Javier Confectionery - Cherrylicious Delight (bar) - Aug. 1, 2025

Chocolate of the Day

Javier Confectionery
(Preston's Candy by Javier)
Cherrylicious Delight (bar)
Good ++
Weight: 1.16 oz. (33 g.) / 3.5 oz. (100 g.) in total bar
Calories: 180 calories in 33 g. of bar
Cost: $9.95 for 1 bar
Purchased from: Filoli gift shop, Woodside, CA

Welcome to Day #4 of Chocolate, Berries & Cherries Theme Week.

Today's Cherrylicious Delight (bar) was from Javier Confectionery (Burlingame, CA). 

Javier's bars can be found at Preston's Candy by Javier. (Preston's chocolates date back to 1946.) 

Aroma and flavor notes included: dark chocolate, sweet diffuse fruit (with bursts of tart-sweet cherry pieces), subtle nut (almond pieces) and vanilla marshmallow. (Note: there were no marshmallows in this bar.)

Texture: generously-sized, thick, smooth, almost creamy dark, sweet (63% cacao bittersweet) chocolate; chewy dried cherries; and crunchy toasted almond pieces.

I liked the almonds and cherries, and the thoughtful list of components (that included organic and fair trade ingredients).  And the proportions were balanced and compatible.

The sugar and vanilla (baked goods/marshmallow) taste made this quite sweet. I've recently eaten a lot of chocolates flavored with coconut nectar/maple sugar/brown sugars, making today's cane sugar-sweetened bar seem quite sweet and buzzy by comparison.* 

Ingredients: 63% Bittersweet chocolate (cacao beans, pure cane sugar, cocoa butter, soya lecithin, vanilla beans), pure cane sugar. Cane Sugar, Dried Sour Cherries (Sour Cherries, Sunflower), Almonds, Cocoa Butter

Allergen-related information: Contains soy, almonds. "Made in a facility that also makes products containing milk, soy, egg, peanuts, tree nuts, and wheat."

* Many chocolatiers and customers prefer ("white"/processed) cane sugar as it's a more flavor-neutral choice. It doesn't add flavor that might interfere with cacao nuances and other flavor inclusions. (I respect that, but I'm a dark(er) chocolate fan, and I prefer less processed sugars (that are also typically lower on the glycemic scale). So I'm biased and my preference for less sugar follows accordingly.

Mandala Chocolate - Cacao Alchemy (bar) & Wilderness Poets - Goji Berries, Cashews, Cacao Nibs (mix)

Chocolate(s) of the Day

Mandala Chocolate
Cacao Alchemy - Sugar Free Dark Chocolate with Superherbs and Mushrooms (bar)
Good ++
Weight: 1.15 oz. (32.5 g.) / 2.3 oz. (65 g.) in total bar
Calories: 192 calories in 1/2 bar
Cost: $10.00 for 1 bar
Purchased from: East West Bookstore, Mountain View, CA

Wilderness Poets
Wild Mix - Abundance Trail Mix with Goji Berries, Pistachios, Golden Berries, Cacao Nibs, Cashews
Good ++
Weight: 1 oz. (28 g.) / 8 oz. (226 g.) in total package
Calories: 143 calories in 1 serving
Cost: Missing information
Purchased from: Missing information 

Welcome to Day #13 of Chocolate and Nuts Theme Week and Day #4 of Chocolate, Berries & Cherries Week.

There are many nut and berry blends with cacao/chocolate. Today's two entries covered a wide range of possibilities.

Mandala Chocolate
Today's Cacao Alchemy bar was from Mandala Naturals, LLC (Barnardsville, NC). 

This smooth, stoneground, raw and sugar-free 70% dark chocolate was blended with a long list of "superherbs and mushrooms," including: cacao and...spiceberries. 

What are Spiceberries? I think of spice berries as the dried, unripe fruit of the allspice tree. But this term may also refer to wild harvested spicebush berries (Lindera benzoin) that grow in the Eastern U.S. I'm tempted to think it was the latter in today's bar--since this ingredient was marked as "organic and wildcrafted." 

Either way, it had a smooth flavor. All the herbs and mushroom ingredients were fully integrated into the chocolate. I liked that it was relatively low in bitterness, and had no "off" notes.

I enjoyed the natural level of subtle sweetness. (This bar was labeled as sugar free, but you could have fooled me. There were no artificial sweeteners.) 

Ingredients: *Cacao, *Yacon, *Lucuma, *Sprouted Brown Rice Powder, *Mesquite, *Maca, *Cinnamon, *Ginger, *Vanilla, *Licorice, +Chaga, *Ashwaganda, *Mucuna, +Spiceberries, +Reishi, *Tulsi, +Pedicularis, Celtic Sea Salt(TM), Spilanthes Oil. (* = Organic, + = Organic and Wildcrafted, 

Allergen-related information: (None listed that I could find.) 

Wilderness Poets

The "Wild Mix - Abundance Trail Mix" (with cashews, pistachios, goji berries, golden raisins, golden berries and cacao nibs) was created and distributed by Wilderness Poets (Ashland, OR).

I enjoyed this authentic-tasting blend of nuts and berries made from quality nuts, berries and nibs. (The cocoa nibs were lightly sweetened with coconut nectar and were quite good.) The flavors harmonized well, and the mix was not too sweet or salty. Just right all by itself, or it could be used as a topping or mix-in.

Maker's description: "Our raw Organic Trail Mixes are an excellent snack for kids, hikers, travelers, active people, professionals, and Poets of all kinds."

Ingredients: Cashews*, Pistachios*, Goji Berries*, Golden Raisins*, Golden Berries*, Cacao Nibs* (sweetened with coconut nectar) (* = Organic)

Allergen-related information: "Contains tree nuts (cashews & pistachios). Made in a facility that processes various tree nuts. Warning: May contain nut shell fragments."

The Chocolate Therapist - Rx - Super Hero 72% Dark Chocolate, Cherries & Whole Almonds (bar) - July 29, 2025

Chocolate of the Day

The Chocolate Therapist 
Rx - Super Hero 72% All Natural Dark Chocolate, Cherries & Whole Almonds (bar)
Good ++ 
Weight: 2 oz. (57 g.) in total bar
Calories: 354 calories in 1 bar
Cost: $4.00 for 1 bar ($12.00 for 3 bars)
Purchased from: The Chocolate Therapist, online order

Welcome to Day #12 of Chocolate and Nuts Theme Week, and Day #3 of Chocolate, Berries & Cherries Theme Week.

Today's Rx Super Hero - 72% Natural Dark Chocolate, Cherries & Whole Almonds (bar) was designed by The Chocolate Therapist (Littleton, CO). 

Company founder and head, Julie Nygard, is "a long time chocolate enthusiast" with a passion for nutrition as well. (Each square of this bar was stamped with an "Rx"*. Very clever.)

Aroma notes included: smooth, bittersweet dark chocolate, nuts (almonds) and red fruit (cherries).

Texture: appealing blend of smooth dark chocolate, crunchy whole almonds and chewy cherries.

Flavor notes included: smooth dark chocolate, fresh-tasting almonds, salt and flavorful, tart-sweet, moist and authentic dried cherries.

I liked the blend of flavors and textures; the fact that the bar wasn't too sweet; and the salt that balanced the sweetness and helped integrate the chocolate, almonds and cherries.

Ingredients: Bittersweet Dark Chocolate (Unsweetened Chocolate, Sugar, Sunflower Lecithin, Vanilla), Tart Dried Cherries (with 1% Sunflower Oil), Whole Almonds.

Allergen-related information: "Contains Almonds. Produced on Equipment That Also Processes Milk Products, Tree Nuts, Peanuts and Soy and May Contain Traces of These Products." 

