The Chocolate Conspiracy - Black Lager 75% Cacao Chocolate Bar - Aug. 30, 2025

Chocolate of the Day

The Chocolate Conspiracy
Black Lager 75% Cacao Chocolate Bar 
Good ++
Weight: 1.25 oz. (35 g.) in total bar
Calories: 220 calories in 1 bar
Cost: $14.00 for 1 bar
Purchased from: Caputo's, online order 

Welcome to Day #7 of Chocolate, Beer and Hops Theme Week.

Today's Black Lager 75% Cacao Chocolate Bar was made by The Chocolate Conspiracy (Salt Lake City, UT).

This cacao + lager bar was crafted with "organic, unroasted, single-origin cacao beans from the Ucayali region of Peru." And cacao nibs were infused with Baba Black Lager from Uinta Brewing Company (Salt Lake City, UT).

Beer is a general term. What makes a lager a lager? Lagers use a bottom-fermenting yeast and a cold fermentation; whereas ales use a top-fermenting yeast and a warmer fermentation process. Dark-hued "black" lagers are known for their roasted malt flavors and relatively clean, crisp flavors. 

Aroma notes included: dark chocolate, dark roasted malt (dark lager) and roasted coffee.

Texture: smooth, almost silky with a rapid, even (and very slightly waxy) melt--a texture I associated with chocolate bars sweetened with honey. It's an interesting and relatively pleasant texture, albeit a bit unique and may, in some cases, enable a longer finish.

The flavor profile for this bar was deep, dark and impressively layered. It was also relatively lower in bitter and hop flavors than what I was expecting. 

This bar was full of mostly harmonious, deep roast-y and slightly bitter flavors--achieved by several steps, most notably soaking cocoa nibs in black lager. It tasted like the cocoa nibs might have been heavily roasted, but this was not the case. The unroasted (raw) Peruvian cacao likely gave it flavor a sweet chocolate roundness, richness and depth.

The raw, unfiltered wildflower honey helped balance the bitter and roasted flavors and added a very subtle, layered sweetness with its own.

Maker's comments: "Infusing cacao nibs with an organic black lager creates flavors of coffee, fruit, and subtle smoke..."

This tasting experience started with a potentially bitter, heavily roasted aroma (that was complex but much more friendly in the taste, and ended with a sweeter, honey-like chocolate/mocha flavor. I appreciated the chance to try this flavorful blend, and the relatively short list of high-quality and organic ingredients. 

Ingredients: "Raw Organic Cacao Beans, Raw Organic Cacao Butter, Raw Unfiltered Honey, Uinta Baba Black Lager"

Allergen-related information: "Manufactured in a facility that also processes peanuts, almonds, cashews, walnuts, pecans, coconut, and pistachios."

Qantu - IPA Style 60% Hops Infused Dark Milk Chocolate (bar) - Aug. 29, 2025

Chocolate of the Day

Qantu
IPA Style 60% Hops Infused Dark Milk Chocolate (bar)
Good ++ 
Weight: .88 oz. (25 g.) / 1.76 oz. (50 g.) in total bar
Calories: 144 calories in 1/2 bar 
Cost: $16.00 for 1 bar
Purchased from: The Chocolate Dispensary, online order

Welcome to Day #6 of Chocolate, Beer & Hops Week.

Today's IPA Style 60% Hops Infused Dark Milk Chocolate (bar) was from Qantu Cacao et Chocolat Inc. (Montreal, Canada).

The cacao beans used to make this bar were from Morropon, Piura, Peru. The IPA-style hop taste was supplied by Avant-Garde (artisan brewers in Montreal).

Aroma and flavor notes included: chocolate (smooth, flavorful, with creamy caramel) and authentic, slightly bitter IPA-style, hop-py beer (that mellowed a bit within minutes after the inner wrapper was opened). (Full disclosure: I love chocolate and I love hops, so I was very happy to taste this bar.)

Texture: creamy, smooth dark milk chocolate 

I enjoyed the rich, hop-py taste; the well-executed and complementary cacao and beer flavors; and the satisfying and authentic complexity (sweet cream, caramel, fruit, rich cacao and slightly bitter brew)--all achieved with very a short list of ingredients.

Maker's tasting notes: "Caramel, orange, mangue (mango)"..."...evokes the pleasure of an IPA-style beer infused with the fruity aromas of Sabbro hops."

Ingredients: "cacao beans, cane sugar, whole milk powder, cocoa butter"

Allergen-related information: "Contains Milk. May contain traces of nuts."

Cuna de Piedra - 73% Mexican Cacao from Comalcalco, Tabasco with La Lupulosa beer (bar) - Aug. 28, 2025

Chocolate of the Day

Cuna de Piedra
73% Mexican Cacao from Comalcalco, Tabasco with La Lupulosa beer* (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: $ Missing information
Purchased from: Village Market, SF Ferry Building, San Francisco, CA

Welcome to Day #5 of Chocolate, Beer & Hops Week.

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

The cacao beans used to create this chocolate were from Comalcalco, Tabasco, in southeastern Mexico. And the beer in this bar was from Cerveceria Insurgente (founded in Tijuana, Mexico in 2010).

Aroma and flavor notes for this cacao + brew collaboration bar included: chocolate, lightly roasted malt, complex hops/beer (stout)--and barely detectable, fleeting floral notes. All these flavors carried over into a pleasing finish.

Texture: This well-tempered bar broke with a snap; and had a smooth, even texture.

Balanced, delicious complexity. One of the best beer bar blends I've tasted so far. The chocolate and the beer aromas and flavors harmonized very nicely.

Ingredients: "Cacao beans, Cane sugar, Beer."

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

*La Lupulosa beer is a West Coast IPA-style beer from a pioneering artisanal beer making duo (that began in a back yard) in northern Mexico, not far from the U.S. border. It's known for its complex and tasty hop notes.

 

Fu Wan Chocolate - Beer Yeast #3 "American Ale Style Rough Ground Chocolate" 70% dark (bar) - Aug. 27, 2025

Chocolate of the Day

Fu Wan Chocolate
Beer Yeast #3 "American Ale Style Rough Ground Chocolate" 70% dark (bar)
Good ++ 
Weight: 1.236 oz. (35 g.) in total bar
Calories: 222 calories in 1 bar
Cost: $18.99 for 1 bar
Purchased from: Caputo's, online order

Welcome to Day #4 of Chocolate, Beer and Hops Week, featuring chocolates that contain some beer/beer ingredients (hops, malt, yeast other fermented flavors), and chocolates related to beer pairings.

Today's Beer Yeast #3 "American Ale Style Rough Ground Chocolate" 70% dark (bar) was made by Fu Wan Chocolate (Ping-Tung County, Taiwan). 

Aroma notes for this bean-to-bar chocolate included: dark chocolate; fizzy/fermented fruit (orange, peach, pineapple, apple, and much more) and fruity beer. 

These remarkable notes are possible if a maker is located near cacao trees, where chocolate can be made "in-country." And today's bar is one of those cases. Once harvested, cacao seeds surrounded by sweet fermenting pulp start to develop flavor almost immediately.*

The rough, stoneground texture and mouth feel--with tiny bits of cacao nibs (with surfaces presumably undergoing layered states of fermentation)--enabled a tasty, more multi-faceted flavor spectrum.

