Definite Chocolate - Jalao Chocolate with Coconut & Ginger (bar) - Jan. 30, 2026

Chocolate of the Day

Definite Chocolate
Jalao Chocolate with Coconut & Ginger (bar)
Good ++
Weight: 1.76 oz. (50 g.) in total bar
Calories: 240 calories in 1 bar
Cost: $9.00 for 1 bar
Purchased from: Definite Chocolate, online order 

Welcome to Day #10 of Chocolate, Warm Spices & Maple Theme Week.

Today's Jalao* Chocolate with Coconut & Ginger (bar) was from Definite Chocolate, S.R.L. (Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic).

The company is a family-run business that makes bean-to-bar chocolate. They source their cacao from local producers in the Dominican Republic.

The packaging for this bar was adorned with colorful images of "Diablos Cojuelos" (aka catarrones) wearing colorful, fierce and smiling masks. These characters have roots in Santa Domingo as far back as the 1500s; and today they can be spotted during Dominican carnivals. I'm hoping these spirits--and the warm ginger--can help me kick the cold/flu I have to the curb.

Aroma and flavor notes for this DR bar included warm cocoa; smooth coconut milk chocolate; and warm spices (ginger).

Texture: smooth, relatively creamy base chocolate with tiny, chewy bits of coconut and candied ginger.

Ingredients: Cacao, cane sugar, coconut sugar, coconut, cacao butter, coconut milk, candied ginger.

Allergen-related information: "Contains: Coconut. Made in a facility that handles nuts & milk."

*Jalao is "a Dominican sweet typically made with coconut, honey and ginger. There are also variations with molasses or cinnamon."

Compartes - Eggnog Milk Chocolate 44% Cacao (bar) - Jan. 29, 2026

Chocolate of the Day

Compartes
Eggnog Milk Chocolate 44% Cacao (bar)
Good +
Weight: 1.4 oz. (39.5 g.) / 2.8 oz. (79 g.) total bar
Calories: 190 calories in 1/2 bar
Cost: $11.95 for 1 bar
Purchased from: Compartes, online order

Welcome to Day #9 of Chocolate, Warm Spices & Maple Theme Week.

Aroma and flavor notes included: an initial "artificial" flavor, dark milk chocolate; fruit (strong pear, faint kiwi and barely detectable green grape + celery); as well as vanillin/vanilla, egg, cream and warm spice flavorings. 

Given the initial strong, sharp/tangy pear-like flavor, I wondered if this bar (that was in a sealed inner wrapper) was "off" or had expired. (I couldn't find any expiration date on the package.)

Happily, after re-tasting this bar a few hours after the package had been opened, this chocolate got tastier with more authentic eggnog flavor taking center stage after the "pear" flavors receded.

Texture: smooth, relatively creamy texture with no detectable spice particles (spice "grit").

I appreciated the attractive packaging and the fact this chocolate was gluten free. 

Ingredients: Milk Chocolate (Cocoa Mass, Sugar, Cocoa Butter, Milk, Soy Lecithin as an Emulsifier, Vanilla), Egg, Sugar, Milk, Cloves, Cinnamon, Cream, Nutmeg, Vanilla

Allergen-related information: (Contains: Soy (lecithin), Egg, Milk and Cream)

Choco Del Mar - Maple Goat 65% Cocoa (bar) - Jan. 28, 2026

Chocolate of the Day

Choco Del Mar
Maple Goat 65% Cocoa (bar)
Good ++
Weight: 1.76 oz. (50 g.) in total bar
Calories: 300 calories in 1 bar
Cost: $11.00 for 1 bar
Purchased from: Choco Del Mar, online order 

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

Today's Maple Goat 65% Cocoa (bar) was made by Choco Del Mar (Los Altos, CA).

Aroma and flavor notes for this goat milk chocolate included: chocolate-y dark milk chocolate (dark ganache; faint and fleeting sweet-tart fruit (raisin, berry); and tangy goat milk caramel sweetened with maple/brown sugar. 

Texture: smooth texture, thick and creamy melt and rich mouthfeel.

I enjoyed the melding of sweet, dark milk chocolate with rich maple sugar cream caramel flavors. The slight tang helped add flavor depth and interest, and balanced out the sugar. And I appreciated the short list of quality ingredients.

Maker's description: "Tangy, Maple, Creamy" ..."...an initial burst of goat milk and rich cacao, followed by the warm, lingering sweetness of maple."

Ingredients: Cocoa Nibs, Maple Sugar, Cocoa Butter, Whole Powdered Goat Milk (Whole Goat Milk, Vitamin D3)

Allergen-related information: Contains goat milk. "Made in a facility that processes milk, nuts, and other common allergens."

Sted Foods - Almond Maple Brittle 70% Dark Chocolate (bar) - Jan. 27, 2026

Chocolate of the Day

Sted Foods  
Almond Maple Brittle 70% Dark Chocolate (bar)
Good ++ 
Weight: 1 oz. (28.3 g.) / 2 oz. (56.6 g.) in total bar
Calories: 170 calories in 1/2 bar
Cost: $8.00 for 1 bar
Purchased from: Sted Foods, online order

Welcome to Day #7 of Chocolate, Warm Spices & Maple Theme Week.

Today's Sted Foods Organic Almond Maple Brittle 70% Dark Chocolate (bar) was made by TC Foods, LLC (Fergus Falls, MN).

Aroma notes included: dark chocolate (fudge-y, chocolate chips, roast-y), warm toffee and maple, and faint fruit (cherry).

Texture: smooth dark chocolate with a quiet riot of tiny, embedded crunchy-crispy bits (maple toffee).

Flavor notes included: smooth dark chocolate with a faint, balanced and muffled earthiness; smooth, mellow and faint nut (almond); and micro-bursts of warm and slightly buttery brown/maple sugar toffee.  Seasoned, very judiciously, with just the right dose of salt. Warning: this bar was relatively addictive (more-ish).

I really appreciated the thinness of this bar--that enabled easy access to the gently complex dark chocolate flavors, and the multitude of impossibly tiny sparkles of maple toffee embedded into the chocolate. I also liked the choice of quality, organic ingredients.

Maker's Tasting Notes: "Nutty, Hardy + Lakeside Bonfire"

Ingredients: organic cocoa beans, organic cane sugar, organic almonds, organic MN maple toffee (organic cane sugar, organic butter, organic maple syrup, sea salt), organic cocoa butter, sea salt

Allergen-related information: "Contains almonds and milk. Made in a facility that uses coconut, macadamia, almonds, pecans, and milk." 

Qantu - Ho Ho Ho! 45% (bar) & SOMA Ginger Milk Pudding (bar) - Jan. 26, 2026

Chocolate(s) of the Day

Welcome to Day #6 of Chocolate, Warm Spices & Maple Theme Week.

Today's two winter holiday bars were from chocolate makers in Canada (Montreal and Toronto, respectively) -- where chocolates (hot and cold) bring warmth.

1.) 45% dark milk chocolate with black walnuts and cranberries from Christmas (last month)

2.) White chocolate ginger milk pudding--in time for Chinese New Year (next month) 

Qantu 
Ho Ho Ho! 45% Chocolat au Lait, Noix de noyer noir, Atoca (tablette)
(45% Milk Chocolate, Black Walnut, Cranberries (bar))
Good ++ - Good +++
Weight: 1.76 oz. (50 g.) in total bar
Calories: 306 calories in 1 bar
Cost: $18.00 for 1 bar
Purchased from: Bar & Cocoa, online order 

This bar was made by Qantu Cacao et Chocolat Inc (Montreal, QC, Canada), using white cacao (beans) from Piura, Peru.

Aroma notes included: dark chocolate, dried fruits (cranberries, currants); very slight bitter/earthy nuts (walnuts); and very faint spices and maple, and barely there black olive (likely from the black walnut).

Texture: smooth dark chocolate interspersed with chewy, dried cranberries and embedded walnut pieces.

Flavor notes included: rich blend of dark chocolate, dried cranberry and black walnut. The rich flavors lingered into a pleasing finish.

This well-balanced and well-executed bar exceeded my expectations. The black walnut added elegant complexity and complementary dark notes--making this 45% dark milk fudge-y chocolate seem darker than it was (more like a 65% bar). These darker cacao and nut notes complemented the dried cranberry very well. Neither fruit nor chocolate was too sweet. 

As a dark chocolate fan I found this 45% cacao seasonal bar to be right in the Goldilocks zone -- just right. I hope Qantu will offer this bar again in the future.

This dark walnut and cranberry bar was also a great pairing with today's second chocolate: a Ginger Milk pudding (white chocolate) bar.

Qantu Maker's Tasting Notes: "Ice Cider, creme brulee, fudge"

Ingredients: "cane sugar, black walnut, cocoa beans, whole milk powder, cocoa butter, dried cranberries"

Allergen-related information: "Contains milk and nuts"

SOMA chocolatemaker

Ginger Milk Pudding (bar)
Good ++
Weight: 1.166 oz. (33 g.) in 1 bar
Calories: 200 calories in 1 bar
Cost: $12.00 for 1 bar
Purchased from: Bar & Cocoa, online order

Today's Ginger Milk Pudding (bar) from SOMA chocolatemaker (Toronto, ON, Canada) was inspired by a warm dessert from Southern China (Guangdong Province). 