*Rx is a shorthand term for medical prescriptions. (It is derived from the Latin verb "recipere" (which can mean to receive, to take or to regain--and it's also the root word for recipe). The abbreviated "Rx" likely originated in doctor's notes to pharmacists.

The Chocolate Therapist - Rx - Blue Suede 'Shews - 72% Dark with Blueberries & Cashews (bar) - July 28, 2025

Chocolate of the Day

The Chocolate Therapist 
Rx - Blue Suede "Shews" - 72% Dark with Blueberries & Cashews (bar)
Good + - Good ++ 
Weight: 2 oz. (56.6 g.) in total bar
Calories: 332 calories in 1 bar
Cost: $4.00 for 1 bar ($12 for 3 bars)
Purchased from: The Chocolate Therapist, online order 

Welcome to Day #11 of Chocolate and Nuts Theme Week, and Day #2 of Chocolate, Berries and Cherries Week.

Today's Blue Suede 'Shews -  72% Dark Chocolate Blueberries & Cashews (bar) was from The Chocolate Therapist  (Littleton, CO). The company's bars are designed by Julie Nygard, "a long time chocolate enthusiast" with a passion for nutrition.

Aroma and flavor notes included: very slightly earthy but relatively smooth dark chocolate; faint, lightly salted cashew pieces; and the occasional authentic-tasting dried (but still flavorful and moist) blueberry.

I liked that this bar was balanced and not too sweet; and that the blueberries tasted like real blueberries. Both blueberries and cashews complemented the dark chocolate nicely.

Ingredients: "72% Dark Chocolate (Unsweetened Chocolate, Sugar, Sunflower Lecithin, Vanilla), Blueberries (Blueberries, Sucrose, Sunflower Oil), Roasted Cashews, Salt."

Allergen-related information: "Contains Cashews. Produced on Equipment That Also Processes Milk Products, Tree Nuts, Peanuts and Soy and May Contain Traces of These Products." 

The Organic House - Viral Dubai Kanef with Raspberry Drizzle - July 27, 2025

Chocolate of the Day

The Organic House
Viral Dubai Kanef with Raspberry Drizzle
Good ++ 
Weight: 2 oz. (56.6 g.) / 15.68 oz. (444 g.) in a large bar
Calories: 310 calories (estimate) in 2 oz. serving 
Cost: $29.00 for 1 large bar 
Purchased from: The Organic House, online order

Welcome to Day #11 of Chocolate and Nuts and Day #1 of Chocolate, Cherry and Berries Theme Week.

Today's Viral Dubai Kanef with Raspberry Drizzle was from The Organic House (Burlington, ON, Canada).

Aroma notes included: subtle dark chocolate; flavorful sweeteners; maple sugar and coconut flower nectar; and a slight nuttiness.

This hearty, satisfying filled pistachio bar was similar to a Dubai-style chocolate made with shredded pastry. Instead crunchy bits of gluten-free corn flakes mingled with ground pistachios and maple and coconut sugar this large confection. The dark chocolate shell/coating was smooth and balanced (and securely contained the substantial/generous filling). 

A drizzle of raspberry added a subtle, refreshing red berry accent flavor; and a bit of sea salt rounded things out. 

I enjoyed finding and trying this gluten-free version of a Dubai-style filled chocolate bar. I also appreciated the relatively short list of high-quality, authentic ingredients. I'm always glad to find chocolates without additives, gums or "natural flavors."

Ingredients: "Pistachios, GF corn flakes, cacao beans, maple sugar, coconut flower nectar, cacao butter, pear juice, sea salt"

Allergen-related information: Contains: Pistachios.

The Organic House - Vegan Turtle(s) - July 26, 2025

The Chocolate of the Day

The Organic House
Vegan Turtle(s)
(Tortue Vegetalienne) 

Good ++
Weight: 1.76 oz. (50 g.) / 8 oz. (226.4 g.) in total bar
Calories: 320 calories in 50 g. (2 pieces)
Cost: $13.00 for 1 package
Purchased from: The Organic House, online order

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

Today's package of Vegan Turtle(s) was from The Organic House (Burlington, ON, Canada).

Aroma and flavor notes for these 70% dark chocolate-enrobed pecan turtles included: dark chocolate, sweet botanical/green (maple syrup, coconut flower nectar, brown sugar) and pecans.

Texture: a satisfying blend of smooth chocolate, smooth brown sugary caramel, and softly crunchy pecan halves. The caramel wasn't corn-syrup, pull your dental fillings out caramel. It was a much less sticky form of caramel, formed from natural sugars. I liked that.

I enjoyed this blend of balanced and flavorful, high-quality and organic ingredients (pecans, chocolate, choice of less processed sugars).

Maker's tasting notes/description: "Toasted pecans mixed with a vegan caramel covered in a 70% dark chocolate."

Ingredients: Organic pecans, Organic cacao beans, Ontario maple syrup, Organic almond butter, Organic cacao butter, Organic vanilla, Organic sea salt. 

Allergen-related information: "Contains Almonds, Pecans...May contain: Cashews, Hazelnuts, Oats, Pistachios...Made in a facility that uses tree nuts"

 

The Organic House - Pecan Chocolate Brittle with 70% dark chocolate - July 25, 2025

The Chocolate of the Day

The Organic House
Pecan Chocolate Brittle with 70% dark chocolate  (bar)

Good ++
Weight: 3.5 oz. (100 g.) in total package
Calories: 480 calories in 1 package
Cost: $9.00 for 1 package
Purchased from: The Organic House, online order

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

Today's Pecan Chocolate Brittle with 70% dark chocolate was from The Organic House (Burlington, ON, Canada).

Aroma notes included: subtle chocolate, nuts (pecans) and brown coconut sugar/maple sugar/date.

I enjoyed the texture: It had different levels of soft crunchiness. It was not too brittle and hard, and not too soft and crumbly. (Reading that this thoughtfully-created confection contained maple sugar and coconut nectar explained the taste and textures I liked.)

I liked the blend of authentic flavors and textures in this substantial "brittle" more than I expected. The pecan halves (and other organic ingredients) were of good quality; and the brown "brittle" was tasty--and not as over-sweetened as I was expecting (thank you). 

The smaller amounts of dark chocolate added richness and depth. The pecans were the star of the show; and rightly so. Last, but not least, the very judicious use of sea salt (not too much, not too little) also enhanced/elevated this sweet, nutty blend.

Maker's tasting notes/description: "Toasted pecans layered with vegan butter toffee topped with 70% dark chocolate and sea salt."

Ingredients: "Ontario maple syrup, Organic pecans, Organic cacao beans, Organic coconut flower nectar, Mineral water, Organic cacao butter, Organic sea salt, Organic vanilla beans, Organic unrefined coconut oil (organic expeller pressed unrefined virgin coconut oil)"

Allergen-related information: "Contains Pecans...May contain Almonds, Cashews, Hazelnuts, Oats, Pistaches...Made in a facility that uses tree nuts."  

The Organic House - Hazelnut Chocolate 55% Cacao (bar) - July 24, 2025

The Chocolate of the Day

The Organic House
Hazelnut Chocolate 55% Cacao (bar)

(Chocolat Aux Noisettes 55% Cacao)
Good ++
Weight: .88 oz. (25 g.) / 1.76 oz. (50 g.) in total bar
Calories: 190 calories in 3/5 bar (in 30 g. serving)
Cost: $9.00 for 1 bar
Purchased from: The Organic House, online order

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

Today's Hazelnut Chocolate 55% Cacao (bar) was from The Organic House (Burlington, ON, Canada).

The cacao used to make this chocolate was from Maya Mountain Cacao in southern Belize.

Aroma and flavor notes included: chocolate; sweet green/botanical/brown coconut sugar/honey/date/; and smooth (hazelnut butter-like) nuttiness.

