The Organic House - Movie Night Caramel Corn 60% Cacao Nicaragua (bar) - Nov.30, 2025

Chocolate of the Day

The Organic House
Movie Night 60% Cacao Nicaragua O'Payo (bar)
Good ++
Weight: 1.94 oz. (55 g.) in total bar
Calories: 293 calories in 1 bar
Cost: $13.00 for 1 bar
Purchased from: Bar & Cocoa, online order 

Welcome to Day #7 of Chocolate, Movies & Entertainment Week.

Today's Movie Night 60% Cacao Nicaragua O'Payo (bar) was from The Organic House (Burlington, ON, Canada). 

The bar was hand-crafted with care--as was the animated film "The Man Who Planted Trees" (1987) by Frederic Back* that I "paired" with this chocolate. 

The film features the story of a man who planted Oak, Birch, Linden (and possibly Maple) trees, across miles of land, over decades, completely transforming a once barren landscape. 

This hand-crafted story seemed like a good match with today's "Proudly Canadian" chocolate bean-to-bar chocolate, sweetened with sugar from maple trees. 

Aroma and flavor notes for today's bar included: dark chocolate; caramel and caramel corn; faint fruit (berry, faint date); and uplifting warm spice and maple sugar.

The caramel corn (made from scratch) was ground into the O'Payo** Nicaragua cacao beans -- resulting in a smooth, relatively creamy chocolate with no detectable popcorn texture. (A faint, pleasant popcorn flavor did surface in some bites.)

I enjoyed the dark, satisfying caramel flavors and gentle fruit and maple complexity. Some of these notes certainly came from the use of a single origin cacao. Many thanks to the creative Canadian animators and chocolate makers who made tonight's special "Movie Night" possible.

Ingredients: Organic cacao beans, Ontario maple sugar, Organic popcorn, Organic cacao butter, Organic maple sugar, Organic almond butter, Sea salt, Organic coconut oil. 

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

*The "Man Who Planted Trees" is an award-winning, 30-minute long, animated film created from more than 20,000 drawings. It was adapted from a French story, created and directed by Frederic Back, and narrated by actor Christopher Plummer. The team also included Academy Award winning Canadian sound editor + composer Normand Roger and several other talented folks who worked to complete this film over a five-year period. The story was (and still remains) an inspiring tale of how one person can make a difference.

**The O'Payo Nicaragua cacao used in this bar was from Ingemann, a family-owned company in Nicaragua.

 

Compartes - Old Hollywood with Smoked Salt (bar) - Nov. 29, 2025

Chocolate of the Day

Compartes Chocolatier
Old Hollywood Dark Chocolate Smoked Salt 75% Cacao (bar)
Good ++
Weight: 1.5 oz. (42.5 g.) / 3 oz. (85 g.) in total bar
Calories: 180 calories in 1/2 bar
Cost: $9.95 for 1 bar
Purchased from: Compartes Chocolatier, online order

Welcome to Day #6 of Chocolate, Movies & Entertainment Theme Week.

Today's Old Hollywood Dark Chocolate Smoked Salt 75% Cacao (bar) was from Compartes Chocolatier (Los Angeles, CA)--a company with chocolate roots in L.A. that began in 1950.

Compartes offers a wide selection of chocolates with different flavor inclusions, including several with references to Hollywood, movies and/or entertainment. 

Aroma and flavor notes for today's Hollywood-themed bar included: smooth, rich and relatively sweet dark chocolate; very faint, diffuse fruit (berry) and even fainter wood and smoked salt. The salt was not obvious in the aroma, but it complemented (and helped balance) the relatively sweet 75% dark chocolate.

I liked the slightly darker chocolate with a smooth, barely there bitterness and the use of smoked salt. The very faint, dark berry note rounded out the flavor profile.

I enjoyed the bar's attractive packaging--with a dark ebony wood (or marble) background adorned with slightly faded, gold, bird-like art deco shapes. A good fit with today's Old Hollywood theme + smoked salt. (While you'd be hard-pressed to find as many smokers in Hollywood venues today, I'm sure there were many smoky bars and Hollywood hang-outs back in the day.)

I "paired" this chocolate with two movies: "Once Upon a Time in Hollywood" (2019) and "The Artist" (2011) as well as an animated short "Hollywood Steps Out" (1941) from Leon Schlesinger Productions (pre Warner Bros.); and Disney's "Once Upon a Studio" (2023)--a short reunion of the studio's historic range of animated characters. 

A balanced, albeit eclectic, 4-course classic movie meal to enjoy with today's Old Hollywood chocolate.

Ingredients: Dark Chocolate (Cocoa Mass, Sugar, Cocoa Butter, Soy Lecithin as an emulsifier, Vanilla), Smoked Sea Salt

Allergen-related information: "Made in a facility that handles Dairy, Peanuts, Wheat, Egg, Soy, Tress Nuts"

  

Unreal - Dark Chocolate Covered Almonds - Nov. 28, 2025

Chocolate of the Day

Unreal
Dark Chocolate Covered Almonds 
Good ++ 
Weight: 2 oz. (56.5 g.) / 4 oz. (113 g.) in total package
Calories: 300 calories in 1/2 package
Cost: $5.89 for 1 package
Purchased from: Vitacost, online order 

Welcome to Day #5 of Chocolate, Movies and Entertainment Theme Week. Some of my most favorite confections in movie theaters were candy-coated almonds (Jordan Almonds); chocolate-covered almonds; or chocolate candy with almonds (Almond Roca).

Today's Dark Chocolate Covered Almonds were made in the USA for Unreal Brands, Inc. (Boston, MA).

Unreal founders started the company to create snacks "made with simple, real ingredients" that everyone might enjoy.

Aroma notes for these almonds included: warm, authentic cocoa; faint warm spice (vanilla); and very faint nut (almond).

What I liked: the authentic dark chocolate coating that was just thick enough to add balanced, chocolate-y flavor, but the coasting wasn't so thick that I couldn't taste the perfectly toasted/crunchy, whole California almonds inside. Despite my first guess that they'd been rolled in dark cocoa powder, my hands were left completely clean (in cool weather at least) after holding and eating them.

I also appreciated the thoughtful execution/creation behind this brand and their short list of fair trade and Non-GMO ingredients. When the founders first unveiled their products years ago, this was a novel and refreshing concept. So glad they're still delivering simple, tasty and arguably much healthier, snacks at a relatively reasonable price.

Ingredients: Almonds, Dark Chocolate (chocolate liquor*, cane sugar*, cocoa butter*, vanilla) (* = Fair Trade Certified by Fair Trade USA.)

Allergen-related information: Contains Almonds. "Made in a facility that handles other tree nuts, milk, peanuts, soy and wheat. Made on equipment that processes milk chocolate."

Compartes - The Beverly Hills Hotel and Bungalows Deep Milk Chocolate (bar) - Nov. 27, 2025

Chocolate of the Day

Compartes Chocolatier
The Beverly Hills Hotel and Bungalows Deep Milk Chocolate (bar)
Good ++
Weight: 1.5 oz. (42.5 g.) / 3 oz. (85 g.) in total bar
Calories: 240 calories in 1/2 bar
Cost: $11.95 for 1 bar
Purchased from: Compartes Chocolatier, online order

Welcome to Day #4 of Chocolate, Movies & Entertainment Theme Week on Chocolate Banquet. Also, Happy Thanksgiving to all who are celebrating and feeling grateful today.

