Moksha - Cordyceps & Lion's Mane 80% Dark Chocolate + Chocolita - Morning Matcha with Lion's Mane White Chocolate (bar) - June 29, 2026

Chocolate(s) of The Day

Moksha
Cordyceps & Lion's Mane 80% Dark Chocolate 
Good ++
Weight: .5 oz. (15 g.) in 1 package
Calories: 90 calories in 1 package
Cost: $6.00 for 1 package 
Purchased from: Far West Fungi, SF Ferry Building, San Francisco, CA

Chocolita
Morning Matcha - Raw White Chocolate with Matcha & Herbs 59% Cacao (bar)
Good + - Good ++ 
Weight: .416 oz. (11.6 g.) / 1.25 oz. (35 g.) in total bar
Calories: 83.3 calories in 1/3 bar
Cost: $7.49 for 1 bar
Purchased from: Xocolatl Garden, Carmel, CA

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

Moksha Chocolate - Cordyceps & Lion's Mane 80% Dark Vegan Chocolate

Today's main attraction was a Cordyceps & Lion's Mane Functional Mushrooms in 80% Dark Vegan Chocolate (square) manufactured (from cacao bean nib-to-bar) by Moksha Chocolate (Boulder, CO). 

Aroma notes included: smooth, sweet cacao chocolate with warm spices (cinnamon), lucuma (butterscotch, vanilla).

Texture: hearty, yet smooth texture and mouthfeel, with a satisfying melt.

Flavor notes included: intense and chocolate-y (balanced, ultra-dark, fudge brownie); diffuse warm sugar and spices (from the cacao and coconut sugar); and mushroom (very faint earth, wood, umami).

This 80%er was full of authentic, quality flavors, with medium acidity and relatively moderate bitterness for an ultra-dark chocolate.

I appreciated the bold, balanced and well-executed flavors, and the short list of ingredients.

Ingredients: Cacao Nibs, Coconut Sugar, Dried Mushrooms (Cordyceps & Lion's Mane)

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

Chocolita - Matcha White Chocolate with Lion's Mane (bar)

Today's second mushroom bar--the "Morning Matcha" Raw White Chocolate with Matcha, Herbs (& Lion's Mane) (bar) from Chocolita (Sedona, AZ)--was a mushroom chocolate pairing with Moksha Chocolate's 80%er. 

Both offerings contained lion's mane mushrooms and both companies are focused on plant-based chocolates; but the two bars were, otherwise, quite different. 

Moksha's ultra-dark 80% dark chocolate (above) had a hearty intensity; and this sweeter white chocolate was infused with gentle matcha tea, a touch of vanilla, and other flavor inclusions.

But, instead of a light ivory hue, today's bonus "white" chocolate bar was a rich, dark green-khaki color.

Aroma and flavor notes included: gentle green tea notes, subtle vanilla--and a background blend of herbal (and Lion's Mane) flavor additions. (I could not really taste the mushrooms.)

Texture: relatively smooth; the added tea, herbs, flavorings and mushroom(s) were fully incorporated

I appreciated the use of coconut sugar, that made this sweet bar seem less sweet and "buzzy" (than a white cane sugar version might have been).

Ingredients: *Cacao Paste, *Lucuma, *Coconut Sugar, *Matcha, *Maca, *Cinnamon, *Lion's Mane, Sea Salt, *Vanilla. (* = Organic)

Allergen-related information: Contains Coconut. "Made In A Facility That Processes Tree Nuts."

Mandala Chocolate - "Cloud Forest" 62% Cacao Organic dark chocolate (bar) - June 28, 2026

Chocolate of The Day

Mandala Chocolate
"Cloud Forest" 62% Cacao Organic dark chocolate (bar)
Good ++ 
Weight: 1.15 oz. (32.5 g.) / 2.3 oz. (65 g.) in total bar
Calories: 302 calories in 1/2 bar (151 calories in 1/4 bar (1 serving))
Cost: $10.80 for 1 bar
Purchased from: Xocolatl Garden, Carmel, CA 

Welcome to Day #13 of Chocolate and Earth, Mountains, Forests & Gardens Theme Week and Day #2 of Chocolate and Mushrooms Theme Week.

Today's "Cloud Forest" 62% Cacao Organic dark chocolate (bar) was from Mandala Naturals, LLC (Barnardsville, NC) and hand-crafted in Asheville, NC.

Aroma and flavor notes included smooth dark chocolate; gently fragrant herbs (similar to mint and lavender); very faint warm spices (cinnamon spice blend); and very faint lucuma (mild vanilla). 

Texture: smooth texture and melt

I enjoyed this bar. The diverse flavor blend was balanced, harmonious and slightly cooling--not unlike a cloud forest.

I wasn't able to taste the (Reishi and Chaga) mushrooms in this chocolate. There wasn't any mushroom powder graininess, or umami/earthy flavor, that would have given their presence away.

I appreciated the thoughtful sourcing and use of organic ingredients; the lack of additives; the company tagline "Cacao as Nourishment, Not Confection"; and the fact that the first ingredient listed was (heirloom) cacao*, followed by coconut sugar that wasn't too sweet. 

Ingredients: *Cacao, *Coconut Sugar, *Carob, *Sprouted Brown Rice Powder, *Lucuma, *Baobab, *Ginger, *Cinnamon, *Maca, *Siberian Ginseng (Eleuthero), +Reishi, +Chaga, *Cardamom, *Turmeric, *Black Pepper, Celtic Sea Salt (TM) (* = Organic; + = Organic & Wildcrafted)

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

*While not specifically stated on packaging for this bar, the cacao used to make this bar may have come from Maya Mountain Cacao--a centralized fermentary/cacao processing facility in Punta Gorda, Belize--a source mentioned on the company's website.

Primo Chocolate - "Forest Bath" 68% Dark Chocolate With Smoked Maple & Salt (bar) - June 27, 2026

Chocolate of The Day

Primo Chocolate
"Forest Bath" 68% Dark Chocolate with Smoked Maple & Salt (bar)
Good ++
Weight: 2.1 oz. (60 g.) in total bar 
Calories: 300 calories (estimate) in 1 bar
Cost: $12.00 for 1 bar
Purchased from: Xocolatl Garden, Carmel, CA

Welcome to Day #12 of Chocolate & Earth, Mountains, Forests & Gardens Theme Week; and Day #1 of Chocolate & Mushrooms Week. 

Today's "Forest Bath" 68% Dark Chocolate with Smoked Maple & Sea Salt & "Adaptogenic Chaga" Mushrooms (bar) was from Primo Chocolate.

The cacao used to make this bar was grown in/from Ecuador

Aroma and flavor notes included: roasted cacao; faint, earthy rubber tree (initially), mushroom; and maple flavor. 

I enjoyed the flavor more than the initial aroma. I really enjoyed the rich chocolate (with very faint fruit); authentic maple; and the smoke-y and umami notes from the mushrooms, hickory smoke and the sea salt. I liked the idea of using crushed Vermont Maple candies to sweeten this 68% dark chocolate.

Texture: relatively smooth with an even melt. (The chaga mushroom (extract) was completely incorporated into the dark chocolate. 

Ingredients: Cacao Nibs, Organic Panela (Cane Sugar), Vermont Maple Candies, Hickory Smoke, Chaga Extract, Seneca Lake Sea Salt 

Allergen-related information: (No information that I could find in this area on the label.)

Chocolove - Dark Chocolate Marzipan Filled Trees - June 26, 2026

Chocolate of The Day

Chocolove
Dark Chocolate Marzipan Trees 
Good++ 
Weight: 1.06 oz. (30 g.) / 7.05 oz. (200 g.) in total package
Calories: 150 calories in 3 trees
Cost: $10.49 for 1 package of 19 pieces
Purchased from: Farm Fresh, online order

Welcome to Day #11 of Chocolate & Earth, Mountains, Forests and Gardens Week. 

