Kakoa - 76% Cacao Pichucalco, Chiapas, Mexico (bar) - Mar. 31, 2026

Chocolate of the Day

Kakoa
76% Cacao Pichucalco, Chiapas  (bar)
Good ++
Weight: 2.11 oz. (60 g.) in total bar
Calories: 327 calories (estimate) in 1 bar
Cost: $13.00 for 1 bar
Purchased from: Bar & Cocoa, online order

Welcome to Day #15 of Chocolate & Mexico Theme Week(s).

Today's 76% Cacao Pichucalco, Chiapas (bar) was made by Kakoa (Rio Chico, Mexico City, Mexico). 

Aroma and flavor notes included: dark chocolate with a very slight botanical or fruit sharpness and bitterness--think cranberry, pomegranate, some dark berries, black currant--but with green and tropical fruit top notes (red dragon fruit), and barely detectable plant/wood.

The flavors were relatively bold, but well balanced, and resolved into an appealing and unique dark chocolate that was relatively smooth with a satisfying finish.

Texture: smooth with faint astringency (although not as much as I would have thought given the initial aroma).

I enjoyed these unique fruit flavors and the long fruit finish. 

And I appreciated the short list of (just two) quality ingredients, including single origin Mexican cacao from Chiapas--and the information about the cacao farm(ers) who cared for this cacao--the Vila Contreras family. The following is a brief translated description: 

The biodiversity of the hacienda with howler monkeys, ocelots, coatis and other animals plays an important role in supporting the equilibrium of the ecosystem, converting it into the ideal environment for the organic production of cacao.

Rafael and his family have been producing cacao for more than 35 years in Hacienda Napana, located in Pichucalco, Chiapas  (near the border with Tabasco, in southeastern Mexico).

Ingredients: Cocoa Beans and Sugar 

Allergen-related information: May contain milk and tree nuts. (Manufactured in a facility that also processes milk and tree nuts.)

 

Kakoa - 60% Cacao - Comalcalco, Tabasco, Mexico; Dark Milk and Peppermint Caramels (bar)

Chocolate of the Day

Kakoa
60% Cacao Comalcalco, Tabasco Dark Milk Chocolate with Peppermint Caramels (bar)
Good ++
Weight: 2.11 oz. (60 g.) in total bar
Calories: 327 calories (estimate) in 1 bar
Cost: $13.00 for 1 bar
Purchased from: Bar & Cocoa, online order

Welcome to Day #14 of Chocolate & Mexico Theme Week(s).

Today's 60% Cacao Comalcalco, Tabasco Dark Milk Chocolate with Peppermint Caramels (bar) was made by Kakoa (Rio Chico, Mexico City, Mexico). 

Aroma and flavor notes included: dark milk chocolate; subtle caramel and mint; and barely detectable lime (sweet key lime pie) and red dragon fruit. 

Texture: smooth, relatively creamy dark chocolate, with tiny crunchy flecks/bits.

I really enjoyed the beautifully balanced blend of the three flavors: dark milk chocolate, caramel and light peppermint flavors in this limited edition bar. For me, the peppermint level was just right (authentic, and not too overpowering).

And I appreciated the short list of quality ingredients, including single origin Mexican cacao from Comalcalco, Tabasco.

Ingredients: Cocoa Beans, Sugar, Milk, Cocoa Butter and Peppermint Caramels

Allergen-related information: (Contains: Milk.) May contain milk and tree nuts. (Manufactured in a facility that also processes milk and tree nuts.)

Levelez - Chocolate Oscuro Mexico 75% Cacao Trinitario Sierra de Tabasco (bar) - Mar. 29, 2026

Chocolate of the Day

Levelez
Chocolate Oscuro Mexico 75% Cacao Trinitario Sierra de Tabasco (bar)
Good ++ 
Weight: 1.06 oz. (30 g.) / 2.12 oz. (60 g.) in total bar
Calories: 180 calories in 1/2 bar
Cost: $20.00 for 1 bar
Purchased from: Chocolate Dispensary, online order

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

Today's Levelez Chocolate Oscuro Mexico 75% Cacao Trinitario Sierra de Tabasco (bar) was produced by Silvia Guedez Chocolatier (Villahermosa, Tabasco, Mexico). 

This 75% dark chocolate was crafted "with Trinitario cacao from the community of Carro Blanco in Tacotalpa,...in the mountains of Tabasco."

Aroma notes included: dark chocolate gentle fruit (melon) and very faint warm spice.

Texture: relatively smooth, with a very faint fruit astringency.

Flavor notes included: sweet and smooth-tasting dark chocolate with lots of fruit(s) (melons, ripe tropical fruit (mango, cacao fruit pulp), and mild, almost apple. A few hours later, I tasted tangy, sweet fruit that included sweet, slightly more tangy mango, berry, and very faint dried fruit (almost date, and almost dried plum). It was a bit of chocolate magic how these fruit flavors evolved over just a few hours.

This dark chocolate tasted slightly sweeter than expected. (It tasted more like a 62% cacao bar vs. a 75% cacao chocolate--in part due to the naturally sweet fruit notes).

Maker's Tasting Notes: "This mountain grown cacao offers a flavor profile with delicate fruity notes and subtle woody undertones, capturing the unique essence of its origin..."

I enjoyed the balanced, complex range of fruit flavors that made this a fun chocolate to taste.

Ingredients: Organic premium cacao, organic cane sugar, cocoa butter.

Allergen-related information: Manufactured in a facility that also processes nuts and dairy.

   

Levelez - Spicy Dried Mango with Chocolate - Mar. 28, 2026

Chocolate of the Day

Levelez
Spicy Dried Mango with Chocolate  
Good ++
Weight: 1.0 oz. (28.3 g.) / 3.52 oz. (100 g.) in total package
Calories: 120 calories in 1 oz. serving
Cost: $22.00 for 1 package
Purchased from: Chocolate Dispensary, online order

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

Today's Levelez Spicy Dried Mango with 75% Chocolate pieces were produced by Silvia Guedez Chocolatier (Villahermosa, Tabasco, Mexico). 

Aroma and flavor notes included: chocolate (smooth, dark, sweet), sweet mango with a light, spicy kick.

Texture: relatively moist/pump, chewy mango strips were sprinkled with seasoning and were almost fully dipped in/coated with smooth, dark chocolate (made with Mexican cacao from Tabasco).

These mango and dark chocolate confections were also fairly addicting. 

Description: "Sweet, sour, slightly spicy...Chili-coated dried mangoes, covered with 75% origin chocolate from Cerro Blanco, Tabasco. An unexpected contrast that awakens the senses and celebrates the tropical richness of Mexico."

Ingredients: "Spicy dried mango, chili mix, iodized salt, citric acid, red 40 dye, yellow 6 dye, sulfur dioxide, chocolate"

Allergen-related information: Manufactured in a facility that also processes nuts and dairy. 

Levelez - Chocolate Oscuro y Frambuesas - Mar. 27, 2026

Chocolate of the Day

Levelez
Chocolate Oscuro y Frambuesas 58% (bar)
Good + - Good ++
Weight: 1.06 oz. (30 g.) / 2.12 oz. (60 g.) in total bar
Calories: 170 calories in 1/2 bar
Cost: $20.00 for 1 bar
Purchased from: Chocolate Dispensary, online order

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

Today's Levelez Chocolate Oscuro y Frambuesas 58% (bar) was produced by Silvia Guedez Chocolatier (Villahermosa, Tabasco, Mexico). 

Aroma and flavor notes included: smooth, sweet dark chocolate and aromatic, sweet red raspberry.

Texture: relatively smooth 

I enjoyed trying this bar from Mexico. The high sugar level made it difficult to detect chocolate/cacao flavor nuances; but those with a sweet tooth or who like tart-sweet fruit flavors may enjoy this bright, red raspberry chocolate confection.

Ingredients: Premium cacao, organic sugar, cocoa butter and raspberry powder.

Allergen-related information: Manufactured in a facility that also processes nuts and dairy.

  

Levelez - Chocolate Oscuro y Mango 58% (bar) - Mar. 26, 2026

Chocolate of the Day

Levelez
Chocolate Oscuro y Mango 58% (bar)
Good + - Good ++ 
Weight: 1.06 oz. (30 g.) / 2.12 oz. (60 g.) in total bar
Calories: 170 calories in 1/2 bar
Cost: $20.00 for 1 bar
Purchased from: Chocolate Dispensary, online order

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

Today's Levelez Chocolate Oscuro y Mango 58% (bar) was produced by Silvia Guedez Chocolatier (Villahermosa, Tabasco, Mexico). 