Balanced and flavorful, I enjoyed the rich, creamy hazelnut butter-like texture. This 55% bar was sweet, but the sweetness level was moderated a bit by the cacao, the hazelnuts and by the use of coconut flower nectar. 

Maker's Tasting Notes: "Buttery notes of chocolate, hazelnut, honey, raisins and pineapple."

Ingredients: Organic cacao beans, Organic cacao butter, Organic hazelnuts, Organic coconut flower nectar. 

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

The Xocolate Bar - Rocky Road (bar) - July 23, 2025

Chocolate of the Day

The Xocolate Bar
Rocky Road (bar) 
Good + - Good ++ 
Weight: 1 oz. (28.3 g.) / 2 oz. (57 g.) in total bar
Calories: 155 calories (estimate) in 1/2 bar
Cost: $9.99 for 1 bar
Purchased from: The Market at Edgewood, Palo Alto, CA

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

Today's Rocky Road (bar) was from The Xocolate Bar (Berkeley, CA).

Aroma and flavor notes included: relatively bold but smooth dark chocolate; sweet candied pecans; and soft bites of small, sweet marshmallows. All infused with subtle vanilla. 

This bar was an aggregation of smooth, crunchy, and soft textures. It was part dark chocolate and part confection with the candied nuts and marshmallows.  

I liked that the (fair trade 70%) dark chocolate helped moderate the sweetness.

Maker's tasting notes: "...crunchy, chewy, salty and sweet...a classic reimagined"

Ingredients: "fair trade dark chocolate* (cacao,* sugar,* sunflower lecithin), pecans, sugar, tapioca syrup, carageenan (sic), soy protein, canola oil, natural vanilla flavor, salt." (* Organic)

Allergen-related information: Contains Nuts.

 

SunRidge Farms - Mexican Style Chocolate Almonds - July 22, 2025

Chocolate of the Day

SunRidge Farms
Mexican Style Chocolate Almonds
Good + - Good ++
Weight: 1.06 oz. (30 g.) (1/4 cup) / 6 oz. (170 g.) in total package
Calories: 170 calories in 1 serving (1/4 cup)
Cost: $6.99 (estimate) for 1 package
Purchased from: Piazza's, Palo Alto, CA

Welcome to Day #5 of Chocolate & Nuts Theme Week.

Today's Mexican Style Chocolate Almonds with Cinnamon, Cayenne & Vanilla were manufactured by SunRidge Farms (Royal Oaks, CA).*

Aroma and flavor notes included: sweet, dark milk chocolate and spices (Ceylon cinnamon, vanilla, cayenne pepper). I admit I prefer Cassia (Saigon) cinnamon from Vietnam rather than Ceylon cinnamon. 

Texture: smooth chocolate coating surrounded crunchy whole almonds.

I liked the textural balance between smooth and crunchy; and the idea of Mexican chocolate. Somehow the combination of spices reminded me of cinnamon toast or apple turnover with some mild heat. That's not a bad thing; but I'm a big fan of the "other" cinnamon--the bolder, (some say more bitter) Cassia cinnamon from Vietnam. Everything else about these almonds seemed just fine.

Ingredients: "Mexican Style Chocolate Coating (cane sugar, unsweetened chocolate, cocoa butter, milk, cinnamon, soy or sunflower lecithin [an emulsifier], cayenne pepper, vanilla extract), Dry Roasted Almonds, Pure Food Glaze."

Allergen-related information: "Contains Almonds, Milk, Soy. Manufactured on shared equipment with peanuts, tree nuts, wheat and sesame."

*The company gets extra points in my book as their facility uses renewable energy (solar and wind) to run their operations. And that includes "3000+ solar panels."

That's All - Dark Chocolate Knafe Crunch (bar) - July 21, 2025

Chocolate of the Day

That's All
Dark Chocolate Knafe Crunch (bar)
Good ++ 
Weight: 2.2 oz. (62.2 g.) in total bar
Calories: 341 calories (estimate) in 1 bar
Cost: $13.99 for 1 bar
Purchased from: The Market at Edgewood, Palo Alto, CA

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

Today's handmade Dark Chocolate Knafe Crunch (bar) from That's All (San Jose, CA)

This bar was a tribute to the Dubai chocolate bars popular on social media in recent years that contain pistachios and knafeh/kataifi/kadayif (shredded, thin phyllo dough pastry sheets) -- often with tahini (ground sesame).

Aroma notes included: dark chocolate with appealing sweet, nutty and very faint coconut notes.

Texture: smooth, firm dark chocolate coating surrounded a soft, ground pistachio nuts (salted pistachio butter) filling that was also crunchy and flavorful thanks to popped quinoa, sesame (tahini) and coconut.

Flavor notes included: a pleasing blend of dark chocolate layered with pistachio nut butter and other complementary flavors and complementary creamy and crunchy textures.

I also appreciated the short list of quality ingredients and being able to try a gluten-free version of a "Dubai Chocolate"-inspired filled bar. 

Ingredients: 70% Dark Chocolate (Cocoa Beans, Cane Sugar, Cocoa Butter, Sunflower Lecithin), Salted Pistachio Butter, Popped Quinoa, Tahini (Sesame), Coconut Sugar.

Allergen-related information: "Contains: Pistachio, Sesame & Coconut (sugar)"

Xocolatl - "Go Nuts" - 68% Dark Chocolate, Roasted Almonds & Vanilla-Infused Sea Salt (bar) - July 20, 2025

Chocolate of the Day

Xocolatl 
"Go Nuts" 68% Dark Chocolate, Roasted Almonds & Vanilla-Infused Sea Salt (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 #12 of Chocolate & Salt Theme Week, and Day #3 of Chocolate & Nuts Theme Week.

Today's "Go Nuts" 68% Dark Chocolate, Roasted Almonds & Vanilla-Infused Sea Salt (bar) was made from bean-to-bar by Xocolatl LLC (Atlanta, GA).

Aroma notes included: rich dark chocolate with appealing nutty notes.

Texture: smooth dark chocolate, and a softly crunchy field of chopped nuts (on the back of the bar).

Flavor notes included: smooth but relatively rich dark chocolate, nuttiness from chopped almonds, with a subtle hint of salt and vanilla.

I loved the nuts (almonds); the gentle dose of salt; and the overall tasting experience.

Ingredients: Cacao, Cane Sugar*, Almond* (tree nut), Cocoa Butter*, Sea Salt, Vanilla (* = organic)

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

L'Amourette -- "Almonds" Dark Chocolate with Salted Almonds 72% Cacao (bar) - July 19, 2025

Chocolate of the Day

L'Amourette Chocolat LLC  
"Almonds" - Chocolat Noir Aux Amandes Salees 72% Cacao (tablette)

(Dark Chocolate with Salted Almonds (bar))
Good ++
Weight: 1.41 oz. (40 g.) / 3.5 oz. (100 g.) in total bar
Calories: 250 calories in 40 g. of 1 bar
Cost: $8.63 for 1 bar
Purchased from: The Market at Edgewood, Palo Alto, CA

Welcome to Day #11 of Chocolate & Salt Theme Week, and Day #2 of Chocolate & Nuts Theme Week.

Today's "Almonds" - Dark Chocolate with Salted Almonds 72% Cacao (bar) was manufactured and distributed by L'Amourette Chocolat LLC (San Francisco, CA).

The company's line of bars (including many single origin chocolates) are "handcrafted by Andre V*, who is an experienced European chocolatier. 

The cacao used in today's chocolate was: a "hand selected blend of Rio Caribe and Carenero Superior beans from Venezuela." (I've continued to be impressed that Andre has found ways to continue to feature chocolates made with Venezuelan cacao, given the ups and downs in that country in the last decade.)

