Trader Joe's - Dark Chocolate Mango & Passion Fruit Creme Thin Cups - July 30, 2026

Chocolate of The Day

Trader Joe's 
Dark Chocolate Mango & Passion Fruit Creme Thin Cups
Good ++
Weight: 1.06 oz. (30 g.) / 7.04 oz. (200 g.) in total package 
Calories: 170 calories in 1 serving (6 pieces)
Cost: $4.29 for 1 large package
Purchased from: Stoked Chocolates, online order

Welcome to Day #2 of Chocolate & Passion Fruit Theme Week.

Today's Trader Joe's Dark Chocolate Mango & Passion Fruit Creme Thin Cups were a product of Slovakia.

Aroma and notes included: dark chocolate, tropical fruit (mango, other) and very faint wood (cedar) and black pepper. (The initial black pepper note (which I didn't mind) dissipated after the package was left open for just a few minutes.)

Texture: firm dark chocolate cups filled with a softer "creme" fruit-flavored filling 

Flavor notes included: dark chocolate (chocolate-y, wood, nut) and tropical fruits (mango, passion fruit, and faint sweet citrus). There was a pleasant mango note in the finish.

I appreciated that the dark chocolate had some subtle flavor complexity and that it wasn't too sweet. (Thank you!) And the fruit creme filling was balanced (interesting, tropical fruits without being too sweet or tart). I liked the thin chocolate cups (more dark chocolate this way).

A note of caution: These thin cups were "loose" in a generously-sized bag, i.e. they were not individually wrapped. Great for families or putting out on a plate for large gatherings; but, as with any chocolate, don't leave the package in a car or in direct sun. They might melt a bit and fuse together.

Ingredients: Dark Chocolate (Unsweetened Chocolate, Sugar, Cocoa Butter, Sunflower Lecithin [Emulsifier], Natural Vanilla Flavor), Sugar, Vegetable Oil (Palm Kernel Oil, Palm Oil), Whole Milk Powder, Natural Flavors, Citric Acid (Acidulant), Sunflower Lecithin (Emulsifier), Beta-Carotene (Color).

Allergen-related information: Contains Milk. "May Contain Soy, Almond, Cashew, Hazelnut, Pecan, Pistachio."

Moonstruck - Fruity Dark Chocolate Blueberry Passion Fruit (bar) - July 29, 2026

Chocolate of The Day

Moonstruck
Fruity Dark Chocolate Blueberry Passion Fruit (bar)
Good ++
Weight: 1.5 oz. (42.5 g.) / 3 oz. (85 g.) in total bar
Calories: 225 calories in 1/2 bar
Cost: $4.99 for 1 bar
Purchased from: World Market, San Jose, CA 

Welcome to Day #1 of Chocolate & Passion Fruit Week. Yesterday completed Chocolate, Fire & Passion Week, and this week features cacao + passion fruit--two South American* natives.

After being awe-struck by the sight of a beautiful full moon last night, this "Moonstruck" bar with passion fruit seemed perfect.

Today's "Fruity Dark Chocolate Blueberry Passion Fruit" (bar) was manufactured by CW Moonstruck LLC (Portland, OR). 

Aroma and flavor notes included: slightly sweet and fruity, balanced dark chocolate with chocolate-y (dark ganache) notes was a bit darker and richer with the dried blueberries--and was brightened and warmed a bit by subtle passion fruit and vanilla.

I liked that this chocolate wasn't too sweet. The fruit flavors and vanilla were subtle, balanced and blended well together with the dark chocolate.

Ingredients: Dark Chocolate (unsweetened chocolate, sugar, cocoa butter, soy lecithin [emulsifier], natural vanilla flavor), Dried Blueberries (wild blueberries, sugar, citric acid, sunflower oil, natural flavor), Passion Fruit powder.

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

*Passion fruit is native to Brazil, Paraguay and Argentina. Also known as Passiflora edulis, and by many other names worldwide: e.g., maracuja in Brazil, maracuya in Mexico, Colombia & Peru; lili'koi in Hawaii; and frutto della passione in Italy.

Vixen Chocolate - The Heart Flight (3 dark chocolate hearts: Desert (Peru), Forest (Uganda), and Island (Vanuatu)) - July 28, 2026

Chocolate of The Day

Vixen Chocolate
The Heart Flight
Desert - Sechura Desert Peru - 73% Dark - Good ++
Forest - Semuliki Forest Uganda - 73% Dark - Good ++
Island - Malekula Island Vanuatu 72% Dark - Good ++ 
Weight: .0.77 oz. (22 g.) in total tin of 3 hearts 
Calories: 119 calories (estimate) for 3 hearts
Cost: $22.00 for 1 tin of 3 hearts
Purchased from: The Chocolate Dispensary, online order

Welcome to Day #7 of Chocolate, Fire & Passion Theme Week, part of a month long series of chocolates with tie-ins to the elements: earth, water and fire.