Flavors included the fruity spectrum mentioned in aroma notes (above), only with more depth and flavor fun. There was a fleeting hop-like bitterness, but it was very balanced and overshadowed by the lighter/brighter fruit notes.

This was a well-executed ride through the land of authentic cacao + fruity, fermented beer-like flavors--flavors that continued into a long and satisfying fruity finish. 

Thank you to Fu Wan Chocolate for this chocolate. It was very tasty and educational, especially with recent news about researchers "finally cracking" how flavor development is built with cacao/chocolate using specific microbes that can be applied to cacao fermentation facilities in the field immediately following harvesting cacao pods. (Fermenters and makers were already aware of this, but good to know the rest of the world is catching up; watch for more flavorable and fruity chocolates ahead.)

Maker's Tasting Notes: Orange, Grape, Pineapple, Pear.

Ingredients: Ping-Tung Cacao Liquor, Sugar, Cacao Butter, Yeast

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

*Most makers in the U.S. and Europe may have close ties to cacao farmers and co-ops in more equatorial climates, but nothing beats being in the same location, when it comes to sampling and influencing fermentation flavor development choices. (Think wineries in California and northern Mediterranean Europe; or beer-making regions in northern Europe and the Pacific Northwestern U.S.--where ingredients are grown and fermented in the same region.) The same is true in Asia, Africa and elsewhere.

The Chocolate Therapist - Rx Extreme Therapy 72% Natural Dark Chocolate & Organic Cacao Nibs (bar) - Aug. 26, 2025

Chocolate of the Day

The Chocolate Therapist
Rx Extreme Therapy 72% Natural Dark Chocolate & Organic Cacao Nibs (bar)
Good ++
Weight: 2 oz. (57 g.) in total bar
Calories: 340 calories in 1 bar
Cost: (part of a 3-bar package for $12 + shipping)
Purchased from: The Chocolate Therapist, online order 

Welcome to Day #3 of Chocolate, Beer & Hops Week--featuring chocolates with beer, beer yeast, hops as well as chocolates (like today's bar*) that are related to beer and chocolate pairings.

Many chocolate makers will include suggested chocolate + beers/ales and spirits pairings on their packaging. Others go a bit further... 

Today's Rx Extreme Therapy 72% Natural Dark Chocolate & Organic Cacao Nibs (bar) was from Julie Nygard of The Chocolate Therapist (Littleton, CO). Julie has created chocolate collections for beer pairings and made presentations on this subject. For more, see her video: How to Pair Chocolate and Beer. 

Aroma and flavor notes included: Bittersweet dark chocolate, smooth, roasted cocoa; faint and diffuse dark red fruit (dark cherry); very faint malt; and vanilla. The cacao nibs added their own slightly nutty, nibby roasted, mellow and balanced cacao with very faint and balanced savory (olive).

Texture: Smooth, almost velvety, dark chocolate punctuated with crunchy cacao nibs (pieces of cacao bean). 

The cacao nibs felt light and crunchy and freshly roasted. They had complex and mellow flavor; and had a texture that was not too hard. They weren't bitter/funky (no off notes). The nibs on their own, and as part of the overall chocolate + nib blend, were both "just right"--in the Goldilocks zone.

I sampled this bittersweet dark bar with Sierra Nevada Hop Splash, and the two harmonized surprisingly well.

Ingredients: "Bittersweet Dark Chocolate (Unsweetened Chocolate, Sugar, Sunflower Lecithin, Vanilla), Cocoa Nibs."

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

Markham & Fitz Chocolate Makers - Southern Pecan - 52% Dark Milk Chocolate with Caramelized Pecans & Black Salt (bar) - Aug. 25, 2025

Chocolate of the Day

Markham & Fitz Chocolate Makers
Southern Pecan - 52% Dark Milk Chocolate with Caramelized Pecans & Black Salt (bar)
Good ++
Weight: 2 oz. (57 g.) in total bar
Calories: 260 calories in 1 bar
Cost: $11.99 for 1 bar
Purchased from: Caputo's, online order 

Welcome to Day #2 of Chocolate, Beer & Hops Series--featuring chocolates with beer, beer yeast, hops as well as chocolates (like today's bar*) that pair with beer(s).

Today's Southern Pecan - 52% Dark Milk Chocolate with Caramelized Pecans & Black Salt (Batch #468) (bar) was from Markham & Fitz Chocolate Makers (Bentonville, Arkansas). It was made using cacao from Nicaragua.

Aroma notes included: sweet milk chocolate, sweet cream caramel and nut.

Texture: Soft, creamy whole milk chocolate with small, softly crunchy pecan pieces.

Flavor notes included: Sweet milk chocolate, with caramel (with faint brown sugar and maple) overtones, accented with salt. (I liked the salt.)

This flavorful milk chocolate was quite sweet, but it was a great mid-afternoon blood sugar booster; and the milk, nutty (pecan) caramel notes and black salt balanced the sugar. 

I enjoyed the blend of creamy, nutty (and very faintly fruity) caramel flavor notes in this satisfying milk chocolate. While I did not have a "biscuity beer"* to pair with this bar, I could imagine that it working nicely.

Maker's tasting notes: "Brightly aromatic cacao blends with cream and a salted subtle crunch of our Louisiana lady's heritage, the pecan."

*"Pairs well with a biscuity beer, your next Netflix binge, or storytelling with family around the campfire." 

Ingredients: "Cacao, Organic Cane Sugar, Organic Cocoa Butter, Whole Milk Powder, Caramelized Pecans (Pecans, Brown Sugar, Butter), Black Salt."

Allergen-related information: "Contains dairy & nuts."

Intrigue Chocolate - Peru Ucayali Valley 78% Cacao (bar) - Aug. 24, 2025

Chocolate of the Day

Intrigue Chocolate
Peru Ucayali Valley 78% Cacao (bar) 
Good ++ - Good +++
Weight: 1 oz. (28 g.) in total bar
Calories: 155 calories (estimate) in 1 bar
Cost: $6.00 for 1 bar
Purchased from: Intrigue Chocolate, online order

Welcome to Day #11 of Chocolate and Peru Theme Week; Day #1 of Chocolate, Beer & Hops Series.

Today's Peru Ucayali Valley 78% Cacao (bar) (Batch #000000090324) was from Intrigue Chocolate (Chisholm, MN).

Aroma notes for this bar included: cocoa, brown sugar, fruit (sweet fig and green apple) and faint malt.

Texture: relatively smooth stone-ground with a slightly astringent finish. 

Flavor notes included: rich dark chocolate, and fruity stout/beer/malt. While the flavors were rich, they were, at 78% cacao, not eclipsed by the higher cacao content.

I enjoyed the contradictions. The flavors were hearty, almost bold, but it was a well-rounded and balanced boldness. The fruit flavors (apple and plum with brown sugar compote) were rich and nuanced, almost fermented. Balanced, satisfying, stout-like flavors without an excess of acidity or bitterness, with just a little floral (green' apple + floral).

This would be an interesting chocolate to include in a flight of Peruvian chocolates and/or paired with beers/stouts. 