Aroma notes included: fudge-y, chocolate-y, dark chocolate with subtle vanilla and faint/diffuse fruit (red fruit, dark blackberry/currant).

Texture: smooth dark chocolate with occasional (whole) almonds.

Flavor notes included: slightly roast-y, rich chocolate with extra dark fudge-brownie; and very faint fruit (dark berry, currant) and earth. the almonds added an authentically nutty accent flavor. The salt on the almonds was relatively subdued (not overdone, thank you), yet there was enough that it balanced the darker aspects of the dark chocolate nicely. 

I liked the rich and satisfying extra dark flavor in this 72% cacao bar. The chocolate was well managed and well-executed. 

Maker's tasting/aroma notes: "...luxuriant fruit-filled aroma with a hint of black currant..."

Ingredients: Cocoa Beans (Trinitario), Cocoa Butter, Cane Sugar (Vegan), Bourbon Vanilla Beans, Salted California Almonds

Allergen-related information: Contains Almonds; Manufactured in a facility that also processes nuts. Soy and Gluten Free product. Vegan.

*Andre and his wife and business partner Roxanne started L'Amourette in 2011.

Wildwood Chocolate - Salted Brown Butter Texas Pecan Brittle 70% Cacao (bar) - July 18, 2025

Chocolate of the Day

Wildwood Chocolate
Salted Brown Butter Texas Pecan Brittle 70% Cacao (bar)
Good + - Good ++
Weight: 1.2 oz. (34 g.) / 3.53 oz. (100 g.) in total bar
Calories: 180 calories in 1/3 bar
Cost: $14.99 for 1 bar
Purchased from: The Market at Edgewood, Palo Alto, CA

Welcome to Day #10 of Chocolate and Salt Week, and Day #1 of Chocolate & Nuts Theme Week.

Today's Salted Brown Butter Texas Pecan Brittle 70% Cacao (bar) was from Wildwood Chocolate (Portland, OR). The company specializes in fine chocolates with flavors/ingredients inspired by the Pacific Northwest. But, today's bar took us closer to Texas.

Aroma notes included: dark chocolate, faint salted toffee and nut. 

Texture: fudge-y, smooth and buttery dark chocolate was piled high with pecan-studded (toffee-style) brittle hunks (think gold-hued rock candy)--creating a visually substantial look, and a multi-layered tasting experience. 

The toffee brittle was in the Goldilocks zone (texture-wise). It was wasn't too sticky-hard (it didn't yank out a dental filling) and it wasn't too soft and crumbly. 

Flavor notes included: dark chocolate (fudge nut brownie, slightly earthy cocoa) topped with crystalline hunks of brittle candy and pieces of pecan.

This was a well executed bar and true to a big Texas experience. Toffee/brittle lovers will enjoy this bar; whereas I would've preferred smaller flecks of toffee. The vanilla level seemed just right, offering a touch of baked goods warmth.

I liked the complementary flavors and the slightly buttery (real butter) flavor. The salt balanced the dark chocolate and brittle, and vice versa. (The whole blend/bar tasted a bit better than the individual elements, a tribute to the bar's creator.)

Ingredients: "Bittersweet Chocolate (cocoa mass, sugar, cocoa butter, soy lecithin, vanilla extract), Pecan Brittle (sugar, pecans, butter (cream (milk), natural flavor), organic vanilla extract (water, organic alcohol (35%), organic vanilla bean extractives), sea salt, cream of tartar), Sea Salt."

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

Ocelot Craft Chocolate - 70% Dark Chocolate Sea Salt (bar) - July 17, 2025

Chocolate of the Day 

Ocelot Craft Chocolate 
70% Dark Chocolate Sea Salt (bar)
Good ++
Weight: 1.23 oz. (35 g.) / 2.47 oz. (70 g.) in total bar
Calories: 202 calories in 1/2 bar
Cost: $12.00 for 1 bar
Purchased from: The Chocolate Dispensary, online order 

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

Today's 70% Dark Chocolate Sea Salt (bar) was from Ocelot Craft Chocolate (Dundee, UK) and imported into the U.S. by Original Beans BV (Amsterdam, NL).

The cacao used to make this chocolate was from Virunga National Park, Eastern Congo.

Aroma and flavor notes included: dark chocolate (relatively bold but balanced brownie with faint roasted, earth, very faint diffuse red fruit (apple and red berry), and chocolate cookie).

Texture: smooth dark chocolate with periodic tiny, crunchy salt crystals.

I enjoyed the chocolate-y flavors in this bar, and the origin stories about the salt as well as the cacao.

The Chocolate Dispensary supplied tasting notes: "The fruity, smoky flavours of this chocolate are beautifully lifted by a salty-sweet kick of hand-harvested sea salt from Scotland."

Ingredients: cacao mass*, raw cane sugar*, cacao butter*, sea salt (1%). Cacao solids: 70% minimum.

Allergen-related information: May contain almonds, hazelnuts and milk. 

Meurisse Chocolate NV - Himalayan Salt Dark Chocolate Bar - July 16, 2025

Chocolate of the Day

Meurisse Chocolate NV 
Himalayan Salt Dark Chocolate Bar
Good ++ - Good +++
Weight: .88 oz. (25 g.) / 3.52 oz. (100 g.) in total bar
Calories: 140 calories in 1/4 bar
Cost: $10.00 for 1 bar
Purchased from: Il Parco, Presidio, San Francisco, CA

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

Today's Himalayan Salt Dark Chocolate Bar from Meurisse Chocolate NV (Antwerp, Belgium) was manufactured in Belgium.

Founded in 1845 by Adolphe Meurisse, the company is one of Belgium's oldest chocolate makers. I'm impressed with any enterprise that surpasses the century mark, much less 180 years. (Less than half of one percent of U.S. companies have made it to 100 years.) 

The company offers a variety of bars using single origin cocoa from Papua New Guinea.

Aroma notes included: dark chocolate with faint earth and dried fruit (fig) and faint sweet vanilla. (The faint earth note disappeared a few minutes after the sealed inner wrapper was opened.)

This generously-sized bar was relatively thick. It had a satisfying, smooth, slightly fudge-y texture. 

Flavor notes for substantial (thick and generously-sized 73% cacao chocolate included: dark chocolate (fudge-y, chocolate-y) with vanilla; subtle dried fruit (fig); and very faint nut (sweet walnut**, hazelnut). Note: there were no nut ingredients in this bar. The salt was well-balanced (in the Goldilocks zone*). 

I enjoyed this relatively hearty, balanced dark chocolate with fudge brownie, subtle and authentic-tasting vanilla, and (Pink Himalayan) salt notes. I liked the sweetness level, the cacao percentage level (73%) and the subtle, well-executed complexity of the cacao (from Papua New Guinea). This chocolate exceeded my expectations.

Ingredients: Cocoa mass*, cane sugar*, cocoa butter*, natural vanilla powder*, salt. (* = from organic agriculture.)

Allergen-related information: "May contain traces of milk, soy, pistachio, almonds, walnuts, hazelnuts, macadamia nuts."

*Not too little, not too much. Just right for me.

** In Greece and other Mediterranean and Middle Eastern countries you can buy young/green walnuts in syrup (aka walnut jam or walnut preserves). The blend has a unique, sweet green fig/nut flavor. It's a taste that I've tasted in chocolates as well (especially those made with organic sugar), and have described it as having sweet, green botanical/syrup notes. 