Today's The Heart Flight was created by Vixen Chocolate (Portland, OR). Vixen infuses the message of boldness and passion into their chocolates.* Their packaging is artful and memorable. (Today's black and magenta metal tin could be re-purposed to hold jewelry or other keepsakes.)

This 3-piece flight included three, faceted (gem-cut) chocolate hearts, wrapped in different colored foils (pink, green and blue, respectively) and made using cacao from three different countries: Peru, Uganda and Vanuatu. Each represented a different elemental landscape: desert, forest & island: "3 hearts + 3 origins + ONE bold tasting of place."

Desert Heart - Sechura Desert, Peru 73%

This chocolate was both balanced and bold with nuanced flavors. Chocolate-y with diffuse fruits (dried fruits, citrus). The texture: smooth, relatively creamy, satisfying dark chocolate.

Forest Heart - Semuliki Forest, Uganda 73%

Chocolate-y, relatively sweet/bright, with very faint, well-managed earth notes. The texture: smooth, relatively creamy, satisfying chocolate.

Island - Vanuatu Malekula 72%

Also, chocolate-y with a subtle lushness (sweet green; hidden fruit)--an experience I associate with a single origin/terroir chocolates. Texture: smooth, creamy. (Origin notes: "Grown on the remote island of Malekula, where volcanic soil meets ocean breeze...")

All three were well-managed and executed, and were smooth and sweet, but some individual origin notes were allowed to peek through (thank you).

Ingredients: cacao, cane sugar*, cacao butter* 417 Hz, 528 Hz, 852 Hz, LOVE. (*Organic)

Allergen-related information: (None found on small, 3-piece tin)

*And Vixen also infuses their chocolates with different sound frequencies.

Vixen Chocolate - Vanuatu 72% Dark Malekula Island (bar) - July 27, 2026

Chocolate of The Day

Vixen Chocolate
Vanuatu - 72% Dark Malekula Island (bar) 
Good ++
Weight: .97 oz. (27.5 g.) / 1.94 oz. (55 g.) in total bar
Calories: 150 calories (estimate) in 1/2 bar
Cost: $18.00 for 1 bar
Purchased from: The Xocolatl Garden, Carmel, CA

Welcome to Day #6 of Chocolate, Fire & Passion Theme Week.

Today's Vanuatu - 72% Dark Malekula Island (bar) was created by Vixen Chocolate (Portland, OR). This was part of a "Terroir Magic Series" of chocolates.

"Stay Bold" (the inky black and flashy magenta foiled) a label for this bar tells us. (We will, responded the dark chocolate lovers drawn to bold flavors--and intriguing packaging.)

This bar had a subtle and smooth dark chocolate aroma, and balanced dark chocolate flavor with gently attractive succulent, sweet fruit (dragon fruit, pear/cactus pear chocolate torte) with very faint warm spice (mulled red wine), barely there earth/tobacco, and a satisfying light, lingering chocolate-y finish.

Texture: smooth, almost creamy, satisfying dark chocolate

I enjoyed this Vanuatu chocolate and its subtle lushness (hidden fruit)--an experience I associate with a single origin/terroir chocolate. And I appreciated the short list of (just three) ingredients.

Maker's Tasting Notes: "creamy and bold, with notes of sweet tobacco, worn leather, and a whisper of black fig--refined yet untamed."

Ingredients: cacao beans, cane sugar*, cacao butter*, 852 Hz, LOVE (*organic)

Allergen-related information: (No allergen-related information found on bar packaging)

Chami Cacao - 70% Cacao Aji Cayenne, Canela & Nibs de Cacao (bar) - July 26, 2026

Chocolate of The Day

Chami Cacao 

70% Cacao Aji Cayenne, Canela & Nibs de Cacao (tableta)

(70% Cacao Cayenne Pepper, Cinnamon & Cacao Nibs (bar))
Good ++ 
Weight: .706 oz. (20 g.) / 2.47 oz. (70 g.) in total bar
Calories: 120 calories in one serving (20 g.) of bar 
Cost: $11.80 for 1 bar
Purchased from: The Xocolatl Garden, Carmel, CA 

Welcome to Day #5 of Chocolate, Fire & Passion Theme Week.