This chocolate was adorned with plant symbols and printed on the packaging was a poetic story of the growth of seeds and their potential to flower, to transcend and ultimately to leave a gentle light or legacy.*

Aroma and flavor notes included: chocolate (smooth, dark, sweet) and diffuse tropical fruits (mango, faint floral passionfruit; mango candy/chewing gum with very faint spice (cardamom). 

Texture: relatively smooth

The sweetness level was high for me; but those with a sweet tooth may enjoy exploring this fruity bar from Mexico that highlighted Mexican-grown mango flavor from Oaxaca.

Ingredients: Premium cacao, organic sugar, cocoa butter and mango powder.

Allergen-related information: Manufactured in a facility that also processes nuts and dairy.

*The phrase "Sera frondoso, Sera Levelez" appears--roughly translated: "It will be leafy/lush; it will be light."

"Levelez" in Hungarian translated into English roughly means: "she writes" or corresponds--which might  apply also. This chocolatier is making connections between the growth and potential of plants and seeds (and as well as chocolate, and possibly humans). And she is creating and sharing chocolate with us, which is a product of seeds grown with light--and then that have been transformed into chocolate. 

 

Moire - Sister Crops Tuxpeno Corn *M!lk* 60% Dark M!lk Chocolate (bar) - Mar. 25, 2026

Chocolate of the Day

Moire
Sister Crops Tuxpeno Corn *M!lk* 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: Chocolate Dispensary, online order

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

Today's Moire Sister Crops Tuxpeno Corn *M!lk* Chocolate (bar) was made by Eero Fortuna, LLC (Los Angeles, CA).

Initial aroma and flavor notes for this bar included: very faint chocolate and faint corn meal mush/corn pudding/cornbread. The subtle corn flavor was authentic and pleasant, but (initially) it seemed to neutralize flavors in the cacao/chocolate, resulting (initially) in a more bland flavor than I was expecting.

Then some chocolate magic occurred...The taste changed as I took more bites. I'm guessing my palette adjusted to the corn flour. I began tasting more of the dark chocolate. It was relatively bold, but smooth. It seemed any rough edges (acidity/bitterness/astringency) in the cacao might have been buffed away by the corn flour. There was a dried fruit (date + very faint berry/citrus blend) note--primarily from the dates used to sweeten this bar.

Texture: This well-tempered bar broke with a snap (in a cold room) and had a very smooth, thick and creamy texture--comparable to other dark milk (alternative "milk" and some dairy milk) chocolates. There was no grainy texture. 

The corn flour added heft, resulting in a bar that tasted like: 35% substantial (and very slightly savory) side dish (corn meal mush, almost corn tamale), 55% dark chocolate and 10% date pudding.

I loved the concept behind this bar: pairing two foods from Mexico with a very long, shared cultural and culinary history. The cacao and corn harmonized well together. And it was an honor to try this very thoughtfully conceived chocolate.

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

Maker's Tasting Notes: "Toasted Cornbread, Corn Pudding"

Ingredients: "Organic Cacao Beans, Organic Date Powder, Organic Cocoa Butter, Heirloom Tuxpeno Corn Flour, Sea Salt"

Allergen-related information: Processed in a Facility That Also Processes Nuts. "Vegan + Gluten Free"

Hijita - Mexican Cacao Para Beber with Cardamom - Mar. 24, 2026

Chocolate of the Day

Hijita 
Mexican Cacao Para Beber with Cardamom
Good + - Good ++
Weight: 1.06 oz. (30 g.) / 2.12 oz. (60 g.) package
Calories: 165 calories (estimate) in 1/2 package
Cost: $11.00 for 1 package 
Purchased from: Hijita.com, online order

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

Today's Mexican Cacao Para Beber (drinking chocolate) with Cardamom was made by Hijita, LLC (Austin, TX).

This drinking chocolate came packaged as an attractively shaped (hexagonal, floral, multi-dimensional) dark chocolate sculpture; and it was made using lavado* (washed, unfermented) cacao from from Revival Cacao in Tabasco (the state were where most cacao is grown in Mexico).

Aroma and flavor notes (for the chocolate before it was prepared) included: relatively smooth dark chocolate, and warm spice (faint cardamom) and vanilla. (Note: I taste drinking chocolates before and after liquid is added for a full dose of texture and flavors.).

Texture: The unprepared (solid) chocolate was slightly granular (stoneground) with (piloncillo) sugar crystals that slowly dissolved in my mouth. After being prepared, the hot chocolate was smooth and satisfying. 

After preparation as a hot beverage with milk, both flavors and texture were smoother. (The almost crunchy sugar crystals melted into the milk, and the vanilla was warm and comforting.)

Both the base (unprepared) chocolate and the chocolate beverage I made from this drinking chocolate had very appealing and authentic chocolate (smooth dark chocolate, chocolate-y cocoa) and spice (light cardamom, vanilla bean) notes.

I enjoyed and appreciated the opportunity to try this unique chocolate, and learning more about Revival Cacao's work in Mexico to bring back fine cacaos to one of the original growing regions. 

Ingredients: "Cacao*, Piloncillo*, Cinnamon*, Vanilla Bean*, Sea Salt*, Cacao Butter* (*sourced direct from small family-owned agroforestry farms in mexico)" (Note: I feel fairly certain this Cardamom blend did contain cardamom, but it may have accidentally been omitted from this ingredients list.)

Allergen-related information: "Produced in a facility that also uses Peanuts & Tree Nuts"

*After careful manually harvesting cacao pods, cacao beans are removed from the outer husk. And instead of fermenting pulp-covered beans, the pulpy fruit is washed (lavado). The washed beans are then dried. Washed beans have a reddish hue and often yield a different flavor profile than fermented cacaos, and may include bitter, astringent, citrus or earth notes. Results vary depending on several factors.

Washed cacao has been used for thousands of years, and is still relatively common in Mexico. Cacao lavado is most frequently used in drinking chocolates and moles (rich chili sauces that contain cacao as one of many ingredients) in Mexico--especially in Chiapas and Oaxaca. Less processing also helps preserve polyphenols/flavanoids. 

Hijita - Original - Mexican Cacao Para Beber with cinnamon, vanilla bean, piloncillo - Mar. 23, 2026

Chocolate of the Day

Hijita 
Original - Mexican Cacao Para Beber with cinnamon, vanilla bean, piloncillo
Good + - Good ++
Weight: 1.06 oz. (30 g.) / 2.12 oz. (60 g.) package
Calories: 165 calories (estimate) in 1/2 package
Cost: $11.00 for 1 package 
Purchased from: Hijita.com, online order

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

Today's Original - Mexican Cacao Para Beber (for drinking) with cinnamon, vanilla bean, piloncillo was made by Hijita, LLC (Austin, TX).

This drinking chocolate came packaged as an attractively shaped (hexagonal, floral, multi-dimensional) dark chocolate sculpture and was made using cacao from Chinantla, Oaxaca, Mexico. The cacao producer was Dona Dionisia Garcia. 

I started today's tasting by learning more about washed cacao (cacao lavado)...where freshly harvested cacao beans are washed off (lavado), removing the surrounding fruit pulp, and not put through a fermentation process.* Skipping this step yields a different flavor profile. (Most cacao is fermented with the pulp--that provides sugars and aids in the fermentation process and develops certain flavors.)

Aroma and flavor notes (for the chocolate before it was prepared) included: cacao with slightly bitter, herbal (faint evergreen/citrus/pine sap/bark, chicle) and spice notes (star anise, faint cinnamon) and barely there chewing gum (tropical fruit, cardamom). (Note: I taste drinking chocolates before and after liquid is added for a full dose of texture and flavors.)

After preparation as a hot beverage with milk: the aroma notes included: light cacao, light cinnamon, faint fresh bread, and vanilla bean. There was still a slight bitterness (and very faint herbal, bubble gum notes), but the hot milk made these notes considerably gentler and it was quite enjoyable with likeable and exotic (to a North American) complexity.

Texture: The unprepared (solid) chocolate was slightly granular (stoneground) with (piloncillo) sugar crystals that slowly dissolved in my mouth. After being prepared, the hot chocolate was smooth and satisfying.