Sabadi - Il Cioccolato di Pantelleria 83% (bar) - July 15, 2025

Chocolate of the Day

Sabadi 
Il Cioccolato di Pantelleria 83% (tavoletta)
(The Chocolate of Pantelleria 83% (bar))
Good ++ - Good +++
Weight: .88 oz. (25 g.) / 1.76 oz. (50 g.) in total bar
Calories: 235.5 calories in 1/2 bar
Cost: $8.99 for 1 bar
Purchased from: Caputo's, online order

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

Today's Il Cioccolato di Pantelleria* 83% cacao (bar) was from Sabadi srl (Modica, Sicily, Italy).

This was a cold-processed organic chocolate with caper berries and "flower of salt." The cacao used to make this bar was from Ecuador; and the caper berries were from the island of Pantelleria--known for its high-quality caper berries.

Aroma and flavor notes included: rich, fudge-y, and smooth ultra-dark chocolate (chocolate-y, very faint earth and fruit), with delicate savory (caper berry) and satisfying salt notes.

Texture: smooth fudge-y texture. It had the freshness and initial feel of a rustic, stone-ground chocolate, but with a hearty, smooth melt and mouthfeel. An excellent blend of characteristics. (There was also no added cocoa butter, as is the style associated with Modica chocolates.)

I loved everything about this bar: the dark but smooth cacao flavor and fudge-y texture; the savory yet almost floral caper berries (unopened flower buds cured in salt) notes and the "flower" salt.

Full disclosure: I enjoy trying savory flavors; and I tend to like these better than your average chocolate lover. But, this had a special balance to it that I think most dark lovers will really appreciate. The tie-in with special places in Italy (Modica, Sicily--with its own unique chocolate making history--and the island of Pantelleria) made this chocolate all the more pleasing.

Ingredients: Cocoa mass^#+ -- origin: Ecuador -- variety: Nacional Fino de Aroma; cane sugar^#, Caperberries^ (min. 1.5%), flower of salt (min: 0.5%). Cocoa: 83% minimum. (^ = organic; # = presidio slow food; + = from fair trade producers.)

Allergen-related information: "May contain traces of nuts, milk, and soy." Gluten Free, Vegan

*Pantelleria is a volcanic Italian island in the Mediterranean Sea (Sicilian Strait). It is relatively isolated and rugged. (It was used as a place of banishment by the Romans long ago.) But, it also has aspects of an island paradise (vacation destination). I visualize tasting all sorts of tasty savory dishes with capers with a side of sweet local wine.

  

Coco - Isle of Skye Sea Salt Milk Chocolate (bar) - July 14, 2025

Chocolate of the Day

Coco
Isle of Skye Sea Salt Milk Chocolate (bar)
Good ++
Weight: 1.41 oz. (40 g.) / 2.82 oz. (80 g.) in total bar
Calories: 227.48 calories in 1/2 bar
Cost: N/A - gift from a friend - thank you Wendy!
Purchased from: N/A - gift

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

Today's Isle of Skye Sea Salt Milk Chocolate 40% (bar) was from Coco Chocolatier (South Queensferry, Scotland).

The colorful wrapper for this truly international bar--made in Scotland using Colombian cacao--was designed by "France-based Les Canailles." Perfect for Bastille Day today...And this chocolate was a gift from friends in Minnesota to me, in California. Thank you Wendy!

Aroma and flavor notes included sweet and creamy milk chocolate, lightly salted, with very faint vanilla.

I liked the creamy texture and taste. This 40% cacao bar was sweet and relatively addictive ("more-ish") due to sugar, salt and fat blend. Those with a sweet tooth will likely enjoy this chocolate. 

The subtle Isle of Skye sea salt (from Scotland) helped balance out the relatively high level of sweetness.

A sweet milk chocolate bar can mute some more subtle naturally occurring cacao flavors; but the choice of higher-quality, single origin cacao (as in this bar) elevated the overall taste. Thank you to Coco for using Colombian cacao for this bar.

Ingredients: Sugar, Cocoa Butter, Cocoa Mass, Milk Powder 14.5%, Emulsifier: Non-GMO Soya Lecithin, Natural Vanilla Flavour, Isle of Skye Sea Salt (<1%), Cocoa Solids: 40% Minimum.

Allergen-related information: Contains Milk, Soya. May Contain Traces of Peanuts, Nuts and Gluten.

 

Dolfin - Eclats de Caramel & Sel Miroir de Bolivie (bar) - July 13, 2025

Chocolate of the Day

Dolfin 
Chocolat Noir - Eclats de Caramel & Sel miroir de Bolivie
(Dark chocolate with caramel Pieces & a touch of Miroir salt from Bolivia)
Good ++
Weight: 1.058 oz. (30 g,) in 1 small bar 
Calories: 160 calories in 1 small bar
Cost: $7.50 for 1 bar 

Purchased from: World Wide Chocolate, online order

Bonjour and welcome to Day #5 of Chocolate and Salt Theme Week.

Today's Chocolat Noir Eclats de Caramel & Sel miroir de Bolivie (small bar) was made in Belgium by Dolfin Chocolaterie (Baulers Nivelles, Belgium).

Salts from France (Guerande) and Bolivia were included in today's bar. The latter miroir salt (also known as mirror salt) was from Salar de Uyani--a large, high altitude, salt plain that (when it rains and leaves a thin layer of water on the salt) can have almost other-worldly reflective, mirror-like properties.

Aroma and flavor notes included: dark chocolate (dark fudge), butter, caramel, vanilla flavoring, and balanced salt.

Texture: smooth, creamy texture--with very tiny crystal-like crunchy bits.

I liked the chocolate-y flavor, light caramel and touch of salt. The 60% dark chocolate was well managed (robust but not too dark, and had no "off" notes).

Ingredients: Cocoa paste, sugar, caramel 4% (sugar, glucose syrup, whole milk powder, fresh cream (milk), salted butter (milk), Guerande salt, rapeseed lecithin), cocoa butter, emulsifier: soy lecithin, Miroir salt from Bolivia 0.2%, natural vanilla flavoring.

Allergen-related information: Contained milk and soy. "May contain tree nuts, eggs, wheat and sesame.

 

Xocolatl Chocolate - 80% Dark Chocolate "Dark & Salty" Dark Chocolate & Vanilla-Infused Sea Salt (bar) - July 12, 2025

Chocolate of the Day

Xocolatl Chocolate 
80% Dark Chocolate "Dark & Salty" Dark Chocolate & Vanilla-Infused Sea Salt (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 #4 of Chocolate & Salt Theme Week.

Today's 80% Dark Chocolate "Dark & Salty" Dark Chocolate & Vanilla-Infused Sea Salt (bar) was made from bean to bar from Xocolatl LLC (Atlanta, GA).

Aroma notes included: rich (drinking) chocolate, and very faint salt and pepper.

Texture: smooth, almost creamy texture

Flavor notes included: rich drinking chocolate (with faint red berry and vanilla), and subtle salt.

I liked the chocolate-y, subtle richness and balance.

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

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

Chocolate Spiel - Charcoal Habanero Salt (bar) - July 11, 2025

Chocolate of the Day

Chocolate Spiel 
Charcoal Habanero Salt (bar)
Good ++ 
Weight: 1 oz. (27 g.) in total bar
Calories: 155 calories (estimate) in 1 bar
Cost: $8.00 for 1 bar
Purchased from: Chocolate Spiel (Etsy), online order

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

Today's Charcoal Habanero Salt (bar) was from Chocolate Spiel (Seattle, WA).

Aroma notes for this bar included: smooth dark chocolate, and very faint savory (chili pepper). 

Texture: smooth, buttery/creamy texture.

Flavor notes included: smooth dark chocolate, subtle spicy pepper and salt. The habanero pepper heat didn't kick in until around six seconds and it wasn't too hot.

I liked the smooth, almost silky texture. The flavors were balanced and relatively subtle. I would have liked to have tasted a bit more salt. But, that's likely because I was expecting to taste more salt. (There was a bit more salt in subsequent bites.