Maker's tasting notes: "This chocolate has flavors of tart green apple, fresh apple blossoms, and stout beer served on nitrous. It has low bitterness and astringency, but full-bodied chocolatiness."

Ingredients: Roasted cacao nibs, raw cane sugar, cocoa butter

Allergen-related information: (None listed on label.)

Willie's Cacao - Chulucanas Gold Peruvia Dark Chocolate Single 70% Cacao (bar) - Aug. 23, 2025

Chocolate of the Day

Willie's Cacao
Chulucanas Gold Peruvian Dark Chocolate Single 70% Cacao (bar)
Good ++
Weight: 1.76 oz. (50 g.) in total bar
Calories: 280 calories in 1 bar
Cost: $9.99 for 1 bar
Purchased from: WoldWide Chocolate, online order

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

Today's Chulucanas Gold Peruvian Dark Chocolate Single 70% Cacao (bar) was from Willie's Cacao Ltd (Uffculme, UK). 

Willie's Cacao specializes in bean-to-bar chocolates that "capture the stunningly individual flavours of the world's great, single estate cacaos."

This 70% chocolate was made from native Criollo cacao beans from the "mountains of the Morropon province in Peru."

Aroma notes included: dark chocolate, faint, fleeting black licorice; molasses/brown sugar (raw cane sugar), fruit (green/white grape, raisin, green fig); very faint fig and oat/malt cookie.

Flavor notes for this smooth chocolate included: smooth dark chocolate with pleasing, slight fig/raisin cookie with tiny, delicious upticks in white wine/green grape juice (high-end, sweet dessert wine), and at least one little fleeting floral note.

This dark chocolate was pretty friendly/approachable with well-balanced, low-moderate fruit acidity and bitterness and low earth notes.

I really liked the subtle bouquet of grape and sweet green/brown sugar--and even floral--notes; the short list of (three) ingredients; and the thoughtful sourcing and execution involved in this single origin Peru bar.

Maker's tasting notes: "Notes of Raisins and Plums"

Ingredients: Dark Chocolate: Cocoa mass, raw cane sugar, cocoa butter

Allergen-related information: (None listed that I could see on label adhered on top of packaging.)

Xocolatl - 85% Dark Chocolate Peru (bar) - Aug. 22, 2025

Chocolate of the Day

Xocolatl
85% Dark Chocolate Peru (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 #9 of Chocolate and Peru Theme Week.

Today's 85% Dark Chocolate Peru (bar) was made from bean-to-bar by Xocolatl LLC (Atlanta, GA). 

This ultra-dark 85% cacao bar follows the 70% Dark Chocolate Peru (bar). Both these Xocolatl bars were made using Pangoa Peru cacao that was "directly sourced from the Cooperativa Agraria Cafetalera, a cooperative of coffee & cacao farmers in Pangoa, Peru." (San Martin de Pangoa is located in the Central Amazon region of Peru.)

Aroma notes for this bar included: dark, dense chocolate with faint, dried fruit; very faint fleeting (not unpleasant) umami (only after first unwrapped); and black licorice.

Flavor notes included: deep, very dark (yet still balanced) chocolate; robust cocoa/well-done brownies with embers of tart fruit (cherry + lemon marmalade). Very faint warm spice. Medium-to-long finish.

The brighter flavors in yesterday's 70% version of this dark chocolate reminded me of "a Trinitario-like cacao variety--with relatively bold cocoa, fruit and citrus notes; and less like some Forastero cacao varieties that are more dark and dense (less 3-dimensional, with less complex fruit)."

Today's 85% bar still had the fruity heart of a bold Trinitario cacao, even though it was bolder and denser.

I appreciated the balanced fullness of this ultra-dark chocolate infused with rich, stewed fruit (citrus/lemon marmalade with prune, stone fruit, cherry) flavors--all conjured from just three organic ingredients. 

I really enjoyed comparing yesterdays' sweet 70% sibling (made with cacao from the same Peru co-operative) with today's 85% more somber, less bright, less sunny and less sweet version. Pairing the two was enlightening, and would make a very educational side-by-side pair for a chocolate tasting/class.

Maker's Tasting Notes: "Profile: Bright, clean citrus with lively acidity & low sweetness"

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

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

 

Xocolatl - 70% Dark Chocolate Peru (bar) - Aug. 21, 2025

Chocolate of the Day

Xocolatl
70% Dark Chocolate Peru (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 Peru Theme Week.

Today's 70% Dark Chocolate Peru (bar) was made from bean-to-bar by Xocolatl LLC (Atlanta, GA). Xocolatl, the company's packaging reminds us, "was the original Aztec word for chocolate."

The cacao used to make this bar was "directly sourced from the Cooperativa Agraria Cafetalera, a cooperative of coffee & cacao farmers in Pangoa, Peru." (San Martin de Pangoa is located in the Central Amazon region of Peru.)

Aroma and flavor notes for this bar included: confidently complex (smooth but assertive) dark chocolate with tart fruit (cherry, lemon preserves) and medium acidity. Very faint butter, warm spice. Medium-to-long finish.

Speculation: If I had to guess the cacao variety...This dark chocolate reminded me of a Trinitario-like cacao variety--with relatively bold cocoa, fruit and citrus notes; and less like some Forastero cacao varieties that are more dark and dense (less 3-dimensional, with less complex fruit).

I enjoyed this well-executed and thoughtfully sourced dark chocolate. The balanced fullness of the tart and jammy cacao flavors (all made possible from just three organic ingredients) was especially satisfying.

Maker's Tasting Notes: "Profile: Fruit preserves, baking spices, complex with a long finish."

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

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

Seahorse Chocolate - Peru Cusco 70% (bar) - Aug. 20, 2025

Chocolate of the Day

Seahorse Chocolate
Peru Cusco 70% (bar)
Good ++ - Good +++ 
Weight: .88 oz. (25 g.) / 1.75 oz. (50 g.) in total bar
Calories: 136.4 calories (estimate) in 1/2 bar
Cost: $10.00 for 1 bar (1 of a $30 pack of 3 bars)
Purchased from: Seahorse Chocolate, online order

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

Today's Peru Cusco 70% (bar) was made from bean-to-bar by a self-described "merry band of coffee roasting pirates" at Seahorse Chocolate (Bend, OR). The small-batch maker specializes in single origin chocolates.

Aroma notes for today's Peru bar included: dark chocolate (fudge brownie); citrus fruit (tangerine); and barely detectable umami (appealing savory rice dish with soy sauce).

Texture: this relatively thick bar had a smooth texture, with a dense, creamy (almost nut butter chewy) fudge caramel melt. 

Flavor notes included: chocolate-y, fudge-y, with balanced and friendly bright, naturally sweet citrus (ripe, sweet tangerine, tangelo) that lingered slightly in in the beginning aroma and again in the finish with a tiny bit of sweet-tart apricot.

I loved that this flavorful chocolate was crafted with just two ingredients: cacao beans and organic sugar. I enjoyed the dense chocolate-y flavor and the creamy, substantial texture. The citrus note was pleasant as well. This versatile chocolate would be a great treat for all occasions -- from a hike to a fancy dinner

Maker's Tasting Notes/Description: "Reminds us of: Cashew Butter, Mandarin Orange, Best sack lunch ever!..."