The base (unprepared) chocolate had complex and interesting flavors, including balanced, light pine (terpenes) and light citrus notes that were initially more noticeable than the cinnamon and vanilla bean. When made into a hot beverage, the slight bitterness faded and I enjoyed savoring the complexity. Once stirred into hot water or milk, it transformed and the herbal/pine notes disappeared, while the vanilla bean really blossomed in a lovely way.

I enjoyed and appreciated the opportunity to try this unique chocolate, and learning more about the traditions associated with washed cacao. 

Ingredients: "Cacao*, Piloncillo*, Cinnamon*, Vanilla Bean*, Sea Salt*, Cacao Butter* (*sourced direct from small family-owned agroforestry farms in mexico)"

Allergen-related information: "Produced in a facility that also uses Peanuts & Tree Nuts"

*After careful manually harvesting cacao pods, cacao beans are removed from the outer husk. However, instead of fermenting pulp-covered beans, the cacao beans are washed (lavado)--removing the pulp (aka mucilage) that surrounds the beans. The washed beans are then sun-dried--yielding a different flavor profile than a fermented cacao. This can result in slightly bitter, citrus or earth notes; but results will vary depending on many factors.

Washed cacao has been used for thousands of years, and is still relatively common in Mexico. Cacao lavado is most frequently used in drinking chocolates and moles (rich chili sauces that contain cacao as one of many ingredients) in Mexico especially in Chiapas and Oaxaca. Less processing also helps preserve polyphenols/flavanoids.

Cru Chocolate - " Spicy" Cacao Drink (wheel) - Mar. 22, 2026

Chocolate of the Day

Cru Chocolate
Spicy - Cacao Drink (wheel)
Good ++ 
Weight: 1 oz. (28.3 g.) / 2 oz. (56.6 g.) in total package of two
Calories: 155 calories (estimate) in 1 serving/wheel

Cost: $8.99 for 1 package
Purchased from: Farm Fresh, add-on to produce delivery service

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

Happily it's been easier to find fine, bean-to-bar chocolates from Mexico and chocolates with authentic Mexican or Mexican-inspired flavors in the last several years.

Today's Cru Spicy Cacao Drink from Cru Chocolate (Roseville, CA) was characterized as "Chicano" style. (Cru also offers a tasty Purple Corn Pinole "Mesoamerican" style drinking chocolate.)  

Cru founder, Carla McNeil Rueda, in her description of this drinking chocolate, paid homage to "The Adelitas" who were "the brave fighter women of the Mexican Revolution (1910-1920)." She notes: "They probably invented this delicious recipe..." And, yes, "Rueda means "wheel" in English, and this package contained two, foil-wrapped "wheels" of drinking chocolate.

Aroma notes included: rich cocoa and aromatic spices (cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves).

Texture: A small bite from the (unprepared) wheel had a pleasing, slightly grainy (stoneground cacao/crystalline panela*) chocolate texture with finely ground, authentic spices. Much of this hearty, textural quality melted/dissolved when mixed with heated whole milk. The end result was a hearty, smooth and creamy, and flavorful drinking chocolate.

Flavor notes for this 60% cocoa included: rich dark chocolate (cocoa, drinking chocolate), warm spices (cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves), with a spicy chili kick. 

I always taste a piece of drinking chocolate before making it into a drink; and I enjoyed the "before" (solid chocolate) and the "after" (a satisfyingly rich and creamy beverage) -- that left me, as promised, "relaxed, but alert" and ready to engage with others.

Ingredients: "fermented cacao beans, panela, organic nutmeg, organic cinnamon, organic cloves, organic hot chili pepper blend"

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

*Panela is a caramel-hued, unrefined whole cane sugar, that retains some of the molasses and nutrients missing from refined white (cane and beet) sugars. 

Carolina's Chocolate - Las Abuelas - rich chocolate with hints of raisin 78% Cacao & Pasilla Negra Chile (bar) - Mar. 21, 2026

Chocolate of the Day

Carolina's Chocolate
Las Abuelas - rich chocolate with hints of raisin 78% Cacao & Pasilla Negra Chile (bar)
Good ++
Weight: 1.5 oz. (42.5 g.) / 3 oz. (85 g.) in total bar
Calories: 225 calories in 1/2 bar
Cost: $9.99 for 1 bar
Purchased from: AJ's Market, Scottsdale, AZ

Bienvenidas a (welcome to) Day #5 of Chocolate & Mexico Theme Week.

Today's Las Abuelas (the grandmothers) rich chocolate with hints of raisin 78% Cacao & Pasilla Negra Chile (bar) was from Carolina's Chocolate (Mesa, AZ).

Carolina pays tribute to her two grandmothers with this chocolate and others she makes. 

Aroma and flavor notes for today's bar included: smooth textured and smooth tasting dark chocolate, slightly savory chilies and subtle warm spice (vanilla).

I enjoyed the authentic, balanced chili and cacao flavors. It reminded me of rustic, stoneground chocolate with chilies and spices that you might find in Mexico -- only more finely ground into a very smooth dark chocolate bar form.

Ingredients: Cacao, Pure Cane Sugar, Cocoa Butter, Sunflower Lecithin, Vanilla, Pasilla Negra and Ancho Chili.

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

Moka Origins - Mexico Dark Chocolate Revival Cacao 60% Cacao (bar) - Mar. 20, 2026

Chocolate of the Day

Moka Origins
Mexico Dark Chocolate Revival Cacao 60% Cacao (bar)
Good ++ - Good +++
Weight: 1.2 oz. (34 g.) / 2.4 oz. (68 g.) total bar
Calories: 190 in 1/2 bar
Cost: $8.99 for 1 bar
Purchased from: Sigona's Market, Palo Alto, CA 

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

Today's Mexico Dark Chocolate Revival Cacao 60% Cacao (bar) was from Moka Origins (Honesdale, PA). The company sources both coffee(s) and cacao(s) from select farms and growing regions. They've long focused on fair prices for farmers; and they also support tree-planting efforts and farmer training initiatives.

While I might have preferred a slightly darker, less sweet (70% cacao) version of this bar, I really enjoyed and appreciated the wonderful and nuanced fruit notes in this well-executed 60% chocolate. 

Aroma and flavor notes included: white/wine grape juice; very subtle ripe dark berry; and gently roasted nut (pecan). 

Together, the aroma and flavor notes had a floral elegance to them; i.e. I felt the same satisfaction I've gotten from smelling heirloom roses -- only with fruit notes. Very appealing and in the "just right" zone. 

There was no lingering acidity or bitterness--in short, what one might expect from a fine, heritage/Criollo cacao.

The cacao used to make this bar was from Revival Cacao. Their impressive mission: to revive "4,000 years of cacao history" in Mexico. They work with farms in Tabasco, Chiapas and Oaxaca, including Agua Escondida in Comalcalco, Tabasco--where they got their start.

Maker's Tasting Notes: "Dark chocolate with notes of blackberry, grape & pecan"

Ingredients: "cocoa beans, organic cane sugar, organic cocoa butter"

Allergen-related information: "Made in a facility that handles nuts, eggs, wheat, soy, almonds, and other tree nuts."

Hijita Chocolateria - Pink Maiz - 70% Dark Chocolate with Heirloom Pink Masa White Chocolate (bar) - Mar. 19, 2026

Chocolate of the Day

Hijita Chocolateria
Limited Edition - Pink Maiz - 70% Dark Chocolate + Heirloom Pink Masa White Chocolate (bar)
Good ++
Weight: 2.1 oz. (60 g.) in total bar
Calories: 326 calories (estimate) in 1 bar
Cost: $16.00 for 1 bar (double check)
Purchased from: Online order from Hijita

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

Today's Limited Edition - Pink Maiz - 70% Dark Chocolate with Heirloom Pink Masa White Chocolate (bar) was from Hijita, LLC (Austin, TX). 

The company offers Mexican-inspired chocolates (bars and drinking chocolates molded into elegant sculptural shapes) that highlight Mexican cacao and flavor inclusions. (The cacao for the dark chocolate in today's bar was from cacao producer Agua Escondida (Comalcalco, Tabasco, Mexico.)

Aroma and flavor notes for this dairy-free, limited edition, two-toned (light mauve-pink atop an ebony base) bar included: chocolate-y chocolate (dark chocolate cake); faint, diffuse fruit (dark berries, very faint citrus); and very faint nut (almond/almond butter). 