Ingredients: "cocoa, cocoa butter, sugar, charcoal, habanero salt, colored cocoa butter."

Allergen-related information: "May contain traces of peanuts, gluten and tree nuts."

Jangala Cacao & Selva - Worm Salt - Mexican Traditions 70% Cacao Dark Chocolate (bar) - July 10, 2025

Chocolate of the Day

Jangala Cacao & Selva
Worm Salt - Mexican Traditions 70% Cacao (bar)
Good ++
Weight: .88 oz. (25 g.) / 1.76 oz. (50 g.) in total bar
Calories: 98 calories in 1/2 bar
Cost: $16.00 for 1 bar
Purchased from: The Chocolate Dispensary, online order

Welcome to Day #16 of Chocolate & Mexico Theme Week; and Day #2 of Chocolate & Salt Theme Week.

Today's  Jangala Cacao & Selva Worm Salt* 70% Cacao Dark Chocolate (bar) was made by Jangala Frutos De La Tierra S. de R.I. de C.V. (San Cristobol de Las Casas, Chiapas, Mexico) in southern Mexico.

The company's "Mexican Traditions" family of chocolates contain Mexican cacaos and traditional flavor inclusions.

The cacao used to make this bar was "fermented Criollo-Trinitario Cacao from Soconusco, Chiapas." And the maguey worm salt was from Mitla, Oaxaca.*

Aroma notes included: slightly savory dark chocolate with very faint fruit and chili pepper.

Flavor notes for this flavor rich chocolate included: relatively bold/dark but balanced chocolate, peppered with tiny flecks of red hot chili pepper and powdered/ground worm salt. (One bar is 7 grams of protein; but it will be a spicy ride.) 

I appreciated the opportunity to try this authentic chocolate, crafted from "tree to bar" using a short list of quality ingredients from Mexico. 

Maker's tasting notes: Chocolate / middle Spicy / Red fruits

"Organic Ingredients: Cacao, cane sugar, maguey worm salt

Allergen-related information: None listed on package.

* Worm salt, (Sal de gusano), a Oaxacan spice, is made with salt, toasted and ground maguey worms and chili powder. (The worms are moth larvae found in agave plants that are used to make mezcal.) This salt is described as having a unique umami flavor; and it is often enjoyed with mezcal.

Cuna de Piedra - 73% Mexican Cacao from Comalcalco with Ancient Spring Salt (bar) - July 9, 2025

Chocolate of the Day

Cuna de Piedra
73% Mexican Cacao from Comalcalco, Tabasco with Ancient Spring Salt (bar)
Good ++
Weight: 1.05 oz. (30 g.) / 2.1 oz. (60 g.) in total bar
Calories: 100 calories in 1/2 bar (per label)
Cost: $10.99 for 1 bar
Purchased from: Caputo's, online order

Welcome to Day #15 of Chocolate & Mexico Theme Week; and Day #1 of Chocolate & Salt Theme Week.

Today's 73% Mexican Cacao from Comalcalco, Tabasco with Ancient Spring Salt (bar) was from Cuna de Piedra* (Monterrey, NL, Mexico).

The company pays "homage to Mexican Cacao." The cacao used to make this bar was from Comalcalco, Tabasco in southeastern Mexico. (Cacao harvest information: Dry Season Harvest 2023.)

Aroma notes for this chocolate included: attractive dark chocolate; subtle fruit (pear and barely detectable banana); and very faint sweet green herb.

Flavor notes included: smooth, appealing, rich dark chocolate (not too acidic natural cocoa, drinking chocolate) naturally sweet dark chocolate; gentle fruit; faint, sweet (almost floral) herb; and very faint nut.

I enjoyed the short-list of thoughtfully-sourced and high-quality ingredients; the subtle perfection in the use of salt (not too much, not too little); and the origin stories behind the cacao and the ancient spring salt. 

The company sourced the salt from Zapotitlan Salinas (Puebla, Mexico). This salt has been harvested from mines in the same area for more than two thousand years.

Ingredients: Cacao beans, Cane sugar, Mineral spring salt.

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

*The company name Cuna de Piedra translates to "cradle of stone." 

Monsoon Chocolate - Chiltepin 42% Milk Chocolate (bar) - July 8, 2025

Chocolate of the Day

Monsoon Chocolate 
Chiltepin 42% Milk Chocolate, Supporting the Northern Jaguar Project (bar)
Good ++ 
Weight: .88 oz. (25 g.) / 1.76 oz. (50 g.) in total bar
Calories: 135 calories (estimate) for 1/2 bar
Cost: $14.99 for 1 bar
Purchased from: Caputo's, online order 

Welcome to Day #14 of Chocolate and Mexico Theme Week.

Today's 42% Milk Chocolate "Chiltepin--Supporting the Northern Jaguar Project*"--(bar) was hand-crafted in Arizona by Monsoon Chocolate, LLC (Tucson, AZ). This bar was part of the company's Desert Series. 

My hat is off to those who make chocolate in very hot places. Having visited southern Arizona, I'm also impressed by the wildlife that survive in desert corridors--like the jaguars that range from Mexico to Arizona. 

The chiltepin peppers and cacao in this bar represented these two areas of appreciation for me. These rare peppers grow where the jaguars still roam. Chocolate with a story.

Aroma notes for this 42% cacao bar included: dark chocolate and caramel with very faint, diffuse fruit.

Texture: This caramel-colored bar had a smooth milk chocolate texture.

Flavor notes included: sweet milk chocolate with faint tart-sweet fruit and pepper heat that packed a fiery punch. 

While the heat made it hard to detect subtler notes, it subsided into the finish with most bites with a polite and polished efficiency (similar to its 75% sibling featured yesterday). Some bites had more of a throat-grabbing flame than others; so you may want to enjoy this bar with a glass of water nearby.

I enjoyed this bar in smaller bites; and I was happy to support this maker and the Northern Jaguar Project.

Ingredients: Cocoa Beans, Unrefined Cane Sugar*, Cocoa Butter*, Milk Powder*, Chiltepin (*Certified Organic)

Allergen-related information: "Made in a facility that handles tree nuts, wheat, milk, eggs and peanuts. May not be suitable for people with allergies to these foods."

*"The Northern Jaguar Project (NJP) leads efforts to protect North America's northernmost jaguars in the Sierra Madre Occidental, where the chiltepin pepper also thrives. Known as the "mother of all chilies" and the only wild chili native to the US, the chiltepin is honored in the Slow Food Ark of Taste for its cultural and environmental significance. Sourcing chiltepin from NJP-protected areas allows us to support their crucial work."  

Monsoon Chocolate - Chiltepin 75% Dark Chocolate - Supporting the Northern Jaguar Project (bar) - July 7, 2025

Chocolate of the Day

Monsoon Chocolate 
Chiltepin 75% Dark Chocolate, Supporting the Northern Jaguar Project (bar)
Good ++ 
Weight: .88 oz. (25 g.) / 1.76 oz. (50 g.) in total bar
Calories: 135 calories (estimate) for 1/2 bar
Cost: $12.99 for 1 bar
Purchased from: Caputo's, online order 

Welcome to Day #13 of Chocolate and Mexico Theme Week.

Today's 75% Dark Chocolate "Chiltepin--Supporting the Northern Jaguar Project*"--(bar) was hand-crafted in Arizona by Monsoon Chocolate, LLC (Tucson, AZ). This bar was part of the company's Desert Series. 

My hat is off to those who make chocolate in very hot places. Having visited Arizona, I'm also impressed by the wildlife that survive in desert corridors--like the jaguars that range from Mexico to Arizona. The chili and cacao blend in this bar linked these two areas of appreciation for me. The chiltepin peppers grow where the jaguars still roam. Chocolate with a story.