Today's Chami Cacao 70% Cacao Aji Cayenne, Canela & Nibs de Cacao (tableta/bar) was made in Bogota, Colombia.

The company's founder, Juliana, tells us the name "Chami" is "a tribute to the Embera Chami indigenous people in Colombia. It also means mountain range in their language..."

Aroma notes included: chocolate; subtle, sweet, slightly smokey chilis; and warm spice (cinnamon).

Texture: relatively smooth, chocolate base with crunchy cacao nib shards and tiny bits of chilis.

Flavor notes included: balanced cacao, chili, and cinnamon flavor blend with very faint roasted red clay/earth and a whisper of wood smoke. 

I appreciated the stoneground-like texture and the feeling of the place or origin when I ate this chocolate. (Do savor slowly to fully enjoy this and other single origin dark chocolates.) I could taste the fresh cacao nibs, chilis, spices and raw sugar that had been mindfully ground together--a process that maintained more of their authentic flavors. The cacao nibs added more cacao flavor depth to this 70% cacao bar.

This chocolate wasn't too sweet (thank you), too bitter, or too smoke-y. There was some roasted chili heat (more in some bites than others); but it wasn't enough to stop me from enjoying more of it. For me, a dark chocolate lover who loves origin stories, this landed in the Goldilocks zone. It was just right.

Ingredients: Cacao beans, Organic raw cane sugar, cayenne pepper, cinnamon & cacao nibs.

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

Vixen Chocolate - Rising Phoenix 71% dark + spicy hibiscus (bar) - July 25, 2026

Chocolate of The Day

Vixen Chocolate
Rising Phoenix - 71% dark + spicy hibiscus (bar) 
Good ++
Weight: .97 oz. (27.5 g.) / 1.94 oz. (55 g.) in total bar
Calories: 170 calories (estimate) in 1/2 bar
Cost: $22.00 for 1 bar
Purchased from: The Chocolate Dispensary, online order

Welcome to Day #4 of Chocolate, Fire & Passion Theme Week.

Today's "Rising Phoenix" 71% dark + spicy hibiscus (bar) was from Vixen Chocolate (Portland, OR).

"From the fire comes rebirth" the packaging for this chocolate tells us. (And spicy flavors can also warm and cheer our hearts.) 

Aroma notes for this bold bar included: chocolate, come hither red floral-tart-sweet red grape (wine), warm spice, and fresh, mineral notes.

Texture: smooth chocolate base, with tiny, slightly crunchy chili bits and possibly candied hibiscus bits.

Flavor notes included: smooth chocolate base, with tart-sweet floral (hibiscus), warm spices (balanced spicy cinnamon, very light chili).

I enjoyed the balanced, bold flavors; unique, intriguing complexity; and slightly smokey, tasty, restrained chili fire. I felt like I enjoyed a perfect marriage of smooth dark chocolate with spicey Jamaica (the bright red beverage made with hearty, red hibiscus (Hibiscus sabdariffa) flowers, aka roselle or sorrel).

Maker's Tasting Notes: "dark chocolate laced with bold chilies and vibrant hibiscus--forged in the fire--blooming unapologetically" ("Infused with Solfeggio Sound Frequencies" -- 417 Hz)

Ingredients: cacao beans*, cane sugar*, cacao butter*, hibiscus, guajillo chile, royal cinnamon, chipotle chili, 417 Hz, LOVE (*organic)

Allergen-related information: No information found on bar packaging

Cacao Laboratory - Fire - 100% Ceremonial Grade Cacao, turmeric & black pepper (bar) - July 24, 2026

Chocolate of The Day

Cacao Laboratory
Fire - Ceremonial Grade 100% Cacao with turmeric and black pepper (bar)
Good + - Good ++
Weight: 1.176 oz. (33 g.) / 3.53 oz. (100 g.) in total bar
Calories: 190 calories in 1/3 bar
Cost: $15.00 for 1 bar
Purchased from: Xocolatl Garden, Carmel, CA

Welcome to Day #3 of Chocolate, Fire & Passion Theme Week.

Today's Fire - 100% Cacao, turmeric and black pepper (bar) was manufactured by Cacao Lab Inc. (Kingston, NY).

The cacao used to make this bar was sourced from Manabi, Ecuador.

Aroma notes included: bold, slightly bitter dark chocolate; wood (cedar); pepper; and spices (turmeric)

Texture: relatively smooth, with no objectionable spice (turmeric or black pepper) "grit".