Today's The Beverly Hills Hotel and Bungalows Deep Milk Chocolate (bar) was from Compartes Chocolatier (Los Angeles, CA). 

Compartes offers a wide selection of chocolates with different flavor inclusions, including several with references to Hollywood, movies and/or entertainment. 

Aroma and flavor notes for today's Beverly Hills Hotel-themed bar included: sweet milk chocolate. 

This sweet, creamy and rich 46% cacao milk chocolate was also addictive. It was gone all too quickly--just like the Hollywood stars who've visited The Beverly Hills Hotel since it opened in 1912.

I enjoyed the bar's attractive packaging--with lush greenery and flowers inspired by the hotel grounds (and the wallpaper inside) this pink- and green-tinged Beverly Hills resort. (The hotel may even carry Compartes Chocolatier Beverly Hills Hotel-themed bars. After stopping at the gift shop to check, I'd head to the Polo Lounge for a chocolate souffle.)

I "paired" this chocolate with a classic film: "Designing Woman" (1957) starring Lauren Bacall and Gregory Peck. (Their characters in this film met at the famed hotel.) I also enjoyed a documentary called "The Beverly Hills Hotel: A Red Carpet Glamour House" -- a fitting tribute to the Pink Palace.*

Ingredients: Milk Chocolate (Cocoa Mass, Sugar, Cocoa Butter, Milk, Soy Lecithin as an emulsifier, Vanilla)

Allergen-related information: Contains Milk, Soy. "Gluten Free"

*The choice of pink was allegedly inspired by the colors in southern California sunsets.

 

Droste - Milk-Dark Pastilles - Nov. 26, 2025

Chocolate of the Day

Droste
Milk-Dark Pastilles
Good ++
Weight: 1.5 oz. (42.5 g.) (9 pastilles) / 3 oz. (85 g.) in total package
Calories: 255 calories (estimate) in 1/2 package
Cost: $N/A - gift from a family
Purchased from: N/A - gift; thank you friends!

Welcome to Day #3 of Chocolate, Movies & Entertainment Week.

Today's Milk-Dark Pastilles were from Droste BV (The Netherlands). The company was founded in 1863 in Haarlem, Netherlands. They began selling their famous chocolate pastilles in 1890, five years before movies began to be widely shown in theaters. (Movie houses opened in 1895 in Paris and Berlin, soon followed by movie theaters in the U.S.)

Today's pastilles reminded me of an old art house movie theater in California that stocked European chocolates behind their shiny chrome and glass-covered snack case.

That theater is long gone, but the memories of the independent films, slightly squeaky theater seats, and the special European chocolates they sold--that seemed pretty exotic at the time--live on. And one of those chocolate brands was Droste.

Today's well-tempered, milk-dark chocolate discs broke with a hard snap (in a cold room). The milk chocolate half and the dark chocolate half (of each pastille) were merged neatly together, right down the middle.

Was it better to eat the milk chocolate or the dark chocolate first? (Spoiler alert: the results were smooth, chocolate-y and delicious either way. But, eating the sweeter, creamier milk chocolate side first, followed by the slightly darker side squeaked out the win. 

These smooth chocolate pastilles had enough warm vanilla and milk to serve as comfort food while watching an old film classic at home.

Ingredients: sugar, chocolate liquor processed with alkali, cocoa butter, whole milk powder, milk fat, soy lecithin, natural vanilla flavor. 

Allergen-related information: Contains: Milk, Soy. "May contain traces of hazelnuts."

Raaka Chocolate - Popcorn Unroasted Dark Chocolate 64% Cacao (bar) - Nov. 25, 2025

Chocolate of the Day

Raaka Chocolate
Popcorn Unroasted Dark Chocolate 64% Cacao (bar)
Good ++
Weight: 1.8 oz. (50 g.) in total bar
Calories: 275 calories (estimate) in 1 bar
Cost: $9.00 for 1 bar
Purchased from: Raaka Chocolate, online order

Welcome to Day #2 of Chocolate, Movies & Entertainment Theme Week--where chocolates intersect with film, animation and other forms of entertainment.

Following on the heels of yesterday's Cherry Licorice bar, we're enjoying another movie snack bar item reimagined with chocolate. 

Today's Popcorn Unroasted Dark Chocolate 64% Cacao (bar) was created by Raaka Chocolate (Brooklyn, NY). The makers "crushed salted popcorn and blended it into our (Semuliki Forest, Uganda cacao) dark chocolate, crafting a thrillingly chunky, buttery, and adventurous treat."

Aroma and flavor notes included: pleasing dark chocolate with faint diffuse fruit (stone fruit, dark berry, green/floral banana) and slightly savory (buttery).

Texture: the base dark chocolate was smooth with a relatively creamy melt. There were bites with very tiny pieces of popcorn hull (but it wasn't overwhelming). Raaka's description for this bar read: "Chunky, Crunchy, Buttery!" I found the tiny ivory-colored clouds (popcorn) floating in the dark chocolate to be pleasantly soft and pillow-like.

A digression about salt and chocolate...

My first impression: "This dark chocolate contained popcorn and salt, but the bar tasted surprisingly sweet, and not salty enough to taste like popcorn." Well, that was incorrect. At one point I added salt; and it did not work. Too much salt obscured the fruity, chocolate-y Ugandan (unroasted) cacao chocolate. 

The makers were right in holding back on the salt. Instead they tickled sweet movie theater memories of multiple concession stand snacks, including: dark, slightly fruity chocolate bars; dark hot chocolate/cocoa; fruit (cherry, red raspberry, banana) drinks and candies (even candied popcorn); and a wee bit of my all time favorite: salted, very lightly buttered popcorn. 

This was a fun and educational bar to taste and retaste, and retaste again. 

Movie and dark chocolate fans will appreciate this balanced, flavorful blend; the short list of authentic and organic ingredients; the gentle, fruity and chocoate-y complexity in the unroasted dark chocolate; the incorporation of popcorn (with minimal hulls); and the fact this elevated movie snack wasn't too sweet.

 A perfect bar to watch with a movie, or to savor slowly all by itself.

Maker's tasting notes: " The makers are using unroasted cacao to "capture the "brighter, bolder, and fruitier" side of cacao."

Ingredients: "organic cacao beans, organic cane sugar, organic cocoa butter, organic popcorn, organic extra virgin coconut oil, organic nutritional yeast, salt"

Allergen-related information: "Vegan, Gluten-Free, Soy Free, Nut Free"

 

Raaka Chocolate - Cherry Licorice Unroasted Dark Chocolate 67% Cacao (bar) - Nov. 24, 2025

Chocolate of the Day

Raaka Chocolate
Cherry Licorice Unroasted Dark Chocolate 67% Cacao (bar)
Good ++
Weight: 1.8 oz. (50 g.) in total bar
Calories: 275 calories (estimate) in 1 bar
Cost: $9.00 for 1 bar
Purchased from: Raaka Chocolate, online order

Welcome to Day #10 of Chocolate and Cherries Theme Week, and the first day of Chocolate & Entertainment Theme Week--where chocolates intersect with film, animation and other forms of entertainment.

Let's start with film...What happens when you elevate movie snack bar items with chocolate? Let's find out.

Today's Cherry Licorice Unroasted Dark Chocolate 67% Cacao (bar) from Raaka Chocolate (Brooklyn, NY), was "an ode to the twisty, cherry-flavored concession stand favorite...". It was crafted with unroasted cacao from Kokoa Kamili, Tanzania.