Aroma notes for this 75% cacao bar included: dark chocolate and very faint, diffuse fruit/botanical and roasted (coffee).

Texture: smooth dark chocolate

Flavor notes included: dark chocolate and pepper heat that varied slightly from bite to bite. 

While the heat made it hard to detect subtler notes, it subsided into the finish with most bites with a polite and polished efficiency. However, there was one bite that included a few throat-grabbing flames; so you may want to enjoy this bar with a glass of water nearby, just in case.

I enjoyed this in smaller bites; and I was happy to support this maker and the Northern Jaguar Project.

Ingredients: Cocoa Beans, Unrefined Cane Sugar*, Cocoa Butter*, Chiltepin (*Certified Organic)

Allergen-related information: "Made in a facility that handles tree nuts, wheat, milk, eggs and peanuts. May not be suitable for people with allergies to these foods."

*"The Northern Jaguar Project (NJP) leads efforts to protect North America's northernmost jaguars in the Sierra Madre Occidental, where the chiltepin pepper also thrives. Known as the "mother of all chilies" and the only wild chili native to the US, the chiltepin is honored in the Slow Food Ark of Taste for its cultural and environmental significance. Sourcing chiltepin from NJP-protected areas allows us to support their crucial work." 

Nuance Chocolate - Single Origin Mexico Chontalpa 70% Pure Dark (bar) - July 6, 2025

Chocolate of the Day

Nuance Chocolate Company
Single Origin - Mexico Chontalpa 70% Pure Dark (bar)
Good ++
Weight: .97 oz. (27.5 g.) / 1.94 oz. (55 g.) in total bar
Calories: 150 calories (estimate) in 1/2 bar
Cost: $10.50 for 1 bar
Purchased from: Nuance Chocolate, online and voice order

Welcome to Day #12 of Chocolate and Mexico Theme Week.

Today's Single Origin - Mexico Chontalpa 70% Pure Dark (bar) (Batch #39431) was from Nuance Chocolate Company (Fort Collins, CO). The company offers small batch, bean-to-bar chocolates and confections.

This dark chocolate was "made using "rare white Almendra Blanca* cacao from the Chontalpa region of Tabasco," in southeastern Mexico. 

Aroma and flavor notes for this bar included: dark chocolate; faint stone fruit (tart sweet cherry, apricot) and roasted coffee and nut (pecan) notes. (Note: there are no nut ingredients in this chocolate.)

Texture: smooth dark chocolate texture.

I enjoyed the balanced but certainly not boring flavors that included tart sweet fruit notes; the maker's thoughtful sourcing; the short list of quality ingredients; and the relatively thinness of the bar--allowing ready access to the flavors as they were developing my mouth during tasting.

Maker's tasting notes: "...A delicate, floral, and fruity chocolate with juicy notes of apricot jam layered over a subtley nutty foundation. A long finish, with a balanced touch of bitterness."

Ingredients: "cacao, cane sugar, cocoa butter. All natural and GMO-free."  

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

*Alemendra Blanca in English means "white almond." Most cacao beans (roughly the size of a chunky brownish almond on the outside) are purplish or reddish on the inside when you cut beans open.

However, Alemendra Blanca beans from Tabasco, Mexico, are closer to ivory or white in color on the inside; and these beans have a unique and prized flavor profile--often with some boldness/fruit, while still being relatively smooth. E.g., today's 70% Chontalpa bar tasted more like a dark 60-65% cacao bar with some authentic fruit candy and roasted notes.

Cluizel - Plantation Mokaya Grand Cru Chiapas 75% Cacao Chocolat Noir (bar) - July 5, 2025

Chocolate of the Day

Cluizel Paris
Plantation Mokaya Grand Cru Chiapas 75% Cacao Chocolat Noir (bar)
Good ++ 
Weight: 1.23 oz. (35 g.) / 2.46 oz. (70 g.) in total bar
Calories: 203 calories in 1/2 bar
Cost: $19.99 for 1 bar
Purchased from: World Wide Chocolate, online order 

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

Today's Plantation Mokaya Grand Cru Chiapas 75% Cacao Chocolat Noir (bar) was from Cluizel (Paris, France). Cluizel is a third-generation, French chocolate maker that's been manufacturing chocolates since 1948.

The cacao used to make this bar was from a plantation (farm) in Chiapas--the southernmost state in Mexico.

Aroma and flavor notes for this bar included: smooth, chocolate-y dark chocolate enriched by faint, soft and diffuse fruits (red fruit, stone fruits (peach, nectarine), very mild mango, banana and cacao fruit); very gentle (balanced) earth; and very faint botanicals and nuts.

Texture: smooth dark chocolate

I liked the faint and diffuse, naturally sweet and complex fruit notes; the very faint and well-balanced cocoa and earth notes; and the very faint botanical and nut (vanilla, almond) notes. (Note: there were just three ingredients in this chocolate, and no added vanilla listed on the packaging.) I also appreciated the short list of ingredients, and lack of soy or other lecithins or additives.

This was a 75% cacao dark chocolate but with balanced bitterness and pleasing, subtle characteristics. No harsh notes.

Maker's Tasting Notes: "Notes of Freshness, Exotic Fruits, Honey, Roasted Almonds and Hazelnuts, Roasted and Peppery Fine Cocoa, Vanilla."

Ingredients: Cocoa from plantation Mokaya* (Mexico), cane sugar*, cocoa butter*.

Allergen-related information: "Product made in a workshop using shelled tree nuts, milk and gluten."

Cuna de Piedra - 73% Mexican Cacao from Comalcalco - July 4, 2025

Chocolate of the Day

Cuna de Piedra
73% Mexican Cacao from Comalcalco, Tabasco (bar)
Good ++
Weight: 1.05 oz. (30 g.) / 2.1 oz. (60 g.) in total bar
Calories: 100 calories in 1/2 bar (per label)
Cost: $10.99 for 1 bar
Purchased from: Caputo's, online order

Welcome to Day #10 of Chocolate & Mexico Theme Week.

Today's 73% Mexican Cacao from Comalcalco, Tabasco (bar) was from Cuna de Piedra* (Monterrey, Nuevo Leon, Mexico).

The company is an "homage to Mexican Cacao." And the cacao used to make this bar was from a "single estate bean from a single grower, Malaquias (farm) in the Tabasco region where "several hundred cacao trees coexist with wild black pepper vines and various citrus species." (The cacao beans were part of a "Rainy Season, Harvest 2024".)

Aroma and flavor notes for this chocolate included: dark chocolate (rich and chocolate-y/dark cocoa), very faint earth in the aroma, in the beginning; and very faint but also very balanced bitter flavor toward the end.  

I enjoyed this flavorful, balanced and lightly sweetened dark chocolate. I admired the subtle complexity: diffuse fruit (citrus, dried fruit and barely detectable red fruit), and diverse, well executed very faint dark cacao notes, including barely detectable, balanced earth/olive, and sweet green (young walnuts in syrup)). And I appreciated the thoughtful sourcing and the short list of only two, quality ingredients.

Ingredients: Cacao beans, Cane sugar.

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

*The company name Cuna de Piedra translates to "cradle of stone."

Cuna de Piedra - 73% Mexican Cacao from Comalcalco, Tabaso & Smoked Heirloom Chile (bar) - July 3, 2025

Chocolate of the Day

Cuna de Piedra
73% Mexican Cacao from Comalcalco, Tabasco & Smoked Heirloom Chile (bar)
Good ++
Weight: .5 oz. (14.1 g.) / 1 oz. (28 g.) in total bar
Calories: 77 calories (estimate) in 1/2 bar 
Cost: $6.99 for 1 bar
Purchased from: Caputo's, online order

Welcome to Day #9 of Chocolate & Mexico Theme Week.