Flavor notes included: ultra-dark chocolate with woody, earthy and spiced (black pepper, turmeric) bitterness that--while it might be initially off-putting to some--I found oddly appealing. 

The bitterness receded for me with each small nibble, until all I was tasting was a satisfying blend of dark chocolate, turmeric and black pepper at the end. 

I really enjoyed the opportunity to slow down and savor a small quantity of high-quality chocolate with very concentrated flavors in just two small squares. I did not miss the lack of sugar; but, I suspect many people will.* So, be advised; but try a small bite anyway. 

If you love authentic, highly concentrated flavors; you'll love this experience.

Maker's Tasting Notes: "Earth, aromatic spice"

Ingredients: Theobroma cacao*, turmeric*, black pepper* (*=organic)

Allergen-related information: (None found on packaging)

*If you've never tried 100% cacao chocolate, your brain may be surprised, i.e. it may be wired to expect sugar when you take a bite of chocolate. The good news, there is no "more-ish" urges to keep eating the whole bar; and it becomes clear those urges are driven by added sugar(s).

Loon Chocolate - The Ghost & The Sea - 70% Dark Chocolate with Ghost Pepper & Sea Salt (bar)

Chocolate of The Day

Loon Chocolate 
"The Ghost & The Sea" - 70% Dark Chocolate with Ghost Pepper & Sea Salt (bar)
Good ++
Weight: 1 oz. (28.3 g.) / 2.25 oz. (64 g.) in total bar
Calories: 170 calories in 1 oz. (1 serving)
Cost: $9.00 for 1 bar
Purchased from: Loon Chocolate, online order

Welcome to Day #18 of Chocolate & Water Week(s), and Day #2 of Chocolate, Fire & Passion Theme Week.

Today's Loon Chocolate The Ghost & The Sea 70% Dark Chocolate with Ghost Pepper & Sea Salt (bar) was manufactured by White Birch Living LLC (Manchester, NH).

Aroma and notes included: bold, but balanced dark chocolate with very faint, diffuse fruit; salt; and spicy chili pepper heat. 

As the maker indicated on the packaging, the flavors progressed from sweet to salty to spicy. Most of the cautious bites I took were spicy without the burn; but a one mouthful flared a little hotter at the end than others. So, be advised if you're chili-sensitive.

Texture: smooth, but tiny crunchy sparkles of sea salt

I appreciated that this vegan, gluten free, bean-to-bar chocolate was made with tasty 70% dark chocolate, just the right amount of salt, and a relatively short list of quality and organic ingredients.

 Maker's Tasting Notes: "Dark chocolate with subtle heat of ghost pepper powder"

Ingredients: Organic Cacao, Organic Cane Sugar, Organic Cocoa Butter, Sea Salt, Ghost Pepper

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

Vixen Chocolate - salty pearl. 69% dark + pearl + salt (bar) - July 22, 2026

Chocolate of the Day

Vixen Chocolate
salty pearl. 69% dark + pearl + salt (bar)
Good ++
Weight: .97 oz. (27.5 g.) / 1.94 oz. (55 g.) in total bar
Calories: 155 calories (estimate) in 1/2 bar
Cost: $22.00 for 1 bar
Purchased from: The Chocolate Dispensary, online order

Welcome to Day #17 of Chocolate & Water Theme Week(s), and Day #1 of Chocolate and Fire & Passion Theme Week.

Today's salty pearl. 69% dark + pearl + salt (bar) was made by Vixen Chocolate (Portland, OR).

Pearls and sea salt may come from the oceans, but this vibrantly packaged, slightly salty chocolate was also imbued with boldness and passion. (Vixen Chocolate assures us their bean-to-bar, small-batch chocolates are made for BOLD souls.)

Aroma notes included for this bright, iridescently packaged dark bar included: dark milk chocolate with a touch of sweet green, green tea, hibiscus, and very faint salt. (Note: there were no milk, tea or flower ingredients in this bar.)

Texture: thick, creamy and velvety melt and mouthfeel. It was smooth yet substantial--kind of like a pearl.

Flavor notes included: very smooth dark chocolate with sea salt with faint sea and green/floral oolong tea notes. (The sea salt was hand-harvested in Norway.)

I loved the shimmering, black and packaging that was full of bold passion. It was, quite literally, breaking out in rainbows at every turn. The mesmerizing design was eye-catching, and unapologetically bold and beautiful. It reminded me of scuba diving in the ocean, and gazing down at shiny abalone and oyster shells, with pearls winking back at me from the dark sea bottom. 