The chocolate initially tasted relatively bold in flavor and a little tart (tart berry, citrus). But, when I re-sampled the two layers separately, the 70% dark chocolate base tasted like (relatively smooth) rich, dark chocolate cake; and the upper pink maiz layer was creamy and relatively mild. I'm not sure why the first bite was slightly intense/tart. 

The well-executed flavors and the two layers seemed to harmonize and calm each other a bit after a few bites that blended the two layers. And I kept imagining guitar playing in the background. (Sometimes foods can conjure images, memories and even sounds.) Chocolate magic.

Texture: smooth dark chocolate base, topped with a slightly creamier white (pink) chocolate. I was impressed at the smooth and creamy texture(s). There was no graininess from the pink* masa harina (corn flour), almond (flour) or ground cacao beans in this smooth blend. (It was as creamy as milk chocolate, but contained no dairy.)

I appreciated the balanced complexity, the dark berry notes in the dark chocolate and the thoughtful sourcing of single origin ingredients (from farms in Mexico when possible). This was an attractive, Mexican-inspired dessert in a bar that wasn't over-sugared/too sweet. (Thank you!)

Note: sadly, when I checked the Hijita website today, this bar was sold out.

Ingredients: Mexican Cacao, Heirloom Pink Masa Harina, Almond Flour, Cacao Butter*, Unrefined Cane Sugar* (* Certified Organic)

Allergen-related information: Contains Almonds. Made in a facility that processes Peanuts & Tree Nuts

*Pink Masa is an heirloom variety of corn, typically cultivated/grown at higher altitudes. The soft pink color is from naturally occurring anthocyanin pigments. Freshly harvested cacao beans also contained purple-pink coloration (from these same natural pigments) if you cut them open; although they lose much of this color after cacao beans are processed (fermented, roasted). This ingredient was sourced from Mercado Sin Nombre, in Austin, TX.

Other food sources with anthocyanin include: dark berries and red/purple grapes. The antioxidants from these pigments are frequently cited as offering health benefits.

  

Hijita Chocolateria - Canela & Hazelnut Crunch 70% Agua Escondido (bar) - Mar. 18, 2026

Chocolate of the Day

Hijita Chocolateria
Canela & Hazelnut Crunch 70% Agua Escondida Dark Chocolate 
Good ++
Weight: 2.1 oz. (60 g.) in total bar
Calories: 326 calories (estimate) in 1 bar 
Cost: $16.00 for 1 bar
Purchased from: Online order from Hijita

Welcome to Day #15 of Chocolate, Pistachio, Hazelnut and Almond Theme Week, and Day #2 of Chocolate & Mexico Theme Week.

Today's Canela & Hazelnut Crunch 70% Agua Escondida Dark Chocolate (bar) was from Hijita, LLC (Austin, TX).

Cacao origin: Comalcalco, Tabasco, Mexico, from the producer Agua Escondida.* 

Aroma and flavor notes included: balanced and nuanced dark chocolate (faint diffuse fruit - dark, ripe berry, mild citrus (orange/tangerine)); nut (hazelnut); faint, authentic vanilla bean and warm spice (cinnamon); very faint brown sugar-molasses (piloncillo); and very faint sea salt.

Texture: smooth dark chocolate; and crunchy, hazelnut bits.

I enjoyed this balanced, well-executed dark chocolate, made possible by the use of carefully sourced single origin/single region, quality and organic ingredients including: the Mexican cacao; the unrefined cane sugar; and the Mexican cinnamon and Mexican vanilla bean. 

Maker's Tasting Notes: Blueberry, Molasses, Citrus

Ingredients: Cacao*, Unrefined Cane Sugar*, Organic Hazelnut, Cinnamon*, Vanilla Bean*, Organic Cacao Butter, Sea Salt* (* = sourced direct from small family-owned agroforestry farms in Mexico)

Allergen-related information: Contains Hazelnuts. Made in a facility that processes Peanuts & Tree Nuts

* Note: the Canela & Hazelnut bar currently on the Hijita website indicates Mexican cacao region (origin) may change/include Soconusco, Chiapas as well for this bar. 

 

Hijita - Cardamomo & Pistachio Crunch 70% Dark Chocolate - Mar. 17, 2026

Chocolate of the Day

Hijita Chocolateria
Cardamomo & Pistachio Crunch 70% Agua Escondida Dark Chocolate 
Good +++ 
Weight: 2.1 oz. (60 g.) in total bar
Calories: 326 calories (estimate) in 1 bar 
Cost: $16.00 for 1 bar
Purchased from: Online order from Hijita

Welcome to Day #14 of Chocolate, Pistachio, Hazelnut and Almond Theme Week, and Day #1 of Chocolate & Mexico Theme Week.

Today's Cardamomo & Pistachio Crunch 70% Agua Escondida Dark Chocolate (bar) was from Hijita, LLC (Austin, TX).

Cacao origin: Comalcalco, Tabasco, Mexico, from the producer Agua Escondida. 

Aroma and flavor notes included: pleasing, balanced and nuanced dark chocolate (faint diffuse fruit - dark, ripe berry, mild citrus (orange/tangerine)); nut (pistachio/almond); faint, authentic vanilla bean and aromatic warm spice (cardamom); faint brown sugar-molasses (piloncillo); and very faint sea salt. (Note: there were no almond ingredients in this bar.)

Texture: smooth dark chocolate; and crunchy, pistachio bits.

I really enjoyed this balanced, well-executed dark chocolate--made possible by the use of carefully sourced single origin/single region, quality and organic ingredients including: the Mexican cacao; the unrefined cane sugar; and the lovely Mexican cardamom and Mexican vanilla bean (which sang beautifully together). 

Even the treatment of the pistachio pieces were handled perfectly: they were caramelized, but not too sweet.

Maker's Tasting Notes: Blueberry, Molasses, Citrus

Ingredients: Cacao*, Unrefined Cane Sugar*, Organic Pistachio, Cardamom*, Vanilla Bean*, Organic Cacao Butter, Sea Salt* (* = sourced direct from small family-owned agroforestry farms in Mexico)

Allergen-related information: Contains Pistachio. Made in a facility that processes Peanuts & Tree Nuts

Holm Made Toffee Co. LLC - Oregon Hazelnut Toffee Himalayan Pink Salt - Mar. 16, 2026

Chocolate of the Day

Holm Made Toffee Co., LLC 
Oregon Hazelnut Toffee Himalayan Pink Salt 
Good ++
Weight: 2 oz. (57 g.) / 4 oz. (114 g.) in total package
Calories: 290 calories (estimate) in 1/2 package
Cost: $10.99 for 1 package
Purchased from: FarmFresh, add-on to produce delivery service

Welcome to Day #13 of Chocolate, Pistachio, Hazelnut and Almond Theme Week.

Today's Oregon Hazelnut Toffee with Himalayan Pink Salt was from Holm Made Toffee Co. (Bend, OR).

Aroma and flavor notes included: smooth chocolate, rich, buttery toffee, authentic and fresh-tasting hazelnuts, and faint vanilla.

Texture: hearty, perfectly crunchy and buttery toffee covered with a thin layer of smooth chocolate and crunchy hazelnuts.

Holm Made Toffee makes great toffees. The generously thick slabs of buttery, crunchy toffee are delicious. The choice of toffee flavor inclusions: also very nicely executed. 

I would have loved to see a little thicker chocolate layer on today's toffee, but I understand this may not be practical due to cost or possible warm weather meltage (related to shelf life and compromised appearance if chocolate melts and smears). And...toffee is the hero ingredient here, rightly so.

Ingredients: "Butter [cream (milk) & salt], pure cane sugar, Oregon Hazelnuts, dark chocolate [unsweetened chocolate, sugar, sunflower lecithin, and vanilla], Himalayan pink salt"

Allergen-related information: Contains dairy and nuts (hazelnuts)

Theo Chocolate - Organic Almond Brittle Crunch 55% Dark Chocolate (bar) - Mar. 15, 2026

Chocolate of the Day

Theo Chocolate
Organic Almond Brittle Crunch 55% Dark Chocolate (bar) 
Good ++ 
Weight: 1.5 oz. (42.5 g.) / 3 oz. (85 g.) in total bar
Calories: 240 calories in 1/2 bar
Cost: $N/A - gift from friends
Purchased from: Gift from friends - Thank you Evan, Maddy and Isla

Welcome to Day #12 of Chocolate & Pistachio, Hazelnut & Almond Theme Week.

