Cru Chocolate - Peppermint Drinking Chocolate - Feb. 28, 2026

Chocolate of the Day

Cru Chocolate 

Peppermint Drinking Chocolate 
Good ++
Weight: 2 oz. (56.6 g.) in total package

Calories: 360 calories (estimate) in 2 pieces (1 package)

Cost: $8.99 for 1 package  

Purchased from: FarmFresh (add-on to produce delivery service)

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

Today's small box of Peppermint Drinking Chocolate (wheel set of 2) was from Cru Chocolate (Roseville, CA). I enjoyed tasting one (gold foil-wrapped) chocolate "wheel" by itself; and I prepared the second wheel into hot drinking chocolate with whole milk.

Aroma and flavor notes for both pieces included: smooth, but flavorful dark chocolate, with sweet peppermint. 

The second wheel had especially rich, satisfying chocolate (cocoa) notes when prepared with milk to made a 6 oz. mug of hot drinking chocolate. The heat seemed to bring out the cacao nuances. And the milk also helped balance the sweetness of the peppermint candy and sugar.

Texture: The first ("dry") wheel had slightly rough/rugged with sugar crystals/candy bits, but still had a smooth melt. This chocolate was smoother and creamier when blended with (dissolved into) warm milk. 

I appreciated the maker's short list of only three ingredients, and use of organic sugar. While peppermint candy flavors tend to overpower subtle cacao nuances, I could still taste the balanced complexity of the cacao -- chocolate-y; faint and diffuse fermented cacao/tropical fruit; and barely detectable balanced, light earth/clay -- in between sweet ripples of mint.

Maker's Tasting notes:

Intensity: Light. 50% cacao

Style: North American

Body: Smooth & silky

Nose: Fresh mint

Mood: Fresh happy cheer

Suggested liquid: Whole milk

Preparation: Melt and mix 1 wheel into 6 oz. of suggested liquid. Enjoy.

Ingredients: Fermented cacao beans, organic cane sugar, peppermint candy

Allergen-related information: Manufactured on equipment that processes peanuts and milk.

Moonstruck Chocolate - Peppermint Bark Dark Chocolate (bar) - Feb. 27, 2026

Chocolate of the Day

Moonstruck Chocolate
Peppermint Bark Dark Chocolate (bar)
Good + - Good ++ 
Weight: 1.6 oz. (45.5 g.) / 3.2 oz. (91 g.) in total bar
Calories: 245 calories in 1/2 bar
Cost: $8.99 for 1 bar
Purchased from: The Market at Edgewood, Palo Alto, CA 

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

Today's Peppermint Bark Dark Chocolate (bar) was manufactured by CW Moonstruck LLC (Portland, OR).

Aroma and flavor notes for this attractive seasonal confection of a bar included: dark chocolate (fudge, ganache), peppermint candy and very faint vanilla.

Texture: smooth dark chocolate melded with a field of crunchy, crushed peppermint candy pieces.

This Peppermint Bark bar was a balanced, authentic blend of flavors and textures. 

As with most sweet chocolates or chocolates with candy bits, the additional sugar can make them a bit more addictive (more-ish). For those with a sweet tooth, this may not be a plus and not a problem.

Ingredients: Dark Chocolate (Unsweetened Chocolate, Sugar, Cocoa Butter, Soy Lecithin, Natural Vanilla Flavor), Crushed Peppermint (Cane Sugar, Corn Syrup, Peppermint Oil, Red 40).

Allergen-related information: "Contains: Soy. Manufactured on Shared equipment. May contain traces of milk, egg, wheat, soy, peanuts, sesame, and tree nuts."

  

Loon Chocolate - Dark Chocolate Peppermint Crunch 70% Dark Chocolate Peppermint Candy (bar) - Feb. 26, 2026

Chocolate of the Day

Loon Chocolate
Dark Chocolate Peppermint Crunch 70% Dark Chocolate Peppermint Candy (bar)
Good ++ 
Weight: 2.3 oz. (65 g.) in total bar
Calories: 391 calories in 1 bar
Cost: $10.00 for 1 bar
Purchased from: Bar & Cocoa, online order  

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

Today's Loon Chocolate Dark Chocolate Peppermint Crunch 70% Dark Chocolate Peppermint Candy (bar) was manufactured by White Birch Living LLC (Manchester, NH).

Aroma and flavor notes for this winter seasonal bar included: rich dark chocolate and peppermint candy.

Texture: smooth, dark chocolate with a generous layer of crushed, crunchy candy cane pieces.

The peppermint candy was crunchy and minty sweet; but, I wanted to taste more dark chocolate. It told me something (positive) about the cacao used, when I found myself prying off peppermint pieces to try to enjoy more of the 70% dark chocolate underneath.

I appreciated the use of organic ingredients, and the lack of artificial ingredients and colorings in this bar.

Ingredients: Organic Cacao, Organic Cane Sugar, Organic Cocoa Butter, Organic Peppermint Crunch (Organic Cane Sugar, Organic Brown Rice Syrup, Natural Peppermint Flavor, Organic Vegetable and Fruit Juice Concentrate for Color (Radish, Apple and Blackcurrant)).

Allergen-related information: "Produced in a Facility That Uses Almonds, Milk and Wheat" "Gluten Free, Soy-Free, Vegan"

TCHO - Merry Mint - Fudgy Dark Chocolate & Peppermint Single Origin Ghana 70% Cacao (bars) - Feb. 25, 2026

Chocolate of the Day

TCHO

Merry Mint - Fudgy Dark Chocolate & Peppermint Single Origin Ghana 70% (bars)
Good ++
Weight: 1.4 oz. (40 g.) / 2.1 oz. (60 g.) in total package of three bars
Calories: 220 calories in 2 bar(s) (2/3 package)
Cost: $31.99 for 1 holiday gift box (today's bar was part of a larger order)
Purchased from: TCHO, online order

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

Today's package of three "Merry Mint" - Fudgy Dark Chocolate & Peppermint Single Origin Ghana 70% Cacao (bars) was from TCHO Ventures Inc. (Berkeley, CA).

Aroma notes for the two (of three) individually-wrapped small bars I enjoyed included: dark chocolate (fudge); mint (peppermint) and very faint vanilla.

Texture for this dairy-free chocolate: smooth, buttery with a thick, satisfying melt and mouthfeel.  

Flavor notes included: fudgy dark chocolate infused with relatively minty peppermint and faint vanilla.

I appreciated the use of single origin cacao (from Ghana) and the relatively short list of organic and quality ingredients. 

I also enjoyed the festively pink/red and gold outer packaging for this winter holiday offering that was attractively merry and bright--as well as the three bars (making these great gifts or just easier to share a package with friends). Note: these Merry Mint bars may have been seasonal, as I could no longer see them online on the TCHO website.

Ingredients: Cacao Beans*+, Cane Sugar*, Cocoa Butter*+, Coconut Oil*, Sunflower Lecithin*, Peppermint Oil*, Vanilla Beans* (*=Organic, += Fair Trade Certified(TM))

Allergen-related information: May contain tree nuts. Certified Kosher Pareve by Earth Kosher.

SOMA chocolatemaker - Minty Bar dark milk chocolate - Chocolat au lait noir 51% (bar)

Chocolate of the Day

SOMA chocolatemaker
Minty Bar - dark milk chocolate - Chocolat au lait noir 51% (bar)
Good ++ 
Weight: 1.15 oz. (32.5 g.) / 2.3 oz. (65 g.) in total bar
Calories: 190 calories in 1/2 bar
Cost: $14.50 for 1 bar
Purchased from: Bar & Cocoa, online order

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

Today's Minty Bar - dark milk chocolate - Chocolat au lait noir 51% (bar) was from SOMA chocolatemaker (Toronto, ON, Canada).

Aroma notes for this bar included: sweet, smooth peppermint/spearmint dark chocolates from childhood. 

Texture: buttery smooth and creamy dark milk chocolate

Flavor notes included: smooth, rich dark chocolate (made using the company's "dream machine" cacao blend) infused with mint + very faint mint with vanilla marshmallow. 