But, the pearly essence extended beyond the packaging. This chocolate bar also contained 2 grams of actual pearl powder (from Root + Bones (Arcata, CA)).

This was a great chocolate marking the transition from Chocolate & Water Theme Week to Chocolate & Fire Theme Week.

Ingredients: cacao beans, cane sugar*, cacao butter*, Root + Bones Pearl Powder (2 g.), HAVSNO Sea Salt, 852 Hz, LOVE (* Organic)

Allergen-related information: None found.

Harbor Sweets - Barque Sarah Milk Chocolate and Whole Toasted Almonds - July 21, 2026

Chocolate of The Day

Harbor Sweets 
Barque Sarah - Milk Chocolate and Whole Toasted Almonds
Good +
Weight: .388 oz. (11 g.) in 1 piece
Calories: 60 calories (estimate) for 1 piece 
Cost: N/A - Part of a $18.50 Nautical Chocolate Gift Box assortment (see previous entries)
Purchased from: Harbor Sweets, online order

Welcome to Day #16 of Chocolate and Water Theme Week. Today's water connection was with the sea--more specifically with the Port of Salem. 

Today's tall ship-themed, medallion-shaped Barque* Sarah chocolate was part of a Nautical Chocolate Gift Box assortment from Harbor Sweets (Salem, MA), that included shells and periwinkles and "sloops" as well.

Aroma notes for today's Barque Sarah included: milk chocolate with faint vanilla tobacco and very faint nut.

Texture: smooth, uniform, relatively soft milk chocolate punched up by crunchy whole almonds

Flavor: very sweet milk chocolate and whole, authentically nutty almonds.

I liked the elegant-looking, three-masted tall ship on this medallion shaped chocolate; and the whole, roasted almonds that helped moderate the very sweet milk chocolate.

Ingredients: "milk chocolate (sugar, milk, cocoa butter, chocolate liquor, soy lecithin, vanilla), and dry roasted almonds"

Allergen-related information: Contains "milk, soy, and almonds"

*A barque, or bark, is a three-masted (or more) tall ship. The Barque Sarah chocolate was created by Harbor Sweets to commemorate the Port of Salem's seafaring history.

 

Stoked Chocolates - Dark and Milk Chocolate Sand Dollars - July 20, 2026

Chocolate(s) of The Day

Stoked Chocolates

Dark Chocolate Sand Dollar - Cocoa Nibs + Sea Salt
Good ++
Weight: .35 oz. (10 g.) in one packet/sand dollar
Calories: 50 calories in 1 sand dollar
Cost: $N/A - part of a larger, multi-item gift set 
Purchased from: Stoked Chocolates, online order

Milk Chocolate Sand Dollar - Rainbow Chocolate Covered Sunflower Seeds
Good ++

Weight: .35 oz. (10 g.) in one packet/sand dollar
Calories: 50 calories in 1 sand dollar
Cost: $N/A - part of a larger, multi-item gift set 
Purchased from: Stoked Chocolates, online order

Dark Chocolate Sand Dollar - Raspberry
Good ++
Weight: .32 oz. (9 g.) in one packet/sand dollar
Calories: 45 calories in 1 sand dollar
Cost: $N/A - part of a larger, multi-item gift set 
Purchased from: Stoked Chocolates, online order

Welcome to Day #15 of Chocolate & Water Theme Week(s) -- featuring a variety of chocolates with tie-ins with water, that include cacao origins linked with bodies of water (oceans, lakes, rivers); chocolate fish, fishing and surfing themes; as well as chocolate sea shells and boats.

Today's three Dark and Milk Chocolate Sand Dollars with three different flavor inclusions were the creations of Stoked Chocolates (Hermosa Beach, CA).

Each of today's three, individually-wrapped, packets held a different flavored chocolate Sand Dollar, and they were all quite tasty. If we could forage sand dollars like this, the world might be a happier place.

Aroma, taste and texture for all three were well-balanced and flavorful. The chocolate was chocolate-y. A bit of added vanilla added warmth (to all three).