Today's Organic Almond Brittle Crunch 55% Dark Chocolate (bar) was made in Canada and distributed by Theo Chocolate (Seattle, WA). 

Aroma and flavor notes included: dark chocolate, subtle vanilla and faint nut and sweet malt.

Texture: This well-tempered bar broke with a hard snap--not always the case for a sweeter chocolate with brittle or toffee flavor inclusions.

I liked that this bar wasn't too sweet, and that the relatively subtle chocolate, brittle, nut and vanilla flavors were all balanced, pleasant and complementary.

I also appreciated Theo Chocolate's (historic and continued) use of organic and fair trade ingredients.

Ingredients: Dark Chocolate* (Cocoa Beans*+, Cane Sugar*+, Cocoa Butter*+, Ground Vanilla Bean*), Almonds*, Brittle* (Sugar*, Rice Syrup*, Coconut Oil*, Sea Salt, Sodium Bicarbonate), Sea Salt. (*Organic, + Fair Trade -- Contains 89% Fair Trade Ingredients.)

Allergen-related information: Contains Tree Nuts (Almonds). Made on equipment that also processes milk, peanuts, and other tree nuts. May also contain almond shell pieces. 

Hu Chocolate - Almond Butter Almond Crunch Milk Chocolate (bar) - Mar. 13, 2026

Chocolate of the Day

Hu Chocolate
Almond Butter Almond Crunch Milk Chocolate (filled bar)
Good++ - Good +++
Weight: 1.05 oz. (30 g.) / 2.1 oz. (60 g.) in total bar
Calories: 360 calories in 1 bar
Cost: $N/A - gift 
Purchased from: N/A - gift; thank you Bill!

Welcome to Day #10 of Chocolate, Pistachio, Hazelnut & Almond Theme Week. 

Today's Almond Butter Almond Crunch Milk Chocolate (filled bar) was made in Italy and distributed by Hu Products LLC (Austin, TX).

Aroma and flavor notes for this nut butter filled bar included: sweet, flavorful milk chocolate with warm (brown/coconut sugar); nuts (almond butter, hints of toffee, very faint ground hazelnut butter); and just the right touch of sea salt. (Note: this bar contained almond butter and almonds, but no hazelnut ingredients.)

The texture was a pleasing, hearty blend of creamy 48% cacao dark milk chocolate with thick, creamy + crunchy almond butter and almond bits. 

This was a sweet, delicious, flavorful, nut butter filled milk chocolate bar that was "seasoned" with just the right amounts of coconut sugar and sea salt.

I appreciated the use of organic and fair trade ingredients, and the absence of emulsifiers and the use of a less processed sugar--that added a warm toffee-like flavor that was a great match with the nuts and chocolate ingredients.

Ingredients: organic unrefined coconut sugar*, organic cacao*, organic grass-fed milk, organic cocoa butter*, organic almond butter, organic almond, sea salt. (*Certified Fairtrade ingredients)

Allergen-related information: "Contains almond, coconut, & milk. May contain cashew, hazelnut, & pistachio. Allergen cleans made prior to production, but beware that (this) product is produced using equipment that also processes other tree nuts, soy, & wheat."

Theo Chocolate - Organic Cherry Almond 70% Dark Chocolate (bar) - Mar. 12, 2026

Chocolate of the Day

Theo Chocolate
Organic Cherry Almond 70% Dark Chocolate (bar)
Good + - Good ++ 
Weight: 1.5 oz. (42.5 g.) / 3 oz. (85 g.) in total bar
Calories: 240 calories in 1/2 bar
Cost: $1.99 for 1 bar
Purchased from: Grocery Outlet Bargain Market, Palo Alto, CA 

Welcome to Day #9 of Chocolate, Pistachio, Hazelnut & Almond Theme Week.

Today's Organic Cherry Almond 70% Dark Chocolate (bar) was made in Canada and distributed by Theo Chocolate (Seattle, WA).

Aroma notes included: dark chocolate, slightly roast-y; faint roasted almonds; and fruit (cherry).

Texture: a mix of smooth dark chocolate, crunchy almond pieces, and fleeting cherry (occasional, tiny chewy cherry bits).

Flavor notes included: chocolate-y dark chocolate, faint malt; cherry; and nut (almond) with slightly roasted flavors from the dark chocolate and the almonds.

I liked the mix of smooth, crunchy and chewy textures; and the dark chocolate, almond and cherry were compatible and authentic-tasting.

I appreciated the list of organic and fair trade ingredients and certifications. Theo Chocolate--founded in Seattle in 2005 by Joe Whinney and Debra Music--was one of the first organic, fair trade craft chocolate makers in North America.

Ingredients: Dark Chocolate* (Cocoa Beans*+, Cane Sugar*+, Cocoa Butter*+), Dried Sour Cherries*, (Unsweetened Cherries*, Rice Flour*, Sunflower Oil*), Almonds*. (*Organic, +Fair Trade)

Allergen-related information: "CONTAINS TREE NUTS (ALMONDS). Made on equipment that also processes milk, peanuts, and other tree nuts. Made with real cherries. In rare cases, may contain a small piece of cherry pit. May contain almond shell pieces...Contains 85% Fair Trade ingredients. Suitable for Vegans."

Chocofin Chocolatier - Dark Almond Bark 66% Couverture Chocolate - Mar. 11, 2026

Chocolate(s) of the Day

Chocofin Chocolatier
Dark Almond Bark 66% Couverture Chocolate
Good + - Good ++
Weight: 1.75 oz. (50 g.) / 3.5 oz. (99.05 g.) in total bar
Calories: 265 calories (estimate) in 1/2 bar
Cost: $6.75 for 1 bar
Purchased from: AJ's Fine Foods market, Scottsdale, AZ

Welcome to Day #8 of Chocolate, Pistachio, Hazelnut and Almond Theme Week.

Today's second chocolate for today was found while on a trip to Arizona: a Dark Chocolate Almond Bark bar--with 66% couverture chocolate blended with fresh roasted almonds--was from Chocofin Chocolatier (Fountain Hills, AZ).

Aroma and flavor notes included: relatively smooth dark chocolate with a slight, balanced bitterness and nut (almonds) from a generous helping of roasted almonds.

Texture: Smooth textured dark chocolate with softly crunchy almonds.

Ingredients: dark chocolate (cocoa mass, sugar, cocoa butter, natural vanilla, soy lecithin), whole natural almonds.

Allergen-related information: "Contains: nuts & soy; made in a facility that Handles peanuts"

Loon Chocolate - Almond 70% Dark Chocolate (bar) - Mar. 14, 2026

Chocolate of the Day

Loon Chocolate 
Almond 70% Dark Chocolate (bar)
Good ++ 
Weight: 2.3 oz. (65 g.) in total bar
Calories: 500 calories in 1 bar
Cost: $9.00 for 1 bar
Purchased from: Loon Chocolate, online order

Welcome to Day #11 of Chocolate, Pistachio, Hazelnut and Almond Theme Week.

Today's Loon Chocolate Almond 70% Dark Chocolate (bar) was Manufactured with White Birch Living LLC (Manchester, NH).

Aroma notes included: dark chocolate, nuts, and faint toffee.

Texture: smooth dark chocolate, with lightly crispy and chewy, fresh-tasting, thinly-sliced almonds.

Flavor notes: roast-y, dark chocolate with balanced, faint bitterness. The almonds added texture but the almond flavors were very light, and the judicious pinch of salt was very faint.

I appreciated the thoughtful, short list of authentic and organic ingredients and the textural blend. This bar also paired well with several items, including ginger, some cheeses and certain wines.

Ingredients: Organic Cacao, Organic Cane Sugar, Organic Cocoa Butter, Roasted Almond, Salt. 

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

Rawmio - Hazelnut Quinoa Crunch Dairy Free Oat Milk Chocolate with Puffed Quinoa, Salt (bar) - Mar. 11, 2026

Chocolate of the Day

Rawmio 
Hazelnut Quinoa Crunch - Dairy Free Oat Milk chocolate with Puffed Quinoa, Sea Salt (bar)
Good ++ 
Weight: 1.06 oz. (30 g.) / 2.12 oz. (60 g.) in total bar
Calories: 180 calories in 1/2 bar
Cost: $ Missing information
Purchased from: Country Sun Natural Foods, Palo Alto, CA 

Welcome to Day #8 of Chocolate, Pistachios, Hazelnuts & Almonds Theme Week.