Aroma and flavor notes included: deep dark chocolate (faint sweet green botanical), bittersweet cherry/almond and chocolate cookie/cake. 

The bar had a long finish that ended on a mellow, sweet, upbeat cherry and chocolate note. An enjoyable journey with a happy ending -- just like the movies I chose to watch with this chocolate.

Texture: This well-tempered bar broke with a snap and had a smooth melt, and mild astringency in the middle, that tailed off in the finish.

I appreciated this thoughtful homage to cherry licorice (with chocolate); the short list of authentic, organic ingredients; the gentle, dark complexity in the unroasted dark chocolate; and the light touch of star anise.

Maker's tasting notes: "Fruity & Nostalgic...Red fruit-forward with just a hint of anise." The makers are using unroasted cacao to "capture the "brighter, bolder, and fruitier" side of cacao."

Ingredients: "organic cacao beans, organic cane sugar, organic cocoa butter, organic cherries, organic brown rice syrup, organic star anise"

Allergen-related information: "Vegan, Gluten-Free, Soy Free, Nut Free"

Mitica - Choco Cherries dark chocolate candied cherries - Nov. 23, 2025

Chocolate of the Day

Mitica 
Choco Cherries dark chocolate candied cherries
Good ++
Weight: 1 oz. (28 g.) / 4.94 oz. (140 g.) in total container/box
Calories: 120 calories in 2-piece serving
Cost: $N/A - gift from family member
Purchased from: - N/A - gift from family - Thank you Megan!

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

Today's Mitica Choco Cherries dark chocolate candied cherries were made in Spain and imported to the U.S. by Forever Cheese LLC (New York).

Aroma notes included: cherry, chocolate, cherry cordial/liqueur, and warm spices (star anise, faint vanilla).

Texture for these small rounded confections: dark chocolate shells surrounded pale yellow translucent, candied cherries.

Flavor notes included: very smooth dark chocolate, candied cherry and spice (star anise). 

I liked that these flavorful cherries were sweet without being overwhelmingly so. The 59% dark chocolate, liqueur and vanilla helped balance the sweetness. Cherries with dark chocolate, always, please.

Ingredients: Candied Cherries (cherry, glucose and fructose syrup, sugar, liqueur, citric acid, natural anise aroma) and Dark Chocolate (cocoa mass, sugar, cocoa butter, SOY lecithin, natural vanilla flavoring). Cocoa minimum 59%.

Allergen-related information: (Contains Soy.) "May contain traces of sulphites, peanuts, almonds, hazelnuts and milk.

Endorfin Foods - Cherry Amaretto 70% Cacao (bar) - Nov. 22, 2025

Chocolate of the Day

Endorfin Foods
Cherry Amaretto 70% Cacao (bar)
Good ++ 
Weight: .7 oz. (20 g.) / 1.4 oz. (40 g.) in total bar
Calories: 100 calories in 1/2 bar
Cost: $6.50 + shipping
Purchased from: Endorfin Foods, online order 

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

Today's Endorfin Foods Organic Cherry Amaretto 70% Cacao (bar) was manufactured by Coracao Confections (Richmond, CA).

Tasting notes for this flavorful bar included: dark chocolate, and aromatic cherry/cherry amaretto (bitter almond) liqueur. 

Texture: uniformly smooth, with a rich melt. This bar contained cocoa butter and caramelized coconut butter. (The cherries were fully incorporated into the chocolate.)

The cherry and almond flavors added sweetness. I liked that the makers used coconut sugar, to help prevent a sugar rush. The dark chocolate tasted slightly darker than 70%. But, the very faint sharpness/bitter flavor(s) also may have come from the bitter almond extract used to flavor this bar. (Any lasting aftertaste of sharpness or acidity diminished fairly quickly.)

This chocolate would be tasty in desserts: brownies, cookies and other baked goods--or as chocolate shavings in/over vanilla ice cream or custard. 

This dark chocolate was livelier and less sweet than most marzipan confections. This Ecuadorian cacao bar reminded me of higher-end European marzipan confections covered with fine flavored dark chocolate.

The bitter almond enlivened the tart cherries that had been fully ground (incorporated) into the melted chocolate.

Ingredients: Cacao+*, Coconut Sugar*, Cacao Butter+*, Caramelized Coconut Butter*, Tart Cherry* (Dried Cherries*, Dextrin*), Essential Oil of Bitter Almond (*Organic ingredients; + = Fair Trade Certified)

Allergen-related information: Contains Coconut.

 

Ritual Chocolate - Vanilla Chocolate Cherries - Nov. 21, 2025

Chocolate of the Day

Ritual Chocolate

Vanilla Chocolate Cherries 
Good ++
Weight: 1 oz. (28 g.) / 6 oz. (171 g.) in total bar
Calories: 140 calories in 1 serving
Cost: $16.50 for 1 box
Purchased from: Bar & Cocoa, online order

Welcome to Day #7 of Chocolate & Cherries Theme Week on Chocolate Banquet. 

Today's Vanilla Chocolate Cherries were from Ritual Chocolate (Heber City, UT).

Aroma notes included: sweet warm vanilla, chocolate (rich cocoa), and stone fruit (cherries). (The cherries were Montmorency cherries sourced from Payson Fruit Growers in Utah.)

Texture: smooth, dark chocolate coating that surrounded chewy, dried cherries.

Flavor notes included: dark chocolate and concentrated, tart, dried cherries (from Utah).

The makers tasting notes read: "Vanilla, Dried Cherries, Floral." Also included was a great pairing suggestion: "Best Enjoyed On A Charcuterie Board with Soft Cheeses and Sourdough Bread" 

I liked the relatively short list of quality and organic ingredients; and the sweetness level. (They were not too sweet.) It was a satisfying blend of authentic warm vanilla and chocolate and tart cherries.

Ingredients: "Dried Cherries, Organic Cacao, Organic Cane Sugar, Organic Cocoa Butter, Organic Vanilla Powder, Organic Cocoa Powder"

Allergen-related information: "Manufactured in a facility that also produces soy, tree nuts and wheat." "Vegan"

  

Jouvay Chocolate - Dark Chocolate Pistachio & Cherry 72% Cocoa Content (bar) - Nov. 20, 2025

Chocolate of the Day

Jouvay Chocolate
Dark Chocolate Pistachio & Cherry 72% Cocoa Content (bar)
Good ++
Weight: 1.5 oz. (42.5 g.) / 3 oz. (85 g.) in total bar
Calories: 212 calories in 1/2 bar
Cost: N/A - gift from work colleague
Purchased from: N/A - gift from work colleague (Thank you Sean!)

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

Today's Dark Chocolate Pistachio & Cherry 72% Cocoa Content (bar) from Jouvay* Chocolate -- a partnership between Grenada's Diamond Chocolate Factory (Grenada, West Indies) and the Burdick family."** 

The dark chocolate used to make this bar: "100% Grenadian Cocoa."

Aroma and flavor notes included: dark chocolate (smooth with very faint, fleeting earth/smokey peat); authentic, tart-sweet cherry; and and faint nut (pistachio). 

Texture: very smooth, with softly crunchy pistachio nuts and cherry cherries.

I liked the authentic, fresh-tasting flavor inclusions (cherry fruit, pistachio nuts). The 72% dark chocolate was well-executed, balanced, had a pleasing rich texture and was not too sweet.