Ingredients: "Cocoa Beans, Organic Sugar"

Allergen-related information: (None listed on package)

 

Intrigue Chocolate - Peru Ucayali Valley 60% Cacao (bar) Aug. 19, 2025

Chocolate of the Day

Intrigue Chocolate
Peru Ucayali Valley 60% Cacao (bar) 
Good +++
Weight: 1 oz. (28 g.) in total bar
Calories: 155 calories (estimate) in 1 bar
Cost: $6.00 for 1 bar
Purchased from: Intrigue Chocolate, online order

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

Today's Peru Ucayali Valley 60% Cacao bar (Batch #000000090424) was made and distributed by Intrigue Chocolate (Chisholm, MN).

The mixed varietal cacao beans from Ucayali River Cacao (that works with 400 farmers) used to make this chocolate were grown in the Ucayali River region (harvested in 2022) in eastern-central Peru. The Ucayali River joins the Maranon River forming a key source of the Amazon River.

Aroma and flavor notes for this Peru bar included: dark chocolate with a seductive complex sweetness that includes mellow, multi-dimensional dried fruit (fig, peach, subtle apricot, honey-ed ripe/dried pear, and cacao pulp); and nut (young/green walnuts in syrup, gently roasted almond/hazelnut).

My favorite foods (and chocolates) are made with three ingredients or less. Fermented cacao seeds (beans) in capable hands can produce outstanding results. 

I loved and appreciated the delicious, well-rounded and thoughtfully executed, aroma and flavors elicited from just cacao, raw cane sugar and cocoa butter in today's bar.

Today's bar also demonstrated why 70% is not necessarily the best choice for every cacao variety and/or chocolate. Just the right amount and type of (less processed) sugar were used to highlight the natural brightness and richness of this 60% cacao banquet of a bar. 

Maker's tasting notes: "This chocolate has notes of ripe pear, white clover flowers, and roasted barley malt. It has low bitterness and astringency, but full-bodied chocolatiness."

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

Allergen-related information: (None listed on packaging.)

Intrigue Chocolate - Peru Maranon River Valley 60% Cacao (bar) - Aug. 18, 2025

Chocolate of the Day

Intrigue Chocolate
Peru Maranon River Valley 60% Cacao (bar) 
Good +++
Weight: 1 oz. (28 g.) in total bar
Calories: 155 calories (estimate) in 1 bar
Cost: $6.00 for 1 bar
Purchased from: Intrigue Chocolate, online order

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

Today's Peru Maranon River Valley 60% Cacao (bar) was from Intrigue Chocolate (Chisholm, MN).

This bar was made with a Nacional (variety) cacao (2024 harvest) from northwest Peru. Maranon refers to the original name for the Amazon River--a name still used for the part of the Amazon that transits through Peru.

This rare cacao "was thought to be lost for over 100 years..." By being isolated in a remote area ("the upper upper reaches of a mountain valley"), this beloved-by-many varietal was preserved.

Aroma notes for this bar included: dark chocolate, fruit (honeyed fig, mulberry), very faint wine/pleasantly fermented fruit (that part faded after opening); and sweet green botanical/nut (walnut).

Texture: smooth, slightly stoneground/astringent feel but with a creamy melt. 

Flavor notes included: very tasty chocolate with a rich, naturally sweet bouquet of flavors that included fresh and dried fruits (fig, mulberry), and sweet nut/sweet green botanical (young/green walnuts in syrup), honey, fig cookie.

I loved the hearty, honey-ed fruit and nut flavors inherent in this chocolate. And I appreciated the successful choice of a 60% cacao + raw cane sugar. Decadent and delicious chocolate made from only three ingredients.

Maker's tasting notes: "...flavors of honey, lightly burnt caramel, macadamia nut (with a lingering nutty astringency), white mulberry, and a jasmine floral note." 

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

Allergen-related information: (No allergens listed on label.)

*From what I understand, Spanish explorer, Francisco de Orellana is credited with the name "Las Amazonas," after encountering indigenous women who reminded him of the Amazon women of legend. The Spanish and Portuguese over time continued to use this name. When translated into English, this name became "The Amazon(s) (River)." 

Ranger Chocolate Co. - Salitral Morropan Peru Dark Chocolate Bar 75% - Aug. 17, 2025

Chocolate of the Day

Ranger Chocolate Co.
Salitral Morropon Peru Dark Chocolate Bar 75% 
Good ++
Weight: 2.25 oz. (64 g.) in total bar
Calories: 348 calories (estimate) in 1 bar
Cost: $16.00 for 1 bar
Purchased from: Ranger Chocolate, online order

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

Today's Salitral Morropon Peru Dark Chocolate Bar 75% (Batch #4), from Ranger Chocolate Co. (Portland, OR), was made from Salitral Criollo cacao beans from Peru.

This bar was made with cacao from the Morropon Province in the Piura Region of northwestern Peru.

Aroma and flavor notes included: subtle dark chocolate, fruit (red raspberry), very faint cream, stone fruit (peach) and earth/tobacco. 

The subtle, creamy cacao and fruit notes became even more luscious when tasting (vs. just smelling this chocolate). The finish was clean and relatively long--with extremely faint oolong tea, clean mineral/tea notes.

Texture: Smooth, creamy, and well-tempered.

I enjoyed the gently complex and creamy taste and texture. I also appreciated the thoughtfully sourced Peruvian cacao; short list of (just two) ingredients; and continuing to consider fair trade: "Always Fair Trade -- or better"

Maker's Tasting Notes: "peanut, graham cracker, raspberry" ..."During our visit to Peru, farmers...shared numerous varieties of cacao...Salitral, a Criollo varietal, was a clear standout for its bold fruit flavors."

Ingredients: "organic cacao, organic sugar"

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

 

Ranger Chocolate - Piura Northern Peru Dark Chocolate Bar 74% - Aug. 16, 2025

Chocolate of the Day

Ranger Chocolate Co.
Piura Northern Peru Dark Chocolate Bar 74%
Good ++ 
Weight: 2.25 oz. (64 g.) in total bar
Calories: 349 calories (estimate) in 1 bar
Cost: $16.00 for 1 bar
Purchased from: Ranger Chocolate, online order

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

Today's Piura Northern Peru Dark Chocolate Bar 74% (Batch #7)--from Ranger Chocolate Co. (Portland, OR)--was made using cacao beans grown in the Alto Piura Valley of the Piura Region in northwest Peru.

Piura cacaos include prized heritage Criollos/Criollo variety blends.

Aroma notes included: dark chocolate with fruit (red fruit, berry), very subtle earth.

Texture: creamy, smooth, velvety. 

Flavor notes (right after being unwrapped) included: dark chocolate with fruit (red berry, citrus); damp soil; medium fruity acidity; a medium bitterness level (for a Criollo cacao); and fleeting very faint smoke, oolong tea and cookie toward the finish.

I enjoyed the relatively bold and complex flavor profile and the very smooth texture. And I appreciated: the short list of two, organic ingredients, and the company's commitment to thoughtful sourcing ("Always Fair Trade -- or better."). 