Today's Rawmio Hazelnut Quinoa Crunch - Dairy Free Oat Milk chocolate with Puffed Quinoa, Sea Salt (bar) was made by Windy City Organics, LLC (Northbrook, IL). 

This family-owned company got its start back in 2003 with an interest in raw/minimally processed cacao chocolate and healthy ingredients in mind, and offers several small-batch bars made with stoneground cacao chocolate. They source much of their fairly traded cacao from farmers in Peru.

Aroma and flavor notes included: smooth dark chocolate, nut, coconut/brown sugar, faint toffee, vanilla and malt. I like salt with nuts and chocolate, so I enjoyed the relatively generous dose of sea salt.

Texture: smooth dark milk chocolate, crunchy quinoa, with soft crunchy whole hazelnuts

I liked that I couldn't taste the oats (oat milk).* balance? sweetness level? use of organic ingredients/organic certified? 

I enjoyed the blend of textures and the tiny crunchy quinoa bits in every bite. And I appreciated the choice of organic and fairly traded ingredients and the lack of emulsifiers.

Ingredients: Oat Milk Chocolate* (Raw Cacao Butter*, Coconut Sugar*, Raw Cacao Nibs*, Oat Milk Powder*, Lucuma Powder*, Vanilla Bean Powder*, Sea Salt), Toasted Hazelnuts*, Puffed Quinoa*, Celtic Sea Salt (* Certified Organic)

Allergen-related information: Contains hazelnuts. Crafted in a facility that also handles Tree Nuts and Sesame but does not process any soy, dairy, or gluten. May contain naturally occurring shell and pit fragments.

*Nothing personal about oat milk; but I'm not always a fan of oat-y texture or flavor in chocolates. Happily there are now several good oat milk chocolates. That wasn't always the case a decade ago.

L'Amourette Chocolatier - Chocolat Noir English Toffee 72% Dark Chocolate with almonds (bar) - Mar. 10, 2026

Chocolate of the Day

L'Amourette Chocolatier
Chocolat Noir English Toffee 72% Dark Chocolate with almonds (bar)
Good ++ - Good +++
Weight: 1.75 oz. (50 g.) / 3.5 oz. (100 g.) in total bar
Calories: 300 calories in 1/2 bar
Cost: $6.99 for 1 bar
Purchased from: L'Amourette, online order 

Welcome to Day #7 of Chocolate, Pistachio, Hazelnut & Almond Theme Week.

Today's English Toffee 72% Dark Chocolate with almonds (bar) was from L'Amourette Chocolat LLC (San Francisco, CA).

Most toffee chocolates are quite sweet and are made with somewhat flat (boring) chocolate. Thankfully, this was not true for today's bar.

Aroma notes included: flavorful, very slightly fruity, dark chocolate, sweet green botanical (green walnuts in syrup), faint toffee, nut and vanilla. (Hurray, some complex, layered flavors/dark chocolate ahead.)

Texture: smooth, substantial dark chocolate, with layered, crunchy toffee and almonds. The embedded  warm-tasting hunks of buttery toffee were just right, i.e. not too hard, and not too soft. 

Flavor notes included: hearty, balanced dark chocolate with faint fleeting diffuse, tart-sweet fruit (citrus, dried plum, berry), balanced earth, and botanical (vanilla, sweet green walnuts in syrup). 

The buttery, sweet toffee, bold, flavorful dark chocolate and vanilla beans not only balanced and complemented each other nicely, but resulted in a bar that had the addictive quality of a toffee confection and the deeply satisfying, complex and hearty flavor of a single origin/single variety 72% dark chocolate. (The almonds and sea salt played a background role, but mellowed and rounded out this trio very nicely.)

This is a well-executed toffee chocolate I would recommend to dark chocolate lovers.

Ingredients: Cocoa Beans (Trinitario), Cocoa Butter, Cane Sugar (Vegan), Toffee (Butter (Milk), Sugar, Almonds, Vanilla Paste & Sea Salt), Vanilla Beans.

Allergen-related information: "Contains: Milk, Almonds. Soy & Gluten-free"

Dick Taylor - Chocolate Coated Butter Toffee Hazelnuts - Mar. 9, 2026

Chocolate of the Day

Dick Taylor
Chocolate Coated Butter Toffee Hazelnuts
Good++
Weight: 2 oz. (57 g.) / 6 oz. (171 g.) in total container
Calories: 330 calories for 1/3 container
Cost: $18.99 for 1 container
Purchased from: Market at Edgewood, Palo Alto, CA

Welcome to Day #6 of Chocolate, Pistachios, Hazelnuts & Almonds Theme Week.

Today's Chocolate Coated Butter Toffee Hazelnuts were from Dick Taylor Craft Chocolate (Eureka, CA).

These whole roasted hazelnuts were covered in 65% Tanzania dark chocolate.

Aroma notes included: smooth, dark chocolate; browned sugar and butter toffee; very slight, pleasing warm spice (candied ginger); and nut (hazelnut, almond). (Note: there were no ginger or almond ingredients.)

Texture: Each round confection was a blend of lightly dusted, smooth dark chocolate surrounding a thin layer of buttery toffee, and at the heart was a softly crunchy, roasted hazelnut.

Flavor notes included: sophisticated, balanced and layered "just-right" flavors. The chocolate was smooth but flavorful, the butter toffee layer was nice and thin, and while these were sweet, they weren't too sugary-confection sweet. The vanilla was faint--just enough to add some warmth.

I liked that the first two ingredients were "hazelnuts" and "cacao" -- then sugar; and I appreciated the makers' choice of a short list of high-quality and organic ingredients, including single origin cacao.

Ingredients: Hazelnuts, Cacao*, Cane Sugar*, Sugar, Butter (Cream, Salt), Cocoa Butter*, Cocoa Powder, Sea Salt, Natural Vanilla Flavor (*Organic)

Allergen-related information: Contains Nuts and Milk. Processed on shared equipment with milk, tree nuts, wheat and peanuts. 

Fine & Raw - Chocolate Hazelnut Chunky - Mar. 8, 2026

Chocolate of the Day

Fine & Raw
Chocolate Hazelnut Chunky
Good + - Good ++
Weight: 1 oz. (28 g.) in total chocolate
Calories: 155 calories (estimate) in 1 chocolate
Cost: $6.00 for 1 chocolate
Purchased from: Chocolate Dispensary, online order 

Welcome to Day #5 of Chocolate, Pistachio, Hazelnut & Almond Theme Week.

Today's rainbow-packaged Chocolate Hazelnut Chunky was from Fine & Raw (Brooklyn, NY).

Fine & Raw was founded in 2007 by Daniel Sklaar in a Brooklyn artist loft. The company offers a variety of chocolate bars (typically made using cacao from Belize and/or Ecuador). They also make at least one bar made with mesquite.*

Aroma and flavor notes included: dark chocolate (dark ganache, slightly smokey, earthy cocoa); coconut sugar; sweet green and nut; faint caramel and vanilla.

Texture: chunky and smooth. The hazelnuts were fully incorporated into the chocolate, and this "Chunky" had the mouthfeel and melt of a hearty, roasted nut butter and chocolate truffle bar -- likely similar to the company's other small chunky chocolate truffle bars (that I haven't tasted yet).

I liked that this chocolate was dark, nut-roast-y and not too sweet. I loved that my teeth weren't coated with sugar or tannins afterwards. This bar reminded me that the buzz/jolt one feels after eating chocolate is more often from the sugar than the inherent stimulants in chocolate (theobromine and caffeine). 

The Fine & Raw made hazelnut butter added nutty flavor and balanced bitterness/acidity. (This bar was more roasty than it was bitter.) I enjoyed the soft, substantial, almost stone-ground texture. And I appreciated the maker's choice of a short list of organic ingredients in this homemade hazelnut butter and raw cacao bar.

Ingredients: organic hazelnuts, organic coconut sugar, organic cacao bean, organic cacao butter

Allergy-related information: Made in a factory that processes tree nuts

*Years ago I was searching for more chocolates to try that were made with mesquite. (The first chocolate with mesquite that I found was featured here was 2010.) I found Fine & Raw's mesquite (and Alderwood smoked salt) bars in Brooklyn (featured here on Chocolate Banquet in 2019).

As expected, I also found other wood and smoke related chocolates in the Southwest U.S. (Arizona, New Mexico and eventually Texas). But, I still remember those Brooklyn/NYC bars, that seemed novel at the time.