Ingredients: Cocoa beans, cocoa butter, cane sugar, pistachios, cherries

Allergen-related information: (Contains tree nuts: pistachios)

*Jouvay is "Caribbean Patois for the opening day of Carnival - From the French "jour ouvert" (opening day)"

**Sadly the U.S. distributor wound down this chocolate business in October 2025; and the website showed they were out of stock on this bar and others.

Cachet - Dark Chocolate Cherry (bar) - Nov. 19, 2025

Chocolate of the Day

Cachet 
Dark Chocolate Cherry (bar)
Good ++ 
Weight: 1.76 oz. (50 g.) / 3.5 oz. (100 g.) in total bar
Calories: 260 calories in 4 squares of bar
Cost: $7.49 for 1 bar
Purchased from: New Leaf Market, Santa Cruz, CA

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

Today's Cachet 57% Dark Chocolate Cherry (bar) was manufactured by Kim's Chocolates (Tienen, Belgium).

Aroma and flavor notes included: relatively smooth, dark chocolate (dark chocolate cake/black forest chocolate cherry cake) and sweet, slightly tart, cherry.

Texture: smooth, dark chocolate. (The cherry elements were fully incorporated into the dark chocolate.)

Sweet, flavorful and addictive if you're hungry.

Ingredients: "Chocolate Liquor, Sugar, Cocoa Butter, Sour Cherry, Soy Lecithin (Emulsifier), Natural Cherry Flavor"

Allergen-related information: "Contains: Soy. May Contain: Wheat, Egg, Tree Nuts, Milk."

Rawmio - Chocolate Covered Sweet Cherries 70% Dark Raw Chocolate - Nov. 18, 2025

Chocolate of the Day

Rawmio
Chocolate Covered Sweet Cherries 70% Dark Raw Chocolate  
Good ++
Weight: 1 oz. (28.3 g.) / 2 oz. (56.7 g.) in total package
Calories: 130 calories in 1/2 package 
Cost: $4.99 for 1 package 
Purchased from: Vitacost, online order 

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

Today's Rawmio Chocolate Covered Sweet Cherries 70% Dark Raw Chocolate (pieces) were made by Windy City Organics, LLC (Northbrook, IL).

Aroma notes included: rich, lightly fermented, authentic fruit (cherry, cacao pulp) and chocolate.

Texture: whole, dried (but moist) cherries were dusted with 70% "cacao powder" 

Flavor notes included: authentic cherry texture and balanced, tart-sweet stone fruit (cherry) flavor. The 70% cacao dark chocolate was a smooth and satisfying background flavor.

I liked that these real cherries were "glaze-free"--not over-sweetened (thank you)--and were allowed to shine while the dark chocolate added flavor depth. I could really appreciate the true flavors, and that was a very good thing.

Ingredients: Raw Chocolate (Raw Cacao Nibs*, Coconut Sugar*, Raw Cacao Butter*), Cherries*, Raw Cacao Powder*.

Allergen-related information: "Crafted in a GMP facility which processes Tree Nuts and Sesame, but no peanuts, soy, or gluten." (* Organic)

Friis-Holm Chokolade - Filled Chocolate Cherry - Nov. 17, 2025

Chocolate of the Day

Friis-Holm Chokolade
Filled Chocolate Cherry bonbons 
Good ++ 
Weight: 1.41 oz. (40 g.) / 2.83 oz. (80 g.) in total box
Calories: 189 calories (estimate) in 4 pieces
Cost: $32.00 for 1 box
Purchased from: Bar & Cocoa, online order

Welcome to Day #3 of Chocolate & Cherries Theme Week.

Today's Filled Chocolate Cherry confections were from Friis-Holm Chokolade (Roskilde, Denmark).

The cacao used to make this chocolate was from Nicaragua. Danish sour cherries, and cherry brandy from Frederiksdal*, were also featured in these filled chocolates.

Aroma notes included: very subtle chocolate, and very faint sweet fruit, nutty caramel. (These bonbons did not contain nuts.)

The glossy, outer 70% chocolate shell was perfectly executed (smooth, shiny and flawless; broke gently) to reveal a rich, flowing, sweet cherry center--a liquid cherry juice (cherry brandy syrup) that surrounded an authentic, whole, sour cherry (stvensbaer) -- dried for concentrated cherry flavor, but plump and moist in the flowing cherry creme filling).

Flavor notes included: sweet cherry juice/light syrup, cherry fruit, and very smooth chocolate. Despite containing cherry wine/brandy, there was little to no alcohol flavor.

I appreciated the use of single origin Nicaragua chocolate, the thoughtful incorporation of cherries, and Friis-Holm's skillfully executed take on a classic Danish sour cherry + Frederiksdal* cherry brandy creme-filled confections.

Ingredients: Dark chocolate, cacao beans, sugar, cacao butter, Frederiksdal cherries, kirsebaer, fondant, dried whole sour cherry, cherry juice, citric acid, 

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

*Frederiksdal's cherry wine is part of a fruit wine tradition that dates back to the 1700s in Denmark. During World War II, when the grape supply dwindled, fortified cherry wines became more popular. Their fortified cherry wine (brandy) used in today's chocolates was (I believe) made from sour cherries/cherry juice, using traditional wine-making techniques. In today's chocolate, it had a sweet, cherry flavor--similar to a high-end cherry liqueur (with a barely detectable level of alcohol).

Compartes - Wild Cherry Dark Chocolate 73% Cacao (bar) - Nov. 16, 2025

Chocolate of the Day

Compartes Chocolatier
Wild Cherry Dark Chocolate 73% Cacao (bar)
Good ++ 
Weight: 1.5 oz. (42.5 g.) / 3 oz. (85 g.) in total bar
Calories: 210 calories in 1/2 bar
Cost: $9.95 for 1 bar
Purchased from: Compartes, online order

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

Today's Wild Cherry Dark Chocolate 73% Cacao (bar) was from Compartes Chocolatier (Los Angeles, CA).

Aroma notes included: smooth, subtle dark chocolate, clean mineral notes, and light stone fruit (cherry) and cherry soda.

Texture: smooth, creamy dark chocolate, chewy dried fresh cherries, and a much softer chew from translucent candied cherries. 

Flavor notes included: smooth dark chocolate (fudge with faint vanilla) and two different cherry flavors: dried tart-sweet, authentic cherry flavor and candied cherry.

I enjoyed the creamy texture of the dark 73% cacao chocolate and the range of cherry flavors was fun to try.

Ingredients: Dark Chocolate (Cocoa Mass, Cocoa Butter, Sugar, Soy Lecithin as an Emulsifier, Vanilla), Cherries (Cherries, Sugar, Citric Acid, Red #3)

Allergen-related information: "Made in a facility that handles dairy, peanuts, wheat, egg, soy, tree nuts. "Vegan, Gluten Free"

Loon Chocolate - Dried Cherry 70% Dark Chocolate (bar) - Nov. 15, 2025

Chocolate of the Day

Loon Chocolate
Dried Cherry 70% Dark Chocolate (bar)
Good ++
Weight: 1.125 oz. (32 g.) / 2.25 oz. (64 g.) in total bar
Calories: 450 calories in 1 bar (per label)
Cost: $10.00 for 1 bar
Purchased from: Bar & Cocoa, online order

Welcome to Day #25 of Chocolate and Fruits Theme Week, and Day #1 of Chocolate and Cherries Theme Week. We continue with fruit-themed chocolates; and finishing with a "just cherries" and chocolate week.*

Today's Loon Chocolate Dried Cherry 70% Dark Chocolate (bar) was manufactured by White Birch Living LLC (Manchester, NH). Loon Chocolate is a small batch, chocolate producer.**

Six whole, large, dried cherries rested on the back of this bar in a well-organized grid pattern. (On the front of the bar were loons (birds) silently and invisibly treading water on a lake, presumably in the northeast U.S.)