Maker's Tasting Notes: "cacao pulp, wine, tobacco, black cherry"

Maker story: "This rare white Criollo cacao produces a well balanced chocolate with a smooth finish."

Ingredients: organic cacao, organic sugar

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

 

Ranger Chocolate - Piura Blond Chocolate 60% Cacao (bar) - Aug. 15, 2025

Chocolate of the Day

Ranger Chocolate Co.
Piura Blond Chocolate 60% Cacao (bar)
Good ++ 
Weight: 2.15 oz. (61 g.) in total bar
Calories: 310 calories (estimate) in 1 bar
Cost: $18.00 for 1 bar
Purchased from: Ranger Chocolate, online order

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

Today's Piura Blond Chocolate 60% Cacao (bar), from Ranger Chocolate Co. (Portland, OR), was made using cacao beans from northern Peru. 

Piura is a coastal department and region in northwestern Peru. The gentler, more subtle Piura cacaos can be similar to prized heritage Criollo/Criollo blends. I loved the opportunity to try this chocolate on the blond side.*

Aroma notes included: very faint coconut milk chocolate, vanilla and caramel/brown sugar notes. 

This chocolate smelled less acidic and bitter, and more like a sweet confection.

Texture: creamy smooth. (You'd be forgiven if you thought this might be a milk chocolate in a blind blond tasting, due to its buttery mouthfeel.)

Flavor notes included: velvety, warm cocoa, with vanilla, coconut, caramel and barely detectable honeyed chamomile. There was a tiny amount of sea salt added (that I couldn't taste), but it likely helped balance the inherent and layered sweetness of this bar.

I appreciated this incredibly smooth-textured, less acidic and virtually bitter-free chocolate. The lower percent (60% cacao) content made this delicate cacao-based chocolate taste like a very high-end confection with the added brown sugar, vanilla and coconut. 

Ingredients: organic cacao, brown sugar (sugar, molasses), coconut, vanilla bean, sea salt.

Allergen-related information: "Contains: tree nut (coconut)"

*Blond(e) cacao or chocolate can refer to a caramelized light or white chocolate (with milk), or chocolate made with white-colored beans, making this adjective slightly confusing. Light-colored beans, especially Criollo beans in South American Amazon Basin countries, when cut open, can be white-ish, or pink-ish vs. a darker, purplish variegated hue found in bolder Forastero varieties.

Goodio - Fennel 49% Cacao (bar) - Aug. 14, 2025

Chocolate of the Day

Goodio 
Fennel 49% Cacao (bar)
Good ++ 
Weight: 1.7 oz. (48 g.) in total bar
Calories: 270 calories in 1 bar
Cost: $6.99 for 1 bar
Purchased from: Caputo's, online order 

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

Today's Goodio "Fennel" 49% Cacao (bar) was manufactured by Helsinki Heaven Oy (Vantaa, Finland). The company offers a variety of bars, and some include Nordic flavor inclusions -- made "by a team of magical artists." (To which I would add the term "hearts and crafts": ones who create with their hearts and who are skilled in their craft.)

Today's bar was crafted using "Peruvian fine cacao."

Aroma and flavor notes included: sweeter/mellower (Criollo-like) dark chocolate, coconut, faint (diffuse) fruit, and faint, sweet, almost floral, herb (fennel extract/pollen).

Texture: relatively smooth, sweet (very faintly granular/sugary) fudge softness in the texture, with slight textural richness from flavor inclusions (perhaps the coconut flakes and the fennel).

The tiny upticks of fennel flavor were relatively gentle. The coconut harmonized with the Peruvian cacao-based chocolate and the fennel. The result was a balanced, naturally sweet blend. 

I continue to appreciate Goodio's choice to use a short list of thoughtfully sourced, high-quality, organic ingredients in their chocolates.

Maker's description: "A delicate touch of licorice from fennel combined with Peruvian fine cacao for (a) balanced flavor combination..."

Ingredients: "Cacao beans*, Coconut palm sugar*, Cacao butter*, Coconut flakes*, Birch sugar (Xylitol), Fennel*. (*Organic)."

Allergen-related information: "May contain traces of nuts (cashew)." "Dairy, gluten & soy free" 

Kessho Craft Chocolate - Raspberry Dark Chocolate 57% Cacao Semuliki Forest Uganda (bar) - Aug. 13, 2025

Chocolate of the Day

Kessho Craft Chocolate
Raspberry Dark Chocolate 57% Cacao Semuliki Forest Uganda (bar)
Good ++ 
Weight: 1.06 oz. (30 g.) / 2.1 oz. (60 g.) in total bar
Calories: 164 calories (estimate) in 1/2 bar
Cost: $12.00 for 1 bar
Purchased from: Kessho, online order 

Welcome to Day #17 of Chocolate, Berries & Cherries Theme Week.

Today's Raspberry Dark Chocolate 57% Cacao Semuliki Forest Uganda (bar) was handcrafted by Kessho Craft Chocolate and distributed by Kessho, LLC in Austin, TX.

Aroma notes included: Red berries (red raspberry) and smooth dark chocolate.

Texture: uniformly smooth, fudge-like texture with a relatively rapid, creamy melt. The raspberry powder was fully incorporated into the chocolate.

Flavor notes for this single origin cacao chocolate included: relatively smooth, tart-sweet, red raspberry, dark chocolate and very faint warm spice. 

The red raspberry flavor was authentically vibrant and was the star of the show--to the point where it eclipsed possible underlying nuances of the Uganda (hybrid Trinitario and Forastero) cacao. There were no obvious bitter or off notes in the slightly fudge-y, 57% dark chocolate; but any fruit or floral notes in the cacao were topped by raspberries/lower percentage of cacao.

I appreciated the use of single origin cacao and the short list of only four ingredients.

Maker's tasting notes: "Red berries, rose petals and chocolate fudge"

Ingredients: "Whole cacao beans, sugar, cocoa butter, raspberry powder"

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

 

Goodio - Red Berries 49% Cacao (bar) - Aug. 12, 2025

Chocolate of the Day

Goodio 
Red Berries 49% Cacao (bar)
Good ++ 
Weight: 1.7 oz. (48 g.) in total bar
Calories: 270 calories in 1 bar
Cost: $11.00 for 1 bar
Purchased from: The Chocolate Dispensary, online order 

Welcome to Day #16 of Chocolate, Berries & Cherries Theme Week.

Today's Goodio "Red Berries 49% Cacao (bar) was manufactured by Helsinki Heaven Oy (Vantaa, Finland). The company offers a variety of bars, and some include Nordic flavor inclusions -- made "by a team of magical artists." (Hearts and crafts: a team with heart that also know their craft.)

Aroma and flavor notes included: sweeter/mellower (Criollo-like) dark chocolate, coconut and fruity (red berries: raspberry, strawberry).

Texture: relatively smooth, fudge-y softness in the texture, with slight textural richness from flavor inclusions.

I liked the way the coconut harmonized with the chocolate and red berries and was not too overwhelming. I also appreciated Goodio's thoughtful use of a short list of quality, organic ingredients.

Maker's description: "One more chocolate for the road. Premium craft chocolate sprinkled with organic raspberries and strawberries."