Today's package of individually-wrapped Dark Chocolate 55% Marzipan Filled Trees were brought to you by Chocolove (Boulder, CO).

Thankfully "Earth" includes many wild places and open spaces with trees. (Chocolate Banquet would not exist without cacao trees.) Today's tree-shaped chocolates were a lovely reminder that both cacao trees and almond trees were used to make these treats.

Aroma and flavor notes included: smooth dark chocolate and sweet almonds/almond flavor (marzipan).

Texture: a smooth, firm dark chocolate shell, with a softer, white marzipan filling.

I enjoyed the little dark chocolate tree shapes, and the authentic chocolate and almond flavors and balance. Marzipan is meant to be sweet, and this was no exception. But, there was enough dark chocolate to keep the sweetness from being too overwhelming. 

Ingredients: Dark Chocolate (Cocoa Liquor, Sugar, Cocoa Butter, Soy Lecithin and/or Sunflower Lecithin, Vanilla), Marzipan (Sugar, Almonds, Natural Almond Flavor), Invert Sugar, Tapioca Syrup, Cocoa Butter, Sunflower Lecithin 

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

Sisters A. Chocolate - Bean-to-Bar 81% Cacao Dominican Republic Cherry & Juniper (bar) - June 25, 2026

Chocolate of The Day

Sisters A. Chocolate 
Bean-to-Bar 81% Cacao Dominican Republic Cherry & Juniper (bar)
Good ++ - Good +++
Weight: 1.14 oz. (32.5 g.) / 2.29 oz. (65 g.) in total bar
Calories: 178 calories (estimate) in 1/2 bar
Cost: $ Missing Information
Purchased from: Oceana Market, Pacifica, CA

Welcome to Day #10 of Chocolate, Mountains, Forests, and Gardens Theme Week. 

Today's Bean-to-Bar 81% Cacao Dominican Republic Cherry & Juniper (bar) was from Sisters A. Chocolate. The company was founded in Lutsk, Ukraine, by two sisters: Olena and Oleksandra.

Aroma and flavor notes included: hearty cacao/dark chocolate, fruit (dark ripe cherries, cacao fruit pulp, dark berry) and faint wood, light pine, and barely detectable earth.

For an 81% cacao chocolate, this satisfying bar was quite smooth in flavor. Rich in taste but relatively low in bitterness and acidity.

Texture: creamy, soft (almost pillowy) dark chocolate with intermittent crunchy bits (candied/crushed juniper berries (and possibly cacao nibs)).

I really enjoyed the well-executed (balanced) yet hearty complexity, authentic flavors, and the natural (low) sweetness level from the ("sublimated") cherries--that provided rich, dark fruit flavor. I also appreciated the thoughtful sourcing and short list of ingredients.

Ingredients: cocoa beans, cane sugar, cocoa butter, freeze-dried cherry, juniper

Allergen-related Information: (No allergen information found on label)

Beato Chocolates - In the Garden 38% Milk Chocolate with Black Sage Oil (bar) - June 24, 2026

Chocolate of The Day

Beato Chocolates
"In the Garden" 38% Milk Chocolate with Black Sage Oil (bar)
Good + - Good ++ 
Weight: 1.43 oz. (40.5 g.) / 2.86 oz. (81 g.) in total bar
Calories: 257 calories (estimate) in 1/2 bar
Cost: $14.00 for 1 bar
Purchased from: Xocolatl, online order

Welcome to Day #9 of Chocolate, Earth, Mountains, Forests & Gardens Theme Week.

Today's In the Garden 38% Milk Chocolate with Black Sage Oil (bar) was created and distributed by Beato Chocolate (a woman-owned and artist focused business) "anti-established" in Ojai, California. 

"In The Garden" is a collaboration between Beato Chocolates and GARA Skincare. (Artwork for this bar: Beatrice Wood.)

"Foraged in the hills of Central, CA and distilled by GARA skincare in Ojai, CA, black sage is known for its calming, relaxing and nourishing properties."

Aroma and flavor notes included: sweet chocolate and herbs (mint, sage)

Texture: smooth, creamy milk chocolate

I appreciated the sage flavor; the creamy texture; and the focus on art and artists. 

The black sage (oil) flavor tasted authentic and harmonized nicely with the sweet milk chocolate. It helped balance the strong sweetness. (The first ingredient listed was sugar.) Too sweet for me; but those with a sweet tooth will likely enjoy this chocolate. I liked everything else about this bar.

Ingredients: Evaporated cane sugar, cacao beans, organic full cream milk, cocoa butter, sunflower lecithin, black sage oil

Allergen-related information: Contains Milk. 

Dick Taylor Craft Chocolate - Seasonal Release Winter Wilderness 65% Belize Dark Chocolate (bar) - June 23, 2026

Chocolate of The Day

Dick Taylor Craft Chocolate
Seasonal Release Winter Wilderness 65% Belize Dark Chocolate (bar) 
Good ++
Weight: 1 oz. (28.3 g.) / 2 oz. (57 g.) in total bar
Calories: 160 calories in 1/2 bar
Cost: $11.50 for 1 bar
Purchased from: Bar & Cocoa, online order 

Welcome to Day #8 of Chocolate & Earth, Mountains, Forests and Gardens Theme Week. This week's Earth theme embraces mountains and forests of all types--from tropical cacao rain forest farms to pine and redwood forests.

Today's Winter Wilderness 65% Belize Dark Chocolate (bar) was crafted by Dick Taylor Craft Chocolate (in Eureka, CA-- a Northern California city often considered a "gateway" to nearby redwood groves/forests*).

Aroma and flavor notes included: smooth dark chocolate, refreshing rosemary (sweet pine-y menthol), faint citrus, mint and other "tree" notes (maple, sweet pine/fir). There was also an almost ginger-like zing in the first bite or so (as my brain sorted out the flavors). 

This tree-forward blend, sweetened with maple sugar, successfully conjured up a brisk walk in the woods on a cool, crisp fall day with pine-scented fresh air. Originally designed as a Seasonal Release for the winter holidays, this chocolate could be enjoyed in any season.

Texture: smooth with an even and satisfying melt

I enjoyed this seasonal bar. Authentic rosemary blended with the maple, peppermint, citrus and fir tree; and the fun lingered into a long, happy finish. It was like a walk through an aromatic forest in the northern woods.

Ingredients: Cacao*, Cane Sugar*, Cocoa Butter*, Maple Sugar, Orange Oil, Peppermint Oil, Siberian Fir Oil (*Organic) Cacao Solids: 65% minimum.

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

*The local Eureka zoo even includes an elevated redwood tree walkway--touted to be the longest such walkway in the Western U.S.

Primo Chocolate - Shadow Panther 92% Chocolate with Wild Vanilla Bean (bar) - June 22, 2026

Chocolate of The Day

Primo Chocolate
Shadow Panther Mysteriously Dark 92% Chocolate With Wild Vanilla Bean (bar)
Good ++ 
Weight: 1.06 oz. (30 g.) / 2.1 oz. (60 g.) in total bar
Calories: 139 calories in 1/2 bar
Cost: $11.00 for 1 bar
Purchased from: Xocolatl Garden, Carmel, CA 

Welcome to Day #7 of Chocolate & Earth, Mountains, Forests and Gardens Theme Week--part of a month long series on chocolates related to the elements: earth, water and fire.

Today's Shadow Panther Mysteriously Dark 92% Chocolate With Wild Vanilla Bean (bar) was from Primo Chocolate. 

The vanilla beans in this bar were "sourced directly from a biodynamic forestry project in Chiapas, Mexico: the native origin of vanilla." 

Aroma and flavor notes included: dark, relatively smooth-flavored ultra-dark (92% cacao) chocolate and warm, aromatic vanilla. Vanilla casts a warm, heavenly and naturally sweet halo over the darkest of chocolates. And so it was here. It emitted pure rays of vanilla sunshine, throughout this ultra-dark chocolate.