Each cherry had a satisfying, concentrated cherry tart-sweetness and pleasantly chewy texture. The dark chocolate was uniformly smooth and a bit somber--serving as an excellent foil for the sweeter, more flavorful cherries.

I paired this bar with a small cup of ginger tea. All three flavors harmonized very well together. A rousing trifecta for a cool, rainy fall day.

Ingredients: "Organic Cacao, Organic Cane Sugar, Organic Cocoa Butter, Dried Cherries" 

Allergen-related information: "Produced in a facility that uses Almonds and Milk." ("Gluten-Free, Soy-Free, Vegan")

*I couldn't find enough fresh cherries to eat this past season; so, after feeling deprived, I gave cherries their own week on Chocolate Banquet--a 19-year long, chocolate-tasting adventure divided into themes and theme weeks, to better organize the delicious chocolate chaos.

**Loon Chocolate is a registered trademark of White Birch Living LLC. They "import cacao beans from small farm growers."

Dorrel Sweets - Dark Chocolate Covered Dried Prunes - Nov. 14, 2025

Chocolate of the Day

Dorrel Sweets
Dark Chocolate Covered Dried Prunes
Good ++
Weight: 1.76 oz. (50 g.) / 8.8 oz. (250 g.) total package
Calories: 180 calories in 2 servings
Cost: $13.09 for 1 package
Purchased from: Vitacost, online order

Welcome to Day #24 of Chocolate & Fruits Theme Week(s).

Today's Dorrel Dark Chocolate Covered Dried Prunes were produced and distributed by PrimaveraSweets LLC  (Los Angeles, CA).

Plum and prune harmonize well with chocolate; but there aren't many options out there. (I grew up in what used to have lots of fruit orchards. Chocolate covered apricots and prunes were prized seasonal treats.)

Aroma and flavor notes included: smooth, rich dark chocolate and concentrated, rich dried plum (prune) fruit. Chocolate covered plums/prunes 

Texture: Smooth dark chocolate covered moist, whole, chewy prune.

I liked the authentic prune fruit flavor and moist, plump texture of the fruit--as well as the smooth, dark chocolate used to cover each prune. (I also appreciated that these were Non-GMO.)

Ingredients: Dried Prunes (Potassium Sorbate added as a preservative), Dark Chocolate (Unsweetened Chocolate, Sugar, Cocoa Butter, Soy Lecithin, Natural Vanilla Flavor).

Allergen-related information: This product is manufactured in a facility that processes other products which contains (sic) peanut or tree nut products.

ChocXO - Raspberry Creme Cups - Nov. 13, 2025

Chocolate of the Day

ChocXO Chocolatier
58% Cacao Dark Milk Chocolate Raspberry Creme Cups
Good + - Good++
Weight: 1 oz. (28 g.) in 2 pieces/cups / 14.8 oz. (420 g.) in total package
Calories: 160 calories in 2 cups
Cost: $10.99 for 1 package
Purchased from: Costco, Mountain View, CA

Welcome to Day #23 of Chocolate & Fruits Theme Week.

Today's package of individually-wrapped 58% Cacao Dark Milk Chocolate Raspberry Creme Cups were from ChocXO Chocolatier (Dallas, TX). 

Aroma and flavor notes for these filled chocolate cups included: a smooth, dark milk chocolate exterior with a relatively subtle, raspberry-infused white chocolate filling with very faint vanilla.

Texture: the smooth texture of most filled chocolate cups.

I appreciated the list of organic ingredients; authentic raspberry and dark milk chocolate flavors (vs. sweeter milk chocolate and synthetic berry flavors); and the company's goal to offer chocolate confections that have a slightly lower sweetness level--closer to a natural fruit sweetness, without artificial sweeteners. 

Ingredients: Dark Milk Chocolate* (chocolate liquor*, sugar*, cocoa butter*, whole milk powder*, cane sugar* fat reduced cocoa powder*, natural fat reduced cocoa powder*, vanilla*, vanilla extract*, and sunflower lecithin*), White Chocolate* (sugar*, cocoa butter*, whole milk powder*, sunflower lecithin* and vanilla*), Coconut Oil*, Raspberry Powder*, Raspberry Flavor*, (sunflower oil*, natural flavorings), Double Fold Vanilla Extract* (water, alcohol*, vanilla bean extractives*), Balsamic Vinegar Powder (molasses, balsamic vinegar, sugar, silicon dioxide). * Organic

Allergen-related information: Contains: Milk and Sulphites. Produced on equipment that also processes Soy, Peanuts and Tree nuts.

Xocolatl - "Ripple Effect" Applewood Smoked Nibs & Raspberry 60% Dark Chocolate (bar) - Nov. 12, 2025

Chocolate of the Day

Xocolatl
"Ripple Effect" Applewood Smoked Nibs & Raspberry 60% Dark Chocolate (bar) 
Good ++
Weight: 2.6 oz. (75 g.) in total bar
Calories: 360 calories in 1 bar
Cost: $11.00 for 1 bar
Purchased from: Xocolatl, online order

Welcome to Day #22 of Chocolate and Fruits Theme Week(s). 

Today's "Ripple Effect" Applewood Smoked Nibs & Raspberry 60% Dark Chocolate (bar) was made by Xocolatl LLC (Atlanta, GA). The company collaborated with at least two local companies for these flavor inclusions, e.g. orange-infused olive olive from Streppaggio, and smoked nibs from Pine Street Market, an artisan meat market with a smoker.).

Aroma notes included an intriguing blend of dark chocolate, fresh raspberry; very faint smoked dill salt/salted dill potato chips and light citrus.

Texture: creamy smooth dark chocolate with a little smattering of softly crunchy cacao nibs + authentic raspberry bits (with seeds).

I liked the overall complexity, vibrant and authentic red raspberry notes, and the smooth, creamy-velvety texture and melt. The 60% cacao (Peru) dark chocolate was relatively dark (but smooth).

Maker's tasting notes: "a sweet and smoky dark chocolate bar (with) hints of fruit"

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

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

Sted Chocolate - 1.) Classic Milk 45% Milk Chocolate + 2.) Lingonberry Bliss 49% Fruit Chocolate - Nov. 11, 2025

Chocolate(s) of the Day

Sted Chocolate

Classic Milk - 45% Milk Chocolate
Good ++ - Good +++
Weight: .5 oz. (14.1 g.) in 1 small bar
Calories: 83 calories in 1 small bar
Cost: $2.75 for 1 small bar
Purchased from: ZombieRunner Coffee, Palo Alto, CA

Lingonberry Bliss - 49% Fruit Chocolate
Good ++
Weight: .5 oz. (14.1 g.) in 1 small bar
Calories: 78 calories (estimate) in 1 small bar
Cost: $2.75 for 1 small bar
Purchased from: ZombieRunner Coffee, Palo Alto, CA

Welcome to Day #21 of Chocolate and Fruits Theme Week. 

Today's two Sted Foods bars were manufactured by TC Foods, LLC (Fergus Falls, MN).

Classic Milk

Surprisingly complex, flavorful and delicious 45% milk chocolate with chocolate, caramel, very faint, diffuse fruit (red fruit, red licorice), and butter cookie notes.