I found this chocolate very satisfying. The smooth, creamy texture contributed to this enjoyment of this blend of flavors. Warning: this bar can be highly addictive, especially if you're hungry.

I also loved the squirrel (standing up and holding mint leaves) printed on the outer packaging. (Squirrels have broken into boxes of chocolates delivered to my front door in years past, so chocolates with squirrel images make sense to me.)

And I enjoyed the jungle pattern on the bar--with SOMA's hidden bird-like mascot wearing a shoe. This little creature is also seen next to the company tagline: "travelling without moving." (Chocolates from around the world provide lots of virtual travel opportunities here on Chocolate Banquet.)

Maker's Tasting Notes: mint, chocolate cake, caramel

Ingredients: Organic Cane Sugar, Cacao Nibs, Cocoa Butter, Milk Powder, Natural Vanilla, Organic Mint Oil, Salt

Allergen-related information: May contain trace amounts of peanuts & tree nuts. Contains dairy & cane alcohol (mint extract). 

*The squirrels in question knew exactly which box to tunnel into; and (no surprise) they went for the chocolates with nuts.

The Functional Chocolate Company - Mellow Mint Truffle Carefree Chocolate (bar) - Feb. 23, 2026

Chocolate of the Day

The Functional Chocolate Company 
Mellow Mint Truffle flavor Carefree Chocolate 60% (bar)
Good ++
Weight: 1.75 oz. (50 g.) in total bar
Calories: 252 calories in 1 bar (6 squares)
Cost: $6.39 for 1 bar
Purchased from: Vitacost, online order

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

Today's Mellow Mint Truffle flavor Carefree Chocolate 60% (bar) was made for The Functional Chocolate Company LLC (Evergreen, CO). It contained a blend of inclusions (see ingredients list) to help reduce stress.

Aroma and flavor notes included: sweet and smooth dark chocolate infused with refreshing mint flavor--that extended into a pleasant, light (non-astringent) green tea (and very slightly floral - vanilla, sweet herb (lemon balm) and flower (chamomile) finish.

The English peppermint was nice (not too overwhelming.) And I was happy to taste another member of the mint family--lemon balm--in this chocolate.

The texture was relatively smooth, with a very faint (barely detectable) finely ground (powdered) herb/leaf granularity in one or two bites that did not bother me in the least.

I enjoyed this chocolate mint bar. The flavors were authentic, balanced and...yes, mellow. (Nothing was too intense or spiky.) It was sweet, but not overly so.

Note: I did not experience any noticeable effects from the "proprietary calming blend" in this bar; however, if you have any medical conditions, please read information listed below.

Ingredients: "Ethically Sourced Dark Chocolate (Unsweetened Cocoa Mass, All Natural Pure Cane Sugar, Cocoa Butter, Non GMO Soy Lecithin (Emulsifier), Natural Vanilla Extract), Natural Flavors"..."L-Theanine, Pharma Gaba(R) - Gamma Aminobutyric Acid, English Peppermint Oil (Black Mitcham), Passion Flower Extract, Lemon Balm Extract, Chamomile Extract, Organic Madagascar Vanilla Extract, Kava Kava CO2 Select Extract (60% Kavalactones), Ancient Sea Salt w/54 Trace Minerals"

Allergen-related information: "This product is manufactured in a facility that processes milk, soy, tree nuts and peanuts. Consult your doctor before use if you are on medication, have a medical condition or are pregnant or nursing."

Summerdown Farms - Peppermint Milk Chocolate 37% Cocoa (bar) - Feb. 22, 2026

Chocolate of the Day

Summerdown Farms Ltd.
Peppermint Milk Chocolate 37% Cocoa with English Black Mitcham peppermint (bar)
Good + - Good ++
Weight: 1.76 oz. (50 g.) / 3.52 oz. (100 g.) in total bar
Calories: 279.5 calories in 1/2 bar
Cost: $10.95 for 1 bar
Purchased from: Zombierunner Coffee, Palo Alto, CA

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

Today's Peppermint Milk Chocolate 37% Cocoa with English Black Mitcham peppermint (bar) was from Summerdown Farms Ltd. (Hampshire, UK).

This "smooth chocolate with a cooling finish" was made using a single origin Colombian cacao; although it was difficult to tell because this was a relatively low cacao percentage (37% cacao) bar. (Cocoa mass was the fourth ingredient.)

Aroma and flavor notes included: dark milk chocolate and mint.

Texture: smooth, creamy texture with a relatively (cocoa) buttery melt and fatty/buttery mouth feel.

For those with a sweet tooth, this may be an enjoyable chocolate confection. Sadly, this bar was relatively sweet and almost bland for me, despite the vanilla and mint flavourings. It did have a nice, balanced, authentic mint finish and the chocolate was relatively smooth.

Ingredients: Sugar, cocoa butter, whole milk powder, cocoa mass, natural flavouring (vanilla, Black Mitcham peppermint oil), emulsifier (soya lecithin).

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

 

Dick Taylor - Seasonal Release Peppermint Bark 72% Dark & White Chocolate (bar) - Feb. 21, 2026

Chocolate of the Day

Dick Taylor 
Seasonal Release Peppermint Bark 72% Dark & White Chocolate (bar)
Good ++
Weight: 1 oz. (28.3 g.) / 2 oz. (57 g.) in total bar
Calories: 160 calories in 1/2 bar
Cost: $9.99 for 1 bar
Purchased from: The Market at Edgewood, Palo Alto, CA

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

Today's Seasonal Release Peppermint Bark 72% Dark & White Chocolate (bar) was from Dick Taylor (Eureka, CA).

The company description for this bar is below:

"This nostalgic holiday classic features our award-winning, single-origin, 72% Belize dark chocolate on the top layer and expertly crafted peppermint-infused white chocolate on the bottom layer. Bits of crushed peppermint candy top off this delicious bar for a sweet, crunchy finish."

Aroma notes for this attractive, bi-colored (dark and light) bar included: dark chocolate, cream and peppermint candy.

Texture: a mix of smooth, well-tempered dark chocolate and creamy white chocolate, with a layer of crunchy bits of crushed peppermint candy on the back. 

Flavor notes included: satisfying, flavorful dark chocolate (fudge brownie, very faint hint of diffuse fruit), creamy, sweet white chocolate, and peppermint candy. The flavor depth/complexity in the dark chocolate balanced the sweeter, creamier white chocolate and was compatible with the peppermint and vanilla bean flavors. This bar tasted sweet, but not overly so.

I appreciated the makers' use of single origin Belize cacao chocolate + quality, organic ingredients. 

Ingredients: Dark Chocolate (Cacao*, Cane Sugar*) White Chocolate (Cocoa Butter*, A2/A2 Whole Milk Powder*, Cane Sugar*, Vanilla Bean*) Peppermint Candy (Sugar, Corn Syrup, Vegetable Juice Color, Caramel Color, Natural Peppermint Oil).(* = Organic)

Allergen-related information: Contains Milk. Made in a facility that also processes tree nuts, wheat, and peanuts. 

Sted Foods - Peppermint Candy Cane 50% Dark Milk Chocolate bar - Feb. 20, 2026

Chocolate of the Day

Sted Foods
Peppermint Candy Cane 50% Dark Milk Chocolate (Seasonal)
Good ++
Weight: .5 oz. (14.1 g.) / 5 oz. (141.5 g.) in pack of 10 small bars
Calories: 78 calories (estimate) in 1 small bar
Cost: $23.00 for pack of 10 small bars 
Purchased from: Sted Foods, online order

Welcome to Day #2 of Chocolate & Mint Theme Week.

Today's Sted Foods Peppermint Candy Cane 50% Dark Milk Chocolate bar was made by TC Foods, LLC (Fergus Falls, MN).

Aroma notes included: dark chocolate and mint/peppermint.

Texture: smooth, creamy dark chocolate with tiny, crunchy, peppermint candy bits. 