Texture: relatively smooth

I enjoyed the uplifting vanilla and the balanced ultra-dark blend, and appreciated the thoughtfully sourced short list of single origin ingredients.

Ingredients: Cacao Nibs, Organic Panela (Cane Sugar,) Cocoa Butter,

Allergen-related information: Contains Coconut. "Made in a facility that also processes nuts"

Primo Chocolate - Mountain Cardamom 60% Dairy-Free Dark Milk Chocolate (bar) - June 21, 2026

Chocolate of The Day

Primo Chocolate
Mountain Cardamom 60% Dairy-Free Dark Milk Chocolate (bar)
Good ++ 
Weight: 2.1 oz. (60 g.) in total bar
Calories: 360 calories in 1 bar
Cost: $11.00 for 1 bar
Purchased from: Xocolatl Garden, Carmel, CA 

Welcome to Day #6 of Chocolate & Earth, Mountains, Forests and Gardens Theme Week--part of a month long series on chocolates related to the elements: earth, water and fire.

Today's Mountain Cardamom 60% Dairy-Free Dark Milk Chocolate (bar) was from Primo Chocolate. 

The cardamom in this bar (from Burlap & Barrel in New York) was grown by "farmers in Alta Verapaz, Guatemala." The small cardamom pods grow on a "tropical vine in cloud forests." And the cacao was sourced from Ecuador.

Aroma and flavor notes included: dark, relatively sweet chocolate; lovely aromatic cardamom; and very faint coconut.

Texture: smooth, relatively creamy, almost velvety, melt and mouthfeel.

Ingredients: Cacao Nibs, Organic Panela Cane Sugar, Cocoa Butter, Coconut Flour, Sunflower Lecithin, Cardamom

Allergen-related information: Contains Coconut. "Made in a facility that also processes nuts"

Karu - Jungle Dark 85% Cacao Villa Sofia, Cordoba, Colombia (bar) - June 20, 2026

Chocolate of The Day

Karu Chocolates

Jungle Dark - 85% Cacao Villa Sofia, Cordoba, Colombia (bar)
Good ++ 
Weight: .53 oz. (15 g.) / 2.1 oz. (60 g.) in total bar 
Calories: 70 calories in 1/4 bar 
Cost: $13.00 for 1 bar 
Purchased from: Xocolatl Garden, Carmel, CA

Welcome to Day #5 of Chocolate & Earth, Mountains, Forests & Gardens Theme Week. 

Today's Karu Chocolates Jungle Dark 85% Cacao Via Sofia, Cordoba, Colombia (bar) was made in Bogota, Colombia, and distributed (in the U.S.) by Tropicalia LLC. 

Aroma and flavor notes for this hearty, ultra-dark bar included: dark chocolate (deep, chocolate-y), peppers, and dried fruit (cacao pulp, mango, dark berry).

Texture: thick, rich and creamy melt and mouthfeel

I loved the deep and balanced aroma and flavor notes, and that this bar wasn't too sweet (thank you) or too bitter for an 85%er. 

Last, but not least, this bar was made--with a short list of (just two) ingredients--"in country" (in the same country where the cacao was grown).

Ingredients: Cacao, unrefined cane sugar

Allergen-related information: "Produced in facilities processing milk and nuts"

Karu - Dark Milk Single Region Sierra Nevada, Colombia, 60% Cacao (bar) - June 19, 2026

Chocolate of The Day

Karu Chocolates
Sierra Milk - Dark Milk Single Region Sierra Nevada, Colombia 60% Cacao (bar)
Good + - Good ++
Weight: .53 oz. (15 g.) / 2.1 oz. (60 g.) in total bar
Calories: 80 calories in 1/4 bar
Cost: $16.00 for 1 bar
Purchased from: Chocolate Dispensary, online order

Welcome to Day #4 of Chocolate & Earth, Mountains, Forests & Gardens Theme Week. 

Today's Karu Chocolates Sierra Milk - Dark Milk Single Region Sierra Nevada, Colombia 60% Cacao (bar) was made in Bogota, Colombia, and distributed (in the U.S.) by Tropicalia LLC.

Aroma and flavor notes included: slightly earthy dark milk chocolate (ganache, brownie) with faint and diffuse fruits (sweet, crisp red apple, mango, sweet red berry), and a pleasant dark milk chocolate-y finish.

After enjoying a 100% cacao bar yesterday, today's 60% cacao chocolate seemed very sweet. But I appreciated the relatively subtle, complex flavors. The earth note(s) certainly fit with this week's (Chocolate, Earth, Mountains, Forests & Gardens) theme. 

Last, but not least, this bar was made with a short list of (just three) ingredients "in country" (in the same country where the cacao was grown).

Ingredients: Cacao, cane sugar, milk powder

Allergen-related information: Contains Milk. "Produced in facilities processing milk and nuts"

Cacao Laboratory - Earth Ceremonial Grade Cacao 100% Cacao with Moringa & Chipotle (bar) - June 18, 2026

Chocolate of The Day

Cacao Laboratory 
Earth - Ceremonial Grade Cacao 100% Cacao with Moringa & Chipotle (bar) 
Good ++ 
Weight: .35 oz. (10 g.) / 3.53 oz. (100 g.) in total bar 
Calories: 57 calories in 2 squares 
Cost: $15.00 for 1 bar
Purchased from: Xocolatl Garden, Carmel, CA

Welcome to Day #3 of Chocolate & Earth Theme Week, featuring several chocolates with ties to mountains, forests, plants and gardens.

Today's Earth - Ceremonial Grade Cacao 100% Cacao with Moringa & Chipotle (bar) was made by Cacao Laboratory Corp. (Kingston, NY).  

Aroma notes included: slightly earthy dark chocolate; and--after first cutting open the inner wrapper--it had a pepper-like sharpness (that made me cough if I inhaled too deeply). Typically a sensation like this decreases if the chocolate airs out for about 10+ minutes after opening. (It did take the feisty edge off this bar.)

Flavor notes included a pleasant green/plant taste; fire-roasted, slightly early (mild) pepper; followed by a steep dive into 100% cacao bitter and deep-chocolate-y, dark chocolate. About an hour later, after something to eat, I wanted a second piece/square; and the second piece seemed mellower and even more enjoyable.

Texture: relatively smooth with a very slight, temporary, micron level graininess, and very faint lingering (and balanced) roasted/gently smoked pepper + cacao finish.

I appreciated Cacao Lab's short list of (three) organic ingredients, and the idea of achieving better balance in a world of different forces, with assistance from the four elements (earth, air, fire and water). Their Sacred Elements Blends (line of bars) "were created to help you harness the qualities of the four classical elements..."

Indeed, I did feel more grounded within about 10 minutes after sitting and eating today's chocolate. (The physical absence of a sugar buzz helped with that feeling.) Eating a 100% unsweetened chocolate is also a much slower, arguably more deliberate, experience than scarfing down the average, sugar-sweetened ("more-ish") chocolate.

Maker's Tasting Notes: "Rich leather, smoke"

Ingredients: Theobroma cacao*, moringa*, chipotle* (*organic)

Allergen-related information: Processed on equipment that also processes nuts

*Notes about the 3 ingredients: 

Cacao: single origin cacao (sourced from Manabi, Ecuador)

Chipotle peppers (native to the Americas) are smoke-dried jalapeno peppers--a process that gives them a mellower, richer flavor. 

Moringa is a nutritious, drought-resistant tree originally from northwestern India. While not native to the Americas, it is now widely grown in Brazil, Colombia, Peru, Ecuador and other countries.

Wild West Chocolate - Prairie Oat Organic Oatmilk Chocolate 50% Cacao (bar) - June 17, 2026

Chocolate of The Day

Wild West Chocolate
Prairie Oat - Organic Oatmilk Chocolate with Toasted Oats 50% Cacao (bar)
Good ++ 
Weight: 2.3 oz. (65.2 g.) in total bar
Calories: 340 calories in 1/2 bar
Cost: $7.08 (approx.) for 1 bar - Part of a 3-bar pack for $21.25
Purchased from: Wild West Chocolate, online order

Welcome to Day #2 of Chocolate & Earth Theme Week (including chocolates that have ties with mountains, forests and gardens...and at least one chocolate related to plains and prairies.