Today's 73% Mexican Cacao from Comalcalco, Tabasco & Smoked Heirloom Chile (bar) was from Cuna de Piedra* (Monterrey, NL, Mexico).

The company is an "homage to Mexican Cacao." And the cacao used to make this bar was from the Comalcalco, Tabasco region in southeastern Mexico. (The cacao beans chosen were part of the "Dry Season, Harvest 2023".)

Aroma notes for this chocolate included: appealing dark chocolate with faint, refreshing tart-sweet (vitamin C-rich) fruit aspects (that might have been from the fruit-tree/wood** smoked chile pepper), and wonderfully subtle and rich smoked chile.

This dark chocolate was full of rich, authentic flavor...beginning with a very slightly fruity, high-quality cacao chocolate, that was followed by (about five seconds later) the fiery arc of the lightly smoked heirloom chile that gradually rose, hit peak heat, and then receded. 

I liked the sweetness level. It was just enough sugar to add some brightness; but it wasn't too sweet. And I felt fortunate to try this rare Tres Lomos heirloom chile (from the central region of Veracruz).

**Maker's notes: "Chiles in Mexico, just like cacao, are a fundamental part of our gastronomic identity." The chile was "processed at origin according to the Meridional-Totonacapan method: a pre-Hispanic technique of smoking at ground level for three days using wood from fruit-bearing trees such as guava and wild berries." For more information on chiles: @arodiorea.mx. 

My notes: Consider taking a smaller first bite if you're sensitive to hot foods. 

Ingredients: Cacao beans, Cane sugar, Smoked Heirloom Chile.

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

*The company name Cuna de Piedra translates to "cradle of stone," which immediately made me think of women grinding roasted cacao beans into a paste using a stone metate and mano (grinding stone) in the jungles of Central America.

Cacao Sampaka - Frida Mexico 70% Chocolate Negro (bar) - July 2, 2025

Chocolate of the Day

Cacao Sampaka 
Frida Mexico 70% Chocolate Negro (Dark) (bar)
Good ++ - Good +++
Weight: 1.32 oz. (37.5 g.) / 2.64 oz. (75 g.) in total bar
Calories: 255 calories in 1/2 bar
Cost: $13.99 for 1 bar
Purchased from: Caputo's, online order

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

Today's Frida Mexico 70% Chocolate Negro (bar) was from Cacao Sampaka (Catalunya, Spain).* 

The company offers a variety of bean to bar chocolates and confections with flavor inclusions--as well as single origin chocolates (from cacaos grown in Honduras, Mexico and other countries).

Aroma and flavor notes included: chocolate and delicious ripe and refreshing fruit (white grape, and mixed tropical punch); with sweet green botanical (sweet green fig jam) and nut. 

This dark chocolate was relatively low in bitterness and acidity, but delightfully rich in subtle flavors that I associate with fine-quality, heritage/criollo cacao beans.

Texture: smooth, creamy. 

I loved the balanced complexity, the naturally sweet fruit notes, and the overall mellow nutty chocolate-y flavor. (Note: eat this chocolate soon after opening. I tried eating some of the same bar a day later and the amazing fruit and almost fruit-floral/botanical notes were muted--while the mellow, nutty and very faint balanced earth notes remained.)

Ingredients: "Criollo Albino Cocoa Bean, Cocoa Nibs, Sugar, Cocoa Butter, Emulsifier (Soy Lecithin), Cocoa: 70% minimum."

Allergen-related information: "Our products may contain traces of Nuts (Hazelnut, Pistachio, Macadamia Nut, Pecan Nut), Peanuts, Lactose, Milk and Sesame."

*This bar was made in (a product of) Spain. It was imported by Forever Cheese LLC (New York, NY). 

Jangala Cacao & Selva - Dalia "Women of Cacao" 77% Cacao (bar) - July 1, 2025

Chocolate of the Day

Jangala Cacao & Selva
Dalia "Women of Cacao" 77% Cacao (bar)
Good ++ 
Weight: .88 oz. (25 g.) / 1.76 oz. (50 g.) in total bar
Calories: 98 calories in 1/2 bar
Cost: $16.00 for 1 bar
Purchased from: The Chocolate Dispensary, online order

Welcome to Day #6 of Chocolate & Mexico Theme Week.

Today's  Jangala Cacao & Selva Dalia "Women of Cacao" 77% Cacao (bar) was made by Jangala Frutos De La Tierra S. de R.I. de C.V. (San Cristobol de Las Casas, Chiapas, Mexico). southern Mexico.

The company specializes in fermented native cacaos Criollos and Trinitarios from specific cacao-growing regions of Mexico. 

The cacao origin description: "Fermented white Criollo cacao (from Comalcalco, Tabasco) cultivated by the Magana Peralta family. The name "Dahlia" is a reference to the dahlia flower(s) and to a "project of women guardians practicing regenerative agriculture within agroforestry systems..."

An illustration of a Mexican hummingbird (by Mau Jimenez) on the bar's packaging represented "the strength of the women in their relationship with cacao."

Aroma and flavor notes included: gentle Criollo cacao dark chocolate with faint, diffuse stone fruit (dark and sweet plum); and very faint malty and floral. 

There was a very slight, very balanced (well-behaved) bitterness at the beginning but it softened very quickly into a gentle and subtly nuanced cacao experience. 

Texture: smooth with a very faint and well balanced fruit astringency toward the end. 

Heritage criollo cacao chocolates are rare and special.* They can convey a lot in a whisper; and you find yourself leaning way in to listen, to taste, and to be transported. 

Today's Dalia bar felt like a quiet walk through a lush forest (maybe with an occasional hummingbird zipping by); and, it tasted "lighter" -- more like a 67% cacao than a 77% cacao chocolate. All this was conveyed using just two ingredients.

Maker's tasting notes: "Aromatic notes: Cacao/Floral/Dried Fruits"

"Organic Ingredients: Cacao, cane sugar

Allergen-related information: None listed on package.

*A very small percentage of dark chocolate bars are made with criollo cacaos. They are more delicate, both in flavor and constitution. Yields are typically lower and they may be more prone to certain diseases. (Think heritage roses that typically have subtle, complex scents vs. new roses cultivated for strength, disease resistance and longer shelf life--but with more minimal fragrance.)

 

Jangala - Xocononusco 70% Cacao (bar) - June 30, 2025

Chocolate of the Day

Jangala Cacao & Selva
Xoconusco 70% Cacao (bar)
Good ++ 
Weight: 1.76 oz. (50 g.) in total bar
Calories: 196 calories in 1 bar
Cost: $16.00 for 1 bar
Purchased from: The Chocolate Dispensary, online order

Welcome to Day #6 of Chocolate & Mexico Theme Week.

Today's  Jangala Cacao & Selva Xoconusco 70% Cacao chocolate was made by Jangala Frutos De La Tierra S. de R.I. de C.V. (San Cristobol de Las Casas, Chiapas, Mexico). southern Mexico.

The company specializes in "fermented native cacaos Criollos and Trinitarios from Soconusco," in Mexico. They collaborate with farmers "who cultivate agroforestry systems that regenerate biodiversity; and they offer several "tree-to-bar" chocolates.

Aroma and aroma notes for today's Xoconusco 70% Cacao bar included: chocolate; faint, diffuse stone fruit; and cookie.

Texture: smooth, slightly fudge-y texture and melt at room temperature (68 degrees F.). 

I enjoyed the balanced, well-executed fruits (gentle plum and sweet lemon)/fruit-acidity and natural sweetness of the cacao; as well as the short list of quality ingredients. 

"Aromatic notes: "Chocolate, citrus fruits, plum."

"Organic Ingredients: "Cacao, cane sugar, cacao butter."

Allergen-related information: None listed on package.