Flavor notes included: rich, flavorful and smooth, chocolate-y, dark milk chocolate--matched with just the right amount of authentic-tasting peppermint. This 50% cacao chocolate was sweet, but without being overly so--even though we tiptoed back into December candy cane territory.

I liked being able to share bars from this pack of 10 small peppermint candy cane bars over the winter holidays. And today I enjoyed this cheerful mint mini bar myself on a cold, crisp day.

Thank you to Sted Foods for their choice of quality/natural and organic ingredients.

Ingredients: organic cocoa beans, organic cane sugar, organic cocoa butter, organic whole milk powder, organic peppermint candy (organic cane sugar, organic brown rice syrup, natural peppermint flavor, organic vegetable and fruit concentrate for color (radish, apple and black currant).

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

Eigen Chocolate - Peppermint Chocolate Seasonal Swirl Bar - Feb. 19, 2026

Chocolate of the Day

Eigen Chocolate
Peppermint Chocolate Seasonal Swirl Bar
Good ++ 
Weight: 1.74 oz. (50 g.) in total bar
Calories: 270 calories (estimate) in 1 bar
Cost: $12.50 for 1 bar
Purchased from: Bar & Cocoa, online order 

Welcome to Day #1 of Chocolate & Mint Theme Week.

Today's Peppermint Chocolate Seasonal Swirl Bar was from Eigen Chocolate (High Point, NC).

Aroma notes for this attractive bar included: sweet and aromatic mint (think of your favorite dark chocolate peppermint cups/candies) with subtle dark chocolate.

Texture: smooth, almost buttery, with a thick melt and mouthfeel in a cool room.

Flavor notes included: pleasantly minty, smooth chocolate. This bar was not labeled "dark" chocolate, but it had a nice, mild dark flavor.

I was impressed with this well-executed chocolate.  The oats were smoothly incorporated (no oat grit/odd texture), helped balance the mint and chocolate, and created a lovely swirl pattern with the dark chocolate on the back side of the bar. (The front side was molded to create a hexagonal shaped (honeycomb) pattern.)

The touch of vanilla seemed just right: it added a bit of warmth, but wasn't too much.

I appreciated the makers' short list of organic and higher-quality ingredients.

Maker's tasting notes: "Cocoa, Mint, Cream"

Ingredients: Cacao, cocoa butter*, cane sugar*, gluten free oats*, Madagascar vanilla, peppermint oil (* = Organic)

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

Sibo - Costa Rica Extra Dark 82% Cacao (bar) + Jean-Marie Auboine Caramelized Almond 65% Dark Chocolate (bar) - Feb. 18, 2026

Chocolate(s) of the Day

Sibo Chocolate
Costa Rica Extra Dark 82% Cacao (bar)
Good ++
Weight: .88 oz. (25 g.) / 1.76 oz. (50 g.) in total bar
Calories: 140 calories in 1/2 bar
Cost: $13.50 (estimate) for 1 bar
Purchased from: Missing information 

Jean-Marie Auboine Chocolatier
Caramelized Almond 65% Dark Chocolate Gourmet (bar)
Good ++
Weight: 1.59 oz. (45 g.) / 3.18 oz. (90 g.) in total bar
Calories: 246 calories (estimate) in 1/2 bar
Cost: N/A - gift from a friend
Purchased from: N/A - gift from a friend

Welcome to Day #15 of Chocolate and Central America Theme Week, featuring a Sibo Chocolate Costa Rica Extra Dark 82% Cacao bar made by Chocoindustria Cinco, S.A. (in Costa Rica)--and a second "bonus" dark chocolate bar from Las Vegas (a gift from a friend).

Sibo Chocolate Costa Rica Extra Dark 82% Cacao (bar)

Aroma notes included: naturally sweet dark chocolate (cocoa, drinking chocolate, dark ganache); with light (and multiple shades of) vanilla--including vanilla marshmallow and barely detectable vanilla tobacco--even though there was no added vanilla listed in the ingredients; and sweet green. 

Texture: This relatively thin bar broke with a hard snap in a cold room, and had a smooth, buttery, slow satisfying melt and mouthfeel.

Flavor notes included: pleasing, rich and smooth hot cocoa with flavor notes similar to the aroma notes (mentioned above), along with faint nut (cashew, almond, nut/seed). This well-balanced chocolate was relatively low in bitterness for an 82%er.

As noted above, I was very surprised this did not contain added vanilla, given the lovely warm spice, and light floral and botanical range of notes I'd associate with vanilla.

Note: This Costa Rica chocolate was similar to Single Estate Guacimo Limon Costa Rica 82% bar that I had 8 years ago in 2018 from the same maker. So, I enjoyed a second new chocolate (below) to avoid a possible duplication. 

Ingredients: chocolate (cacao, organic sugar, cacao butter, sunflower lecithin).

Allergen-related information: May contain traces of milk, almonds and cashew.

Jean-Marie Auboine - Caramelized Almond 65% Dark Chocolate (bar)

This elegantly packaged dark chocolate bar--a gift from a friend--was from Jean-Marie Auboine Chocolatier (Las Vegas, NV). 

Aroma notes included: fresh/lightly roasted nuts (almonds) and chocolate.

Texture: the base chocolate had a smooth, almost creamy texture with a pleasing melt interspersed with crunchy whole, lightly caramelized almonds. 

Flavor notes included: smooth, sweet dark chocolate (chocolate-y, fudge, dark ganache) and nutty: lightly roasted and caramelized almonds.

I enjoyed this well-executed, balanced (approachable and sophisticated) chocolate and almond bar that was sweet enough to be somewhat addicting, but not overly sugar-y sweet.

Ingredients: "Cocoa Mass, Sugar, Almonds, Cocoa Butter, Soy Lecithin, Vanilla"

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

 

Guido Gobino - (Guatemala) 3050 70% Single origin Chocolate bar - Feb. 17, 2026

Chocolate of the Day

Guido Gobino 
Guatemala - 3050 70% Single origin Chocolate bar
Good ++ 
Weight: .95 oz. (27.5 g.) / 1.9 oz. (55 g.) in total bar
Calories: 160 calories in 1/2 bar
Cost: $14.50 for 1 bar
Purchased from: Bar & Cocoa, online order

Welcome to Day #14 of Chocolate & Central America Theme Week.

Today's Guatemala - "3050 70% Single origin Chocolate bar" was made by Guido Gobino Srl (Torino, Italy), using cacao grown in Guatemala. (The geographic (GPS) coordinates of the cacao origin were included on the packaging: 15 degrees 49' 24.9" N - 90 degrees 42' 51.9" W.*)

The cacao from Paso Cocodrilo cacao farm/estate* in Guatemala (near the border with Laguna Lachua National Park) is known for its pleasant, sweet, cooked fruit and warm spice notes.

Aroma notes for this bar included a subtle and smooth blend of: dark chocolate, sweet dried fruits (fig, date, mixed tropical fruits), warm earth/clay, very faint buttery nut, gentle wood and sweet green (green walnuts in syrup).

Texture: smooth and buttery with a satisfying melt.

Flavor notes included: very smooth dark chocolate; diffuse sweet dried fruits (mixed fruit, fig and very light citrus (lemon, tangerine), the faintest hints of sweet ripe pineapple and cacao fruit); and brief flickers of gentle warm spice (cinnamon) sweet-green herbal and nut.

I enjoyed the beautiful range of subtle, gentle aroma and flavor notes. This chocolate was very light on bitterness (almost none), and rich in very subtle fruit and other flavors mentioned above.

I appreciated the company's sourcing information; gentle (criollo-like) cacao flavors; the short list of three ingredients; and the choice of the brightly colored packaging that featured a water color design of a  rainbow-hued parrot flying above a misty green stroke of lush forest. It was a cheery bar, in more ways than one.

Maker's Tasting Notes: "Distinct bitter notes and marked astringency are balanced by sweetness, which adds complexity and balance. Intense cocoa aromas, accompanied by spicy nuances, emerge on the nose and palette."