Today's Prairie Oat Organic Oat Milk Chocolate 50% Cacao (bar) from Wild West Chocolate (Missoula, MT) managed to represent earth, wind and water elements.

I find undulating wind-driven waves rolling through grasses (or large wheat/oat fields) mesmerizing. City dwellers like me need to drive several hours to enjoy wind dancing through oceans of prairie grasses. Happily, this bar conjured memories of wide open prairies and waving oat grasses catching golden light.

Today's Prairie Oat - Organic Oatmilk Chocolate with Toasted Oats 50% Cacao (bar) was from Wild West Chocolate (Missoula, MT).

Aroma and flavor notes included: subtle chocolate, very faint fruit, and a satisfying oatmeal-like flavor.

I don't care for the slightly dry/gritty texture and flavor of some oat milk* chocolates--or the fact that any "milks" can mask/dull subtle cacao flavors. 

However, the oatmilk bars from Wild West Chocolate haven't given me this experience. And the whole oats (that covered the back side of today's Prairie Oat bar) were pleasant (not too rough, and imparting a mellow oat flavor)--making the whole oat experience quite enjoyable. And I believe the company's blend of fruit powders (used to sweeten the chocolate instead of sugar) provided a good balance with the oats.

Ingredients: Organic Oat milk Chocolate (Organic Fruit Blend [Powdered Date+, Powdered Mulberry+, Powdered Peach+, Powdered Mango+], Organic Cocoa Liquor++, Organic Cocoa Butter++, Oat milk+, Vanilla Extract+), Gluten-Free Oats+. (+Organic Ingredients; ++47% Fair Trade Ingredients, Fair Trade Certified by Fair Trade USA

Allergen-related information: Contains Gluten Free Oats. "Made in the USA with globally sourced ingredients. Made with 100% fair trade and sustainable cocoa. Manufactured on equipment that processes tree nuts, peanuts, milk, wheat and soy."

*Bottom line: Making a good oat milk chocolate is not easy. You have to get those starches and saponins, particle sizes, temperatures, interactions with cacao flavors, etc. just right.

Wild West Chocolate - Snowcapped Coconut 50% Cacao Oatmilk Chocolate (bar) - June 16, 2026

Chocolate of The Day

Wild West Chocolate

Snowcapped Coconut 50% Cacao Oatmilk Chocolate (bar)
Good ++
Weight: 1.15 oz. (32.6 g.) / 2.3 oz. (65.2 g.) in total bar
Calories: 180 calories in 1/2 bar
Cost: $7.08 (approx.) for 1 bar - 1 of 3 bars for $21.25 
Purchased from: Wild West Chocolate, online order

Welcome to Day #1 of Chocolate & Earth: Mountains, Forests & Gardens Theme Week. (The next 4 weeks will focus on chocolates related to the elements: Earth, Water and Fire.) 

Today's Snowcapped Coconut 50% Cacao Oatmilk Chocolate (bar) was from Wild West Chocolate  (Missoula, MT).

This chocolate was "inspired by the majestic peaks of the snow-covered Rocky Mountains" and was "blanketed with a whimsical flurry of organic coconut flakes."

Aroma and flavor notes for this vegan dark oatmilk bar included: smooth dark chocolate, faint diffuse fruit (berry, tropical fruit, and barely-there citrus (sweet tangerine)), and very faint coconut.

Texture: creamy smooth chocolate with a dusting of very fine-textured coconut "snow" on one side. 

I enjoyed the balanced blend of very subtle fruit, smooth chocolate, and very light and authentic coconut "snow."

I appreciated the use of Organic ingredients; the fruit powder blend used to sweeten the chocolate; and that this oat milk bar did not taste "oat-y". It was sweet, but not too sweet--allowing greater appreciation for the subtle chocolate and other flavors.

Ingredients: Organic Oatmilk Chocolate (Organic Fruit Blend [Powdered Date+, Powdered Mulberry+, Powdered Peach+, Powdered Mango+], Organic Cocoa Liquor++, Organic Cocoa Butter++, Oatmilk+, Vanilla Extract+), Coconut+.  (+Organic; ++49% Fair Trade ingredients)

Allergen-related information: Contains Coconut. "Manufactured on equipment that processes tree nuts, peanuts, milk, wheat, and soy."

Seattle Chocolate Co. - Maeve Hungry Blackberry Dark & White Chocolate Truffle Bar - June 15, 2026

Chocolate of the Day

Seattle Chocolate Co. 
Maeve Hungry Blackberry Dark & White Chocolate Truffle Bar
Good +
Weight: 1.25 oz. (35 g.) / 2.5 oz. (70 g.) in total bar
Calories: 200 calories in 1/2 bar
Cost: $7.50 for 1 bar
Purchased from: Copperfield Books, Petaluma, CA

Welcome to the final day (Day #11) of Chocolate & Bears Theme Week--filled with many fun items. Some items, while not chonicled here on Chocolate Banquet, deserve an honorable mention for their bear themes.

Today's Maeve** Hungry Bear Blackberry truffle bar was from Seattle Chocolate Co. (Seattle, WA). The original company (founded in 1991) offers a line of chocolate bars (including filled chocolate truffle bars) and confections.

Aroma and flavor notes for this sweet, slim, filled bar included: sweet dark milk chocolate, subtle berry (blackberry) with a soft, sweet (candy-level sweet) light vanilla and berry white chocolate filling.

The blend of dark and white chocolate added layered flavors. The blackberry flavor was relatively pleasing and authentic (all the berry, none of the seeds). However, the overall sweetness level was way too high for me. 

Texture: soft, thin layer of mild dark chocolate and soft vanilla and berry filling

Ingredients: white chocolate (cane sugar, cocoa butter*, milk, soy lecithin, natural vanilla), dark chocolate (cocoa mass, organic cane sugar, cocoa butter, organic soy lecithin, organic vanilla), coconut oil, blackberry powder, natural flavor, sea salt, citric acid. (*Rainforest Alliance Certified.)

Allergen-related information: Contains milk, soy, and coconut. This product is manufactured in a plant that processes milk, soy, peanuts, tree nuts, egg, and wheat products. *Rainforest Alliance Certified.

*Honorable mentions included: Hot Chocolate with whipped cream at the Black Bear Diner (a place loaded with carved wooden bears and bear-a-phernalia, and Cacao & Cashew Butter Crunch Granola from Bear Naked Granola with a lovely black bear logo.

**Maeve Chocolate and the Maeve Logo are Trademarks of Seattle Chocolate Co. (The company re-branded their name to Maeve Chocolate in 2025.)

Eigen Chocolate - Dulce de Oso 54% Brown Butter Milk Chocolate (bar) - June 14, 2026

Chocolate of The Day

Eigen Chocolate
Dulce Del Oso 54% Brown Butter Milk Chocolate (bar)
Good ++
Weight: .88 oz. (25 g.) in 1 bar
Calories: 136 calories (estimate) in 1 bar 
Cost: $7.50 for 1 small bar
Purchased from: Eigen Chocolate, online order

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

Today's Dulce Del Oso 54% Brown Butter Milk Chocolate (bar) was made at Eigen Chocolate (High Point, NC). 

The makers sourced their cacao from Osito Coffee and Cacao in Colombia.

Aroma notes included: sweet, rich, dark milk chocolate (drinking chocolate), buttery toffee and caramel. The flavor notes were similar, but with more rich chocolate-y (brown butter chocolate ice cream) flavors and very faint tropical fruit (cacao fruit, passion fruit) and very faint pomegranate.

Texture: creamy, velvety dark milk chocolate with a satisfying buttery melt and mouthfeel.