Ginger milk pudding (aka ginger milk curd)* is popular in Hong Kong, Guangzhou, Foshan and other cities. It's typically made from a short list of ingredients: milk, ginger juice and sugar.

Aroma notes for this (white chocolate) bar included: milky pudding infused with mild, aromatic ginger.

Texture: smooth and creamy with softly chewy pieces of candied ginger.

I enjoyed this rich creamy white chocolate enlivened with tiny cubes of sassy, warm and spicy candied ginger. Loved the punch of the sweet, authentic ginger and the short list of just four ingredients. A great homage to Ginger Milk Pudding.*

SOMA tasting notes/description: "...peppery and spicy, with a custardy cream melt"

Ingredients: "Cacao Butter, Milk Powder, Organic Cane Sugar, Ginger"

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

*SOMA kindly added a note about ginger milk pudding (that, made correctly, will not curdle but rather will thicken and resolve into a dessert with a creamy pudding-like texture). 

"..The magic comes from a bit of science--when ginger juice and warm milk are mixed, the enzymes and proteins react to create an impossibly delicate, silky-smooth curd that eats like a dream..."

Sted Foods - Maple Toffee with Cacoa Nibs - Jan. 25, 2026

Chocolate of the Day

Sted Foods  
Maple Toffee with Cacoa Nibs (box)
Good ++ 
Weight: (unknown, not found on box)
Calories: (unknown, not listed)
Cost: $12.00 for 1 box of toffee pieces
Purchased from: Sted Foods, online order

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

Today's Sted Foods Maple Toffee with Cacao Nibs offering was manufactured by TC Foods, LLC (Fergus Falls, MN).

Aroma and flavor notes for this box of tasty toffee pieces included: buttery toffee brittle, lightly browned maple sugar, cacao (nibs, dark chocolate) and very faint nut (almond) and seed (cacao nibs).

Texture: crunchy-crispy shards of delicious maple toffee, covered with a layer of smooth dark chocolate, topped with a sprinkling of softly crunchy nibs.

I loved this balanced, well-executed brittle. The pieces were just the right size (not too big, not too little). The brittle was just the right thickness (not too thick and hard; not so thin that it shattered on contact; it was just right). It was made with real butter, real maple syrup,  and judiciously seasoned with a faint dose of sea salt.

The thin layer of creamy dark chocolate and the "cacao" bean nibs provided a grounded, authentic cacao flavor that balanced out the sweet brittle. And there were no "off" notes in the nibs (thank you).*

Ingredients: "organic cocoa beans, organic cane sugar, organic almonds, organic MN maple toffee (organic cane sugar, organic butter, organic maple syrup, sea salt)."

Allergen-related information: "Contains almonds and milk. Made in a facility that uses coconut, macadamia, almonds, pecans, and milk."

*Nibs from different cacao origins may taste quite different from each other. Some may have a slightly fermented (wine) aroma, others might be slightly earthy or roast-y. Some will have floral, nut or seed notes. Generally the taste will correlate with the chocolate made from the nibs. Roasting times selected by the chocolate maker will also affect flavor and aroma.

Raaka - Gingerbread Hot Chocolate Unroasted Dark Chocolate (mix) - Jan. 24, 2026

Chocolate of the Day

Raaka Chocolate
Gingerbread Hot Chocolate Unroasted Dark Chocolate (mix)
Good ++
Weight: 3 TB (.918 oz. (26 g.)) / 5 oz. (142 g.) total package
Calories: 113 calories in 1 serving
Cost: $13.99 for 1 package 
Purchased from: Bar & Cocoa, online order

Welcome to Day #4 of Chocolate, Warm Spices & Maple Theme Week.

Today's Limited Batch Gingerbread Hot Chocolate Unroasted Dark Chocolate (mix) was manufactured by Raaka Chocolate (Brooklyn, NY).

Most hot chocolates aren't made with a single origin cacao. This hot chocolate mix was made using unroasted cacao from Zorzal Cacao -- a 1,000-acre private bird sanctuary and organic cacao farm in the Dominican Republic.

Aroma notes included: smooth, authentic hot chocolate; aromatic sweet and sassy gingerbread cookie; and subtle coconut.

Texture: When this finely ground cacao powder, coconut milk powder and warm spice blend was mixed with hot water and stirred for a few minutes it created a relatively smooth hot chocolate (but with a little bit of spice grit). When I make this again, I'll let it sit in hot water for a few more minutes to let the spices diffuse, then blend and/or filter it before drinking. (I probably rushed the process. The Spanish children's song "Bate, Bate Chocolate" came to mind; where patience and process are reinforced by singing a song about chocolate beverage making.)

This warming hot beverage had a touch of the spicy zing of a homemade ginger molasses cookie, with a splash of warm coconut and hot cocoa--all in a satisfying hot beverage. Great for a winter morning.

This quality, base blend could be adorned with more items if desired. Want to add milk, cream, or more coconut milk (or milk of your choice) to this hot chocolate? Marshmallows? Go right ahead. 

The sweetness level was just right for me (not overly sweet). But for those with a sweet tooth, you could try adding a little fresh ginger and molasses syrup (for a real waker-upper); brown sugar; coconut nectar or honey...Customize as you wish.

 

I appreciated the use of organic and gluten free ingredients...and that the company is committed to transparent trade and testing for heavy metals (results can be viewed on their website).

Ingredients: "organic cane sugar, organic cacao powder, organic coconut milk powder, organic cacao butter, organic ginger, organic cinnamon, organic nutmeg"

Allergen-related information: None listed on package. Contains: Coconut. 

*I learned this song in Spanish class in elementary school decades ago. The teacher brought in a hand-carved wooden molinillo from Mexico (a whisk-like device introduced by the Spanish for stirring and "beating"/frothing hot chocolate beverages). The molinillo was rotated/rolled between ones hands and used as a prop during the song. 

Loon Chocolate - Caribbean Kiss - Milk Chocolate + Shaved Coconut + Ginger 50% (bar) - Jan. 23, 2026

Chocolate of the Day

Loon Chocolate
Caribbean Kiss - Milk Chocolate + Shaved Coconut + Ginger (bar)
Good ++ 
Weight: 2.25 oz. (64 g.) in total bar
Calories: 360 calories in 1 bar
Cost: $10.00 for 1 bar
Purchased from: Bar & Cocoa, online order 

Welcome to Day #3 of Chocolate, Warm Spices and Maple Theme Week.

Today's Loon Chocolate Caribbean Kiss - Milk Chocolate + Shaved Coconut + Ginger 50% (bar) was manufactured by White Birch Living LLC (Manchester, NH).

Aroma and flavor notes included: pleasing dark milk chocolate; coconut, and faint warm spice (ginger); and very faint sweet green and citrus.

Texture: creamy dark milk chocolate with a satisfying melt, thinly shaved coconut pieces that had a delicate, soft crunch to them. The ginger seemed to be fully incorporated. (There was no spice grit, thank you.)

This was a satisfyingly sweet and flavorful winter confection. The Dominican Republic cacao used in the 50% cacao dark milk chocolate base was smooth, but dark enough to prevent this bar from being overly sweet.  (That said, it was still somewhat addictive.)

The shaved coconut and faint ginger contributed flavor and warmth. This chocolate offered a taste of the Caribbean on a cold, bleak January day.

I enjoyed the well-executed and balanced blend of flavors.

I appreciated the makers choice of authentic and organic ingredients, the fact that this blend was gluten and soy free, and the company's focus on obtaining ethically sourced single origin cacao(s).

Ingredients: Organic Cane Sugar, Organic Cacao, Organic Cocoa Butter, Organic Milk Powder, Shaved Coconut, Ground Ginger.

Allergen-related information: "Contains: Milk. Produced In A Facility That Uses Almonds and Milk."

Loon Chocolate - Ben's Sugar Shack "Maple Crunch" Milk Chocolate 50% (bar) - Jan. 22, 2026

Chocolate of the Day

Loon Chocolate
Ben's Sugar Shack "Maple Crunch" Milk Chocolate 50% (bar)
Good ++ 
Weight: 2.25 oz. (64 g.) in total bar
Calories: 360 calories in 1 bar
Cost: $10.00 for 1 bar
Purchased from: Bar & Cocoa, online order 

Welcome to Day #2 of Chocolate, Warm Spices and Maple Theme Week.

Today's Loon Chocolate Ben's Sugar Shack "Maple Crunch" Milk Chocolate 50% (bar) was manufactured by White Birch Living LLC (Manchester, NH).

Aroma and flavor notes included: maple sugar; pleasing dark milk chocolate; faint warm, sweet spice (cinnamon); and faint spice cookie.

