This 73% cacao dark chocolate was relatively dark and dense in flavor, but also quite smooth. The honey provided a gentle sweetener that was not too sweet (thank you), and the subtly complex ginger and blackberry flavors were balanced and authentic.

Maker's description: "...crafted from organic, unroasted, single-origin cacao beans from the Ucayali region of Peru and sweetened with raw, unfiltered wildflower honey. This results in a silky texture and unique flavor."

Ingredients: "Raw Organic Cacao Beans, Raw Organic Cacao Butter, Raw Unfiltered Honey, Blackberry Ginger Balsamic Vinegar (Grape Must, Red Wine Vinegar, Natural Flavors, Naturally Occurring Sulfites), Organic Ginger Oil"

Allergen-related information: "Manufactured in a facility that also processes peanuts, almonds, cashews, walnuts, pecans, coconut, and pistachios." ("Gluten Free, Soy Free, Dairy Free...No Refined Sugar, Fair-Trade Cacao")

The Chocolate Conspiracy - Wild Spice 70% Cacao Chocolate Bar - May 8, 2025

Chocolate of the Day

The Chocolate Conspiracy
Wild Spice 70% Cacao Chocolate Bar
Good + - Good ++ 
Weight: .625 oz. (17.50 g.) / 1.25 oz. (35 g.) in total bar
Calories: 110 calories in 1/2 bar
Cost: $13.00 for 1 bar
Purchased from: The Chocolate Conspiracy, online order

Welcome to Day #10 of Chocolate and Warm Spices Week, and Day #1 of Chocolate, Bees and Trees Theme Week--including chocolates with honey, maple and other tree related sweeteners and flavors.

Today's Wild Spice 70% Cacao Chocolate Bar (Batch #000106) from The Chocolate Conspiracy (Salt Lake City, UT) was made from bean-to-bar using cacao from Peru (Ucayali region).

Aroma notes included: warm, woodsy, spice and dark chocolate

Texture: smooth, almost silky texture, mouthfeel and melt

Flavor notes included dark chocolate (deep, dense, forest but not too bitter or acidic); very light honey; very faint spice; spicy (hot pepper) upticks; and occasional sparkles of salt.

I liked the complexity and that this attractive honeycomb-shaped bar wasn't too sweet. The honey and vanilla added a light floral sweetness.

Maker's description: "...crafted from organic, unroasted, single-origin cacao beans from the Ucayali region of Peru and sweetened with raw, unfiltered wildflower honey. This results in a silky texture and unique flavor."

Ingredients: "Raw Organic Cacao Beans, Raw Organic Cacao Butter, Raw Unfiltered Honey, Organic Cayenne Pepper, Organic Cinnamon, Organic Black Pepper, Organic Nutmeg, Raw Organic Vanilla Bean, Black Lava Salt"

Allergen-related information: "Manufactured in a facility that also processes peanuts, almonds, cashews, walnuts, pecans, coconut, and pistachios." ("Gluten Free, Soy Free, Dairy Free...No Refined Sugar, Fair-Trade Cacao")

 

Intrigue Chocolate Co. - Cinnamon 60% Cacao (bar) - May 7, 2025

Chocolate of the Day

Intrigue Chocolate Co.
Cinnamon 60% Cacao (bar)
Good ++
Weight: 1 oz. (28 g.) in total bar

Calories: 155 calories (estimate) in 1 bar
Cost: $6.00 (estimate) for 1 bar
Purchased from: Intrigue Chocolate, online order

Welcome to Day #9 of Chocolate and Warm Spices Week.

Today's Cinnamon 60% Cacao (bar) (Batch #000000110624) was from Intrigue Chocolate Co. (Seattle, WA).* 

The cacao used to make this bar was from Ecuador (Single Estate: Muisne, Esmeraldas Province; Type: Ecuadorian Nacional hybrids**; Year: 2023)

Aroma and flavor notes included: warm, bright cinnamon (think cinnamon toast) and smooth dark chocolate. 

Texture: smooth, with a relatively buttery melt.

I enjoyed this well-executed, cinnamon-forward, very slightly spicy, chocolate; the short list of high quality, single origin ingredients; and the the choice of 60% cacao (relatively higher sweetness level) that evoked cinnamon toast/cinnamon bun memories.

Maker's tasting notes: "Vietnamese cassia cinnamon. Bold, warm, and reassuring, this bar was crafted with care to balance the familiar heat of the spice with the soft fruitiness of the cacao, and create a surprising complexity."

Ingredients:  Roasted cacao nibs, raw cane sugar, cocoa butter, cassia cinnamon.

Allergen-related information: (No information on package.)

*Note: the company is planning to relocate to Chisholm, MN. 