Maker's Tasting Notes: "Fudge, Butterscotch, Tropical Fruit" "...ultra-rich butterscotchy-fudgy milk chocolate with a toasted brown butter finish."

I enjoyed this authentic, flavorful and buttery dark milk chocolate with balanced, single origin complexity. Perfect for those with a brown butter chocolate ice cream sweet tooth who also appreciate gentler (less bitter), high-end, deep cacao flavor(s).

Ingredients: Cacao nibs, Organic cane sugar, Organic A2/A2 whole milk powder, Organic cocoa butter

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

Seahorse Chocolate - La Cueva del Oso 70% Dark Chocolate (bar) - June 13, 2026

Chocolate of the Day

Seahorse Chocolate
La Cueva del Oso 70% Dark Chocolate (bar)
Good ++
Weight: .88 oz. (25 g.) / 1.75 oz. (50 g.) in total bar
Calories: 137 calories (estimate) in 1/2 bar
Cost: $14.00 for 1 bar
Purchased from: Seahorse Chocolate, online order 

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

Today's La Cueva del Oso 70% Dark Chocolate (bar) was made by the bean-to-bar chocolate makers at Seahorse Chocolate (Bend, OR).

The cacao beans were sourced from smallholder farmers in Huila, Colombia (and were processed at a centralized fermentary in Altamira--run by Osito Coffee. (Osito means little bear. And the name of their cacao operation is La Cueva del Oso (bear's cave). 

The connection with "bears" could also be a tribute of sorts to local bears*--that have also become a modern day symbol of conservation and good stewardship.

Unique aroma and flavor notes for this single origin bar included rich dark cocoa, sweet toffee and balanced herb-y menthol--that I thought might be headed toward bitterness, but that never happened.

Texture: smooth, relatively pleasant melt

I liked the short list of ingredients, the single origin cacao story, the smooth texture, the unique flavor profile...and the bear connection.

Maker's Tasting Notes: Toffee, Molasses, Wild Mint

Ingredients: Cocoa Beans, Organic Cane Sugar

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

*Osos de Anteojos (Spectacled Bears, aka Andean Bears) live in several South American countries, including Colombia--and can be found not far from where today's cacao was grown/fermented. These bears live in mountainous and forested areas. They occasionally visit farms to enjoy fruits, including the pulpy cacao fruit (that surrounds the cacao seeds/beans). This helps disperse seeds and can benefit local ecosystems.

 

Weiser Classic Candy Grizzly Bear Paw & Sjaak's California State Bear Dark (bar) - June 12, 2026

Chocolate(s) of The Day

Weiser Classic Candy
Grizzly Paw Soft Caramel 
Good ++
Weight: 2.5 oz. (70.75 g.) / 5 oz. (141.5 g.) in total package/box
Calories: 387 calories (estimate) in 1/2 serving
Cost: $6.99 for 1 package/large bear paw (+ other bonus items)
Purchased from: The Market at Edgewood, Palo Alto, CA

Sjaak's Organic Chocolates
California State Bear Dark Chocolate Almonds (bar)
Good ++
Weight: 1 oz. (28 g.) / 2 oz. (56 g.) in total bar
Calories: 140 calories in 1/2 bar
Cost: Missing information
Purchased from: Missing information

Welcome to Day #8 of Chocolate & Bears Theme Week, featuring two bear-themed chocolates.

Grizzly Paw Soft Caramel with Cashew "Claws"

This chocolate coated Grizzly (bear) paw was from Weiser Classic Candy (Weiser, ID).

Weiser Classic Candy is a family-run store (and deli) serving: fudge, caramel (and chocolate) confections, and ice cream. The small-batch chocolatier also produces chocolate confections that are carried in several other small businesses. (They use local ingredients including sugar from local sugar beets and dairy from local cows.)

This bear paw caramel-filled confection was big enough to share with two other people. It was filled with a soft, gentle sea of caramel. The sweetness of the caramel was vast, but balanced by the impressive claws (whole, salted cashews).

I enjoyed the salty claws (whole, salted, jumbo cashews) on this generously-sized grizzly claw. I also was tickled to find two bonus items...

...Under the chocolate caramel claw were a smattering of chocolate-covered raisins (chocolate bear scat) and a small bell (a reference to bear bells often used to let bears know you may be in their area and/or that you're headed their way).

A short printed bear story included information about bears being reintroduced in Idaho (and suggestions about possible human-bear interactions).

Ingredients: Unsweetened Chocolate, Sugar, Cocoa Butter, Milk, Soya Lecithin, Vanillin (an artificial flavor), natural & artificial flavorings, butter corn syrup, evaporated milk, tenox, sucovert, paramount crystals, cashews

Allergen-related information: Contains Milk, Soy, Nuts (Cashews). "These products are produced in a facility that uses major allergens: peanuts, soy beans, milk, eggs, fish, tree nuts, and wheat"

California State Bear Dark Chocolate (bar)

Today's California State Bear Dark Chocolate Almonds bar was from Sjaak's Organic Chocolates.

This bear bar was a marvel. It was six years old, and looked and tasted brand new. The well-tempered dark chocolate (no cacao % listed on the label) was smooth-textured and smooth-flavored with a balanced chocolate-y taste. Tiny almond bits added a bit of texture and authentic nut (almond) flavor.

Sadly, the chocolate maker is no longer in business. (Sjaak's Organic Chocolates was based in Petaluma, in Northern California and closed up shop in November 2023 after an almost 20-year run.)

Ingredients: Organic Dark Chocolate (organic cocoa paste), organic sugar, organic cocoa butter, organic vanilla), organic almonds. 

Allergen-related information: Contains Almonds. "Sjaak's Organic Chocolates is a vegan facility. Equipment shared with peanuts/tree nuts. Ingredients suppliers may share equipment that could result in trace amounts of dairy protein."

Wild West Chocolate - Bear Claws Pumpkin Spice & Pecan 50% Cacao Oatmilk Chocolate Nut Clusters - June 11, 2026

Chocolate of The Day 

Wild West Chocolate
Bear Claws - Pumpkin Spice & Pecan 50% Cacao Oatmilk Chocolate Nut Clusters
Good + - Good ++
Weight: 1.35 oz. (38.25 g.) / 2.7 oz. (76.5 g.) in total bar
Calories: 210 calories in 3 pieces
Cost: $6.75 for 1 package of 6 pieces
Purchased from: Wild West Chocolate, online order

Welcome to Day #7 of Chocolate & Bears Week. 

Today's Bear Claws - Pumpkin Spice & Pecan 50% Cacao Oatmilk Chocolate Nut Clusters were from Wild West Chocolate, LLC (Missoula, MT)--and featured an image of two adorable bear cubs.

Aroma and flavor notes for these individually-wrapped bear claws included: chocolate; diffuse warm spice and pumpkin-like (flavor extract); pumpkin cookie; faint vanilla; and faint nut and oat. 

Texture: The base chocolate was relatively smooth (a little oat-y in the texture, but not too much). The pecan pieces added a nice soft crunch.

The complex blend of flavors yielded interesting results. The warm spices were very subtle and seemed a little muted by the oatmilk; and the very subtle and authentic fruit blend (date, mulberry, peach and mango powders)--used to sweeten this chocolate instead of sugar--seemed to add a very slight berry/fruit tanginess (think berry and pumpkin pie oat milk smoothie). 

The fruit blend worked very nicely with all other Wild West bars and bear claw flavors I tasted this past week; but the jury is still out on this one.*

I liked the individually-wrapped "claws"; the packaging made these practical for sharing with others (and portion control).

Another plus: all Wild West chocolates are made with Organic and Regenerative Organic Certified ingredients.

Ingredients: Organic Oatmilk Chocolate (Organic Fruit Blend [Powdered Date++, Powdered Mulberry+, Powdered Peach+, Powdered Mango+], Organic Cocoa Liquor++, Organic Cocoa Butter++, Oatmilk+, Vanilla Extract+), Roasted Pecans+ (Pecans, Salt), Cinnamon, Nutmeg, Ginger, Cloves, Pumpkin Extract. (+ = Organic; ++ = Regenerative Organic Certified; Cocoa Liquor and Cocoa Butter: Fair Trade Certified 39% of Product.)