Ingredients: "Cacao beans*, Coconut palm sugar*, Cacao butter*, Coconut flakes*, Strawberry*, Raspberry*. (*Organic)."

Allergen-related information: "May contain traces of nuts (cashew)." "Dairy, gluten & soy free" 

Monkey Brittle - Coconut, Cacao, Bananas & Sea Salt (pieces) - Aug. 11, 2025

Chocolate of the Day

Huggins Family Farms

Monkey Brittle - Coconut, Cacao, Bananas, Sea Salt 

Good ++ 
Weight: 1 oz. (28.3 g.) / 2 oz. (57 g.) in total package 
Calories: 120 calories in 1/2 package 
Cost: $5.99 for 1 package
Purchased from: Farm Fresh, online order 

Welcome to Day #15 of Chocolate, Berries & Cherries Theme Week.

What is a banana + cacao offering doing in a chocolate, berry and cherry themed week? Believe it or not, bananas are, technically, berries.

Today's "Monkey Brittle" with coconut, cacao, bananas and nuts was from Huggins Family Farms (Hood River, OR).

Aroma notes included: fruity (banana bread), nutty and light cocoa and coconut.

Texture: unique and very light-weight, thin crunchy cookie-like brittle. Think banana-bread-nut brownie wafers.

Flavor notes for these wafer-thin brittle pieces included: light cocoa, banana nut bread and subtle coconut.

I was surprised and delighted by the complexity ?? lightness? suitable as a quick meal (breakfast on the go) or a portable snack for a walk/hike... short list of authentic and organic ingredients (with no gums, preservatives or "natural flavors").

Maker's notes? "Coconuts, Cacao, Bananas, Nuts, Raisins, Sea Salt...& Absolutely Nothing Else."

Ingredients: "Organic Bananas, Organic Tree Nuts (Almonds, Walnuts), Organic Raisins, Organic Coconut, Organic Cocoa, Sea Salt"

Allergen-related information: Contains Tree Nuts (Almonds, Walnuts), Coconuts.

Standout Chocolate - Nordic Nature European Blueberry 63% (bar) - Aug. 10, 2025

Chocolate of the Day

Standout Chocolate 
Nordic Nature European Blueberry 63% (bar)
Good ++
Weight: .88 oz. (25 g.) / 1.76 oz. (50 g.) in total bar
Calories: 145.5 calories in 1/2 bar
Cost: $10.99 for 1 bar
Purchased from: Caputo's, online order

Welcome to Day #14 of Chocolate, Berries & Cherries Theme Week.

Today's Organic Nordic Nature European Blueberry 63% (bar) was from Standout Chocolate (Goteborg, Sweden). The company has been very reliably producing some very tasty single origin bars in recent years (as well as a line of bars with Nordic-inspired flavor inclusions).

The cacao used to make this chocolate was from Oko Caribe, a cacao co-operative located in the Duarte Province of the Dominican Republic.

Aroma and flavor notes included: appealing dark chocolate and complex, tart-sweet blueberry that resulted in a bar with berry flavor with very light, attractive, herbal/savory (barely there umami, smoke) notes.

I enjoyed the opportunity to taste a chocolate bar with bilberries--and the complex, relatively more intense, flavor of these European blueberries. I also liked the very complementary and flavorful blend of single origin DR cacao with these unique wild berries. 

And, last but not least, I appreciated the short list of thoughtfully sourced, organic ingredients.

Maker's tasting notes: "Wild Blueberries, Fresh Fruitiness"

Ingredients: Cacao beans*, Sugar*, Cacao butter*, Bilberry*. (*Organic)

Allergen-related information: May contain traces of Milk. 

Preston's Candy by Javier - "5X Very Berry" Dark Chocolate 63% cacao (bar) - Aug. 9, 2025

Chocolate(s) of the Day

Preston's Candy by Javier
"5X Very Berry" Dark Chocolate 63% (bar)
Good ++
Weight: 1.16 oz. (33.3 g.) / 3.5 oz. (100 g.) in total bar
Calories: 160 calories in 1/3 bar
Cost: $9.95 for 1 bar
Purchased from: Filoli store, Woodside, CA

Dandelion Chocolate
Halva Bonbons
Good ++
Weight: 1.94 oz. (54.9 g.) / 6.8 oz. (192.7 g.) in total box of 7 pieces
Calories: 310 calories (estimate) in 2 bonbons
Cost: N/A - gift from family member - Thank you Megan!
Purchased from: N/A - gift from family member

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

5X Very Berry Dark Chocolate bar

Today's 5X Very Berry All Natural Dark Chocolate 63% cacao (bar) was from Preston's Candy By Javier (Burlingame, CA).

Aroma and flavor notes for this 5-fruit studded dark chocolate bar included: rich, bittersweet chocolate;  hearty, balanced fruitiness with bursts of tart-sweet goji, raisin, cherry, and other berries; and very faint nut. (Note: there were no nut ingredients.)

I enjoyed the hearty blend of smooth dark chocolate and the dried (but still relatively plump and moist) berries and fruits. It was indeed a 5x Very Berry chocolate.

Note: This was very similar to a bar I tasted in 2023. So, I also enjoyed this bar with some Halva Bonbons from Dandelion Chocolate (San Francisco, CA). No berries on the bonbons, but they were berry, berry good.

Ingredients: "63% Bittersweet chocolate (cacao beans, pure cane sugar, cocoa butter, soya lecithin, vanilla beans), Dried Goji, raisins, raspberry, blueberry and cherries."

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

Halva Bonbons

These Halva Bonbons were a collaboration between Seed + Mill (New York) and Dandelion Chocolate (a bean-to-bar chocolate maker in San Francisco, CA). 

Dandelion has been reliably turning out great chocolate bars for many years; and in recent years, has been producing an increasing number of tasty chocolate confections (typically made with one of their single origin chocolates).

I really enjoyed these luxe, halva-filled chocolate confections--covered with creamy (Tumaco) Colombia cacao-based dark chocolate. 

I paired these generously-sized bonbons with the above berry chocolate bar + fresh cherries and vanilla cherry ice cream. It was a very decadent, sweet summer day and evening.

Aroma and flavor notes for these creamy bonbons included: authentic sesame tahini aroma and flavor; rich, dark, single origin chocolate; and very faint sweet spice (cardamom).

Sweet, complex, layered flavors and rich textures: very slightly crispy-crunchy sesame halva on top of flavorful chocolate ganache, then enrobed in creamy, high-quality chocolate. Delicious.

Ingredients: Dandelion 70% House Blend chocolate (cocoa beans, organic cane sugar), halva (sesame paste, sugar, glucose, saponaria extract), Dandelion 70% chocolate (cocoa beans from Tumaco, Colombia, organic cane sugar), cocoa butter, heavy whipping cream, glucose syrup, cardamom, sea salt, edible gold leaf).

Allergen-related information: Contains: Milk, Sesame Seeds. "Crafted in a facility that also processes wheat, soy, peanuts, and tree nuts (hazelnuts, coconuts, pistachios, walnuts, pecans, almonds)."