**Ecuadorian Nacional hybrids: EET-95, EET-96, EET-103 

Nuance Chocolate Company - Buttermilk Spice 45% Cacao (bar) - May 6, 2025

Chocolate of the Day

Nuance Chocolate Company
Buttermilk Spice 45% Cacao (bar)
Good ++
Weight: .97 oz. (27.5 g.) / 1.94 oz. (55 g.) in total bar 
Calories: 155 calories (estimate) in 1/2 bar
Cost: $12.00 for 1 bar
Purchased from: Nuance Chocolate, online order 

Welcome to Day #8 of Chocolate and Warm Spices Theme Week.

Today's Buttermilk Spice 45% Cacao bar (Batch ID: 39323) was made by Nuance Chocolate Company (Fort Collins, CO), and was a member of the company's "Flavored Milk Series".

Aroma and flavor notes included: chai- and pumpkin-pie spiced chocolate milkshake. 

The spices were fully integrated into today's 45% cacao chocolate so there was no spice grit (thank you). Said spices were present enough to fully enjoy.* A bit of vanilla added upbeat and soothing warmth.

Texture: smooth and creamy with a satisfying melt.

I enjoyed the rich, smooth texture and flavor; the spices; and the skillful inclusion of buttermilk in this bar. 

Ingredients: "cacao, cane sugar, buttermilk solids, cocoa butter, spices, sunflower lecithin, vanilla beans."

Allergen-related information: Contains dairy. "Manufactured in a facility that also processes tree nuts, peanuts, milk, eggs, wheat, and soy."  

* I love cinnamon and warm spice blends; I heavily-spice chocolates and other desserts and ice creams if left to my own devices. Today's chocolate was in the spice Goldilocks zone -- enough to be enjoyable and not overwhelming--it was just right for almost everyone.

ORA Cacao - Vibrant Vitality - Cacao, Maca, Ashwaghanda, Turmeric, Black Pepper (blend) - May 5, 2025

Chocolate of the Day

ORA Cacao
"Vibrant Vitality" - Cacao, Maca, Ashwaghanda, Turmeric, Black Pepper (blend)
Good ++
Weight: 1 oz. (28 g.) in total package
Calories: 170.4 calories in 1 package 
Cost: $ N/A - gift from family member (thank you Megan!)
Purchased from: N/A - gift from a family member

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

Today's "Vibrant Vitality" 100% Cacao from Family Farms; Red, Black, and Yellow Maca from Peru; with Ashwaghanda; Turmeric; and Black Pepper" blend was from ORA Cacao (Graton, CA). 

The company is committed to sustainably sourced cacao and ingredients and to sharing ceremonial cacao (and practices) with others.

Aroma notes included: mild, authentic cocoa, faint and balanced woodsy mushroom; faint, diffuse herb/spice; and very faint caramel popcorn (likely from maca).

Texture: smooth (not gritty) even when small disc-shaped pieces were tasted before making into a beverage. (These chocolate pieces can also be eaten by themselves if desired. The resealable package (single-serving pouch) would allow this to be a nice, portable snack/gentle energy boost over the course of a day.)

Flavor notes: subtle, balanced cocoa, with faint woodsy (forest), herb and spice notes.

I really liked the short list of quality ingredients, the use of organic ingredients; and the fact that this blend was not sweetened with sugar. The flavors were well-balanced with no "off" or overly strong/sharp herbal or earthy root notes. I also appreciated the inclusion of the following information: "28 mg Caffeine & 100 mg Theobromine per serving"

Ingredients: Cacao Beans*, Maca Powder*, Ashwaghanda*, Cacao Butter*, Turmeric*, Black Pepper*. (* = Organic)

Allergen-related information: Manufactured in a facility that processes tree nuts (Almond, Cashew, Coconut) 

Intrigue Chocolate Co. - Nutmeg + Chili 60% Cacao (bar) - May 4, 2025

Chocolate of the Day

Intrigue Chocolate Co.
Nutmeg + Chili 60% Cacao (bar)
Good ++
Weight: 1 oz. (28 g.) in total bar

Calories: 155 calories (estimate) in 1 bar
Cost: $6.00 (estimate) for 1 bar
Purchased from: Intrigue Chocolate, online order

Welcome to Day #6 of Chocolate and Warm Spices Week.

Today's Nutmeg + Chili 60% Cacao (bar) (Batch #000000091324) was from Intrigue Chocolate Co. (Seattle, WA).* 

The cacao used to make this bar was from Ecuador (Single Estate: Muisne Canton, Esmeraldas Province; Type: Ecuadorian Nacional hybrids**; Year: 2023)

Aroma and flavor notes included: smooth dark chocolate, warm spice (nutmeg), and spicy (hot, habanero) chili. There were also some pleasing, very faint and diffuse fruit (berry + stone fruit jam) and nut (almond butter) notes. (Note: there were no jam or almond ingredients in this chocolate.)

Texture: smooth, with a relatively buttery melt. (No spice or chili grit -- thank you!).