Texture: This bar was a rich, but subtly layered textural blend of tiny crunchy bits (quinoa) and maple sugar atop smooth dark milk chocolate.

This was a satisfyingly sweet and flavorful winter confection. The Dominican Republic cacao used in the 50% cacao chocolate base layer was dark enough (very faintly earthly) that it prevented the dark milk chocolate from being overly bland or sweet. 

The cinnamon and maple sugar from Ben's Sugar Shack (Temple, NH--a town known for its maple sugar) added light spice and warmth. And a tiny pinch of salt rounded things out nicely.

The bar was not too thick (thank you). This slim bar offered a thoughtfully, thin, layered texture and flavor experience with all the elements harmonizing well together. (Warning: This was somewhat addictive.)

I appreciated the makers choice of authentic, local and organic ingredients, the fact that this blend was gluten and soy free, and the company's focus on obtaining ethically sourced single origin cacao(s).

Ingredients: Organic Cane Sugar, Organic Cacao, Organic Cocoa Butter, Organic Milk Powder, Organic Puffed Quinoa, Maple Sugar, Organic Cinnamon Powder, Sea Salt.

Allergen-related information: "Contains: Milk. Produced In A Facility That Uses Almonds and Milk."

Tavi Chocolates - Golden Mix 72% cacao dark chocolate, turmeric, ginger, pepper & cinnamon (bar) - Jan. 21, 2026

Chocolate of the Day

Tavi Chocolates
Good ++ 
Golden Mix 72% cocoa dark chocolate, turmeric, ginger, pepper & cinnamon (bar)
Weight: 2.8 oz. (80 g.) in total bar
Calories: 450 calories in 1 bar (per label)
Cost: $11.50 for 1 bar
Purchased from: Bar & Cocoa, online order

Welcome to Day #15 of Chocolate and Colombia Theme Week; and Day #1 of Chocolate, Warm Spices and Maple Week.

Today's Tavi Golden Mix 72% cocoa dark chocolate, turmeric, ginger, pepper & cinnamon (bar) was manufactured by Vast Company SAS in Bogota, Colombia, and Imported into the U.S. by Tavi Chocolates (Miami, FL). 

The company offers numerous chocolate bars that blend premium Colombian chocolate with a variety of flavor inclusions. 

Today's Indian-inspired bar contained turmeric, ginger, pepper and cinnamon--flavors reminiscent of Golden Milk, aka Haldi Doodh, and golden chai tea drinks). 

This was a perfect bar for me today as I was healing from the flu/bronchitis. (I experienced rapid relief from symptoms after I enjoyed this bar.* 

Aroma notes for this bar included: sweet dark chocolate (ganache, hot cocoa); marshmallow, sweet green and warm spices.

Texture: smooth dark chocolate with authentic, finely ground spices (most of the spices were fully incorporated, very little spice grit). 

Flavor notes included: smooth, relatively sweet, dark chocolate with authentic golden berry fruit (aka, Warning, the sweetness in this bar can make it a bit addictive ("more-ish").

The textural blend was well-executed, flavorful and completely conveyed the complexity of these berries. The dark chocolate was smooth tasting and despite being relatively sweet it was also a good match for the fruit.

Ingredients: Bittersweet Chocolate (Chocolate Liquor, Cane Sugar, Cocoa Butter, Soy Lecit(h)in, Vainilla (sic)), Turmeric Powder, Cinnamon Powder, Ginger Powder, Pepper Powder" 

Allergen-related information: (Contains Soy.) "Produced on Equipment That Also Processes Products Containing Milk, Peanuts and Other Tree Nuts."

*Possible contributions to the feeling of relief from flu symptoms and bronchial distress lie in several of the ingredients in this bar.

The Theobromine in dark chocolate (as well as piperine in black pepper and gingerols in ginger) act as vasodilators -- substances that help open/dilate blood vessels, lower blood pressure and improve circulation. 

And the turmeric, ginger, cinnamon and black pepper (as well as the polyphenols in cacao) in this bar  have anti-inflammatory properties. 

   

Juan Choconat - Chocolate Oscuro 70% Cacao Con Cafe Especial (bar) - Jan. 20, 2026

Chocolate of the Day

Juan Choconat
Chocolate Oscuro 70% Cacao Con Cafe Especial (bar)
Good ++ - Good +++
Weight: 1.15 oz. (32.5 g.) / 2.3 oz. (65 g.) in total bar
Calories: 111 calories in 1/2 bar (per label)
Cost: $7.00 for 1 bar
Purchased from: Elebar Snacks, online order

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

Today's Chocolate Oscuro 70% Cacao Con Cafe Especial (bar) was made by Juan Choconat SAS (Ibague, Tolima, Colombia) and imported by Elebar Snacks LLC (with locations in Illinois and Clearwater, FL).

The packaging featured an illustration of Colombian cacao farmer (Damian Tapiero) next to a scannable code with his story. Damian, after military service, returned to work with his father and is now a leader in the local cacao community. The family supplies cacao beans with pulp (baba) to Juan Choconat and also grows avocados and produces honey from bees on their farm.

This shipment also came with its own backstory. I ordered several Juan Choconat bars online via an importer in Aug. 2025 -- when new U.S. tariffs on many imported goods became effective. The bars arrived, eventually, months later.* (Thankfully, tariffs on cacao were lifted last November; but some chocolate makers and customers and others in the supply chain are still recovering 1-2 months later.)

I was grateful this bar came in a sealed pouch that helped prevent aroma and flavor loss. That said, do try to eat this chocolate quickly after you open it. (If you wait a few days, you'll miss out on lighter, more volatile notes. It will not taste the same.)

Aroma and flavor notes for this 70% cacao + coffee bar included: smooth dark chocolate, aromatic sweet coffee (coffee toffee, caramel mocha, very faint berry and brown sugar), followed by nuanced cacao, then back to (Arabica) coffee notes. The Colombia cacao harmonized very well with the coffee flavors. 

Texture: a slightly blotchy appearance (likely from tariff-related shipping delays back in August*), the flavors were still excellent (a testament to the quality ingredients); although it did have a rustic, stoneground, granular texture.

I appreciated the rich and subtle flavors (that extended into a long and pleasing finish) as well as the short list of only three, high-quality ingredients. Even though the texture might have been affected by unusual conditions in transit, it was still a delicious bar. (I also enjoyed the information and photos of the cacao farm and farmers.)

Ingredients: Cacao nibs, unrefined cane sugar and specialty coffee

Allergen-related information: "May Contain Traces of Fruit, Milk or Nuts." 

*At one point I was called by a Federal Express agent who asked me several pages worth of questions related to the tariff and customs paperwork requirements. (I am not an importer so I was a little confused when I got the call.) At this point I'd already been waiting for this shipment (of several different bars) to arrive for several weeks. (I kept hoping the chocolates weren't melting on a loading dock in the sun or being heated and cooled past their limits--which likely did happen.) 

Juan Coconat - Chocolate Oscuro (Dark Chocolate) 70% Cacao (bar) - Jan. 19, 2026

Chocolate of the Day

Juan Choconat
Chocolate Oscuro (Dark Chocolate) 70% Cacao (bar)
Good ++
Weight: 1.15 oz. (32.5 g.) / 2.3 oz. (65 g.) in total bar
Calories: 110 calories in 1/2 bar (per label)
Cost: $7.00 for 1 bar
Purchased from: Elebar Snacks, online order

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

Today's Chocolate Oscuro (Dark Chocolate) 70% Cacao  (bar) was made by Juan Choconat SAS (Ibague, Tolima, Colombia) and imported by Elebar Snacks LLC (with locations in Illinois and Clearwater, FL).

The packaging featured an illustration of Colombian cacao farmer (Juvenal Castro) next to a scannable code with his story. 

Aroma and flavor notes for this 70% cacao bar included: an aroma with smooth dark chocolate and maple/brown sugar. Flavors included: muffled green, roasted cacao/wood notes, licorice, chocolate cake, bread. 

Texture: relatively smooth, despite the fact that it had a slightly blotchy-bloomed appearance (likely from temperature volatility related to tariff-related shipping delays back in August) -- and this bar contained no added cocoa butter (impressive).

I was grateful each bar came in a sealed pouch that helped prevent aroma and flavor note degradation/disappearance. That said, do try to eat this chocolate quickly after you open it. (If you wait a few days, you'll miss out on some of the lighter, more volatile notes. It will not taste the same.)

I appreciated the very short list of two, quality ingredients.

Ingredients: Cacao nibs and unrefined cane sugar and the complex flavors.

Allergen-related information: "May Contain Traces of Fruit, Milk or Nuts."  

*This shipment also came with its own backstory. I ordered several Juan Choconat bars online via an importer in Aug. 2025 -- when new U.S. tariffs on many imported goods became effective. The bars did arrive eventually, but it was months later.  