Ingredients: "cocoa mass from Guatemala, sugar, cocoa butter."

Allergen-related information: "Gluten Free". "It may contain Hazelnut, Almond, Milk and Soy."

*Guido Gobino description: "Il Cacao Paso Cocodrilo nasce nel cuore di una foresta rigoliosa, coltivato con cura dalle comunita indigene. Un'eccellenza della nature che diventa emblema di regenerazione del territorio e custodes della sua biodiversita." 

*My translation into English: (The) Paso Cocodrilo Cacao was grown in the heart of a lush forest, carefully cultivated by indigenous communities. It is a natural treasure that has become a symbol of regeneration for the region and a guardian of its biodiversity.

Chocolate Tree - Belize Black 100% Dark Chocolate (No Sugar) (bar) - Feb. 16, 2026

Chocolate of the Day

Chocolate Tree
Belize Black 100% Dark Chocolate (No Sugar) (bar)
Good ++ 
Weight: 1.25 oz. (35 g.) / 2.5 oz. (70 g.) in total bar
Calories: 177.1 calories in 1/2 bar
Cost: $13.00 for 1 bar
Purchased from: Bar & Cocoa, online order

Welcome to Day #13 of Chocolate & Central America Theme Week -- a week with several dark bars crafted by small batch makers using cacao grown in Belize.

Today's Belize Black 100% Dark Chocolate Bar was made by Chocolate Tree (Knowes Farm, Scotland), using "ancestral and rare" (Belize) cacao: "Native Criollo (varieties), Upper Amazon Hybrids". 

Aroma notes for this ultra-dark chocolate included: dark chocolate, sweet dried fruits (fig, date, mixed tropical fruits, tart raisin), faint candied yam, and barely detectable sweet green botanical.

Texture: smooth and buttery with a satisfying melt.

Flavor notes included: dark chocolate (chocolate-y, slightly roast-y), tart sweet dried fruits (mixed fruit, fig and citrus marmalade), and brief flickers of warm spice (cinnamon) and sweet-tart lemon in the lingering finish. Low in bitterness for a 100% cacao chocolate (with no added sugar(s)).

I appreciated the company's thoughtful sourcing; the mold/form they used to create the beautiful interlocking birds pattern on this bar (and other bars); the short list of two organic ingredients; and the chocolate-y flavor with diffuse, balanced fruit notes.

Note: I experienced an added bonus from this 100% cacao bar. I wasn't feeling well. A few bites of this ultra-dark bar and my airways opened and my cough disappeared.*

Maker's Tasting Notes: "Figs, Pineapple, Raisins"

Maker's Pairing Suggestions: "Pair With: Single Malt Whisky"

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

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

*I've found ultra-dark chocolate to be a great bronchodilator.

Yojoa - Chocolate Oscuro Anejado en Barril de Whisky 70% - Feb. 15, 2026

Chocolate of the Day

Yojoa Chocolate
Chocolate Oscuro Anejado en Barril de Whisky 70%

(70% Whisky Barrel Aged Dark Chocolate (bar))
Good ++ 
Weight: 1.1 oz. (30 g.) / 2.2 oz. (60 g.) in total bar
Calories: 180 calories in 1/2 bar
Cost: $12.00 for 1 bar
Purchased from: Chocolate Dispensary, online order

Welcome to Day #12 of Chocolate & Central America Theme Week.

Today's Chocolate Oscuro Anejado en Barril de Whisky 70% (aka 70% Whisky Barrel Aged Dark Chocolate (bar)) was made and distributed by Yojoa Chocolate S.A. de C.V (Honduras).

Yojoa chocolate is "made in a traditional way"--from tree to the bar--with single origin Trinitario (variety) cacao that has been grown on their farm in the Yojoa lake region of Honduras.

Aroma notes for this bar wrapped in beautiful (blue) packaging with bird images included: dark chocolate with aromatic, diffuse fruit(s); faint, warm spirits (whisky); vanilla and brown sugar (panela).

Texture: relatively smooth with a touch of fruit astringency.

Flavor notes included: dark chocolate, shortbread cookie; faint diffuse fruit (pear, light citrus, other barely there tropical fruits (pineapple)), and faint, warm spirits (whisky, rum, malted grains). This 70%er dark chocolate was low in bitterness, and had balanced fruit acidity.

This was definitely a dark chocolate; but the makers were able to achieve a unique, uplifting, flavor profile with this bar that included malted grains, shortbread cookie and/or vanilla rum cake with the use of stone-ground panela, and vanilla.

I appreciated this well-executed, well-balanced chocolate. It was like having multiple, tasty desserts in one flavorful bar. 

Mild, malty spirits mellowed the blend of spiked chocolate fudge, vanilla cake and faint nut (almond) flavors. And delicate, tart-sweet fruit compote notes gave it some mild zing.

Ingredients: "Cacao anejado, Dulce de panela molido, manteca de Cacao, Vainilla."

Allergen-related information: This product could contain particles of nuts.

*I've been featuring a new/different chocolate every day for 19+ years here on Chocolate Banquet.

Seahorse Chocolate - Belize Fina Chocolat 75% (bar) - Feb. 14, 2026

Chocolate of the Day

Seahorse Chocolate 
Belize Finca Chocolat 75% (bar)
Good ++ 
Weight: .5 oz. (14 g.) in 1 small bar
Calories: 78 calories (estimate) in 1 small bar
Cost: $25.00 for tasting, sampler pack of 5 small bars
Purchased from: Seahorse Chocolate, online order

Welcome to Day #11 of Chocolate & Central America Theme Week. (For a second, bonus post for Valentines Day, see write-up on a "Beet-ing Heart" confection from Raaka Chocolate (Brooklyn, NY)).

Today's Belize Finca Chocolat* 75% bar was made by Seahorse Chocolate (Seattle, WA).

Aroma and flavor notes for this relatively intense dark chocolate included: extra-dark fudge, diffuse dried tropical fruit blend (pineapple, raisin, fig, citrus (orange, tangerine)) and a light bitterness (lemon peel in dark chocolate).

Texture: relatively smooth, with a satisfying thick and creamy melt (in a cold room). 

Maker's Tasting Notes: "Reminds us of: Fudgsicle, Dried Fruit, Ice Cream truck in winter."

Ingredients: "Cocoa Beans, Organic Sugar"

Allergen-related information: "Vegan, Gluten Free"

*Fince Chocolat is a 500+ acre (200+ hectare) cacao, timber and spice farm sitting in the shadows of the Maya Mountains in southern Belize.

Raaka - "Beet-ing Heart" with cherry & beet center chocolate - Feb. 14, 2026

Chocolate of the Day

Raaka 

Beet-ing Heart - with cherry and beet center chocolate
Good ++
Weight: 1.7 oz. (48.5 g.) / 3.4 oz. (97 g.) in total piece
Calories: 285 calories in 1/2 heart
Cost: $18.00 for 1 heart
Purchased from: Raaka, online order

Happy Valentines Day! We're taking a brief pause today from Chocolate & Central America Theme Week to celebrate this heart-themed holiday.

Today's "Beet-ing Heart" chocolate confection was manufactured by Raaka Chocolate (Brooklyn, NY).

This heart-shaped confection contained single origin cacao (Kokoa Kamili, Tanzania) dark chocolate, beets and cherries (cherry and beet center).

Aroma and flavor notes included: chocolate-y dark chocolate (dark fudge brownie) and red fruit (dark red berry, cherry) and very faint coconut.

Texture: The raspberry-hued, creamy smooth ganache center was surrounded by smooth dark chocolate.

This attractive chocolate heart was a balanced blend of smooth but flavorful dark chocolate; authentic cherry, very subtle sparkles of tasty lime, and barely detectable beet thoroughly incorporated into a smooth, creamy ganache filling.

I enjoyed this tasty (and a little addictive) Beet-ing Heart. I appreciated the rich, smooth, fudge-y dark chocolate; the short list of organic ingredients; the maker's focus on transparent trade; and the use of single origin (Tanzania) cacao.