I enjoyed the lively flavors as well as the subtle complexities in this relatively sweet (60%) bar; the short list of quality ingredients; and the origin information. The sweetness added a brightness to the spice flavors. The habanero did pack a punch. Those sensitive to hot, spicy flavors may not love the hot pepper heat; but the "burn" receded relatively quickly.

Maker's tasting notes: "Inspired by our chef's first batch of chocolate truffles - the flavor inspiration that started it all back in 2001 - this bar packs a lot of complexity and some sweet heat...Try pairing it with full-bodied wines, beers, coffees, and teas..."

Ingredients:  Roasted cacao nibs, raw cane sugar, cocoa butter, nutmeg, vanilla bean, habanero chili.

Allergen-related information: (No information on package.)

*Note: the company is planning to relocate to Chisholm, MN.  

**Ecuadorian Nacional hybrids: EET-95, EET-96, EET-103 

Hapa Chocolat - "Cherry on Top" Dominican Republic, Flavors By Design: Chili, Cherry, Raspberry (bar) - May 3, 2025

Chocolate of the Day

Hapa Chocolat 
"Cherry on Top" Dominican Republic Flavors By Design: Chili, Cherry, Raspberry (bar)
Good + - Good ++
Weight: 1.11 oz. (31.5 g.) / 2.22 oz. (63 g.) in total bar
Calories: 169 calories (estimate) in 1/2 bar
Cost: $10.00 for 1 bar
Purchased from: Hapa Chocolat, online order

Welcome to Day #5 of Chocolate & Warm Spices Theme Week.

Today's "Cherry on Top" Dominican Republic Flavors By Design: Chili, Cherry, Raspberry (bar) (Batch #06) was created by Hapa Chocolat, LLC (Los Gatos, CA)* using cacao grown on a bird sanctuary (El Arroyazo) in the Dominican Republic, plus three flavors that either mirrored or complemented naturally occurring cacao flavors.

Hapa Chocolat produces single origin chocolates that thoughtfully amplify the natural flavors of cacao with flavor inclusions. One learns a lot working with different cacao origins; and if added flavors helps convey the story of all the flavors inherent in different varieties of cacao, in different countries, and resulting from different processing techniques (e.g., fermenting, roasting profiles), I'm all for that.

Aroma and flavor notes for today's "Cherry on Top" DR bar included: relatively bold, earthy -- but also well-managed and balanced -- dark chocolate and tart-sweet cherry and red raspberry. 

The dark, relatively earthy (think deep, dark still forest) unroasted cacao dark chocolate base was integrated with its opposites: bright, sunny, sweet dried Morello cherries and freeze-dried raspberries -- and spiced up with chili heat. It was a bracing and lively combination.

Texture: smooth dark chocolate with a slight crunchy granularity (finely ground, likely freeze-dried fruit particles) that ended with some tiny, chewy (fruit) bits and some raspberry seed grit.

I enjoyed: the bright, fairly intense cherry (and raspberry) fruit flavors; the well-managed bold dark chocolate; and the short list of organic and authentic-tasting ingredients. 

Maker's notes: "...this is a raw chocolate...without any influence from roasting...earthy notes are exaggerated with a hint of cayenne pepper while dried cherries and raspberries bring out the tart and fruity notes--making this bar well-rounded like a nice glass of merlot."

Ingredients: "Chocolate (organic cacao, cacao butter, organic sugar), Dried Morello Cherries, Freeze Dried Raspberries, Cayenne Pepper"

Allergen-related information: "Soy Free, Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free

*Note: the company does not have a physical retail store; they sell their chocolates online.

Xocolatl LLC - Wam & Cozy Ginger, Cinnamon, Cloves & Cardamom 70% Dark Chocolate (bar) - May 2, 2025

Chocolate of the Day

Xocolatl LLC
Warm & Cozy Ginger, Cinnamon, Cloves & Cardamom 70% Dark Chocolate (bar)
Good ++ 
Weight: 1.3 oz. (37.5 g.) / 2.6 oz. (75 g.) in total bar
Calories: 200 calories in 1/2 bar
Cost: $11.00 for 1 bar
Purchased from: Xocolatl, online order

Welcome to Day #8 of Chocolate and Uganda Theme Week, and Day #4 of Chocolate & Warm Spices Theme Week.

Today's Warm & Cozy Ginger, Cinnamon, Cloves & Cardamom 70% Dark Chocolate (bar) was made by Xocolatl LLC (Atlanta, GA). (See previous post to read about the Uganda part of today--a single origin Uganda 75% Cacao bar from this same chocolate maker.)

Aroma notes included: appealing, slightly woodsy, and very slightly earthy, dark chocolate with subtle, comforting warm spice(s) (cinnamon, ginger).

Texture: pleasing smooth texture and melt with fully integrated spices (no detectable spice grit).