Allergen-related information: Contains Cashews. "Manufactured on equipment that processes tree nuts, peanuts, milk, wheat and soy." 

*Disclaimer: I wasn't able to fairly judge today's gentle claws. I've fully converted to bold-as-a-bear spice blends--closer to chai tea spices with punchier/spicier Saigon cinnamon, fresh ginger and steeped spices. As a result traditional pumpkin pie spice blends (based on mild Ceylon cinnamon) seem bland to me. 

Instead of traditional American pie and cookies, I've migrated to dark chocolate and fresh fruits sprinkled with attention grabbing spices. Apparently I've virtually moved to the tropics.

Wild West Chocolate - Bear Claws - Almond & Sea Salt 70% Cacao Dark Chocolate Nut Clusters - June 10, 2026

Chocolate of The Day 

Wild West Chocolate
Bear Claws - Almond & Sea Salt 70% Cacao Dark Chocolate Nut Clusters
Weight: 1.35 oz. (38.25 g.) / 2.7 oz. (76.5 g.) in total bar
Calories: 240 calories in 3 pieces
Cost: $8.99 for 1 package of 6 pieces
Purchased from: Wild West Chocolate, online order

Welcome to Day #6 of Chocolate & Bears Week. 

Today's Bear Claws - Almond & Sea Salt 70% Cacao Dark Chocolate Nut Clusters were from Wild West Chocolate, LLC (Missoula, MT)--and featured an image three brown bears crossing a stream (or looking for fish perhaps) with a pine forest and snow-capped mountains in the background.

Aroma and flavor notes for these individually-wrapped bear claws included: smooth dark (chocolate-y) chocolate; faint roasted nut (almond); vanilla; and very faint salt.

Texture: The base chocolate had a relatively smooth texture. Almond bits added an attractive, soft crunch.

A very subtle and authentic fruit blend (date, mulberry, peach and mango powders)--was used to sweeten this chocolate instead of sugar. And that sweetness felt balanced and authentic. 

Bears' favorite foods include berries and nuts; so I'm sure they'd approve of this offering.*

The individually-wrapped "claws"/paws made them practical for sharing chocolate with others.

An additional plus with Wild West Chocolate offerings: they're made with Organic and Regenerative Organic Certified ingredients.

Ingredients: Organic Oatmilk Chocolate (Organic Fruit Blend [Powdered Date++, Powdered Mulberry+, Powdered Peach+, Powdered Mango+], Organic Cocoa Liquor++, Organic Cocoa Butter++, Vanilla Extract+), Roasted Almonds+, Sea Salt. (+ = Organic; ++ = Regenerative Organic Certified; Cocoa Liquor and Cocoa Butter: Fair Trade Certified 39% of Product.)

Allergen-related information: Contains Almonds. "Manufactured on equipment that processes tree nuts, peanuts, milk, wheat and soy." 

*Maybe. We (humans) can process small amounts of slightly bitter alkaloids--defensive compounds that plants produce to deter animals/insects from eating them. These alkaloids include caffeine in coffee and theobromine in cacao. Bears (dogs, cats and other animals) have a more limited capacity to process theobromine; and they can get very sick after eating too much dark chocolate. 

Animals that enjoy the pulpy cacao fruit (that surrounds cacao seeds (aka beans) inside cacao pods) include monkeys, birds...and, yes, bears. Spectacled Bears (aka Andean Bears) in South America may eat as many as 300 different plants in the wild, including many different fruits, and nuts. They have been known to visit/raid cacao plantations/farms for the pulpy fruit inside cacao pods. They spit out the bitter cacao seeds (beans), helping disperse seeds in the wild.

Wild West Chocolate - Bear Claws - Huckleberry & Cashew 50% Oatmilk Chocolate Nut Clusters - June 9, 2026

Chocolate of The Day 

Wild West Chocolate
Bear Claws - Huckleberry & Cashew 50% Oatmilk Chocolate Nut Clusters
Weight: 2 oz. (56 g.) / 2.96 oz. (84 g.) in total bar
Calories: 320 calories in 4 pieces
Cost: $8.99 for 1 package of 6 pieces
Purchased from: Wild West Chocolate, online order

Welcome to Day #5 of Chocolate & Bears Week. 

Today's Bear Claws - Huckleberry & Cashew Organic Oatmilk Chocolate Nut Clusters were from Wild West Chocolate, LLC (Missoula, MT)--and featured an image of an impressive brown bear standing in tall grass with snow-capped mountains in the background.*

Aroma and flavor notes for these individually-wrapped bear claws included: chocolate; dark sweet berries; faint vanilla; and very faint nut and oat. 

Texture: The base chocolate was relatively smooth, with a slight oatmilk-y texture. The cashew chunks added an attractive, soft crunch.

I liked the huckleberry (and blueberry) flavor additions (extracts); the very subtle and authentic fruit blend (date, mulberry, peach and mango powders)--used to sweeten this chocolate instead of sugar; and the small, rich, roasted cashew pieces. The individually-wrapped "claws" made them practical for sharing with others.

One last big plus with all the chocolates from Wild West Chocolate: they're made with Organic and Regenerative Organic Certified ingredients.

Ingredients: Organic Oatmilk Chocolate (Organic Fruit Blend [Powdered Date++, Powdered Mulberry+, Powdered Peach+, Powdered Mango+], Organic Cocoa Liquor++, Organic Cocoa Butter++, Oatmilk+, Vanilla Extract+), Roasted Cashews+ (Cashews, Salt), Huckleberry Extract+, Blueberry Extract+. (+ = Organic; ++ = Regenerative Organic Certified; Cocoa Liquor and Cocoa Butter: Fair Trade Certified 39% of Product.)

Allergen-related information: Contains Cashews. "Manufactured on equipment that processes tree nuts, peanuts, milk, wheat and soy." 

*The photo of this powerful-looking bear made me think: this is not the bear I'd want to meet while hiking or camping in the wilderness; but it sure looks great in nature. One early morning, years ago, a Black Bear (near Yosemite National Park in California) walked into my tent when I was still in my sleeping bag. This nose-to-nose encounter was enough for me. (You know you're too close to a bear when you can smell what it just ate for breakfast.)

Wild West Chocolate - Bear Claws Organic Oatmilk Chocolate Nut Clusters Raspberry & Hazelnut - June 8, 2026

Chocolate of The Day 

Wild West Chocolate
Bear Claws - Raspberry & Hazelnut Organic Oatmilk Chocolate Nut Clusters
Weight: 2.46 oz. (70 g.) / 2.96 oz. (84 g.) in total bar
Calories: 400 calories in 5 pieces
Cost: $8.99 for 1 package of 6 pieces
Purchased from: Wild West Chocolate, online order

Welcome to Day #4 of Chocolate & Bears Week. 

Today's Bear Claws - Raspberry & Hazelnut Organic Oatmilk Chocolate Nut Clusters were from Wild West Chocolate, LLC (Missoula, MT)--and featured an image of a mother bear and two cubs.

Aroma and flavor notes for these individually-wrapped bear claws included: chocolate, (red) raspberry, faint vanilla and very faint nut. 

Texture: These bear claws broke with a well-tempered snap. The base chocolate was smooth, with barely detectable oat/fruit astringency. The small hazelnut chunks added a satisfying crunch.

I liked the raspberry flavor (powder and extract) as well as the subtle and authentic fruit blend (date, mulberry, peach and mango powders)--used to sweeten this chocolate, and the small nutty chunks of hazelnut. Also the individually-wrapped pieces made them practical for hiking snacks and sharing with others.