Juan Choconat - Chocolate Sin Azucar - 100% Cacao Gran Reserva (bar) - Jan. 18, 2026

Chocolate of the Day

Juan Choconat
Chocolate Sin Azucar 100% Cacao Gran Reserva (bar)
Good ++
Weight: 1.15 oz. (32.5 g.) / 2.3 oz. (65 g.) in total bar
Calories: 157 calories in 1/2 bar (per label)
Cost: $7.00 for 1 bar
Purchased from: Elebar Snacks, online order

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

Today's Chocolate Sin Azucar (Chocolate Without Sugar) 100% Cacao Gran Reserva (bar) was made by Juan Choconat SAS (Ibague, Tolima, Colombia) and imported by Elebar Snacks LLC (with locations in Illinois and Clearwater, FL).

The packaging featured an illustration of Colombian cacao farmer (Elver Aguiar) next to a scannable code with his story. 

This shipment also came with its own backstory. I ordered several Juan Choconat bars online via an importer in Aug. 2025 -- when new U.S. tariffs on many imported goods became effective. The bars did arrive eventually, but it was months later. 

I was grateful each bar came in a sealed pouch that helped prevent aroma and flavor note degradation/disappearance. That said, do try to eat this chocolate quickly after you open it. (If you wait a few days, you'll miss out on some of the lighter, more volatile notes. It will not taste the same.)

Aroma and flavor notes for this 100% cacao bar included: dark chocolate, faint toasted bread, muffled acidic fruit (citrus, mango, stone fruit - plum/prune); slightly bitter green; and wood (gentle charcoal, smoke and peat). 

The chocolate had a muffled intensity. I might pair this chocolate with whiskey and/or a cigar. (I don't smoke, but I'm only guessing the cigar pairing might work.)

Texture: I was delighted this bar still broke with a snap and I enjoyed the very appealing, thick, creamy melt and smooth texture -- despite no added cocoa butter, and the fact that it had a slightly blotchy-bloomed appearance (likely from temperature volatility related to tariff-related shipping delays back in August).

I appreciated the hearty, complex flavors, and the fact the makers coaxed out these authentic, intense yet very balanced, heritage cacao flavors -- with only one ingredient. 

This bar was creamy, balanced and intense. It was a bit more robust and acidic than yesterday's 100% unroasted cacao sibling. I appreciated the hearty, complex flavors, and the fact the makers coaxed out these authentic, intense yet very balanced, heritage cacao flavors -- with only one ingredient. 

Ingredients: Cacao nibs.

Allergen-related information: "May Contain Traces of Fruit, Milk or Nuts."

Juan Choconat - Chocolate Oscura - 100% Cacao Sin Tostar (Unroasted) - Jan. 17, 2026

Chocolate of the Day

Juan Choconat
Chocolate Oscuro 76% Cacao Sin Tostar (Unroasted) (bar)
Good +++
Weight: 1.15 oz. (32.5 g.) / 2.3 oz. (65 g.) in total bar
Calories: 138 calories in 1/2 bar (per label)
Cost: $7.00 for 1 bar
Purchased from: Elebar Snacks, online order

Welcome to Day #11 of Chocolate & Colombia Theme Week. 

Today's Chocolate Oscuro (Dark Chocolate) 100% Cacao Sin Tostar (Unroasted) (bar) was made by Juan Choconat SAS (Ibague, Tolima, Colombia) and imported by Elebar Snacks LLC (with locations in Illinois and Clearwater, FL).

The packaging featured an illustration of Colombian cacao farmer (Reynel Rodriguez) next to a scannable code with his story. (Each bar in this shipment provided similar information for different cacao farmers in Colombia.) 

Today's bar (and others in this order from the same company) also came with an additional backstory, and footnotes at the end. Spoiler alert: I ordered several Jaun Choconat bars online that were made in Colombia (via an importer) in Aug. 2025 -- when new U.S. tariffs on many imported goods became effective. The bars arrived months later.

Aroma and flavor notes for this 76% ("creole" hybrid Colombian) cacao bar included: aromatic relatively fruity, dark chocolate with appealing stone fruits (cherries, apricot), balanced, intense (but smooth) citrus (lemon preserves+ herbal butter), sweet green botanical syrup, and barely detectable wood and tobacco.

This was creamy, balanced, intensely beautiful criollo flavor at its best, distilled into one bar. It's rare to find a 100% cacao (no sugar) bar made with un-roasted Criollo varieties of cacao. It's even rarer to find one this good.

Texture: This bar broke with a snap and had a very appealing, thick, creamy melt and smooth texture -- despite a bloomed appearance (likely from tariff hold-ups back in August).*

After its journey, I was delighted this single ingredient, single origin Colombia chocolate still broke with a snap. I was impressed with the marvelous thick creamy melt and mouthfeel -- even though there was no added cacao butter.

And, the flavors were wonderful. (The packaging for each individual bar had remained sealed.) The makers used only ONE ingredient (cacao) to coax out these authentic, intense yet very balanced, heritage cacao flavors. Note: do try to eat this bar fairly soon after opening. (If you wait a few days, you'll miss out on some of the lighter, more volatile notes. It will not taste the same.)

Ingredients: Unroasted cacao nibs.

Allergen-related information: "May Contain Traces of Fruit, Milk or Nuts."

*New U.S. tariffs went into effect in April and August 2025 that affected imported goods from other countries.  

Importers and shippers were struggling to adhere to new requirements--about the time I ordered several Juan Choconat bars in August 2025 (peak transition/confusion time). The chocolate bars did finally arrive -- months later.

Fortunately, lawmakers realized that the U.S. grows less than 0.0001% of all the world's cacao-approximately 179 acres in Hawaii and 100 acres in Puerto Rico. We import most of our cacao from other countries so U.S. chocolatiers and chocolate makers can make chocolate; U.S. workers can keep their jobs; and customers can find their favorite chocolates on shelves or online.

The cacao tariffs were lifted a few months later, in Nov. 2025. (Although certain tariffs remained on West African cacao (where most of the world's cacao is grown.)

Note: As of today, every Juan Choconat bar that I ordered in August 2025 was "sold out" online.

"Sold out" can mean many things. A company is struggling to meet demand for high-quality products that are in short supply; a company is taking a break from making chocolate; a company is thinking about whether to continue to make chocolate; etc. Fingers crossed. 

Juan Choconat - Chocolate Oscuro 76% Cacao Sin Tostar (Unroasted) (bar) - Jan. 16, 2026

Chocolate of the Day

Juan Choconat
Chocolate Oscuro 76% Cacao Sin Tostar (Unroasted) (bar)
Good ++ - Good +++
Weight: 1.15 oz. (32.5 g.) / 2.3 oz. (65 g.) in total bar
Calories: 138 calories in 1/2 bar (per label)
Cost: $7.00 for 1 bar
Purchased from: Elebar Snacks, online order

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

Today's Chocolate Oscuro (Dark Chocolate) 76% Cacao Sin Tostar (Unroasted) (bar) was made by Juan Choconat SAS (Ibague, Tolima, Colombia) and imported by Elebar Snacks LLC (with locations in Illinois and Clearwater, FL).

The bar came with an illustration of the cacao farmer (Alirio Restrepo) complete with a scannable code about his story. (Each bar in this shipment provided similar information for different cacao farmers in Colombia.) 

Today's bar (and others in this order from the same company) also came with an additional backstory, and footnotes at the end.

Spoiler alert: I ordered several Jaun Choconat bars online that were made in Colombia (via an importer) in Aug. 2025 -- when new U.S. tariffs on many imported goods became effective. Not a good time to order chocolate made outside the U.S. They arrived months later.

Aroma and flavor notes for this 76% ("creole" hybrid Colombian) cacao bar included: surprisingly gentle, chocolate-y, dark chocolate with appealing, soft, diffuse fruit (stone fruits, pear and barely detectable banana) and some fainter notes (maybe light lemon or citrus, faint green bean, faint wood) that I could barely taste.

The gentle flavors with criollo cacao-based chocolates. It was absolutely more balanced and less bitter (or acidic) because of the cacao; and the makers used unroasted cacao (to preserve nutrients and more delicate flavors present in heritage, criollo cacaos). There were also no harsh/burnt notes that can sometimes result from over-roasting.

Texture: Broke with a snap and had a fairly creamy melt and smooth texture. 

This order was held up due to newly enacted tariffs* and associated paperwork last August, and was likely allowed to sit in a warm place -- based on the mottled, bloomed appearance. This can happen very quickly if chocolates sit in the hot sun on a loading dock somewhere too long. Delays during the transportation process (loading/unloading/storing) can really impact product quality.

However, I was surprised and delighted that today's bar still broke with a snap and had a very nice smooth melt and mouthfeel. And the flavors were wonderful. (The packaging for each individual bar had remained sealed.)

The makers used only two ingredients (no added cocoa butter) to coax out these lovely, authentic cacao flavors.

Ingredients: Unroasted cacao nibs and unrefined cane sugar (panela).

Allergen-related information: "May Contain Traces of Fruit, Milk or Nuts."

*New U.S. tariffs went into effect in April and August 2025 that affected imported goods from other countries.  