Flavor notes included: dark chocolate, and an integrated blend of warm spices (cinnamon, ginger, and even fainter clove).

I enjoyed the balanced, albeit subdued spice flavors in this bar; the choice to create a darker than average (70% vs. 50-60% cacao) spice-flavored chocolate using a high-quality cacao (no sources specifically identified on packaging/label). I also appreciated the short list of ingredients

Ingredients: "Cacao*, Cane Sugar*, Cocoa Butter* (* organic)"

Allergen-related information: "Made on equipment that processes peanuts, soy, wheat & tree nuts (almonds, coconut, hazelnut, pecan)." "Vegan"

  

Xocolatl LLC - Uganda 75% Dark Chocolate (bar) - May 2, 2025

Chocolate of the Day

Xocolatl LLC
Uganda 75% Dark Chocolate (bar)
Good +++
Weight: 1.3 oz. (37.5 g.) / 2.6 oz. (75 g.) in total bar
Calories: 200 calories in 1/2 bar
Cost: $11.00 for 1 bar
Purchased from: Xocolatl, online order

Welcome to Day #8 of Chocolate and Uganda Theme Week, and Day #4 of Chocolate & Warm Spices Theme Week.

Today's Uganda 75% Dark Chocolate (bar) was made by Xocolatl LLC (Atlanta, GA). (See next post for the warm spices half of the day--a spice bar from this same chocolate maker.)

Aroma notes included: chocolate (cocoa, rich hot chocolate), faint almost fruit (cacao pulp, mango), and almost nut (almond).

Texture: pleasing smooth texture and melt.

Flavor notes included: very tasty dark chocolate with rich, smooth and chocolate-y flavor (with glimmers of earth, tropical fruit (mangosteen, very light citrus), very faint floral spice (cardamom) and light nut/seed.

I loved the attractively complex and balanced flavors in this bar; the choice to create a 75% cacao chocolate using a high-quality cacao (from the Semuliki Forest in Uganda, sourced from Latitude Trade); and the very short list of (only three) ingredients

The well-balanced unique and bolder flavors were managed (but not overly managed) and were allowed to dance with each other a bit; in a pleasing, artful way. E.g., there was a very slight bitterness (that you might taste in a certain edible mushroom and nut combination). It felt like it belonged there, rather than taking you out of the tasting experience. This intriguing chocolate had me leaning forward while tasting. Loved the fleeting fruit and spices as well.

Maker's tasting/profile notes: "Robustly dark, bitter nuts, tart orange, cardamom."

Ingredients: "Cacao*, Cane Sugar*, Cocoa Butter* (* organic)"

Allergen-related information: "Made on equipment that processes peanuts, soy, wheat & tree nuts (almonds, coconut, hazelnut, pecan)." "Vegan"

 

Intrigue Chocolate Co. - Cinnamon + Long Pepper 60% Cacao (bar) - May 1, 2025

Chocolate of the Day

Intrigue Chocolate Co.
Cinnamon + Long Pepper 60% Cacao (bar)
Good ++
Weight: 1 oz. (28 g.) in total bar

Calories: 155 calories (estimate) in 1 bar
Cost: $6.00 (estimate) for 1 bar
Purchased from: Intrigue Chocolate, online order

Welcome to Day #7 of Chocolate & Uganda Week, and Day #3 of Chocolate and Spices Week.

Today's Cinnamon + Long Pepper 60% Cacao (bar) was from Intrigue Chocolate Co. (Seattle, WA).* (This bar was a collaboration with Viscon Cellars (Seattle, WA).

The cacao used to make this bar was "mostly Trinitario and Amelonado" (cacao varieties) from Uganda (Region: Rwenzururu; Semuliki Forest; Harvest year: 2022.)

Aroma and flavor notes included: dark chocolate, (chocolate-y); warm spice (cinnamon); faint, diffuse tropical fruit (light citrus, passion fruit) and stone fruit (very faint plum jam); and spicy pepper. The Long Pepper was slightly spicier than black peppercorns found in the U.S.; and had a very faint warm spice (ginger-like) note.

Texture: smooth, with a relatively buttery melt.

I enjoyed the well-executed, balanced flavors, the short list of ingredients, and the sweetness level--that added a slight brightness to the spice flavors. (It was sweet without being overly so.)

Maker's tasting notes: "This chocolate has a soft but highly-complex woodsy spice that complements the aromas of sweet tobacco and ripe plum of Viscon's 2022 Paradigm (100% Malbec) wine. 

Successful chocolate and red wine pairings require skill. Fortunately, this bar was designed by a chef and chocolate maker who possessed that skill.

Ingredients: Roasted cacao nibs, raw cane sugar, cocoa butter, cassia cinnamon, long pepper.

Allergen-related information: (No information on package.)

*Note: the company is planning to relocate to Chisholm, MN.