Ingredients: organic cane sugar, organic cacao beans, organic cacao butter, organic coconut oil, organic coconut milk powder, organic tapioca flour, organic beet root powder, organic cherry juice, organic sunflower lecithin, organic lime powder, organic brown rice syrup.

Allergen-related information: "gluten free, vegan"

Spinnaker Chocolate - 90% Belize Single-Origin Maya Mountain cacao (bar) - Feb. 13, 2026

Chocolate of the Day

Spinnaker Chocolate
90% Belize Single-Origin Chocolate Maya Mountain Cacao (bar)
Good ++ 
Weight: 1 oz. (28.3 g.) / 2 oz. (57 g.) in total bar
Calories: 130 calories in 1/2 bar
Cost: $14.00 for 1 bar (current price)
Purchased from: Spinnaker, online order

Welcome to Day #10 of Chocolate and Central America Theme Week, including several bars crafted using Belize cacao from Maya Mountain Cacao.

Today's 90% Belize Single-Origin Chocolate Maya Mountain Cacao (bar) was from Spinnaker Chocolate (Seattle, WA).

Aroma notes for this ultra-dark chocolate included: dark chocolate with a very light, and relatively pleasant, vegetable (potato and greens) note, as well as very faint, diffuse fruit (very mild tropical fruit, berry).

Texture: relatively smooth texture with an even melt

Flavor notes included: ultra-dark chocolate but without the usual bitterness and acidity (fruit or otherwise).

I really enjoyed the uniquely easy-going, very smooth, ultra-dark aroma and flavor in this chocolate; and the lack of sugar. This was one of the least bitter 90% cacao chocolates I've ever tasted. (This belongs in a tasting flight with other high-percentage bars to illustrate the range of intensity (high-to-low) that's possible.)

The mild fruit notes were not the lively citrus, pineapple, red berry one often tastes in "fruitier" Belize cacaos; but rather softer, subtler white and blue fruits lower in acidity (blue pitaya (dragon fruit)) and very mild blueberry.

I appreciated the maker's choice of a short list of just two ingredients: cacao and organic cane sugar--with no added cocoa butter. 

Maker's Tasting Notes: "Super smooth and deliciously fruity. Even at 90% there's no bitterness from the amazing Maya Mountain Belize cacao." "You will like this if...You like our 70% Belize (bar) but just want something even less sweet. You like blue fruits and berries."

Ingredients: Cacao, Organic Cane Sugar

Allergen-related information: "Processed in a facility that uses milk powder and hazelnuts."

 

Chocolate Tree - Belize Maya Mountain 75% Bean to Bar - Feb. 12, 2026

Chocolate of the Day

Chocolate Tree
Belize 75% Dark Chocolate Bar
Good ++
Weight: 1.25 oz. (35 g.) / 2.5 oz. (70 g.) in total bar
Calories: 171.5 calories in 1/2 bar
Cost: $11.00 for 1 bar
Purchased from: Bar & Cocoa, online order

Welcome to Day #9 of Chocolate & Central America Theme Week -- a week with several dark bars crafted by small batch makers using cacao grown in Belize--sourced from Maya Mountain Cacao in Southern Belize.*

Today's Belize 75% Dark Chocolate Bar was made by Chocolate Tree (Knowes Farm, Scotland), using cacao ("Native Criollo (varieties), Upper Amazon Hybrids") from Maya Mountain Cacao.

Aroma and flavor notes for this bar included: dark chocolate (chocolate-y, slightly roast-y dark fudge brownie); diffuse and faint tart-sweet/tropical fruit; and very faint warm spice.

Texture: relatively smooth, dark chocolate with  a very subtle tart fruit astringency.

I appreciated the company's thoughtful sourcing; the mold/form they used to create the beautiful interlocking birds pattern on this bar (and other bars); the short list of three, organic ingredients; and the chocolate-y flavor with secondary, diffuse tropical fruit notes. (For those who don't care for the wonderful fruit, there was a little less fruit in this bar than some other Belize dark chocolates featured this week. Personally, I love balanced, naturally occurring cacao fruit notes.)

Maker's Tasting Notes: "Dried Fruit, Honey, Pineapple" 

Maker's Pairing Suggestions: "Pair With: Brownies, Granola, Dark Rum"

Ingredients: "Organic Cacao Beans, Organic Cane Sugar, Organic Cacao Butter."

Allergen-related information: "Manufactured in a facility that processes: milk, peanuts, soy, and tree nut ingredients." 

*When I visited Maya Mountain Cacao years ago, the Toledo district (and more broadly Southern Belize) felt like the equivalent (for cacao) of the Napa wine region in northern California. A special place. (The opportunity to discuss centuries old cacao traditions with Maya people/farmers was also very special.)

Maya Mountain Cacao purchases cacao (freshly harvested beans with pulp) from many local cacao farmers and provides high-quality, fine-flavored cacao beans to chocolate makers around the globe.

Bixby Chocolate - Guatemala 70% Dark Chocolate Bar - Feb. 11, 2026

Chocolate of the Day

Bixby Chocolate
Guatemala 70% Dark Chocolate Bar
Good ++
Weight: 1 oz. (28 g.) / 2 oz. (56 g.) in total bar
Calories: 140 calories in 1/2 bar
Cost: $11.50 for 1 bar
Purchased from: Bar & Cocoa, online order

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

Today's Guatemala 70% Dark Chocolate Bar was manufactured by Bixby & Co. (Rockland, Maine).

Aroma and flavor notes for this bar included: dark chocolate (chocolate-y, very slightly roast-y); diffuse tart-sweet/tropical fruit; very faint (warm) spice and floral (cinnamon + vanilla).

Texture: smooth, dark chocolate with an even melt, with very subtle fruit astringency.

I appreciated the makers' choice of a short list of three, organic ingredients, and the subtle complexity of the chocolate and the inherent fruit notes.

Ingredients: "Organic Cacao Beans, Organic Cane Sugar, Organic Cacao Butter."

Allergen-related information: "Manufactured in a facility that processes: milk, peanuts, soy, and tree nut ingredients."

Moire Origin Stories - Cacao Verapaz, Guatemala 72% Dark Chocolate (bar) - Feb. 10, 2026

Chocolate of the Day

Moire Cacao - Origin Stories
Cacao Verapaz, Guatemala 72% Dark Chocolate (bar)
Good +++
Weight: .97 oz. (27.5 g.) / 1.94 oz. (55 g.) in total bar
Calories: 170 calories in 1/2 bar
Cost: $18.00 for 1 bar
Purchased from: The Chocolate Dispensary, Los Angeles, CA

Welcome to Day #7 of Chocolate & Central America Theme Week.

Today's Moire Cacao Verapaz, Guatemala 72% Dark Chocolate (bar) was made by Eero Fortuna, LLC (Los Angeles, CA).

Aroma notes included: pleasing dark chocolate (rich fudge brownie, dark ganache) with a touch of milk or cream (there was no dairy in this bar) and diffuse fruit/dried fruit (berries, figs, dates); and (barely detectable) flickers of well-balanced woodsy/nutty/sweet green earth/forest; a slight umami (plum, soy and ginger sauce); faint caramel and maple nut.

Texture: relatively smooth dark chocolate texture, with a very, very fine textural quality from ground-in soft, perfectly ripe dates. (The ripe, high-quality dates and careful manufacturing meant a lack of grainy, dry date texture in the melt and mouthfeel. Thank you!)

Flavor notes included: smooth, dark chocolate with smooth fruit (date and diffuse tropical fruit, berry (ripe blackberry), currant, and faint citrus); and faint nuts/peanut butter in the finish. And just when I thought the flavors had run their course, a bit more stone fruit (apricot) showed up for a few seconds, and then disappeared

I loved this delicious, addictive and well-executed 72% dark chocolate. It had smooth but very flavorful and sophisticated complexity--with a few notes making brief hide-and-seek cameo appearances. The cacao percentage, cacao quality, and the sweetness levels all seemed just right. 