#1 Ingredients: "Dark Chocolate (Chocolate, Sugar, Cocoa Butter, Soy Lecithin (Emulsifier), Vanilla), Cacao Nibs, Sea Salt"

Allergen-related information: Contains: Soy. "Processed in a Facility That Contains Nuts"

#2 Ingredients: "Milk Chocolate (Sugar, Powdered Whole Milk, Cocoa Butter, Cocoa Mass, Soy Lecithin, Vanilla), Chocolate Covered Sunflower Seeds (Milk Chocolate (Sugar, Cocoa Butter, Chocolate Liquor, Whole Milk, Soy Lecithin (An Emulsifier), and Vanilla); Sunflower Kernel; Sugar; Titanium Dioxide (Food Grade); Gum Arabic; Tapioca Dextrin; Carnuba Wax; Natural Food Colorings (Vegetable Juice, Caramel))"

Allergen-related information: Contains Milk, Soy. "Processed in a Facility That Contains Nuts"

#3 Ingredients: "Dark Chocolate (Chocolate, Sugar, Cocoa Butter, Soy Lecithin (Emulsifier), Vanilla), Freeze-Dried Raspberries"

Allergen-related information: Contains Soy. "Processed in a Facility That Contains Nuts"

Stoked Chocolates - Doheny Berry Dark Chocolate Longboard (bar) - July 19, 2026

Chocolate of the Day

Stoked Chocolates
Doheny Berry Dark Chocolate Longboard (bar)
Good ++
Weight: .66 oz. (18.6 g.) / (2 oz. (56 g.) in total bar
Calories: 90 calories in 1/3 bar
Cost: $0 for 1 bar (part of a $50 gift set of 4-bars, already accounted for in last entry)

Purchased from: Stoked Chocolates, online order

Welcome to Day #14 of Chocolate and Water Theme Week. 

Today's Doheny Berry Dark Chocolate Longboard (bar) was from Stoked Chocolates (made in Hermosa Beach, CA). 

The company offers several surf-themed chocolates, including at least 4 different "longboard" (surfboard) shaped bars. 

Aroma and flavor notes for today's dark chocolate longboard included: smooth dark chocolate; light vanilla and bright red berries (strawberry, red raspberry) -- the latter three being identifiable by its light and crunchy texture, from bits of sweet, ripe, freeze-dried berries.

I enjoyed the packaging* and the longboard (surfboard) design* (complete with a spattering of berry-hued colored decor) of this chocolate bar; the blend of chocolate-y dark chocolate; and fresh-tasting crunchy red (organic) that harmonized very well together. The vanilla added a spark of joy, and the tiny ripple of Pacific sea salt balanced the sweetness. 

Ingredients: "Unsweetened Chocolate, Sugar, Cocoa Butter, Soy Lecithin, Natural Vanilla Flavor, Organic Freeze-Dried Strawberries, Freeze-Dried Raspberries, Sea Salt, Natural Colorants."

Allergen-related information: Contains Lactose (milk sugar). Made in a facility that processes nuts.

*The outer packaging artwork was by Amanda Davidson; and the longboard bars were "shaped by Barahona Surfboards" (another, revered, hand-crafted business in Hermosa Beach, CA). 

Chocolate and surfing both have a long history in California. Longboard surfing from Hawaii was first demonstrated in Southern California around 1907. (Prior to that in the late 1800s, three Hawaiian princes had surfed in Northern California, in Santa Cruz, on custom redwood boards.) By the mid-1900s, the art of hand-crafting surfboards in the Golden State was well underway. And Barahona Surfboards has 85 years of experience in this business.

The first major chocolate business in California was arguably The Ghirardelli Chocolate Company in Northern California during the Gold Rush, and Guittard not long after, followed by See's, and many other chocolate makers and chocolatiers over the years. 

Stoked Chocolates - Maverick's Crunch Dark Chocolate Longboard (bar) - July 18, 2026

Chocolate of the Day

Stoked Chocolates
Maverick's Crunch Dark Chocolate Longboard (bar)
Good ++
Weight: .66 oz. (18.6 g.) / (2 oz. (56 g.) in total bar
Calories: 90 calories in 1/3 bar
Cost: $50.00 for 4-bar Gift Set

Purchased from: Stoked Chocolates, online order

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

Today's Maverick's Crunch Dark Chocolate Longboard (bar) was from Stoked Chocolates (Hermosa Beach, CA). The company offers several surf-themed chocolates, including at least 4 different "longboard" (surfboard) shaped bars. 

Aroma and flavor notes included: smooth dark chocolate; light vanilla and sea salt; chocolate-y cacao nibs, puffed quinoa and popping candy -- the latter three being identifiable by their festive textures.

I enjoyed the packaging*, the longboard shape* of this chocolate bar and the blend of chocolate-y and crunchy ingredients that harmonized very nicely together. The sea salt balanced the sweetness. 

Ingredients: "Unsweetened Chocolate, Sugar, Cocoa Butter, Soy Lecithin, Natural Vanilla Flavor, Organic Puffed Quinoa, Lactose (milk), Corn syrup, Carbon Dioxide, Cacao Nibs, Sea Salt, Natural Colorants."