I enjoyed this organic bar, made with a short list of just 4 quality ingredients. There were no emulsifiers (thank you).

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

Allergen-related information: Contains Milk. Made in a facility that uses sesame seeds, pecans, almonds, coconut, cashews, hazelnuts and milk.

Lingonberry Bliss 

Maker's description: "A dairy free, fruit chocolate bursting with (the) zingy flavor of lingonberry..."

I loved the pretty berry pink-mauve color, and the fresh sweet-tart aroma and flavor. 

The authentic cocoa butter provided a rich melt and mouth feel and a good foil for the clear, authentic tart-sweet berry (lingonberry with red raspberry notes). A lovely combination. This bar was nearly as  refreshing as a fresh berry sorbet on a summer day.

Ingredients: organic cocoa butter, organic cane sugar, organic freeze dried lingonberry powder

Allergen-related information: "Made in a facility that uses sesame seeds, pecans, almonds, coconut, cashews, hazelnuts, and milk."

 

Chocolate Tree - Cacao Fruit Guatemala 100% (bar) - Nov. 10, 2025

Chocolate of the Day

Chocolate Tree 
Cacao Fruit Guatemala 100% Bean to Bar (bar)
Good ++ - Good +++
Weight: 1.23 oz. (35 g.) / 2.5 oz. (70 g.) in total bar
Calories: 167 calories in 1/2 bar
Cost: $13.00 for 1 bar
Purchased from: B&C, online order

Welcome to Day #20 of Chocolate & Fruits Theme Week, and Happy 7,000th chocolate day on Chocolate Banquet.*

Today's Cacao Fruit Guatemala (bar) was from Chocolate Tree (East Lothian, Scotland). This bar is part of their Bean to Bar collection "crafted from ancestral and rare cacao."

A blend of Criollo hybrids and Arriba Nacional cacao varieties were used to make this chocolate.

I love the attractive chocolate molds Chocolate Tree makers have been using for their bars. Today's pattern: interlocking birds/toucans. This dovetailed with my interest in birds and wildlife (and memories of seeing toucans in the wild in Central America).

Aroma and flavor notes included: deep, rich chocolate, and sweet, aromatic and fruity (fermented cacao pulp).

Texture: The chocolate broke with a subdued but audible snap (in a cool room); and it had a thick, creamy texture with a long, luxurious melt.

This bar yielded an intense, truly authentic 100% cacao experience--with cacao beans and cacao pulp juice. The bitterness of the high-percentage cacao was balanced by the tangy-sweet, freeze-dried cacao juice that added concentrated fruit flavor(s) and complex sweetness to this ultra-dark bar.

The three potent ingredients--pure cacao (cacao beans (solids), cacao pulp/fruit juice, and cacao butter (fat)) resulted in a tremendously satisfying bar. One small piece might be enough for many people. I loved it and ate half a bar; and felt energetic for hours. Maybe not the best chocolate to share with those who are sensitive to bitter/strong flavors. But, ultra-dark chocolate lovers should try this special bar.

Maker's Tasting Notes: "Pear, Lychee, Citrus, Strawberry. Pair with: Non-Peated Whisky, Fresh Fruit" -- and "Tastes of stewed cherries, lime juice & zest, molasses, a hint of pumpernickel bread & woodsy in the long finish."

Ingredients: "Organic cocoa beans, freeze dried cacao fruit juice (30%), organic cocoa butter."

Allergen-related information: "Nuts and dairy are used in our factory."

*This Chocolate Banquet (blog) has featured a different chocolate item every day since September 11, 2006, along with occasional chats with makers and tales of chocolate art and adventures. 

Compartes Chocolatier - Orange Peel & Pink Peppercorn (bar) - Nov. 9, 2025

Chocolate of the Day

Compartes
Orange Peel & Pink Peppercorn (bar) 
Weight: 3 oz. (85 g.) in 1 bar
Calories: 460 calories (estimate) in 1 bar
Cost: $9.95 for 1 bar
Purchased from: Compartes, online order

Welcome to Day #19 of Chocolate and Fruits Theme Week(s). Tomorrow will be the 7,000th day of Chocolate Banquet.*

Today's Orange Peel and Pink Peppercorn bar was from Compartes Chocolatier (Los Angeles, CA).

Aroma and flavor notes for this dark chocolate bar included: smooth, chocolate-y dark chocolate with faint fruit (lightly peppery red berry + citrus (orange)).

Texture: This well-tempered bar broke with a snap in a cool room. The ebony-hued dark chocolate was smooth with an even melt. Atop this dark field were soft and chewy, sunny and bright, candied orange peels--as well as a smattering of petite, hot pink, peppercorn pearls, with delicate papery pink skins.

The pink peppercorns had a unique authentic flavor with slightly musty, mild peppery, citrus fruit, and faint berry and almost floral notes. Pink peppercorns are the dried berries (fruits) from trees from South America (Peru and/or Brazil). They're very compatible with citrus fruits in sweet and savory dishes.

I liked the sweetness level. (It was quite sweet (no cacao percentage listed), but the sugar didn't completely overpower the citrus peel and chocolate. I loved the beautiful, sunny packaging (illustration) for this bar; with floating oranges and green leaves, blossoms and pink peppercorns -- suspended across a rosy pink, sunset-hued background. The design and the bar would be fit for any season, as a winter brightener or reminder of fabled, sunny Southern California weather that lives in our imaginations.

Ingredients: "Dark Chocolate (Cocoa Mass, Cocoa Butter, Sugar, Soy Lecithin as an Emulsifier, Vanilla), Orange Peel (Orange, Glucose, Sugar, Citric Acid, Potassium Sorbate, Sulphur Dioxide), Pink Peppercorn.

Allergen-related information: "Vegan, Gluten Free" "Made in a facility that handles dairy, peanuts, wheat, egg, soy, tree nuts."  

*Chocolate Banquet has featured a different chocolate item every day for over 19 years since Sept. 11, 2006.

Compartes Chocolatier - Dark Chocolate Fruits - Pomegranate, Golden Raisins, Blueberries, Orange Slice & Pear - Nov. 8, 2025

Chocolate(s) of the Day

Compartes Chocolatier
Dark Chocolate Fruit Assortment
Weight: Unknown. Total box estimate: (>1.57 lbs. (715.3 g.)
Calories: 380 calories (estimate) in 5 pieces
Cost: $74.00 for 1 box of 16+ pieces
Purchased from: Compartes, online order

Welcome to Day #18 of Chocolate and Fruits Theme Week.

Today's eye-catching matte black box of jewel-colored dark chocolate covered/dipped fruits were from Compartes Chocolatier (Los Angeles, CA). The company produces a wide variety of chocolate bars with different flavor inclusions, confections and chocolate gifts.

Three of today's five chocolate + fruit confections were composed of fruit pieces atop dark chocolate cups: 1.) Pomegranate, 2.) Golden Raisins and 3.) Blueberries. 

The last two were larger fruit pieces dipped in dark chocolate: 4.) a chocolate dipped Orange Slice and 5.) a dark chocolate dipped pear "spear." 

These five flavors were part of a larger "medium" sized dark chocolate + fruits assortment box. 

Aroma notes included: smooth, chocolate-y dark chocolate with very faint fruit (red berry). The orange piece had a citrus fragrance. The pear piece was very subtle.

Texture: varied by fruit item. The chocolate cup bases on the first three items were fairly substantial. These smooth, thick dark chocolate cups were topped with authentic, ruby-hued fresh pomegranate seeds, with little white pips at the centers; moist, chewy golden raisins and softly chewy blueberries. 