This was a very tasty, chocolate-y and fruit-forward bar. It was also the best date-sweetened bar I recall ever tasting. 

Thank you to Moire/Eeero Fortuna for working with just three, organic, high-quality ingredients--and for thoughtfully sourcing the Cacao Verapaz (Cahabon, Guatemala) single origin cacao that harmonized so well with the dates.

Maker's Tasting Notes: "Chocolate Brownie, Ripe Currants"

Ingredients: Organic Cacao Beans, Organic Date Powder, Organic Cocoa Butter

Allergen-related information: Processed in a Facility That Also Processes Nuts.

Choco Del Mar - Maya Mountain 70% Cocoa (bar) - Feb. 9, 2026

Chocolate of The Day

Choco Del Mar
Maya Mountain 70% Cocoa (bar)
Good ++ - Good +++
Weight: .88 oz. (25 g.) / 1.76 oz. (50 g.) in total bar
Calories: 140 calories in 1/2 bar
Cost: $11.00 for 1 bar
Purchased from: Choco Del Mar, online order

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

Today's Maya Mountain 70% Cocoa (bar) was made by Choco Del Mar (Los Altos, CA), using single origin cacao beans from Maya Mountain Cacao in Belize.

Aroma notes included: dark chocolate (drinking chocolate), fruit (red berry, red raspberry) and cream. (Note: there was no actual cream/milk in this bar.)

Texture: smooth, rich texture with a satisfying melt

Flavor notes included: rich dark chocolate (dark ganache, dark cacao with faint and well balanced bitterness); fruit (mixed berry, raspberry; dark raspberry + dark red fruit jam); and barely detectable spice (black pepper) and saltine cracker.

I enjoyed this well-executed flavorful and fruity dark chocolate with balanced complex aroma and flavor notes--all developed from just three ingredients.

Ingredients: Cocoa Nibs, Cane Sugar, Cocoa Butter

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

Loon Chocolate - 75% Maya Mountain Belize (bar) - Feb. 8, 2026

Chocolate of the Day

Loon Chocolate
75% Maya Mountain Belize (bar)
Good ++
Weight: 1 oz. (28.3 g.) / 2 oz. (57 g.) in total bar
Calories: 180 calories in 1/2 bar
Cost: $10.00 for 1 bar 
Purchased from: Bar & Cocoa, online order

Welcome to Day #5 of Chocolate and Central America Theme Week, including several bars crafted from Belize cacao.

Maya Mountain Cacao* operates in Southern Belize, a region known for its fine cacao. Makers of many (if not most) of the single origin Belize chocolate bars available in the U.S. will have obtained their cacao beans through Maya Mountain Cacao.

Today's Loon Chocolate 75% Maya Mountain Belize (bar) was manufactured by White Birch Living LLC (Manchester, NH). The small batch chocolate makers hand sort, roast, shell and stone grind the raw cacao they receive.

Aroma and flavor notes for this relatively robust dark chocolate included: dark chocolate (ultra-dark fruity fudge) with flavorful diffuse dried fruits (citrus, tropical fruits, pineapple, mango, fig jam cookie) and very faint warm spice (vanilla) and sweet green/herbal. 

Texture: Smooth, satisfying thick (in a cold room) melt and mouthfeel with a very light astringency. 

I enjoyed this well-balanced, relatively bold, complex and flavorful bar--and the subtle interplay between the cacao's light bitterness and sweet/sour fruit elements. This chocolate had authentic, concentrated fruit sweetness, without being too sweet.

All this flavor was developed from just three (organic) ingredients. 

Ingredients: Organic Cacao, Organic Cane Sugar, Organic Cocoa Butter

Allergen-related information: "Produced in a Facility That Uses Almonds, Milk and Wheat"

*Maya Mountain Cacao (MMC) is a specialty cacao sourcing company that works across the Toledo, Stann Creek and Cayo districts of Belize. 

MMC purchases fresh cacao, ferments and dried the cacao, and exports the cacao beans to numerous specialty chocolate makers in the U.S. and Europe.

Southern Belize is also known for having a very favorable growing climate for good cacao and for its rich cacao-related history.

Cacao has been cultivated in Belize for over 2,000 years, and has been used as food (and currency) by the Maya people. Cacao in this area has also been recognized by the Heirloom Cacao Preservation Fund for its unique flavors and genetically distinct characteristics. 

Dandelion Chocolate - 70% Maya Mountain Belize (2024 Harvest) - Feb. 7, 2026

Chocolate of the Day

Dandelion Chocolate
70% Maya Mountain Belize (2024 Harvest) (bar)
Good ++
Weight: 1 oz. (28.3 g.) / 2 oz. (57 g.) in total bar
Calories: 130 calories in 1/2 bar
Cost: $N/A - gift
Purchased from: N/A - gift from friends - Thank you Evan, Maddy & Isla!

Welcome to Day #4 of Chocolate and Central America Theme Week, including several bars crafted from Belize cacao.

Today's 70% Maya Mountain Belize (2024 Harvest) (bar) was made by Dandelion Chocolate (San Francisco, CA).

Aroma notes for this chocolate included: dark, relatively bold chocolate with faint molasses and peat notes with a subtle, well-managed bitterness. (The faint peat note receded after the package was opened for several minutes.)

Texture: Relatively smooth with a very faint, tannic astringency 

Flavor notes included: Bold dark chocolate with balanced/managed bitterness and tannins with initial chocolate-y sweetness, followed by sour, dried fruit (citrus peel + apple + plum marmalade), barely detectable molasses, and light wood. 

After a few bites, the "sour"/marmalade fruit mellowed into tart-sweet red fruit and berry territory. 

This chocolate tasted more bold/intense than 70% cacao; it was closer to an 80%er. A fruit ale-like (almost hoppy)* bitterness lingered into a fairly long, ultra-dark chocolate-y finish. 

Note to milk chocolate fans with a sweet tooth...This Belize bar was full of flavors; but some of these flavors might be a bit intense for those easily frightened by bolder dark chocolates.

I really appreciated the makers' short list of just two ingredients; no added cocoa butter; and the choice of single origin (Maya Mountain Cacao, Belize) from a single harvest year (2024). 

I've long appreciated Dandelion Chocolate's range of single origin chocolates -- made with a group of different makers in their San Francisco location(s). A Belize bar one year might be slightly different than the next. The more specific the cacao type, origin, harvest and maker's roasting choices are, the more unique and special the flavor profile will be. 

Ingredients: Cacao Beans & Cane Sugar

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

*Note: I drank some hop water, then re-tasted this chocolate. The chocolate tasted much mellower, balanced, sweeter and less bitter. So, this bar might be great paired with a hop-heavy ale or stout, or a smoky/peaty whiskey.

Amano Artisan Chocolate - El Cayo Belize 70% Cocoa Dark Chocolate (bar) - Feb. 6, 2026

Chocolate of the Day

Amano Artisan Chocolate
El Cayo Belize 70% Cocoa Dark Chocolate (bar)
Good +++
Weight: 1.5 oz. (42.5 g.) / 3 oz. (85 g.) in total bar
Calories: 202 calories in 1/2 bar
Cost: $15.00 for 1 bar (current price)
Purchased from: Bar & Cocoa, online order

Welcome to Day #3 of Chocolate and Central America Theme Week, including several bars crafted from Belize cacao.

Today's El Cayo Belize 70% Cocoa Dark Chocolate (bar) was from Amano Artisan Chocolate (Orem, UT).

Aroma notes for this attractively packaged* dark chocolate included: dark chocolate with dried fruits (cacao pulp, pear, red raspberry, cherry, green fig, green walnuts in syrup, and fig + vanilla cookie.

Texture: relatively smooth, thick (in a cold room), satisfying melt and mouthfeel.