 

Spring & Mulberry - Mixed Berry Date-Sweetened Chocolate 72% Cacao (bar) - Aug. 8, 2025

Chocolate of the Day

Spring & Mulberry 
Mixed Berry Date-Sweetened Chocolate 72% Cacao (bar)
Good ++ 
Weight: 1.06 oz. (30 g.) / 2.1 oz. (60 g.) in total bar
Calories: 150 calories in 1/2 bar
Cost: $7.75 for 1 bar (part of a larger 6-bar order)
Purchased from: Spring & Mulberry, online order

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

Today's Mixed Berry Date-Sweetened Chocolate 72% Cacao (bar) was from Spring & Mulberry (Raleigh, NC).

Aroma notes included: dark chocolate; rich sweetness (dates, brown sugar); and faint berry (strawberry, red raspberry).

Texture: smooth dark chocolate with a very slight stone-ground aspect (that could have been from ground dates), interspersed with small fruit pieces. 

Flavor notes included: dark chocolate that was relatively low in bitterness; dates/brown sugar; and authentic red raspberry tartness (with raspberry seeds), with periodic upticks in strawberry (thin, dried slices) and flavorful, dried blueberry.

I appreciated the short list of authentic, balanced and organic ingredients, as well as a more minimal sugar buzz (use of dates as a sweetener vs. cane sugar).

Ingredients: Cacao Beans, Dates*, Cacao Butter*, Strawberries*, Red Raspberries*, Blueberries* (* = Organic)

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

Raaka - Raspberry Waffle Crunch Unroasted Dark Chocolate 59% Cacao (bar) - Aug. 7, 2025

Chocolate of the Day

Raaka
Raspberry Waffle Crunch Unroasted Dark Chocolate 59% Cacao (bar)
Good ++ 
Weight: .88 oz. (25 g.) / 1.8 (50 g.) in total bar
Calories: 110 calories in 1/2 bar
Cost: $9.00 for 1 bar
Purchased from: Bar & Cocoa, online order

Welcome to Day #11 of Chocolate, Berries & Cherries Theme Week.

Today's Raspberry Waffle Crunch Unroasted Dark Chocolate 59% Cacao (bar) was made from Raaka Chocolate (Brooklyn, NY).

Aroma notes included: dark chocolate, dark red raspberry, and very faint vanilla.

Texture: smooth dark chocolate and tiny crunchy bits. (The berry flavor was fully integrated, so there were no berry bits or seeds.)

Flavor notes included: dark chocolate with balanced bitterness, and subtle dark berry. 

I enjoyed that this bar wasn't too sweet. This single origin (Kokoa Kamili, Tanzania) dark chocolate was relatively smooth in flavor, and tasted "darker" than its 59% cacao content might indicate. I also appreciated that the waffle pieces were gluten-free and were not too sweet. The berry (raspberry) and vanilla were authentic-tasting, background flavors.

Ingredients: "organic cacao beans, organic cane sugar, organic cacao butter, organic gluten-free waffle cone (coconut oil*, cane sugar*, rice flour*, brown rice flour*, tapioca flour*, millet flour*, apple sauce*, flax seed*, cacao powder*, arrowroot powder*, baking powder, inulin*, ascorbic acid, xanthan gum), organic raspberry juice powder, organic vanilla" (*Organic)

Allergen-related information: "Certified Organic and Kosher; Vegan, Gluten Free; Soy Free"

Godavari Chocolate - Bon-fiction - The Cranberry Chilli Chase (bar) - Aug. 6, 2025

Chocolate of the Day

Godavari Chocolate
Bon-fiction - The Cranberry Chilli Chase 64% (bar)
Good ++ - Good +++
Weight: 1.94 oz. (55 g.) in 1 bar
Calories: 240 calories in 1 bar
Cost: $12.00 for 1 bar
Purchased from: The Chocolate Dispensary, online order

Welcome to Day #10 of Chocolate, Berries & Cherries Theme Week.

Today's "tree to bar" chocolate from India--The Cranberry Chilli Chase 64% (bar)--was manufactured by GACS Foods, India and Imported and Distributed by Godavari Chocolate Inc. (Folsom, CA). 

The company has a production facility in Andhra Pradesh, in the Godavari province, in (southeast) India. Cacao is grown on their plantation and the company also works with other farmers in Godavari.

Aroma notes included: rich dark chocolate, fruit (sweet red berry, cranberry) with a rich, decadent sweetness (brown sugar, dates). 

Texture: a hearty blend of dark chocolate and a generous helping of plump, relatively moist, dried cranberries.

Flavor notes included: rich, dark chocolate; high-quality and authentic cranberry textures and flavors; just the right amount of chili warmth and sea salt. For some reason I was reminded of a delicious (dark chocolate) version of pemmican* likely because of the hearty, appealing and satisfying flavors.

The cranberries weren't overly sweetened or too tough and chewy (thank you). The choices and amounts of chili and light dose of sea salt were perfect. The overall flavors harmonized very well. This bar exceeded my expectations. I appreciated the choice of 64% cacao chocolate -- a percentage that often tastes too sweet for me (a dark chocolate fan). It seemed just right in this bar.

Ingredients: Cocoa Beans, Organic Cane Sugar, Cocoa Butter, Cranberries, Chilli, Sea Salt

Allergen-related information: Manufactured in a facility that also processes: Milk, Peanuts, Almond, Cashew, Walnut, Coconut, Hazelnut, Pistachio. 

*Pemmican is/was a staple food item in North America--made with ground jerky (typically dried bison jerky and occasionally dried/smoked salmon), rendered fat, berries (chokecherry, Saskatoon berry, cranberry) and occasionally honey and nuts. It was originally created by indigenous people. Fur traders and colonists consumed versions of this traditional protein/energy bar as well. (You can even find a few modern versions of pemmican with chocolate.)

Xocolatl Chocolate - 60% Dark Chocolate Love & Happiness Blood Orange & Raspberry (bar) - Aug. 5, 2025

Chocolate of the Day

Xocolatl Chocolate
60% Dark Chocolate Love & Happiness Blood Orange & Raspberry (bar)
Good ++ 
Weight: 1.3 oz. (37.5 g.) / 2.6 oz. (75 g.) in total bar
Calories: 180 calories in 1/2 bar
Cost: $11.00 for 1 bar
Purchased from: Xocolatl, online order

Welcome to Day #9 of Chocolate, Berries & Cherries Theme Week.

Today's 60% Dark Chocolate Love & Happiness Blood Orange & Raspberry (bar) was made from bean to bar by Xocolatl LLC (Atlanta, GA).

Aroma notes included subtle dark chocolate and faint fruit (berry, citrus, date).  

Texture: smooth, very slightly textured (finely ground, stoneground; or fudge-y cacao ground with freeze-dried fruit particles) mouthfeel--with an even and hearty/satisfying melt. 

The flavors burst forth when I tasted a piece of this 60% bar. Dark chocolate (chocolate-y with very faint, balanced earth notes) was embedded with bright layered fruit: bright red berry (red raspberry) and citrus (orange, blood orange).

I enjoyed the tart sweet refreshing fruit flavors that mingled with this dark chocolate.