Allergen-related information: Contains Lactose (milk sugar). Made in a facility that processes nuts.

*The packaging artwork was by Amanda Davidson, and the longboard bars were "shaped by Barahona Surfboards" (a crafted-by-hand local maker--and repairer--of longboards) in Hermosa Beach, CA)

Otherly - Sea Salt Oatm*lk Chocolate (bar) - July 17, 2026

Chocolate of The Day

Otherly
Sea Salt Oatm*lk Chocolate (bar)
Good ++ 
Weight: 2.1 oz. (60 g.) / 4.2 oz. (120 g.) in total bar
Calories: 326 calories in 1/2 bar
Cost: $8.99 for 1 bar
Purchased from: Very Vegan Sweet Shop, online order

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

Today's Sea Salt Oatm*lk Chocolate 43% (bar) was from Otherly (South Queensferry, UK/Product of Scotland). 

And the creative design on the wrapper was full of marine and seaside images (submarine, octopus, people engaging in water sports, leaping orca, lighthouse on the shore; and what I believe were two mice rowing a small boat). 

I'm not sure I can tie the flying bat and the godzilla-like creature on the edges into this theme; but they were fun and on-brand for "otherly" ways of looking at life.)

The company has taken an "other way" or "Otherly Way" approach by using oat milk vs. dairy/cow's milk in their chocolates.) The company offers several oat milk bars, most with flavor inclusions

Aroma and flavor notes included: rich dark "milk" chocolate with a faint, smooth oat/cookie/cake (vanilla) note. The use of single origin (likely Colombia) cacao gave it a little more flavor depth with very occasional hints of balanced earth and pure cacao (nibs) surfacing and helping to balance the sweetness. 

Texture: relatively smooth and creamy. This was another good example of the newer generation of oat milk chocolates. The oat "grit" or mealiness of first generation attempts years ago are gone. (Thank you!)

Ingredients: Sugar, Cocoa Butter, Dried Gluten-Free Oat Powder, Cocoa Mass, Dried Rice Powder, Sea Salt (<196), Emulsifier (Sunflower Lecithin), Vanilla Extract, Cocoa Solids: 43% Minimum.

Allergen-related information: "May contain traces of milk, soya, gluten, peanuts and nuts."

Loon Chocolate - Maine Sea Salt 70% Dark Chocolate (bar) - July 16, 2026

Chocolate of The Day

Loon Chocolate
Maine Sea Salt 70% Dark Chocolate (bar)
Good ++ 
Weight: 1.05 oz. (30 g.) / 2.1 oz. (60 g.) in total bar
Calories: 170 calories in 1/2 bar
Cost: $9.00 for 1 bar
Purchased from: Loon Chocolate, online order

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

Today's Loon Chocolate Maine Sea Salt 70% Dark Chocolate (bar) was manufactured by White Birch Living LLC (Manchester, NH). 

Aroma and flavor notes included: smooth, sweet and balanced dark chocolate (dark ganache) and salt--from very thin sea salt flakes sprinkled on one side. 

I liked the balanced chocolate flavor, and the short list of organic ingredients.

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

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

Standout Chocolate - Nordic Nature Sugar Kelp & Sea Salt 66% (bar) - July 15, 2026

Chocolate of The Day

Standout Craft Chocolate
Nordic Nature Sugar Kelp & Sea Salt 66% (bar)
Good ++
Weight: 1.76 oz. (50 g.) in total bar 
Calories: 297.5 calories in 1 bar
Cost: $12.49 for 1 bar
Purchased from: Caputo's, online order 

Welcome to Day #10 of Chocolate & Water Theme Week--including a variety of items ranging from chocolates with connections to bodies of water (lakes, rivers, oceans) to more literal objects like chocolate surfboards and chocolate fish.

Today's Nordic Nature Sugar Kelp & Sea Salt 66% (bar) was from Standout Craft Chocolate (Goteborg, Sweden).

The cacao used to make this bar was from Oko Caribe (a cacao producer) in The Dominican Republic.

Aroma and flavor notes included: pleasing dark chocolate with a satisfying light floral green tea; subtle umami; light salt; and warm spice (very faint ginger graham cracker cookie).

Texture: smooth texture and mouthfeel

Maker's Tasting Notes: "Rose Hip, Green Tea, Sea Breeze"

I liked the smooth blend of balanced flavors and appreciated the short list of organic ingredients.

Ingredients: Cacao beans*, Sugar*, Cacao butter*, Sugar Kelp*, Sea Salt. 