Flavor notes included: chocolate-y dark chocolate (fudge brownie), vanilla marshmallow, dried fruits (mentioned above -- red berry/raspberry, red cherry and ripe plum notes arriving first, followed by tiny spikes of dried fig, dried plum, with fig + vanilla cookie (and almost undetectable sugar molasses chocolate cake/Boston Brown Bread and nuts) toward at the end of a wonderfully long finish.

I really enjoyed the flavorful, fruit-forward complexity in this well-executed Belize dark chocolate. Savor this chocolate slowly to fully enjoy all this bar has to offer from start to finish.

Normally, I'm not a huge fan of vanilla (or vanillin) being added to single origin dark chocolates. However, the judicious dose of ground vanilla bean(s) in today's bar, added a cookie/baked goods warmth and very nicely complemented the fruit notes without being too overwhelming (thank you!).

Maker's Tasting Notes: "...strong chocolate base with notes of raspberries, pears, dried cherries, and plums."

Ingredients: Cocoa Beans, Pure Cane Sugar, Cocoa Butter, Whole Vanilla Beans

Allergen-related information: "May Contain Traces of Peanuts, Tree Nuts, Soy, Wheat and Milk  Products"

*The colorful artwork on the packaging was by painter Martina Shapiro.

 

L'Amourette Chocolat - Limited Edition 75% Trinitario Cacao Medalla Nicaragua (bar) - Feb. 5, 2026

Chocolate of the Day

L'Amourette Chocolat LLC 
Limited Edition 75% Trinitario Cacao Medalla Nicaragua (bar)
Good +++
Weight: 1.25 oz. (35 g.) / 2.5 oz. (70 g.) in total bar
Calories: 194 calories (estimate) in 1/2 bar
Cost: $11.99 for 1 bar
Purchased from: Country Sun Natural Foods, Palo Alto, CA 

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

Today's Limited Edition 75% Trinitario Cacao Medalla Nicaragua (bar) was made by L'Amourette Chocolat LLC (San Francisco, CA).

L'Amourette was founded in 2011 by Andre V. (and partner Roxanne). They offer European style dark chocolates: single origin chocolate bars; bars containing flavor inclusions; toffee; and truffles.

The Medalla cacao in this bar is a fine aroma cacao variety from Nicaragua, from Ingemann Fine Cocoa (Managua, Nicaragua). Chief chocolate maker Andre V., describes Medalla cacao pods as being "round and vibrant yellow."

Aroma notes included: flavorful dark chocolate; sweet green (green walnuts in syrup); dried fruits (fig, date, tropical fruit (cacao pulp, banana, pineapple, gentle citrus (orange, lemon), mango, mangosteen, other); and diffuse, warm spices & brown sugar-molasses cookie. 

Texture: smooth, thick (creamy nut butter-like) melt and mouthfeel.

Flavor notes included: a dazzling, harmonious array of rich, flavorful chocolate and fruit notes (fudge brownie with mixed tropical fruit jam, cacao pulp, dates, figs and brown sugar). All this, with a nicely-balanced fruit acidity and bitterness. This bar had a lingering finish with almond butter and berry notes at the very end.

I loved the well-executed vibrant complexity of aromas and flavors in this chocolate.

Maker's description: "Notes of dried fruit, molasses, Caribbean spices, and oats..."

Ingredients: Trinitario Cacao Beans, Cacao Butter, Cane Sugar

Allergen-related information: Manufactured in a facility that also processes peanuts.

Fjak - Licorice Root & Sea Salt Milk Chocolate 50% (bar) Nordic Collection - Feb. 4, 2026

Chocolate of the Day

Fjak 
Licorice Root & Sea Salt Milk Chocolate 50% (bar)
Good ++
Weight: 1.06 oz. (30 g.) / ~2.11 oz. (~60 g.) in total bar
Calories: 176 calories in 1/2 bar
Cost: $14.00 for 1 bar
Purchased from: Bar & Cocoa, online order

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

Today's Licorice Root & Sea Salt Milk Chocolate 50% (bar) was from Norwegian maker -- Fjak Chocolate AS -- from their Nordic Collection. 

This bar was made using cacao from Guatemala. Once again, a chocolate with a global story that spans at least three continents (Central/South

Aroma notes included: gentle, but aromatic milk chocolate (authentic cacao, drinking chocolate, fermented berry/wine, almost undetectable black pepper) and faint, herbal (licorice) root.

The licorice root was fully incorporated into a smooth, buttery milk chocolate that had a slow, creamy melt.

Flavor notes included pleasant, light flavors (criollo/white cacao bean; almost white milk chocolate), making this bar initially seem a bit "blander" than most licorice chocolate bars. I highly recommend you savor this chocolate slowly to appreciate the nuances of flavor and aroma that seem to reveal more of themselves over several minutes. 

The licorice root and the sea salt flavor inclusions were quite subtle. And that helped the cacao notes to shine through.

I appreciated the maker's skillful balancing of more subtle flavors; their use of high-quality, organic and gluten-free ingredients, and single origin organic cacao beans from Guatemala.

Ingredients: Cocoa Beans*, Cane Sugar*, Milk Powder*, Cocoa Butter*, Liquorice Root*, Sea Salt. Min. 50% cocoa.

Allergen-related information: Contains Milk. "Certified Organic. Gluten Free"

Ritual Chocolate - Orange Cranberry Bar 46% Cacao - Feb. 3, 2026

Chocolate of the Day

Ritual Chocolate
Orange Cranberry Bar 46% Cacao 
Good ++
Weight: 2.12 oz. (60 g.) in total bar
Calories: 420 calories in 1 bar
Cost: $11.99 for 1 bar
Purchased from: Whole Foods, Los Altos, CA

Welcome to Day #14 of Chocolate, Warm Spices & Maple Theme Week.

Today's Orange Cranberry Bar 46% Cacao was from Ritual Chocolate (Heber City, UT). I paired this chocolate with a hot, spiced cider (with an extra dash of cinnamon).

Aroma and flavor notes included: rich, sweet, milk chocolate; caramel; and fruit (dark red berry/cranberry; subtle, authentic citrus (orange)).

Texture: creamy, smooth, orange extract-infused milk chocolate broke with a light snap. About every third bite contained a whole, plump, dried cranberry--that was moist, softly chewy and satisfying. 

The ruby-hued, dried cranberries were sweetened, but weren't overly sweet (thank you).

This was a sweet, holiday chocolate. (When the cacao content of a chocolate dips into the 40% cacao range (less than 50% cacao), relatively more sugar can mask cacao and other flavors.) But the complementary, balanced and authentic cacao, citrus and cranberry elements in this bar helped balance the sweetness.

I appreciated the thoughtful execution behind this orange milk chocolate with cranberries bar and the choice of organic, authentic-tasting ingredients.

Maker's Tasting Notes: "Orange Zest, Cranberry & Light Caramel"

Ingredients: Organic Cacao, Organic Cane Sugar, Organic A1/A2 Whole Milk Powder, Organic Cocoa Butter, Organic Cranberries (Organic Dried Cranberries, Organic Sunflower Oil), Orange Extract (Organic Sunflower Oil, Organic Orange Oil)

Allergen-related information: "Contains Milk." "Manufactured in a facility that also processes Milk, Tree Nuts, and Wheat." 

Ritual Chocolate - Gingerbread Toffee Crisp - Spiced Oat Milk Chocolate with Molasses Toffee Crisp 53% Cacao (bar) - Feb. 2, 2026

Chocolate of the Day

Ritual Chocolate
Gingerbread Toffee Crisp - Spiced Oat Milk Chocolate with Molasses Toffee Crisp 53% Cacao (bar)
Good ++
Weight: 2.12 oz. (60 g.) in total bar
Calories: 420 calories in 1 bar
Cost: This was 1 of 3 items in a $44.00 holiday bundle
Purchased from: Ritual Chocolate, online order

Welcome to Day #13 of Chocolate, Warm Spices & Maple Theme Week.

Today's Limited Edition Gingerbread Toffee Crisp - Spiced Oat Milk Chocolate with Molasses Toffee Crisp 53% Cacao (bar) was from Ritual Chocolate (Heber City, UT).