Chocolove - Pistachios & Sea Salt in Milk Chocolate (bar) - Mar. 7, 2026

Chocolate of the Day

Chocolove
Pistachios & Sea Salt in Milk Chocolate (bar)
Good ++
Weight: 1.6 oz. (45 g.) / 3.2 oz. (90 g.) in total bar
Calories: 240 calories in 1/2 bar
Cost: $N/A - gift from friends
Purchased from: Gift from friends; thank you Evan, Maddy & Isla!

Welcome to Day #4 of Chocolate, Pistachios, Hazelnuts & Almonds Week.

Today's Pistachios & Sea Salt in Milk Chocolate (bar) was from Chocolove (Denver, CO).

Aroma and flavor notes for today's bar included: rich milk chocolate, pistachio/butter cookie with nuts, and faint vanilla. 

Texture: smooth and creamy milk chocolate plus soft crunchy pistachio pieces. 

The rich milk chocolate, pistachio, sea salt and butter flavor blend resulted in a sweet and addictive chocolate. (The pistachios and salt help balance the sweetness.)

I appreciated that the company chose to use Rainforest Alliance Certified Cacao even as certain challenges in obtaining cacao from West African countries continue to be tackled. It's been a step in the right direction.

Ingredients: Milk Chocolate (Sugar, Cocoa Butter**, Milk, Cocoa Liquor**, Soy Lecithin and/or Sunflower Lecithin, Vanilla), Pistachios, Butter Oil, Sea Salt. (** Rainforest Alliance Certified. For more see ra.org.)

Allergen-related information: Contains Milk, Pistachios, Soy. Made in a Facility That Also Processes Eggs, Peanuts, and Other Tree Nuts.

Eclat Chocolate - Caramelized Hazelnut 65% Dark Chocolate Bar - Mar. 6, 2026

Chocolate of the Day

Eclat Chocolate
Caramelized Hazelnut 65% Dark Chocolate Bar
Good ++
Weight: 1.5 oz. (42.5 g.) / 3 oz. (85 g.) in total package
Calories: 250.5 calories in 1/2 bar
Cost: $10.00 for 1 bar
Purchased from: Chocolate Dispensary, online order

Welcome to Day #3 of Chocolate, Pistachio, Hazelnut & Almond Theme Week.

Today's Caramelized Hazelnut 65% Dark Chocolate Bar was from Eclat Chocolate (West Chester, PA).

Aroma notes included: roasted cacao and nut (hazelnuts) and faint vanilla and caramel/toffee.

Texture: smooth dark chocolate, punctuated by crisp, crunchy and sweet caramelized (toffee-d) nut bits.

Flavor notes: smooth, sweet, dark chocolate with a smooth, even melt; sweet caramelized, roasted hazelnut bits; and vanilla.

I enjoyed the Henry Miller quote* and the description of a "Destination Bar" -- complete with a map (on inner packaging) showing several destinations (airplane hops necessary to fully appreciate the diverse ingredients, experiences and cultures around the globe. 

Looking at this map, today's bar contained cacao nibs from Brussels, Belgium; caramelized hazelnuts from Tarragona, Spain; as well as inspiration for chocolates and flavors from these travels. Chocolate is indeed one of the best forms of virtual travel.

Ingredients: Dark chocolate couverture (Min. cocoa 65%, cocoa mass, sugar, cocoa butter, soya lecithin, natural vanilla), chopped and caramelized hazelnut (hazelnut, sugar).

Allergen-related information: "Product may have trace elements of nuts, soy and dairy." 

*One's destination is never a place, but a new way of seeing things." -- Henry Miller

Eclat Chocolate - Hazelnut Dragee - Mar. 5, 2026

Chocolate of the Day

Eclat Chocolate
Hazelnut Dragee
Good ++
Weight: 1.76 oz. (50 g.) / 3.5 oz. (100 g.) in total package
Calories: 250 calories in 1 serving (1/2 package)
Cost: $14.00 for 1 package
Purchased from: Chocolate Dispensary, online order

Welcome to Day #2 of Chocolate, Pistachio, Hazelnut & Almond Theme Week.

Today's Hazelnut Dragee chocolates were from Eclat Chocolate (West Chester, PA).

Aroma notes included: malty, caramelized nut and subtle chocolate (cocoa).

Texture: at the heart of each marble-sized round was a crunchy, toasted whole hazelnut; and each nut was covered in firm dark chocolate and dusted with cocoa powder. 

Flavor notes included: firm, smooth dark chocolate, toasted hazelnut and very light caramel, cocoa, vanilla and malt notes.

These dragees were attractive, well-balanced, and well-executed, bite-sized confections. (They're good by themselves; and would make a nice pairing with coffees/lattes, or wines/sherry and cheese.)

Ingredients: Dark chocolate (min. cacao 60% couverture chocolate, cocoa mass, sugar, soya lecithin, natural vanilla), roasted hazelnuts.

Allergen-related information: "Product may have trace elements of nuts, soy and dairy."

 

Ethereal Chocolate - Dubai Pistachio Cream & Puffed Quinoa 40% Cacao Dark Chocolate Bar + Basquia - Dubai Chewy Cookie - Mar. 4, 2026

Chocolate(s) of the Day

Ethereal Chocolate
Pistachio Cream & Puffed Quinoa 40% Cocoa Dark Chocolate Bar
Good ++
Weight: 2 oz. (57 g.) in total bar
Calories: 358 calories in 1 bar
Cost: $12.00 for 1 bar
Purchased from: Chocolate Dispensary, online order 

Welcome to Day #1 of Chocolate, Pistachio, Hazelnut & Almond Theme Week.

Today's Pistachio Cream & Puffed Quinoa 40% Cocoa Dark Chocolate Bar was from Ethereal Craft Chocolate (Ethereal Confections (Woodstock, IL)). 

Aroma and flavor notes included: rich dark chocolate, very faint dried fruit (apricot, fig, strawberry), nut/seed paste (sesame), and vanilla.

Texture: smooth, creamy dark chocolate exterior with a soft, rich crispy-crunchy and nut buttery filling.

I enjoyed the complex and hearty blend of flavors in this bar. The sesame paste provided subtle, middle Eastern flavor in the background as well as "nutty" flavor along with the pistachios.

The Dubai chocolate craze in recent years has spawned many creative versions of the original bar, made with traditional kataifi pastry shreds (similar to phyllo dough) and pistachio nuts. 

Thankfully, today I found two gluten-free versions of this bar, where the pastry shreds in the filling were replaced by quinoa and/or other ingredients to give these confections and bars a hearty, crunchy texture, but without the gluten.

Ingredients: "40% Chocolate* (Cane Sugar*, Cacao Nibs*, Cocoa Butter*), Dubai Chocolate Center (Pistachios*, Powdered Sugar* (Cane Sugar*, Tapioca Starch*), Coconut Oil, Puffed Quinoa*, Tahini* (Ground Toasted Sesame), Salt, Vanilla Powder (Vanilla Bean Extractives*, Dextrose*). (* Organic Ingredient)"

Allergen-related information: "Contains: Tree Nuts, Sesame. Made on shared equipment with peanuts & tree nuts"

Basquia - Dubai Chewy Cookie(s)

Basquia Rice Bakery
Dubai Chewy Cookies 
Good ++
Weight: Not Listed (2 cookies)
Cost: $10.00 ($5.00 per cookie)
Purchased from: Basquia in Mega Mart, East Palo Alto, CA

I also enjoyed two small Dubai Chewy Cookies from Basquia Rice Bakery (California).

These round-ish cookie-confections were covered with an almost mochi-like, velvety chocolate outer layer. 

Inside there were ground pistachio nuts/nut butter (and possibly quinoa?) -- that gave them a pleasant, smooth flavored and relatively sweet and satisfying, crunchy-chewy texture. The makers blended light and substantial textures with skill and apparent ease.

These two cookies were quite good; they were sweet without being overly so.

Ingredients: (No ingredients listed on small container)

Allergen-related information: (No information listed on small container; however, Basquia specializes in rice-based bakery items, and all their offerings are wheat/gluten-free.)