The orange slice and the pear spear were made of larger pieces of fruit. The fruits were sweet; but authentic. The little bursts of fruit flavor from the pomegranate seeds was pure bright-tart red berry/pomegranate. 

My favorite (and most fruit-flavorful) piece was the dark chocolate dipped orange slice. (Although I did not taste the dark chocolate dipped apricot piece, I'll bet that one was very tasty and tart-sweet too.)

This stylish, mixed dark assortment of chocolate dipped and covered fruit pieces was attractively presented in the black box; the contrast with the black box (and dark chocolate) really made the bright, authentic fruit colors pop and shine--wow factor for a gift box.

Ingredients: "Dark Chocolate (Cocoa Mass, Sugar, Cocoa Butter, Soy Lecithin as an Emulsifier, Vanilla)... May Contain Apricot, Orange, Pear, Pineapple, Peach, Raisin, Ginger, Mango, Kiwi, Goji Berries, Cherries, Cranberries, Blueberries, Strawberries, Raspberries, Acai, Papaya, Cocoanut, Lemon, Dates, Apple, Sugar, Corn Syrup, Citric Acid, Potassium Sorbate, Sulphur Dioxide.

Allergen-related information: "Made in a facility that handles Milk, Wheat, Peanuts, Egg, Soy, Tree Nuts, and Sesame."  

Beyond Good - 70% Cocoa Dark Chocolate and Rum Raisins (bar) - Nov. 7, 2025

Chocolate of the Day

Beyond Good
70% Cocoa Dark Chocolate and Rum Raisins (bar)
Good ++
Weight: 1.06 oz. (30 g.) / 2.12 oz. (60 g.) in total bar
Calories: 140 calories in 1/2 bar
Cost: $5.79 (sale price) for 1 bar
Purchased from: Whole Foods Market, Los Altos, CA

Welcome to Day #17 of Chocolate & Fruits Theme Week.

Today's Beyond Good 70% Cocoa Dark Chocolate and Rum Raisins (bar) (Microbatch No. 4) was produced in Madagascar with Ugandan cacao, and distributed by Madecasse LLC (Brooklyn, NY).

The company makes small-batch bean-to-bar chocolates using cacao from Madagascar and Uganda. For today's bar, the makers sourced Trinitario cocoa from "a dedicated co-op (of cacao farmers) in Uganda."

Aroma notes included: dark chocolate and gentle rum raisin.

Texture: pleasing smooth texture with a luxurious, buttery melt.

Flavor notes included: roast-y, smooth dark chocolate with authentic rum-flavored raisins.

I enjoyed the subtle flavors in this 70% cacao bar--that could have been an overpowering chocolate, but was thoughtfully assembled and executed. I also liked the sweetness level. The raisins were sweet, without being overly so. The rum flavoring was enough to add interest and warmth, but it didn't obscure other flavors.

And, who could I turn down a chocolate that "saves lemurs" in Madagascar?

Maker's description: "A new twist on an old classic. Raisins are marinated in rum for 24 hours, then added to the chocolate. This keeps the raisins plump and full of flavor. The sweetness of the raisins complements the richness of the chocolate."

Ingredients: "Cocoa Beans*, Cane Sugar*, Dried Raisins (Raisins, Sunflower Oil), Cocoa Butter*, Sunflower Lecithin (Emulsifier), Natural Rum Flavor. (* Organic Ingredient)"

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

Luisa Abram Chocolates - Cupuacu Dragees Covered with 70% Cacao Chocolate - Nov. 6, 2025

Chocolate of the Day

Luisa Abram Chocolates
Cupuacu Dragees Covered with 70% Cacao Chocolate
Good ++
Weight: 2.1 oz. (60 g.) / 4.23 oz. (120 g.) in total package
Calories: 266.4 calories in 1/2 package
Cost: $25.00 for 1 package
Purchased from: Bar & Cocoa, online order

Welcome to Day #16 of Chocolate & Fruits Theme Week(s), featuring chocolates with wide variety of fruit flavor inclusions.

Today's Cupuacu Dragees Covered with 70% Cacao Chocolate were from Luisa Abram Chocolates (Sao Paolo, Brazil).

Aroma and flavor notes included: rich, tart-sweet, tropical fruit (fragrant, slightly fermented cacao pulp* syrup; pineapple; mango, rum raisin, mangosteen) and dark chocolate (dark cocoa and fruit).

Texture: smooth dark chocolate coating with a nice, slow melt and chewy bits of fruit.

I loved the tart-sweet vibrancy of the cupuacu fruit--the star of the show. And the dark chocolate (dark, smooth cocoa) coating that covered the fruit pieces was a great, complementary match. I enjoyed savoring each piece slowly.

Ingredients: "Cupuacu, Cacao, Organic Sugar, Cacao Butter and Cocoa Powder" 

Allergen-related information: (Translated by me into English; apologies if there are errors.) "May Contain Traces of Milk, Brazil Nuts, Portuguese Peanut (Amendoim), Hazelnuts, Almonds, Cashew Nuts, Macadamia Nuts, Pecans, Pine Nuts, Pistachio Nuts, and Chestnuts." "Gluten Free. Made in a Facility That Handles Milk and Nuts."

*Cupuacu (Theobroma grandiflorum) is a relative of cacao (Theobroma cacao). Both originated in northern South America (Amazon River basin). These species originated over 12 million years ago; and were domesticated by humans thousands of years ago.

Crow & Moss Chocolatery - Apple Crumble 38% Oat Mylk Crumble - Nov. 5, 2025

Chocolate of the Day

Crow & Moss Chocolatery 
Apple Crumble 38% Oat Mylk Crumble (bar)
Good ++
Weight: 2.4 oz. (70 g.) in total bar
Calories: 380 calories in 1 bar
Cost: $11.00 for 1 bar
Purchased from: Crow & Moss, online order

Welcome to Day #15 of Chocolate & Fruits Theme Week(s). As is often the case on Chocolate Banquet, a 7-day theme "week" often spills over into multiple weeks. Apple, Banana, Cupuacu...there are so many great chocolate and fruit combinations.

Today's Apple Crumble 38% Oat Mylk Crumble (bar) (Batch No. 610) was made by Crow & Moss Chocolate (Petoskey, MI). The company is a chocolate maker + bakery ("chocolatery").

When I see "38% cacao" on a bar, my expectations are not high. Chocolates that below 40% cacao can taste bland and overly sweet. Not so today. The company produces a variety of chocolates and baked goods, and both (chocolate making and baking) skills were on display with today's bar.

Aroma notes included: raisin cinnamon bread toast and baked apple/fresh apple crumble.

Texture: smooth oat mylk chocolate was studded with tiny honey-sweetened topping of apple bits and small oat pieces. Some bits had a delicate crunch; and all seemed to be in the Goldilocks zone (just right). There were no bits that were too tough/hard, nor were there any soggy bland bits. 

Flavor notes for this dairy-free and gluten-free bar included: very light "milk" chocolate; pieces of bright, tart-sweet apple and oat bits in every bite; and a light touch of cinnamon.

I enjoyed this gently complex, blend of authentic flavors in this bar--that could serve as an a la carte dessert, or served with other desserts.

Ingredients: Chocolate: Cacao Blend, Cane Sugar*, Cocoa Butter* (Pisco, Peru), Oat Flour*, Apple*, Granola Topping: Quick Oats*, Coconut Oil*, Honey, Salt, Cinnamon*. (* Organic)

Allergen-related information: Dairy Free.