Aroma and flavor notes included: relatively smooth dark chocolate; (ginger) cookie dough; and a full spectrum of warm, gingerbread spices.

Texture: relatively smooth, oat milk dark chocolate base, with a layer of finely ground spiced and slightly crunchy (very tiny toffee bits).

I appreciated the thoughtful execution behind this gingerbread chocolate. I loved the layer of high-quality gingerbread spices (and barely perceptible toffee bits) on the back of the bar, that created a layered tasting experience. I also appreciated that this 53% bar was sweet--without being overly so, and that the oat milk was not too grainy-feeling.

Note: Often gingerbread flavors are seasonal. This Limited Edition bar was still available on Ritual Chocolate's website when I checked today (2/2/2026).

Ingredients: Cacao, Organic Cane Sugar, Oat Flour, Organic Cocoa Butter, Cinnamon, Nutmeg, Ground Ginger, Allspice, Cloves, Cayenne Pepper, Sunflower Oil, Molasses Toffee (Unsulphered Molasses, Organic Cane Sugar, Organic Coconut Oil, Distilled Vinegar, Sea Salt, Baking Soda)

Allergen-related information: "Manufactured in a facility that also processes Milk, Tree Nuts, and Wheat."

Elements - Maple Toffee Dark Chocolate 70% Cacao (bar) - Feb. 1, 2026

Chocolate of the Day

Elements
Maple Toffee Dark Chocolate 70% Cacao (bar)
Good + - Good ++
Weight: 1.8 oz. (50 g.) in total bar
Calories: 304 calories in 1 bar
Cost: $5.99 total bar
Purchased from: Missing information

Welcome to Day #12 of Chocolate, Warm Spices & Maple Theme Week.

Today's Maple Toffee Dark Chocolate 70% Cacao (bar) was made in Switzerland and distributed by Elements Truffles (Union City, NJ). The company offers a line of different chocolate bars with connections to Ayurveda; and it donates 25% of profits to a non-profit dedicated to helping children.

Aroma and flavor notes for this bar (made with Ecuador cacao) included: dark chocolate (roasted/roast-y cacao), faint brown/maple sugar, and very faint herbal--that might have come from the subtle dose of moringa* powder.

Texture: smooth, relatively creamy dark chocolate with tiny grains of maple sugar (and possibly coconut sugar and moringa powder).

The attractive artwork on the packaging (a design with a bear among maple trees) was "inspired by the Gond tribal artisans." (The Gond are a group of indigenous peoples in India known for their cultural practices and nature-themed artwork, including beautiful paintings of trees.)

I appreciated the maker's choice to use single origin cacao from Ecuador and the bar's relatively short list of Non-GMO ingredients.

Ingredients: Organic Cacao, Organic Coconut Sugar, Organic Cacao Butter, Organic Maple Syrup, Organic Moringa Powder.

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

*Moringa is derived from a tree that likely originated in northern India (in the Himalayan foothills). Moringa is cultivated in countries in Asia, Africa and Central America. And different parts of this tree have been used in traditional medicine (e.g. in Ayurvedic practices). Moringa contains vitamins A, C and E, as well as iron, potassium and calcium.

TCHO - Yule Nog Oat Milk 35% Cacao (bar) + Napa Noir - Salted Cabernet 64% Cacao (bar) - Jan. 31, 2026

Chocolate(s) of The Day

TCHO

Yule Nog - Eggnog with Nutmeg & Rum Flavor Cashew Oat Milk White Chocolate (bar)
Good++
Weight: 2.1 oz. (60 g.) in 1 package of three small bars
Calories: 360 calories in 3 small bars (1 package of 3 bars)
Cost: $7.19 (sale) for 1 package
Purchased from: The Market at Edgewood, Palo Alto, CA

TCHO + Clif Family
Napa Noir - Cabernet Salted Bar Made With Organic Dark Chocolate And Barrel-Aged Nibs 64% Cacao 
Good ++
Weight: 1.65 oz. (46.2 g.) /2.5 oz. (70 g.) total package of three bars

Calories: 240 calories in 2 small bars
Cost: $11.99 for 1 bar (package of 3 smaller bars)
Purchased from: TCHO, online order 

Welcome to Day #11 of Chocolate, Warm Spices & Maple Theme Week here on Chocolate Banquet.

Today two winter warmer bars were from TCHO Ventures Inc. (Berkeley, CA): 

• 1.) a "Yule Nog" (Eggnog With Nutmeg & Rum Flavor Cashew Oat Milk White Chocolate) 35% Cacao chocolate
• 2.) a "Napa Noir" - Cabernet Salted Bar Made With Organic Dark Chocolate And Barrel-Aged Nibs 64% Cacao - a collaboration with the Clif Family Winery (Saint Helena, CA)

Yule Nog (bars)

Aroma and flavor notes for this Organic bar included: aromatic and authentic nutmeg spice; warm spirits (rum); white chocolate cookie dough; faint nut--all culminating in a surprisingly tasty white chocolate with convincing eggnog taste--without egg or dairy.

The texture was quite smooth for a non-dairy, white chocolate bar. I noticed a very faint, fine granularity in my throat from the oat milk and cashew (and maybe ground nutmeg); but it didn't distract me that much. It had a thick, creamy-gummy texture that resolved into a very satisfying melt and mouthfeel.

I appreciated the company's choice to use organic ingredients, their blend of 100% Plant-based ingredients and the high-quality nutmeg and rum flavors that conjured up the true spirit of eggnog.

Ingredients: Cocoa Butter*+, Gluten Free Oat Flour* (Oat Flour*, Natural Vitamin E), Cane Sugar*, Cashew Butter*, Coconut Oil*, Nutmeg Powder*, Sea Salt, Vanilla*, Natural Flavors* 

* = Organic, + = Fair Trade Certified - Over 34% Fair Trade Certified Ingredients

Allergen-related information: Contains Cashews. May Contain Other Tree Nuts.

Napa Noir (bars)

Aroma notes included: smooth dark chocolate; faint red fruit (red grape, red berry, red wine); barely detectable pepper.

Texture: smooth base dark chocolate mixed with crunchy cacao nibs bits

Flavor notes: smooth dark chocolate (chocolate-y, hot cocoa/drinking chocolate, dark fudge, cocoa nibs) with faint red fruit (red grape, berry, watermelon, red wine) and a perfect touch of salt.

This was a tasty, well-balanced bar with chocolate, red fruit, salt, and crunchy (Peruvian) cacao nibs -- all blended harmoniously together. 

Both TCHO bars today exceeded my expectations and I'd happily enjoy them again (if they are available in the future). 

(Note: this Napa Noir bar was still available on the TCHO website shop as well as the Clif Family Winery online store when I checked this week. The Clif Family red wine used to make this bar was: "Kit's Killer Cab.")

I appreciated the packaging (3 individually-wrapped bars that can be easily shared with others); the maker's use of Organic, quality and thoughtfully sourced ingredients; and the clever use of using wine infused sugar and salt to flavor this sweet and salty dark chocolate*.

Ingredients: Organic Cacao Beans, Organic Cane Sugar, Wine Sugar (Cane Sugar, Wine), Organic Roasted Cacao Nibs, Organic Cocoa Butter, Wine Sea Salt (Salt, Wine), Organic Sunflower Lecithin

Allergen-related information: "May Contain Tree Nuts. Contains Less Than 1% Alcohol."

*Chocolate is hydrophobic (does not play well with water/liquids), so if you're stirring around a large vat of melted chocolate, the last thing you want to do is to add water, milk, beverages or other liquid libations. You run the risk of the chocolate seizing up. (Milk chocolate is made by adding powdered milk.) 

Wine-flavored chocolates can be created by storing/aging cacao nibs in old wine casks. Or, liquids can be reduced/dried and infused into melted cocoa butter--or blended with batches of sugar and salt using drying or evaporation techniques--with the result being wine-flavored sugar and salt. 

The first and third techniques mentioned above were likely used with today's Napa Noir bar.