Interesting side note: I liked these bear claws better than the similarly flavored Raspberry & Hazelnut bar earlier this week. Not sure why. Both were good. I'm pretty sure both people and bears would/will approve of these bear claw shaped chocolate nut clusters.

One last big plus with all the chocolates from Wild West Chocolate: they're made with Organic and Regenerative Organic Certified ingredients.

Ingredients: Organic Oatmilk Chocolate (Organic Fruit Blend [Powdered Date++, Powdered Mulberry+, Powdered Peach+, Powdered Mango+], Organic Cocoa Liquor++, Organic Cocoa Butter++, Oatmilk+, Vanilla Extract+), Hazelnuts+, Freeze-Dried Raspberry+, Raspberry Extract+. (+ = Organic; ++ = Regenerative Organic Certified; Cocoa Liquor and Cocoa Butter: Fair Trade Certified 37% of Product.)

Allergen-related information: Contains Hazelnuts. "Manufactured on equipment that processes tree nuts, peanuts, milk, wheat and soy."

Cluizel Paris - Ourson Guimauve Orange & Cannelle Marshmallow Bear - June 7, 2026

Chocolate of the Day

Cluizel
Ourson Guimauve Orange & Cannelle Marshmallow Bear
Good ++ 
Weight: .88 oz. (25 g.) / 1.76 oz. (50 g.) in total bear
Calories: 191 calories (estimate) in 1/2 bear
Cost: $16.00 for 1 bear
Purchased from: Bar & Cocoa, online order

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

Today's Ourson Guimauve Orange & Cannelle (Orange & Cinnamon) Marshmallow Bear was from Cluizel (Paris, France).

This little French bear was last seen (in one piece) in my house in California this morning. By evening, only the memory of chocolate, bergamot orange and cinnamon remained. Quel dommage. (What a shame.)

Aroma and flavor notes for this dark chocolate coated marshmallow confection included: subtle dark chocolate, very slightly bitter (bergamot) orange and warm cinnamon and sweet marshmallow.

Texture: a thin layer of smooth dark chocolate surrounded a fluffy, very slightly chewy marshmallow filling 

Ingredients: Sugar, Cocoa Bean, Water, Glucose Syrup, Inverted Sugar, Cocoa Butter, Setting Agent (bovine gelatin), Orange for decoration, Bergamot Powder, Emulsifier (rapeseed lecithin), Cinnamon, Bourbon Vanilla Pod. 

Allergen-related information: "May contain traces of shelled tree nuts, milk, gluten"

Wild West Chocolate - Bear Claws - Mint & Cacao Nib (clusters) - June 6, 2026

Chocolate of the Day

Wild West Chocolate
Bear Claws - Mint & Cacao Nib (clusters)
Good ++ 
Weight: 1.35 oz. (38.25 g.) / 2.7 oz. (76.5 g.) in total package
Calories: 240 calories in 3 pieces (servings)
Cost: $6.75 for 1 package
Purchased from: Wild West Chocolate, online order

Welcome to Day #7 of Chocolate & Wild West Theme Week, and Day #2 of Chocolate & Bears Theme Week.

Today's individually-wrapped Mint & Cacao Nib Bear Claws (clusters) were distributed by Wild West Chocolate, LLC (Missoula, MT).

Aroma and flavor notes included: balanced, aromatic mint; dark chocolate; and faint vanilla.

Texture: smooth (almost velvety) base chocolate was studded with a generous helping of crunchy cacao bean nibs. For those not familiar with cacao beans, these tiny roasted cacao bean shards (nibs) may be puzzling. They are what chocolate is made from. And they add bits of authentic cacao flavor to dark chocolate.

The "festive crunch of the cacao nibs and the cool peppermint flavor" were designed for the holidays, but this dark chocolate + mint offering could be enjoyed any time of year. 

I liked: that the mint in these bear claws was balanced (not too overwhelming); the substitution of sugar with a mixed fruit powder blend (that added subtle and balanced flavor complexity); and the use of Organic, Regenerative Organic Certified and Fair Trade ingredients.

Ingredients: Organic Dark Chocolate (Organic Fruit Blend [Powdered Date++, Powdered Mulberry+, Powdered Peach+, Powdered Mango+], Organic Cocoa Liquor++, Organic Cocoa Butter++, Vanilla Extract+), Cacao Nibs+, Natural Creme de Menthe Extract. (+ Organic; ++ Regenerative Organic Certified; Cocoa Liquor and Cocoa Butter: Fair Trade Certified 77% of Product.)

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

West West Chocolate - "Grizzly" Raspberry & Hazelnut 50% Cacao Oatmilk Chocolate (bar) - June 5, 2026

Chocolate of The Day 

Wild West Chocolate
"Grizzly" Raspberry & Hazelnut 50% Cacao Oatmilk Chocolate (bar)
Weight: .77 oz. (22 g.) / 2.3 oz. (65.2 g.) in total bar
Calories: 120 calories in 1/3 bar
Cost: $21.25 for 3-bar pack (Approx. $7.08 for 1 bar)
Purchased from: Piazzas, Palo Alto, CA

Welcome to Day #6 of Chocolate & Wild West Theme Week; and Day #1 of Chocolate & Bears* Week. (Bears were heavily represented in the Wild West/wilderness chocolate category, and have taken over for their own theme week.)

Today's "Grizzly" Raspberry and Hazelnut 50% Cacao Oatmilk Chocolate (bar) was from  Wild West Chocolate, LLC (Missoula, MT)--and featured an image of a grizzly bear.

Aroma and flavor notes for this bar included: chocolate, strong berry (raspberry) flavoring, faint vanilla and very faint nut. 

Texture: The base chocolate was smooth, with a touch of oat/fruit astringency (dryness). Hazelnut pieces added some crunch.  

I liked how the relatively dominant raspberry fruit flavor (powder and extract) flowed into the gentler, authentic fruit blend (date, mulberry, peach and mango powders)--that Wild West uses to sweeten all their chocolates and provides balanced and attractive background fruit complexity.

Bears do love berries; and this berry-forward bar might attract one if left unguarded in a picnic basket, or on a front porch.*

I also appreciated the use of Organic and Regenerative Organic Certified ingredients.

Ingredients: Organic Oatmilk Chocolate (Organic Fruit Blend [Powdered Date++, Powdered Mulberry+, Powdered Peach+, Powdered Mango+], Organic Cocoa Liquor++, Organic Cocoa Butter++, Oatmilk+, Vanilla Extract+), Hazelnuts+, Freeze-Dried Raspberry+, Raspberry Extract+. (+ = Organic; ++ = Regenerative Organic Certified; Cocoa Liquor and Cocoa Butter: Fair Trade Certified 61% of Product.)

Allergen-related information: Contains Hazelnuts. "Manufactured on equipment that processes tree nuts, peanuts, milk, wheat and soy."

*Bear Stories

Living in the West, I have bear stories. But, none so timely as today's. As I was writing this post--to kick off Chocolate & Bears Theme Week--I received a text from a friend. A bear had shown up at her front door in Tehachapi, almost 300 miles away in Southern California. I enjoyed both the Grizzly bar and my friend's photo of a porch bear (a brown/cinnamon-colored Black Bear) simultaneously. Thank you Internet.

Wild West Chocolate - "Snakebite" Pepitas, Cayenne & Sea Salt 70% Cacao Dark (bar) - June 4, 2026

Chocolate of The Day 

Wild West Chocolate
"Snakebite" Pepitas, Cayenne & Sea Salt 70% Cacao Dark Chocolate (bar)
Weight: .77 oz. (22 g.) / 2.3 oz. (65.2 g.) in total bar
Calories: 130 calories in 1/3 bar
Cost: $4.49 (sale price) for 1 bar
Purchased from: Piazzas, Palo Alto, CA

Welcome to Day #5 of Chocolate & Wild West Theme Week.

Today's "Snakebite" Pepitas, Cayenne & Sea Salt 70% Cacao Dark Chocolate (bar) was from  Wild West Chocolate, LLC (Missoula, MT)--and featured an image of a rattlesnake.