Fruition Chocolate Works - Passion Fruit Pop Dark Milk with Elderflower 66% (bar) - Nov. 4, 2025

Chocolate of the Day

Fruition Chocolate Works
Passion Fruit Pop Dark Milk with Elderflower 66% (bar)
Good ++ 
Weight: 1.06 oz. (30 g.) / 2.12 oz. (60 g.) in total bar
Calories: 164 calories (estimate) in 1/2 bar
Cost: $15.99 for 1 bar
Purchased from: Village Market, S.F. Ferry Building, San Francisco, CA

Welcome to Day #14 of Chocolate & Fruits Theme Week.

Today's Passion Fruit Pop Dark Milk with Elderflower 66% (bar) was crafted at the Fruition Chocolate Works (workshop) in Shokan, New York.

Cacao beans for this bar were from D.R. (Duarte) & Bolivia (Itenez).

Aroma and flavor notes included: relatively subtle/smooth dark chocolate, tart sweet fruit (berry, passion fruit) slightly earthy berry floral.

Texture: smooth dark chocolate, subtly punctuated by popping candy. 

The very slight crackle and fizz of the popping candy uplifted the tart sweet passion fruit flavor, added a little pizzazz to the whole bar.

I liked the interplay between the relatively dark 66% cacao dark chocolate; the touch of tart-sweet passion fruit--that made its presence known without dominating the other flavors; and the slightly earthy-berry floral richness of the elderflower liqueur infusion. I appreciated the authentic flavors. And the popping candy made me smile.

Ingredients: "Cocoa Beans, Cane Sugar*, Cocoa Butter*, Whole Milk Powder, Dried Passion Fruit, Elderflower Liqueur, Popping Candy (Sugar, CO2), Sunflower Lecithin" (*Organic)

Allergen-related information: "Contains Milk. May Contain Traces of Peanuts, Tree Nuts, Eggs, Soy, Sesame."

 

Chocolate Tree - Nordic Berries Peru 50% Milk (bar) - Nov. 3, 2025

Chocolate of the Day

Chocolate Tree 
Nordic Berries Peru 50% Milk (bar)
Good ++
Weight: 1.25 oz. (35 g.) / 2.5 oz. (70 g.) in total bar
Calories: 184.45 calories in 1/2 bar
Cost: $13.00 for 1 bar
Purchased from: Bar & Cocoa, online order

Welcome to Day #13 of Chocolate & Fruits Theme Week.

Today's Nordic Berries Peru 50% Milk (bar) was from Chocolate Tree (East Lothian, Scotland).

The cacao used to make this bar was from Peru.*

Aroma and flavor notes included: satisfying (and slightly addictive) dark milk chocolate with integrated, authentic, pleasing, mixed berry notes.

Texture: smooth, very creamy texture. (The berries were fully incorporated into the bar, so there were no seed particles or berry pulp pieces.)

I loved the flavor, textures...and the pattern on this bar (interlocking flying birds). 

What I did not care for: This well-executed bar was addictive and it disappeared completely before I could even finish writing this review. Do not open this bar if you're very hungry. 

But, seriously, this was a very nice bar and would be suitable as a gift or for sharing with others. 

It's got enough dark chocolate flavor to satisfy dark fans, but enough smoothness and creaminess to appeal to (dark) milk chocolate fans. It would pair well with high-end desserts/dessert assortment plates. 

Maker's tasting notes: "Berry Bouquet"; Pairing Suggestion: Champagne, Cheesecake.

Ingredients: Organic cocoa butter, organic cocoa beans, organic sugar, organic Milk powder, organic raspberries (4%), organic wild blackberries (3%), organic wild blueberries (3%).

Allergen-related information: Contains Milk. 

*Peruvian cacao genetic description: "Colleccion Yoplac Pucallpillo (CYP)"

Raaka Chocolate - Blueberry Lemon 60% Cacao Unroasted Dark Chocolate (bar) - Nov. 2, 2025

Chocolate of the Day

Raaka Chocolate
Blueberry Lemon 60% Cacao Unroasted Dark Chocolate (bar) 
Good ++ 
Weight: .88 oz. (25 g.) / 1.8 oz. (50 g.) in total bar
Calories: 129 calories in 1/2 bar
Cost: $8.00 for 1 bar
Purchased from: Bar & Cocoa, online order 

Welcome to Day #12 of Chocolate & Fruits Theme Week.

Today's Blueberry Lemon 60% Cacao Unroasted Dark Chocolate (bar) was from Raaka Chocolate (Red Hook, Brooklyn, NY).

Cacao source: Kokoa Kamili, Tanzania. (Kokoa Kaimili "purchases freshly harvested cacao from over 4,000 farmers in the Kilombero Valley of Tanzania." And Raaka sources cacao from them.*) 

Aroma and flavor notes included: deep, dense dark chocolate; earthy dark berry (blueberry, dark cherry); and bright citrus (lemon). 

Texture: well-tempered (broke with a hard snap in a cold room); relatively smooth and creamy.

I liked that the whole dark, this chocolate wasn't too bitter. The blueberry and lemon (powders) tasted authentic and were thoroughly integrated with the dark chocolate. The lemon was indeed "bright and refreshing" and served to balance out the darker cacao and blueberry elements in this bar.

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

Ingredients: Organic cacao beans, organic cane sugar, organic cacao butter, organic blueberry powder, organic lemon powder

Allergen-related information: ("organic, vegan, allergy friendly...nut free")

*Raaka Chocolate has been good about sharing cacao sourcing information. E.g., they paid on average of $5.12/kg to Kokoa Kamili from 2020 to 2023. This was higher than the fair trade commodity price of $2.85/kg.) This information was printed on the inner wrapper of today's bar. The cost of cacao and chocolate market prices have risen significantly since 2023; and I respect makers who are hanging in there--and still sharing information about what farmers are being paid during these challenging times.

Charles Chocolates - Candied Lemon & Hazelnut 65% Bittersweet Chocolate (bar) - Nov. 1, 2025

Chocolate of the Day

Charles Chocolates 
Candied Lemon & Hazelnut 65% Bittersweet Chocolate (bar)
Good ++
Weight: 1.41 oz. (40 g.) in total bar
Calories: 219 calories (estimate) in 1 bar
Cost: $3.49 for 1 bar
Purchased from: The Market at Edgewood, Palo Alto, CA

Welcome to Day #11 of Chocolate & Fruits Theme Week on Chocolate Banquet.

Today's Candied Lemon & Hazelnut 65% Bittersweet Chocolate (bar) was from Charles Chocolates (San Francisco, CA).

Aroma and flavor notes included: dark chocolate, toasted nuts (hazelnut) and tart, sweet citrus (lemon). 

Texture: thick dark chocolate with a slow, relatively creamy melt; crunchy toasted hazelnuts; and softly chewy, candied lemon peel pieces. 

I liked the nutty, chocolate flavors and aftertaste and the overall fruit, nut and chocolate flavor blend. The lemon peel added bright citrus sweetness.

"We deep roast Oregon hazelnuts, pistachios and pine nuts and combine them with candied lemon peel, sultanas and our rich bittersweet chocolate."

Ingredients: 65% bittersweet chocolate (cacao beans, pure cane sugar, cocoa butter, soya lecithin, vanilla beans), hazelnuts, candied lemon peel (lemons, sugar), pistachios, sultanas, pine nuts.

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