Undercover Chocolate Quinoa Crisps + Hammond's Peppermint Marshmallows with Chocolate Chips - Mar. 3, 2026

Chocolate(s) of the Day

Undercover 
Chocolate Quinoa Crisps
Good ++
Weight: 2 oz. (56.6 g.) in 1 package
Calories: 260 calories in 1 package
Cost: $3.49 for 1 package 
Purchased from: FarmFresh (add-on to produce delivery service)

Hammond's Candies
Peppermint Marshmallows with Chocolate Chips
Good + - Good ++
Weight: 2 oz. (56.6 g.) / 4 oz. (113 g.) in total package
Calories: 160 calories in 1/2 package
Cost: $7.95 for 1 package
Purchased from: Missing information

Welcome to Day #13 of Chocolate & Mint Theme Week. Today's two chocolate snack offerings were hiding in the chocolate vault, just waiting for the opportunity for chocolate and mint items to be featured.

Chocolate Quinoa Crisps

Today's Chocolate Quinoa Crisps were manufactured by Undercover Chocolate Co. (East Hanover, NJ). 

Aroma notes: smooth, dark chocolate, very faint cookie, and mint.

Texture: these small rounds had a soft crunch that seemed just right; it was easy to enjoy small bites without it being too soft or stiff. The quinoa that supplied the crunch was not too tough or granular.

I enjoyed these chocolate-y snack discs more than I thought I would. The dark chocolate was smooth, and satisfying, the texture was satisfying. And the mint (crushed peppermint) complemented the chocolate and quinoa. It was not too much mint, and not too little. 

I also appreciated the thoughtful list of ingredients (e.g. Rainforest Alliance Certified Cacao; peppermint candy with natural plant-based colors; and lack of artificial ingredients).

Ingredients: Dark Chocolate (Cacao Beans*, Pure Cane Sugar, Cocoa Butter*, Vanilla Beans), Quinoa, Crushed Peppermint (Pure Cane Sugar, Organic Rice Syrup, Colored with Red Cabbage and Purple Carrots, Peppermint Oil). (*Rainforest Alliance Certified)

Allergen-related information: "Manufactured in a facility FREE from: Wheat, Peanuts, Tree Nuts, Eggs, Fish, Shellfish, Sesame, and Poppy Seeds."

Peppermint Marshmallows with Chocolate Chips

The Peppermint Marshmallows Topped with Chocolate Chips were from Hammond's Candies (Denver, CO). 

Aroma and flavor notes included: Light, sweet peppermint; sweet, light marshmallow; and smooth, small, dark chocolate chips. 

Texture: fluffy soft marshmallow accented with tiny morsels of smooth, dark chocolate (chips). 

These tasted fresh and were fun to eat (and float in hot chocolate). They could also be incorporated into other desserts or ice creams as well. Each light pink and white layered marshmallow was topped with tiny, dark chocolate chips. 

Chocolate is dense, dark and lovely. And I'll always appreciate this. But, today I enjoyed the fresh and fluffy marshmallow texture that balanced the chocolate chips. The marshmallow, mint and chocolate flavors harmonized well in this light snack and possible chocolate accessory.

Ingredients: Sugar, Tapioca Syrup, Water, Semi-Sweet Chocolate (Sugar, Chocolate Liquor, Cocoa Butter, Soy Lecithin [an emulsifier], Vanilla), Kosher Gelatin, Tapioca Starch, Powdered Sugar (Sugar, Tapioca Starch), Peppermint Oil, Vegetable Juices (color), Salt.

Allergen-related information: "Manufactured in a Facility That Processes Egg, Milk, Mustard, Peanuts, Sesame, Soy, Sulfites, Tree Nuts & Wheat."

Fruition Chocolate - Fresh Mint Milk Chocolate 54% (bar) - Mar. 2, 2026

Chocolate of the Day

Fruition Chocolate Works
Fresh Mint Milk Chocolate 54% (bar)

Good ++ 
Weight: 1.06 oz. (30 g.) / 2.12 oz. (60 g.) in total bar
Calories: 166 calories (estimate) in 1/2 bar
Cost: $14.00 for 1 bar
Purchased from: Fruition Chocolate, online order

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

Today's Fresh Mint Milk Chocolate 54% Batch #1 (bar) was from Fruition Chocolate Works (Shokan, NY).

The cacao used to make this bar was grown in the Semuliki Forest in Uganda. (Sourcing Partner: Latitude Trade Co.) 

Aroma and flavor notes included mint (aromatic, authentic mint/subtle spearmint); dark chocolate (subtler chocolate aroma with stronger flavor notes: dark, fudgy, single origin chocolate/ganache. 

Texture: smooth and relatively creamy, dark milk chocolate.

Mint chocolates often are candy-level sweet. Happily today's bar was balanced, i.e. not overwhelmingly sweet or minty. 

The mint tasted natural--closer to spearmint than vibrant peppermint candy. (The type of mint was not identified on the packaging; but the makers did use both fresh mint and mint oil.)

And the light touch of vanilla (beans) seemed just right.

Maker's description: "Fresh mint is blended into a creamy 54% milk chocolate crafted from intense and fudgy Ugandan cacao."

Ingredients: Cocoa Beans, Cane Sugar*, Whole Milk Powder, Cocoa Butter*, Mint, Vanilla Beans, Mint Oil, Salt (* = Organic)

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

Eclat Chocolate - Zuta & Orange 54%/33% Cacao (bar) + Embers Chocolate Orange & Bay leaf (bar) - Mar. 1, 2026

Chocolate(s) of the Day

Eclat Chocolate 
Zuta & Orange 54%/33% Cacao (bar)
Good ++
Weight: 1.1 oz. (30 g.) / 2.2 oz. (60 g.) in total bar
Calories: 162 calories in 1/2 bar
Cost: $12.00 for 1 bar
Purchased from: Chocolate Dispensary, online order

Embers Chocolate
Chocolate Covered Orange Single Origin 45% Milk Chocolate with Bay (bar)
Good ++
Weight: .53 oz. (15 g.) in 1 small bar
Calories: 71 calories in 1 small bar
Cost: $6.00 for 1 bar
Purchased from: Chocolate Dispensary, online order

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

Today's two bars both contained milk chocolate, orange and herb flavors.

Zuta & Orange 54%/33% Cacao bar

Aroma and flavor notes for this blended bar from Eclat Chocolate (West Chester, PA) included: dark milk chocolate (smooth, chocolate-y, slightly roasted cacao with faint cream and nut); light citrus and exotic mint (that tasted like light spearmint, with very faint lemon balm and/or Douglas Fir tips).

Texture: creamy, smooth textured milk chocolate blended into smooth dark chocolate.

The slightly exotic zuta (Israeli mint) and the citrus (orange) ingredients were well integrated with the chocolate. I noticed the mint a little more in the aroma than the flavor.

I liked the idea of running two different cacao percent chocolates together in parallel strips in the same bar. The integration of the two cacao percentage levels together was a smooth one, and added a gentle, balanced complexity to the chocolate. 

I also appreciated the choice (and subtlety) of the two flavor inclusions; although I found myself wanting to taste a little bit more of the unique zuta mint (Micromeria fruticosa).

Ingredients: Dark chocolate (min. cocoa mass 54%, sugar, cocoa butter, soya lecithin, natural vanilla), milk chocolate (min. cocoa powder 33%, sugar, cocoa butter, whole milk powder, soya lecithin, natural vanilla), fresh zuta, orange. 

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

Chocolate Orange Milk Chocolate 45% bar

This diminutive bar was made by Embers Chocolate (Scottsdale, AZ). 

Aroma and flavor notes included: creamy, dark milk chocolate, citrus (orange), mint/menthol/laurel with a hint of lemon.

Texture: smooth, thick and creamy dark milk chocolate with chewy bites of candied orange pieces. Tiny green (bay leaf) micro-confetti added a light herbal flavor, but no detectable leaf texture/grit

This was a successful, thoughtful and well-executed blend of flavors. The bay leaf bits added gentle herbal (light laurel/bay flavor), i.e. Turkish Bay Laurel (Laurus nobilis)--not the much stronger California Bay variety (Umbelluria californica) that I'm used to sampling in the San Francisco Bay Area where I live.

I also appreciated the short list of ingredients and use of organic cacao and sugar.

Maker's tasting notes: "...bright citrus meets silky 45% milk chocolate, with a whisper of bay leaf that pulls out the sweetness and adds a savory, aromatic edge..."

Ingredients: Cacao Beans*, Cane Sugar*, Milk Powder, Candied Orange Peel (Sugar, Water, Malic Acid), Bay Leaf. (* = Organic Ingredient)

Allergen-related information: Contains Milk. Made using shared equipment that may contain traces of milk, eggs, tree nuts, peanuts, soy, and sesame.