Aroma notes: included very slightly smokey/roasted cacao; faint seed/nut; and diffuse fruits (stone fruit, berry, date) and vanilla. The flavor notes were similar, with a deeper dive into rich, gently complex chocolate, a bit of chili heat, and faint vanilla.  

Texture: The base chocolate was smooth, almost creamy, with a satisfying texture and melt. The smoothness was interspersed with crunchy bits of pumpkin seeds (pepitas). 

I liked the balanced, hearty dark chocolate and the sweetness/fruit sweetener blend (date, mulberry, peach, mango). The spicy cayenne added a little chili heat--not enough to burn.

Ingredients: Organic Dark Chocolate (Organic Fruit Blend [Powdered Date++, Powdered Mulberry+, Powdered Peach+, Powdered Mango+], Organic Cocoa Liquor++, Organic Cocoa Butter++, Vanilla Extract+), Pepitas+, Cayenne Pepper, Salt. (+ = Organic; ++ = Regenerative Organic Certified; Cocoa Liquor and Cocoa Butter: Fair Trade Certified 61% of Product.)

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

Wild West Chocolate - Wise One Puffed Quinoa Crunch 50% Cacao Oatmilk Chocolate (bar) - June 3, 2026

Chocolate of the Day

Wild West Chocolate
Wise One Puffed Quinoa Crunch 50% Cacao Oatmilk Chocolate (bar)
Good ++
Weight: 1.55 oz. (44 g.) / 2.3 oz. (65.2 g.) in total bar

Calories: 260 calories for 2/3 bar

Cost: $4.49 (sale) for 1 bar

Purchased from: Piazza's, Palo Alto, CA

Welcome to Day #4 of Wild West Theme Week, featuring chocolates with tie-ins to cowboys, outlaws, bears and other wildlife in the Great Outdoors.

Today's "Wise One" Puffed Quinoa Crunch 50% Cacao Oatmilk Chocolate (bar) was distributed by Wild West Chocolate, LLC (Missoula, MT)--and featured an image of an owl.

Aroma and flavor notes for this bar included: balanced, smooth dark chocolate; grains (subtle quinoa, oat); very light stone fruit/berry; and vanilla.

Texture: creamy oatmilk chocolate with crunchy puffed quinoa pieces.

I enjoyed the fresh-tasting crispy quinoa (just the right texture) and that the oatmilk didn't taste too oat-y. The base (fruit-sweetened) chocolate complemented these flavors nicely, adding the perfect amount of very subtle sweet fruit brightness. Wisely implemented blend all these ingredients.

And, I appreciated the use of Organic, Regenerative Organic Certified and Fair Trade ingredients.

Ingredients: Organic Dark Chocolate (Organic Fruit Blend [Powdered Date++, Powdered Mulberry+, Powdered Peach+, Powdered Mango+], Cocoa Liquor++, Cocoa Butter++, Oatmilk+, Vanilla Extract+), Puffed Quinoa+.

(+ Organic Ingredients; ++ Regenerative Organic Certified; Cocoa Liquor and Cocoa Butter: Fair Trade Certified 45% of Product.

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

Wild West Chocolate - Most Wanted Almond & Sea Salt 70% Cacao Dark Chocolate (bar)

Chocolate of the Day

Wild West Chocolate
Most Wanted Almond & Sea Salt 70% Cacao Dark Chocolate (bar)
Good ++
Weight: 1.55 oz. (44 g.) / 2.3 oz. (65.2 g.) in total bar

Calories: 260 calories for 2/3 bar

Cost: $21.25 for 3 dark chocolate bars (approx. $7.08 each)
Purchased from: Wild West Chocolate, online order

Welcome to Day #3 of Wild West Theme Week, featuring chocolates with tie-ins to cowboys, outlaws, bears and other wildlife in the Great Outdoors.

Today's Most Wanted Almond & Sea Salt 70% Cacao Dark Chocolate (bar) was distributed by Wild West Chocolate, LLC (Missoula, MT).

Aroma and flavor notes for this bar included: slightly malty, roasted almonds, balanced, smooth dark chocolate; vanilla; and faint salt.

Texture: creamy texture and melt with tiny, crunchy almond bits

I liked that this bar wasn't too sweet. The fruit blend (date, mulberry, peach and mango) that the company uses (instead of cane sugar) gave the sweetness a more subtle, authentic and slightly layered flavor--compatible with naturally occurring fruit notes you might find in some cacaos.

And I appreciated the use of Regenerative Organic Certified* cocoa and Fair Trade ingredients.

Ingredients: Organic Dark Chocolate (Organic Fruit Blend [Powdered Date++, Powdered Mulberry+, Powdered Peach+, Powdered Mango+], Cocoa Liquor++, Cocoa Butter++, Vanilla Extract+), Roasted Almonds+, Sea Salt. (+ = Organic; ++ = Regenerative Organic Certified; Cocoa Liquor and Cocoa Butter: Fair Trade Certified 55% of product.) 

Allergen-related information: Contains Almonds. "Manufactured on equipment that processes tree nuts, peanuts, milk, wheat and soy."

* USDA Organic certification focuses on how food is grown, and prohibits synthetic pesticides, fertilizer and GMOs. Regenerative Organic Certified (ROC) starts with organic certification as a minimum required baseline and adds  requirements around soil health, animal welfare, and social fairness for farmworkers.

Wild West Chocolate - Dark Horse Original Dark 70% Cacao Dark Chocolate (bar) - June 1, 2026

Chocolate of the Day

Wild West Chocolate
Dark Horse Original Dark - 70% Cacao Dark Chocolate (bar)
Good ++
Weight: 1.55 oz. (44 g.) / 2.3 oz. (65.2 g.) in total bar

Calories: 260 calories for 2/3 bar

Cost: $21.25 for 3 dark chocolate bars (approximately $7.08 each)
Purchased from: Wild West Chocolate, online order

Welcome to Day #2 of Wild West Theme Week, featuring chocolates with tie-ins to cowboys, outlaws, bears and other wildlife in the Great Outdoors.

Today's Dark Horse Original Dark - 70% Cacao Dark Chocolate (bar) was distributed by Wild West Chocolate, LLC (Missoula, MT). The company was founded in 2023 by BJ Howard, a woman whose interests include making a better chocolate ("without the junk") and water preservation.*

Aroma and flavor notes for this Dark Horse 70% bar included: balanced, smooth dark chocolate (chocolate-y; roasted brownie, smooth and very slightly earthy dark chocolate torte); vanilla; and very light fruits (stone fruit (peach), berry and mango).

Texture: pleasing creamy melt and mouthfeel

The sweetness in this bar came not from sugar, but rather from a very thoughtful fruit powder blend. The fruits added gentle and sweetness and subtle flavor depth. (The powders were fully incorporated into the chocolate so there was no detectable change in texture.)

I appreciated the use of organic and fair trade ingredients; the aforementioned well-executed blend of fruits to sweeten this dark chocolate (vs. cane sugar); and the relatively short list of ingredients.  

Ingredients: Organic Dark Chocolate (Organic Fruit Blend [Powdered Date++, Powdered Mulberry+, Powdered Peach+, Powdered Mango+], Cocoa Liquor++, Cocoa Butter++, Vanilla Extract+). (+ Organic Ingredients; ++ Regenerative Organic Certified; Cocoa Liquor and Cocoa Butter: Fair Trade Certified 68% of Product.

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

*I love her interest in solving big problems. Water has been one of the most enduring and challenging issues in the Wild West. (The company donates a portion of profits "from every sale" to the River Management Society.)

And replacing cane sugar in chocolate is no small feat. From what I've tasted so far, the blend of powdered fruits (instead of conventional sugar) in her bars works very well. 

I also admire those makers creating dark milk chocolate bars "sweetened" only with milk powder. No sugar (or artificial sweeteners) were used in either of these approaches, and the chocolates were great.