Importers and shippers were struggling to adhere to new requirements--about the time I ordered several Juan Choconat bars in August 2025 (peak transition/confusion time). The chocolate bars arrived -- months later.

Fortunately, lawmakers realized that the U.S. grows less than 0.0001% of all the world's cacao-approximately 179 acres in Hawaii and 100 acres in Puerto Rico. We import most of our cacao from other countries so U.S. chocolatiers and chocolate makers can make chocolate; U.S. workers can keep their jobs; and customers can find their favorite chocolates on shelves or online.

The cacao tariffs were lifted a few months later, in Nov. 2025. (Although certain tariffs remained on West African cacao (where most of the world's cacao is grown.)

Throughout this period of volatility, I wondered how the 2025 changes affected cacao farmers outside the U.S. I don't know. (As of today, every Juan Choconat bar that I ordered in August 2025 was "sold out" online.) 

"Sold out" can mean many things. A company is struggling to meet demand for high-quality products that are in short supply; a company is taking a break from making chocolate; a company is thinking about whether to continue to make chocolate; etc. Fingers crossed.

Juan Choconat - Chocolate Oscuro 85% Cacao (bar) - Jan. 15, 2026

Chocolate of the Day

Juan Choconat
Chocolate Oscuro 85% Cacao (bar)
Good ++ - Good +++
Weight: 1.15 oz. (32.5 g.) / 2.3 oz. (65 g.) in total bar
Calories: 134 calories in 1/2 bar (per label)
Cost: $7.00 for 1 bar
Purchased from: Elebar Snacks, online order

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

Today's Chocolate Oscuro (Dark Chocolate) 85% (Unroasted) Cacao (bar) was made by Juan Choconat SAS (Ibague, Tolima, Colombia) and imported by Elebar Snacks LLC (with locations in Illinois and Clearwater, FL).

This bar was one of several Jaun Choconat bars ordered online (via an importer) in Aug. 2025 -- when new U.S. tariffs* on many imported goods became effective. (Spoiler alert: It wasn't the best time to order heat-sensitive products made outside the U.S.)

Aroma and flavor notes for this 85% ("creole" hybrid Colombian) cacao bar included: surprisingly gentle, chocolate-y, dark chocolate with appealing, soft toned fruits (cherries + other red berries, stone fruit), cherry pie, faint spice and very faint vegetable (potato) and barely detectable fresh bread.

There was some bitterness in this chocolate (expected for any 85%er). But this "bitterness" was oddly and seductively enjoyable. I've only found these gentle flavors with criollo cacao-based chocolates before. It was absolutely more balanced and less bitter (or acidic) than most 85% cacao chocolates, because of the cacao; and the makers used unroasted cacao (to preserve nutrients and more delicate flavors present in heritage, criollo cacaos). There were also no harsh/burnt notes that can sometimes result from over-roasting.

Texture: Broke with a snap and had a fairly creamy melt and smooth texture. 

As noted above this chocolate was held up due to changes in tariffs* last August, and was likely allowed to sit in a warm place -- based on the white-ish, bloomed appearance. This can happen very quickly if chocolates sit in the hot sun on a loading dock somewhere too long. Any prolonged delays can impact product quality.

Because of these challenges, I was grateful that today's bar still broke with a snap and had a very nice smooth melt and mouthfeel. And the flavors were wonderful. (The packaging for each individual bar had remained sealed.)

The makers used only two ingredients (no added cocoa butter) to coax out these lovely, authentic cacao flavors.

Ingredients: Unroasted Cacao Nibs and Unrefined Cane Sugar (Panela).

Allergen-related information: "May Contain Traces of Fruit, Milk or Nuts."

*New U.S. tariffs went into effect in April and August 2025 that affected imported goods from other countries.  

U.S. importers usually are the ones to pay tariffs...to the "U.S. Customs & Border Protection (CBP)" -- and this agency reports to U.S. Dept. of Homeland Security. 

Cacao prices were already at record highs in 2025. So tariffs were not welcome news to most of us.

By fall 2025 (and likely with helpful input from large chocolate makers like Hershey's), lawmakers were likely reminded that the U.S. only grows less than 0.0001% of all the world's cacao--approximately 179 acres in Hawaii and 100 acres in Puerto Rico. We need to import the rest from cacao-growing countries so U.S. chocolatiers and chocolate makers can make chocolates; U.S. workers can keep their jobs; and customers can find their favorite chocolates on shelves or online.

The cacao tariffs were lifted a few months later, in Nov. 2025. (Although certain tariffs remained on West African cacao (where most of the world's cacao is grown.) And the overall tariff situation remains somewhat dynamic.

Throughout this period of volatility, I wondered how all the changes in recent years have affected cacao farmers. It's difficult to know from thousands of miles away here in California.

Also, every Juan Choconat bar that I ordered online in August 2025 was shown as "sold out" (today). 

"Sold out" can mean many things, so it's no use speculating. A company is struggling to meet demand for high-quality products that are in short supply; a company is taking a break from making chocolate after a busy holiday season; supply chain issues are being worked out; a company is thinking about whether to continue to make chocolate; etc. I hope these will be back in stock soon.

Choco Del Mar - Tumaco 85% Cocoa Dark Chocolate (bar) - Jan. 14, 2026

Chocolate of the Day

Choco Del Mar
Tumaco 85% Cocoa Dark Chocolate (bar)
Good ++
Weight: .88 oz. (25 g.) / 1.76 oz. (50 g.) in total bar
Calories: 150 calories in 1/2 bar
Cost: $11.00 for 1 bar
Purchased from: Choco Del Mar, online order 

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

Today's Tumaco 85% Cocoa Dark Chocolate (bar) was from Choco Del Mar (Los Altos, CA).

Aroma and flavor notes for this Colombia bar included: chocolate-y dark chocolate; faint forest (pine); and extremely faint licorice, molasses, floral, and smoke-y fruit (umami berry (golden berry)) and nut. This bar had a gentle, chocolate-y finish.

Texture: smooth, almost creamy texture with a satisfying melt

I liked the aroma and flavor complexity, the balanced (and relatively low) bitterness, and the natural sweetness that shone through--even given it was an 85% cacao (extra dark) chocolate. 

Maker's description: "Sourced from Colombia's lush Pacific coast, this bar offers a smooth journey of deep chocolatey richness, with gentle nutty undertones and light fruit notes."

Ingredients: Cocoa Nibs, Cane Sugar, Cocoa Butter

Allergen-related information: Made in a facility that processes milk, nuts, and other common allergens.

Tavi Chocolates - Dark Chocolate & Golden Berry (bar) - Jan. 1, 2026

Chocolate of the Day

Tavi Chocolates
Good ++ - Good +++
Golden Berry - Dark Chocolate & Golden Berry (bar)
Weight: 1.4 oz. (40 g.) / 2.8 oz. (80 g.) in total bar
Calories: 165 calories in 1/2 bar (per label)
Cost: $11.50 for 1 bar
Purchased from: Bar & Cocoa, online order

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

Today's Tavi Golden Berry - Dark Chocolate & Golden Berry (bar) was manufactured by Vast Company SAS in Bogota, Colombia, and Imported into the U.S. by Tavi Chocolates (Miami, FL). 

The company combines premium Colombian chocolate with a variety of flavor inclusions. Today's bar contained golden berries (Physalis peruviana). These South American fruits resemble golden colored cherry tomatoes covered with a beautiful, husk-like, semi-transparent sheath.

Aroma notes for this bar included: sweet dark chocolate; aromatic, ripe golden berry (fruit) and a pleasant array of very faint botanical, fruit syrup/honey notes.

Texture: smooth dark chocolate with crispy/crunchy freeze-dried golden berry pieces (with surprisingly few tiny white seeds).

Flavor notes included: smooth, relatively sweet, dark chocolate with authentic golden berry fruit (aka, Cape Gooseberry, Inca Berry). Warning, this bar can be very addictive.

I loved this flavorful, well executed bar. The use of freeze-dried golden berries was perfect. The fruit maintained its natural, tart-sweet, honeyed and (almost tomato) umami flavor; and the berry pieces were perfectly crisp and light in their freeze-dried state. 

The textural blend was well-executed, flavorful and completely conveyed the complexity of these berries. The dark chocolate was smooth tasting and despite being relatively sweet it was also a good match for the fruit.

Ingredients: Bittersweet Chocolate (Chocolate Liquor, Cane Sugar, Cocoa Butter, Soy Lecit(h)in, Vainilla (sic)), Freeze-Dried Cape Gooseberry.

Allergen-related information: "Produced on Equipment That Also Processes Products Containing Milk, Peanuts and Other Tree Nuts."

 

Chocolate Tree - Colombia Arhuaco 70% Dark (bar) - Jan. 12, 2026

Chocolate of the Day

Chocolate Tree
Colombia Arhuaco 70% Dark (bar)
Good ++ 
Weight: 1.25 oz. (35 g.) / 2.5 oz. (70 g.) in total bar
Calories: 170 calories  (estimate) in 1/2 bar
Cost: $11.00 for 1 bar
Purchased from: Bar & Cocoa, online order

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

Today's Colombia Arhuaco 70% Dark (bar) was from Chocolate Tree (Knowes Farm, Scotland). 