Ingredients: Cacao, Cane Sugar*, Cocoa Butter*, Raspberry*, Olive Oil, Blood Orange (* Organic)

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

Intrigue Chocolate - Juniper Berry & Black Lime 68% Dark (bar) - Aug. 4, 2025

Chocolate of the Day

Intrigue Chocolate
Juniper Berry & Black Lime 68% Dark (bar)
Good ++
Weight: 1.25 oz. (35.5 g.) / 2.5 oz. (71 g.) in total bar
Calories: 194 calories in 1/2 bar
Cost: $13.00 for 1 bar
Purchased from: Intrigue Chocolate, online order

Welcome to Day #8 of Chocolate, Berries & Cherries Theme Week.

Today's Juniper Berry & Black Lime 68% Dark (bar) was created by Intrigue Chocolate (Seattle, WA).*

Aroma notes for today's bar included: dark chocolate; herbal berry (smooth, rich juniper, faint blueberry); and just the right amount of bright tart-sweet citrus (lime).

Texture: smooth dark chocolate with small flecks of what I presumed was with tiny pieces of finely ground juniper berry or freeze-dried lime particles (or both perhaps).

I liked the balanced, well-executed blend of flavors in this 68% dark chocolate. The juniper berries were just right; adding intriguing herbal/berry flavor -- but not too strong. I could say the same for the authentic-tasting black lime. I wouldn't change anything about it.

Thank you to the makers for this unique and tasty bar.

Maker's Tasting Notes: "Pungent juniper berry balanced by soft blueberry and vanilla notes, contrasted with the darkly mysterious aromatic juiciness of black lime."

Maker's description: "The scent of pine all around, packed earth under foot, sky reflected on an alpine lake, and air scrubbed clean by a surprise shower. This moment is too beautiful for trail mix...Juniper Berry and Black Lime is a late summer loop on a high-elevation Cascade trail." (Couldn't have said it better.)

Ingredients: "Chocolate (cocoa mass, sugar, cocoa butter, soy lecithin [emulsifier], natural vanilla flavoring), juniper berry, black lime"

Allergen-related information: "Processed in a facility with milk, soy and nuts"

*The company, previously based in Seattle, WA recently relocated to Chisholm, MN.

Tabal Chocolate - Huckleberry 58% Craft Dark Chocolate (bar) - Aug. 3, 2025

Chocolate of the Day

Tabal Chocolate 
Huckleberry 58% Craft Dark Chocolate (bar)
Good ++
Weight: 1.5 oz. (42.5 g.) / 3 oz. (85 g.) in total bar
Calories: 233 calories (estimate) in 1/2 bar
Cost: $14.00 for 1 bar
Purchased from: The Chocolate Dispensary, online order

Welcome to Day #7 of Chocolate, Berries & Cherries Theme Week.

Today's Huckleberry 58% Craft Dark Chocolate (bar) was from Tabal Chocolate (Wauwatosa, WI).

The founders "stone grind their chocolate for three days in small batches from bean to bar to develop exotic flavors and maintain nutrients."

Aroma and flavor notes for today's huckleberry chocolate included: relatively strong, sweet blueberry (with a touch of slightly earthy, ripe wild blackberry); smooth, sweet dark chocolate; and very faint herb (sage).

It was fun to try a huckleberry-flavored chocolate. This berry is native to the Americas and can grow in mountainous areas. The 58% chocolate bar seemed quite sweet, almost too much for me (a committed dark fan). I'd love to try a 70% version of this bar just to compare the two. However, most people will likely find this sweet and even refreshing (like a flavorful frozen berry pop on a hot summer day).

Ingredients: Direct-trade cacao*, cane sugar*, cacao butter*, huckleberry oil (* = Organic)

Allergen-related information: "Vegan, Soy Free, Gluten Free" (No other allergens listed on packaging.)

 

JonnyPops - Chocolate-Dipped Cherries with Fresh Cream (frozen pops) - Aug. 2, 2025

Chocolate of the Day

JonnyPops
Chocolate-Dipped Cherries with Fresh Cream (bars)
Good ++
Weight: 2.06 oz. (61 g.) / 8.25 fl. oz. (244 mL) in total box of 4 pops
Calories: 150 calories in 1 bar
Cost: Missing information
Purchased from: Grocery Outlet Bargain Market, Palo Alto, CA

Welcome to Day #6 of Chocolate, Berries & Cherries Theme Week.

Today's Chocolate-Dipped Cherries (pops) were manufactured and distributed by JohnnyPops, LLC (Elk River, MN).

On the first few bites I really enjoyed the thin, crispy, authentic-tasting, and very slightly earthy, dark chocolate coating on the upper half of this frozen pop. Most chocolate coatings on ice cream bars are considerably sweeter and contain a lower percentage of cacao, that's often been alkalized (treated to remove bitterness).

The frozen cherry interior was less like a conventional ice cream and more like real cherries with added cream/milk. More like a smoothie that is using genuine (not overly processed) frozen fruit.

I liked everything about this frozen pop. I could actually taste real dark chocolate and real frozen cherries. And I appreciated the short list of quality ingredients -- with no (possibly gut-disrupting) additives or gums.

Ingredients: Cherries, Heavy Cream (Heavy Cream, Organic Guar Gum), Cane Sugar, Whole Milk, Purified Water, Chocolate (Sugar, Chocolate, Chocolate Liquor, Cocoa Butter, Vanilla Extract, Soy Lecithin, Whole Milk Powder), Coconut Oil, Vegetable Oil (Soybean), Salt. 

Allergen-related information: Contains: Milk, Coconut, Soy. May contain cherry pits.

Ocelot Craft Chocolate - Black Cherry 70% dark chocolate (bar) - Aug. 1, 2025

Chocolate of the Day

Ocelot Craft Chocolate
Black Cherry 70% dark chocolate (bar)
Good + - Good ++
Weight: 1.23 oz. (35 g.) / 2.47 oz. (70 g.) in total bar
Calories: 200 calories in 1/2 bar 
Cost: $9.49 for 1 bar
Purchased from: Caputo's, online order

Welcome to Day #5 of Chocolate, Berries & Cherries Theme Week. 

Today's Black Cherry 70% dark chocolate (bar) was from Ocelot Craft Chocolate Limited (Dundee, U.K.).

Aroma notes included: chocolate, red berries and berry-cherry cereal.

Texture: smooth dark chocolate with occasional tiny bits of dried cherry pieces.

Flavor notes included: dark, slightly earthy chocolate, tiny bursts of tart sweet cherry and "natural" cherry fruit flavoring. I'm not fond of added flavorings because I've never tasted a chocolate that is improved by such a flavoring. (More often, "natural" flavorings* taste odd or distorted to me. So, I admit I'm biased in this regard. Some might taste cherry fruit. I taste cherry cough syrup.)

I enjoyed the smooth dark chocolate texture and the small bits of cherries,

Ingredients: "cacao mass*, raw cane sugar*, cacao butter*, dried cherries (0.6%)*, natural black cherry flavour (0.13%). Cacao solids: 70% minimum. 

Allergen-related information: "May contain traces of milk, tree nuts, peanuts, seeds (including sesame seeds & mustard seeds), soya, cereals (gluten), eggs & celery"

*Natural flavours in the U.K. are derived from "natural sources"-- from vegetable, animal or microbiological origin(s); and the processing of these substances may be considerable (involving enzymes, microbiological or physical methods).