The maker(s) have chosen a rare, ancient cacao that "comes from the indigenous Arhuaco community of Colombia who are Guardians of the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta." The Arhuaco consider this land -- that covers vast areas of biodiversity -- to be the "Heart of the World."

Aroma and flavor notes for these bars included: fudge-y dark chocolate (dark chocolate ganache; cocoa; drinking chocolate); diffuse, ripe fruit (grape, apple, berry); chocolate covered almonds; and faint honey and sesame.

Texture: smooth, relatively creamy texture and melt

I enjoyed the subtle complexity of aromas and flavors in this three-ingredient bar. This chocolate had a sweet finish and was relatively high in flavor--while being relatively low in acidity and bitterness.

Maker's tasting notes: "Liquorice, Sesame"

Maker's Pairing suggestions: Port, Salted Cheese, Peated Whisky

Ingredients: "Organic cocoa beans, organic sugar, organic cocoa butter."

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

 

Dandelion Chocolate - 70% Tumaco, Colombia (2024 Harvest) (bar) - Jan. 11, 2026

Chocolate of the Day

Dandelion Chocolate
70% Tumaco, Colombia (2024 Harvest) (bar)
Good ++
Weight: 1 oz. (28 g.) / 2 oz. (56 g.) in total bar
Calories: 155 calories (estimate) in 1/2 bar
Cost: $N/A - gift from a family at work. Thank you Maddy, Isla and Evan!
Purchased from: N/A - gift from family

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

Today's 70% Tumaco, Colombia (2024 Harvest) (bar) was from Dandelion Chocolate (San Francisco, CA).

Dandelion is a small-batch, bean-to-bar chocolate maker that produces bars made with just two ingredients: single origin cacao and sugar. No added cocoa butter, no vanilla, no lecithins. They also honor their individual makers.

For example, printed on today's bar were the words: "Bar Profile By Pablo." That short note connects us with the individual involved with making cacao bean roasting and other choices, as well as coaxing flavors from cacaos from different batches and countries of origin.*

Aroma notes for this bar crafted using cacao from Tumaco, Colombia, included: dark chocolate (fudge-y, chocolate-y), with trace amounts of fruit and green.

Texture: slow melt with a light astringency (slight sense dryness like you might see in certain red wines).

Flavor notes included: deep, chocolate-y notes with diffuse fruit (dark berry, red wine), barely there black and white ground pepper, nut, and dark, floral honey.

*Maker's notes: "Pablo values local ancestral cultivation traditions. He roasts the 2024 harvest short and hot, for rich chocolate-nut aromas with delicate floral accents...We taste chocolate-covered almonds and clover honey."

Ingredients: Cocoa Beans and Organic Cane Sugar

Allergen-related information: "Contains no Dairy, Gluten, Nuts or Soy" 

Tavi - Rich Dark - 72% Cacao Dark Chocolate single origin Colombia (bar) - Jan. 10, 2026

Chocolate of the Day

Tavi Chocolates 

Rich Dark - 72% Cacao Dark Chocolate single origin Colombia (bar)
Good ++
Weight: 1 oz. (27 g.) oz. / 2.8 oz. (80 g.) in total bar
Calories: 150 calories in 1 oz. of (1/3 of) bar
Cost: $11.50 for 1 bar
Purchased from: Bar & Cocoa, online order

Lemon Pop - White Chocolate, Lemon & Popping Candy (bar)
Good + - Good ++
Weight: 1 oz. (27 g.) / 2.8 oz. (80 g.) in total bar
Calories: 140 calories in 1/3 bar
Cost: $11.50 for 1 bar
Purchased from: Bar & Cocoa, online order

Welcome to Day #11 of Chocolate & Citrus Theme Week, and Day #4 of Chocolate and Colombia Theme Week.

Today's Tavi Rich Dark 72% Cacao and the Tavi Lemon Pop White Chocolate bars were  manufactured by Vast Company SAS in Bogota, Colombia, and Imported into the U.S. by Tavi Chocolates Essoel, LLC (Miami, FL).

Rich Dark 72% Cacao Dark Chocolate (bar)

Aroma and flavor notes included: dark chocolate (fudge, floral (vanilla), and faint, diffuse fruit (light, complex cherry, ultra-dark, black forest cake chocolate cake)).

Texture: smooth, with a uniform melt

I enjoyed the smooth, balanced, chocolate-y flavors. Not too dark or bitter, not ultra-sweet. (Relatively smooth for 72% cacao dark chocolate.) This will be in the "just right" zone, except for most dark chocolate lovers.

Ingredients: Bittersweet Chocolate (Chocolate Liquor, Cane Sugar, Cocoa Butter, Soy Lecit(h)in, Vainilla sic)).

Allergen-related information: Contains Soy. "Produced on Equipment That Also Processes Products Containing Milk, Peanuts and Other Tree Nuts."

Lemon Pop White Chocolate, Lemon & Popping Candy (bar)

Aroma notes for this white chocolate bar included: very faint citrus (sweet, lemon candy) and sweet white chocolate.

Texture: smooth and relatively creamy with sparkles of lemon and popping candy. 

Flavor: sweet, white chocolate flavored with sweet, lightly sparkling, lemony candy.

The pop rocks added a touch of fizz, flavor excitement and fun. Otherwise, this chocolate was pure "white" and lacked trace cacao bean (cacao solids) flavors* -- usually the case with white chocolate.

Ingredients: White Chocolate (Sugar, Cocoa Butter, Milk Powder, Emulsifier (Soy Lecithin), Vanilla Extract), Pop Rocks (Sugar. Glucose Syrup), Natural Lemon Flavor (50% Lemon Powder, Citric Acid, Ascorbic Acid)

Allergen-related information: Contains Milk, Soy. "Produced on Equipment That Also Processes Products Containing Milk, Peanuts and Other Tree Nuts."

* Most commercial white chocolates contain deodorized cocoa butter.

Tavi - Honeycomb Orange 72% cacao dark chocolate (bar) - Jan. 9, 2026

Chocolate of the Day

Tavi Chocolates 
Orange Honeycomb 72% Cacao (bar)
Good ++
Weight: 1.4 (40 g.) oz. / 2.8 oz. (80 g.) in total bar
Calories: 222 calories in 1/2 bar
Cost: $11.50 for 1 bar
Purchased from: Bar & Cocoa, online order

Welcome to Day #10 of Chocolate & Citrus Week, and Day #3 of Chocolate & Colombia Theme Week.

Today's Tavi "Orange Honeycomb 72% cacao dark chocolate orange blend with honeycomb crunch" (bar) was manufactured by Vast Company SAS in Bogota, Colombia, and Imported by Tavi Chocolates Essoel, LLC (Miami, FL).

Founded by siblings Sofia and Esteban Varela, Tavi is a family-owned business focused on chocolates made in Colombia (using premium cacao(s) grown in Colombia) blended with creative designs and flavors.

Aroma notes included: smooth dark chocolate with warm, malty and faint orange notes.

Texture: smooth dark chocolate studded with light and airy, crispy-crunchy honeycomb candy (that did contain some real honey).

Flavor notes included: smooth-tasting chocolate, sweet and crunchy honeycomb candy; subtle, authentic orange; and faint honey.

I liked the overall harmonious blend of flavors and textures. There was just the right amount of orange powder that -- when combined with a hint of vanilla -- added warm and appealing accent flavors to the smooth dark chocolate. 

I also appreciated the light and crispy honeycomb candy (that was not too sticky sweet or overwhelming), and the choice of 72% cacao. (Anything less than 72% might have been too sweet for me, a dark fan.)

Ingredients: Bittersweet Chocolate (Chocolate Liquor, Cane Sugar, Cocoa Butter, Soy Lecit(h)in, Vainilla (sic)), Sugar Cane, Natural Orange Power (sic), Honey.

Allergen-related information: "Produced on Equipment That Also Processes Products Containing Milk, Peanuts and Other Tree Nuts."

Eigen Chocolate - Chocolate Orange 70% Dark Chocolate (bar) + Amparo Lebara 70% Huila Colombia Microlot (bar) - Jan. 8, 2026

Chocolate(s) of the Day

Eigen Chocolate

Chocolate Orange 70% Dark Chocolate with Orange Oil (bar)
Good ++ 
Weight: .88 oz. (25 g.) in total bar
Calories: 136.4 calories (estimate) in 1 bar
Cost: $7.50 for 1 bar
Purchased from: Eigen Chocolate, online order

San Jose de Isnos Huila Colombia - Amparo Lebaza 70% Cacao Microlot (bar)
Good ++ - Good +++
Weight: .88 oz. (25 g.) / 1.74 (sic) oz. (50 g.) in total bar
Calories: 136.4 calories (estimate) in 1/2 bar
Cost: $11.25 for 1 bar
Purchased from: Eigen Chocolate, online order 

Welcome to Day #9 of Chocolate & Citrus Theme Week, and Day #2 of Chocolate & Colombia Theme Week.

Today's two very tasty chocolate bars were: 

• 1.) Chocolate Orange - 70% Dark Chocolate with Orange Oil (bar)
• 2.) San Jose de Isnos Huila, Colombia - Amparo Lebaza 70% Cacao Microlot (bar). 

Both were crafted by the same maker: Eigen Chocolate (High Point, NC).

Chocolate Orange 70% Dark Chocolate with Orange Oil

Aroma notes included: smooth dark chocolate and aromatic, sweet orange.

Texture: smooth dark chocolate with a smooth, even melt

Flavor notes for this attractively packaged bar included: sweet dark chocolate and orange that extended into a pleasing orange finish. This was relatively sweet for a 70% dark chocolate, likely made more so by the orange oil that had an inherent citrus sweet orange taste to it and the use of cane sugar (which I've not tasted as often this week).*

This bar evoked memories of holiday dark chocolate oranges of the past. (Today's thoughtfully-executed bar would likely win in a taste-off against those chocolates from decades ago.)

I enjoyed the balanced blend of sweet and tasty authentic flavors and short list of quality ingredients. The orange oil tasted like real orange. 

Ingredients: "Cacao nibs, Organic cane sugar, Organic cocoa butter, Orange oil"

Allergen-related information: "Made in a facility that handles nuts, dairy & soy."

San Jose de Isnos Huila Colombia - Amparo Lebaza 70% Cacao Microlot

Aroma notes included: dark chocolate, dried fruit (raisin, citrus, pomegranate) and very faint herbal.

Texture: smooth, with a slight, but not unpleasant, astringency in the second half.

Flavor notes included: dark chocolate (fudge-y), diffuse dried fruit (raisin, mixed citrus, faint pomegranate), faint wood, and very faint, sharp floral/honey.

I really enjoyed the unique, slightly tart and tangy, yet grounded and balanced, flavors and complexity in this 70% dark chocolate bar--all elicited from just three ingredients. 

(After eating many holiday, milk and flavored chocolates these past few weeks, I loved tasting authentic and nuanced cacao bean flavors in a dark chocolate bar again.)

Maker's tasting notes: "Fudge, Hickory, Floral"

Ingredients: Cacao, cane sugar*, cocoa butter* (* = Organic)

Allergen-related information: "Made in a facility that handles nuts, dairy & soy."

*I've tasted many chocolates recently with less processed/brown sugars. The type of sugar can influence what a chocolate tastes like. "White" cane sugar is preferred for its clear sweetness, i.e. (lack of other flavors that may obfuscate more subtle cacao notes in chocolate. 

Cacao Hunters - 64% Limoncillo Lemongrass Dark Chocolate Bars - Jan. 7, 2026

Chocolate of the Day

Cacao Hunters
64% Limoncillo Lemongrass Dark Chocolate Bars
Good ++ 
Weight: 2 oz. (56.6 g.) in total package of 2 bars
Calories: 340 calories in 2 bars (1 package)
Cost: $6.99 for 1 package of 2 bars
Purchased from: Whole Foods, Los Altos, CA

Welcome to Day #8 of Chocolate & Citrus Theme Week; Day #1 of Chocolate and Colombia Theme Week.

Today's Cacao Hunters 64% Limoncillo chocolate (bars) were manufactured by Cacao de Colombia in Colombia. The package contained two, individually-wrapped (sealed) bars.

Aroma and flavor notes for these bars included: sweet, smooth, dark chocolate; light citrus (lemon); light green herbal/spice (vanilla*); and very faint lemon profiterole cookie.

Texture: The chocolate was well-tempered (broke with a snap); and it was smooth textured--with an even, satisfying melt. The relative thinness of these bars allowed better/quicker access to flavors and texture.

I liked the smooth texture and blend of gentle (Tumaco, Colombia) cacao and herbal lemongrass** flavors. I also appreciated the relatively short list of ingredients.

Ingredients: "Chocolate (cocoa beans, cane sugar, cocoa butter, emulsifier (sunflower lecithin)), Lemongrass."

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

*Note: There was no vanilla; no vanilla appeared in the ingredients list.

** While native to South Asia and Southeast Asia, lemongrass (Cympobogon) has been cultivated for over a century in other tropical areas--that often overlap with cacao growing areas in South American and Central American countries like Colombia, Brazil, Ecuador, Paraguay and Guatemala.

TCHO - Dark & Zesty 62% Cacao (bars) - Jan. 6, 2026

Chocolate of the Day

TCHO
"Dark & Zesty" - 62% Cacao (bars)
Good ++
Weight: 2.5 oz. (70 g.) in total package of 3 bars
Calories: 360 calories in 1 package of 3 bars
Cost: N/A - gift from a coworker
Purchased from: N/A - gift from a coworker

Welcome to Day #7 of Chocolate & Citrus Theme Week. 

Today's package of 3 individually-wrapped "Dark & Zesty" 62% Cacao (bars) was from TCHO Ventures Inc. (Berkeley, CA). 

This tasty and unapologetically orange chocolate was created as a small-batch chocolate collaboration between TCHO and The Florida Aquarium (Tampa, FL), and was given to me by the head zookeeper at the local Junior Museum & Zoo. (Thank you Sean!)

Aroma notes included: smooth dark chocolate infused with aromatic, authentic and vibrant orange. 

Texture: These individually-wrapped bars had an attractively smooth texture and melt.

Flavor notes included: a blend of smooth, sweet dark chocolate with a zesty blend of 62% cacao dark chocolate and sweet citrus (orange, orange juice, candied orange peel). The orange flavor was authentic and bright and lingered into the chocolate fudge and tart-sweet citrus finish. This was like one of those holiday chocolate oranges -- only better.

I really enjoyed this cheery, citrus-infused chocolate, even if it was on the sweet side. (Think 100% orange juice (frozen) bar covered in dark chocolate.) 

This bar was similar to other TCHO citrus flavored chocolates released recently (most notably the "Winter Squeeze" 62% Cacao bars with orange oomph and a hint of grapefruit). I hope today's bar (and the Lemon with Sea Salt and Olive Oil bar) join TCHO's permanent (year-round) collection.

Thank you to the makers at TCHO for using orange powder (rather than just natural flavors or orange essential oils (where taste/quality vary quite a bit)). The orange powder gave this bar a much more full-bodied and authentic citrus flavor; and evoked memories of fresh, backyard oranges in childhood that brightened up winter days.

I appreciated TCHO's use of Organic ingredients, as well as the use of Fair Trade cacao beans and cocoa butter.

Ingredients: Cacao Beans*+, Cane Sugar*, Cocoa Butter*+, Orange Powder (Orange Peel and Pulp)*, Sunflower Lecithin*,  Citic Acid, Natural Flavors*, Vanilla Beans*

(*Organic; +Fair Trade)

Allergen-related information: May contain tree nuts. 

Olive and Sinclair - Candied Lemon Chocolate 75% Cacao (bar) - Jan. 5, 2026

Chocolate of the Day

Olive and Sinclair
Candied Lemon Chocolate 75% Cacao (bar)
Good ++
Weight: 2.5 oz. (70 g.) in total bar
Calories: 410 calories in 1 bar
Cost: $12.00 for 1 bar
Purchased from: The Chocolate Dispensary, online order

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

Today's Candied Lemon Chocolate 75% Cacao (bar) (Batch No. 012327) was from Olive and Sinclair Chocolate Co. (Nashville, TN).

Aroma notes included: smooth dark chocolate, faint malt (malty cracker) and lemon cookie/biscuit.

Texture: relatively smooth, stone-ground dark chocolate with bits of candied lemon and occasional tiny sparkles of sea salt. 

Flavor notes included: smooth 75% dark chocolate (Ecuador), faint malt, and multi-dimensional sweetness (brown sugar, candied lemon). I enjoyed the perfect balance of dark chocolate, lemon and sea salt in this bar. This was bittersweet at its very, balanced, best.

Each of the elements harmonized well with each other in this blend of smooth, 75% stoneground cacao, upbeat citrus, subtle brown sugar and (Maldon) sea salt, to create a sophisticated and delicious bar. Not too sweet. Not too dark. Not too bitter. Just right. This bar landed squarely in the Goldilocks* zone for me.

Maker's tasting notes: "Chewy candied lemon brings out the brightness of our 75%...chocolate" 

Ingredients: "Cacao Beans, Brown Sugar, Candied Lemon, Sea Salt"

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

*The Goldilocks reference is to "Goldilocks and the Three Bears," a story based on a European/American folktale/fairy tale. In most recent versions of this story, a young girl (Goldilocks) visits the home of three bears (who are out on a walk) and tries their bowls of porridge, chairs and beds belonging to each of the three bears. Goldilocks selects items that were neither too hot nor too cold, and were not too hard or soft. She selects the porridge, chair and bed that were "just right" for her. 

Eventually, the bears come home to find Goldilocks asleep on the baby bear's bed. The girl wakes, and runs out before anything happens to her. One assumes the bears were left scratching their heads, and were not entirely happy about the intruder.

Some astronomers have also used the expression "the Goldilocks zone" to describe planets that may possess the right characteristics (not too cold, not too hot, etc.) to support life.

 

TCHO - "Winter Squeeze" - 62% Smooth Dark Chocolate + Vibrant Orange - Jan. 4, 2026

Chocolate of the Day

TCHO
"Winter Squeeze" - 62% Cacao Smooth Dark Chocolate + Vibrant Orange
Good ++
Weight: 1.4 oz. (40 g.) for 2 bars / 2.1 oz. (60 g.) in total package of 3 bars
Calories: 200 calories in 2/3 of the package (2 bars)
Cost: $11.99 for 1 package of 3 bars
Purchased from: TCHO, online order

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

Today's "Winter Squeeze" 62% Cacao (bars) were from TCHO Ventures Inc. (Berkeley, CA).

Aroma notes included: smooth dark chocolate infused with aromatic, bold, authentic citrus (orange).

Flavor notes for these two individually-wrapped smaller bars (part of a package of 3) included: a relatively smooth, and certainly sweet, blend of 62% cacao dark chocolate and sweet citrus (orange juice, lime*, lemon*, pink grapefruit). The flavors in this winter waker-upper were authentic, bright. and bracing. 

I enjoyed this cheery, citrus-infused chocolate, even if it was on the sweet side. (Think 100% orange juice (frozen) bar covered in dark chocolate.) 

Thank you to the makers at TCHO for using orange powder (rather than just natural flavors or orange essential oils (whose taste/quality vary quite a bit)). The orange powder gave this bar a much more full-bodied and authentic citrus flavor; and evoked memories of freshly picked oranges in childhood that brightened up cold, damp January days then as well.

I also appreciated the use of Organic ingredients and the Organic certification, as well as the use of Fair Trade Certified cacao beans and cocoa butter.

*Orange and grapefruit were the citrus fruit flavorings in this bar. There was no lime or lemon.

Ingredients: Cacao Beans*+, Cane Sugar*, Cocoa Butter*+, Orange Powder (Orange Peel and Pulp)*, Sunflower Lecithin*,  Citic Acid, Natural Orange Flavor*, Natural Grapefruit Flavor, Vanilla Beans*

(*Organic; +Fair Trade Certified)

Allergen-related information: May contain tree nuts.

Sted Foods - Pecan Orange Spice 70% Dark Chocolate (bar) - Jan. 3, 2026

Chocolate of the Day

Sted Foods
Organic Pecan Orange Spice 70% Dark Chocolate (bar)
Good + - Good ++
Weight: 1 oz. (28.3 g.) / 2 oz. (56.6 g.) in total bar
Calories: 170 calories in 1/2 bar
Cost: $8.00 for 1 bar
Purchased from: Sted Foods, online order

Welcome to Day #4 of Chocolate & Citrus Theme Week.

Today's Sted Foods Organic Orange Pecan Spice 70% Dark Chocolate (bar) was manufactured by TC Foods, LLC (Fergus Falls, MN).

Aroma notes included: dark chocolate (roasted cacao) and orange oil.

Texture: This relatively thin, segmented bar broke easily and had a smooth texture with tiny, soft nut (pecan) bits.

 Flavor notes included: slightly bitter (or at least unsweetened, slightly over-roasted, smoke-y; black licorice, rubber) 70% cacao dark chocolate (that tasted more like an 80% dark chocolate); orange (peel); faint nut (pecan); faint spice; and a few tiny upticks of (unexpected, but appreciated) salt. (The salt helped to balance the bitterness.)

Maker's tasting notes: "Bright + Zesty + Orange Grove"..."This bar celebrates the simple zing of wild clementines with the buttery richness of pecans and the warming spice of cinnamon and cloves in dark chocolate..."

I appreciated the relatively short list of organic ingredients, the choice of flavors in this blend, and the maker's philosophy of creating connection(s) and a sense of place as part of a backdrop for celebrating flavors. 

Right now, I'm imagining what it's like in January and Minnesota...It's 28 degrees F (-2 degrees C in Fergus Falls and St. Paul, MN as I write this. Chocolate with citrus and warm spices sounds like a good antidote for this chilly weather.

Ingredients: "organic cocoa beans, organic cane sugar, organic pecans, organic cocoa butter, organic cinnamon, organic cloves, organic orange essential oil"

Allergen-related information: "Contain pecans. Made in a facility that uses coconut, almonds, pecans, and milk." "Free From Soy, Gluten, & Palm Oil"

 

Endorfin Foods - Citradelic Blood Orange 70% Cacao (bar) - Jan. 2, 2026

Chocolate of the Day

Endorfin Foods
Citradelic Blood Orange 70% Cacao (bar) 
Good ++
Weight: 1.4 oz. (40 g.) in total bar
Calories: 200 calories in 1 bar
Cost: $6.50 for 1 bar (+ shipping)
Purchased from: Endorfin Foods, online order

Today's Endorfin Foods Citradelic Blood Orange 70% Cacao (bar) was manufactured by Coracao Confections (Richmond, CA).

Aroma and flavor notes included: sweet, smooth dark chocolate and slightly nutty* (caramelized cashew* and coconut) and subtle, aromatic sweet citrus (orange). 

Texture: This was a well-tempered and smooth chocolate. The coconut butter and orange oil were likely fully incorporated into the cocoa butter, then the overall chocolate--resulting in a pleasing, uniformly smooth overall texture.

I enjoyed the subtle and authentic chocolate and citrus flavors in today's bar, as well as the rich texture and flavor that the caramelized coconut butter + cocoa butter added. 

And I appreciated the short list of quality organic and fair trade ingredients (e.g. the cold-pressed blood orange essential oil). This bar was Certified USDA Organic. Everything about this bar was pleasing and  thoughtful, including the attractive (and 100% compostable) packaging. 

I think this chocolate would also make a nice gift. It's a warm, friendly and flavorful 70% cacao dark chocolate without being bitter or acidic. 

Ingredients: Cacao+*, Coconut Sugar*, Caramelized Coconut Butter*, Cacao Butter+*, Essential Oil of Blood Orange* ("*" = Organic Ingredient; and "+" = Fair Trade Certified(TM))

Allergen-related information: "No Dairy, No Soy, No Refined Sugar, No Gluten, No GMO, No Sugar Alcohols"

*Note: Other than coconut, there were no nut/tree nut or cashew ingredients in this bar.

TCHO - "Lemon Twist" Dark Chocolate With A Lemon Filling, Sea Salt & Extra Virgin Olive Oil (bar) - Jan. 1, 2026

Chocolate of the Day

TCHO
"Lemon Twist" - 67% Cacao (Shell) With A Lemon Filling, Sea Salt & Extra Virgin Olive Oil (bars)
Good ++
Weight: 1.4 oz. (40 g.) / 2.1 oz. (60 g.) in total package of 3 bars
Calories: 220 calories in 2 bars (2/3 package)
Cost: $4.95 for 1 bar
Purchased from: TCHO, online order

Happy New Year to you all! And, welcome to Day #2 of Chocolate & Citrus Theme Week. 

Like chocolate, lemons are tremendously versatile when it comes to flavor pairings. They both can go sweet or savory; and, happily, they both harmonize well with each other.

Today's bright "Lemon Twist" -- a package of 3-individually-wrapped "67% Cacao (Shell) With A Lemon Filling, Sea Salt & Extra Virgin Olive Oil" (bars) from TCHO Ventures Inc. (Berkeley, CA) offered upbeat holiday + citrus cheer.

Aroma notes for these bars included: dark, very slightly earthy chocolate and citrus (lemon). 

Texture: firm, dark chocolate-y exterior with a slightly softer, fondant-like lemon filling. The olive oil added smoothness and subtle flavor depth.

Flavor notes included: a blend of balanced bitter and sweet, with dark, slightly earthy 67% chocolate, tart-sweet and very slightly bitter lemon; and a nice light touch of salt to balance the bitter and the sweet. A tiny hint of vanilla added sweet warmth.

I liked the cheery, authentic and balanced lemon and chocolate flavors; and I appreciated TCHO's decision to use organic, fair trade and gluten-free ingredients.

Ingredients: Cacao Beans*+, Cane Sugar*, Cocoa Butter*+, Gluten Free Oat Flour* (Oat Flour*, Natural Vitamin E), Freeze Dried Lemon Powder*, Extra Virgin Olive Oil*, Sunflower Oil*, Sunflower Lecithin*, Sea Salt), Turmeric*, Citric Acid, Lemon Oil*, Vanilla Beans*

(* = Organic, + = Fair Trade Certified (TM); Over 53% Fair Trade Certified (TM) Ingredients)

Allergen-related information: May contain tree nuts.

*I've been enjoying the lemon tree in my yard for almost 20 years now.