Allergen-related information: "May Contain Traces of MILK."

Bixby & Co. - Puffin Project Dominican Republic 70% Dark Chocolate (bar) & Dark Chocolate Sardines - July 14, 2026

Chocolate(s) of the Day

Bixby & Co.

Puffin Project Dominican Republic 70% Dark Chocolate (bar)
Good ++
Weight: 1 oz. (28.3 g.) / 2 oz. (56 g.) in total bar
Calories: 120 calories in 1/2 bar
Cost: $11.50 for 1 bar
Purchased from: Bixby & Co., online order

Dark Chocolate Sardines
Good ++
Weight: 1.8 oz. (50 g.) in total tin
Calories: 279 calories (estimate) in 1 tin
Cost: $11.00 for 1 tin
Purchased from: Bixby & Co., online order

Welcome to Day #9 of Chocolate & Water Theme Week, featuring two items made by Maine-based Bixby & Co. (Rockland, ME).

Puffin Project Dominican Republic bar

This Organic, bean-to-bar dark chocolate bar was created in collaboration with Project Puffin Seabird Institute--an organization that works to safeguard restored colonies of puffin (birds) in the Gulf of Maine.

The cacao used to make this bar was from the Dominican Republic.

Aroma notes included: dark chocolate; very faint, diffuse fruit.

Texture: relatively smooth and creamy with a barely detectable and not objectionable fruit astringency

Flavor notes included: dark chocolate (ganache, torte); balanced earth; and faint medium red fruit (red berry + red dragon fruit) and light citrus.

I liked the balanced and subtle complexity in this chocolate and the very faint fruit notes. 

Ingredients: Organic Cacao Beans, Organic Cane Sugar

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

Dark Chocolate Sardines

Both coastal Maine and California in the U.S. once had robust sardine (fishing) industries in the early 1900s. Sadly, due to overfishing and changes in climate, this is no longer the case. 

Happily, there are occasionally chocolate sardines, like today's catch, if you're willing to fish around for them.

Aroma notes for today's attractively-rendered, fish-shaped chocolate sardines included: smooth dark chocolate and vanilla.

Texture: smooth dark milk like texture. (There was no milk.) 

Flavor notes included: very sweet dark chocolate and warm vanilla. (The sweetness was amplified by the healthy dose of added vanilla.) 

I enjoyed the idea of chocolate sardines even more due to their being packaged in a real metal tin with a pull top. (I wish I'd ordered a few more sets to give as gifts to friends. They are currently sold out.)

Ingredients: Sugar, Chocolate Liquor, Cocoa Butter, Sunflower Lecithin, Vanilla

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

Cacao Laboratory - "Water" Ceremonial Grade Cacao (bar) - July 13, 2026

Chocolate of The Day

Cacao Laboratory 
"Water" - Ceremonial Grade Cacao (bar)
Good ++
Weight: 1.176 oz. (33.3 g.) / 3.53 oz. (100 g.) total bar

Calories: 190 calories for 1/3 bar

Cost: $15.00 for 1 bar
Purchased from: Xocolatl Garden, Carmel, CA

Welcome to Day #8 of Chocolate & Water Theme Week--part of a larger, two-month long series of elemental themes (including chocolates inspired by (or with ingredients related to) Earth, Water and Fire).

Today's "Water" - Ceremonial Grade Cacao (bar) was manufactured by Cacao Lab Corp. (Kingston, NY).

Note: This "bar" was intended to be consumed in liquid form -- with water added. I enjoyed it as an eating chocolate.

Aroma notes included: subtle dark chocolate, with very faint spice.

Texture: thick and creamy texture, with some very tiny particles (perhaps ground coriander or maca)

Flavor notes included: ultra-dark chocolate with, balanced earth, well-managed bitterness, and light coriander (spice), and very faint carrot, sweet potato and butterscotch-vanilla notes.

I appreciated the very balanced, relatively restrained bitterness, and moderate acidic (citric) levels; the bit of authentic sweetness (and no sugar); and the maker's choice of a light roast to preserve delicate flavor(s) and "nutrient abundance."

Maker's Tasting Notes: "Roasted nuts, citrus"

Ingredients: Theobroma cacao*, coriander*, maca*, (*=organic)

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

Sted Foods - Lakeside Blend 71% Dark Chocolate (small bar) - July 12, 2026

Chocolate of The Day

Sted Foods
Lakeside Blend 71% Dark Chocolate (small bar)
Good ++
Weight: .5 oz. (14.1 g.) / This bar was part one flavor in a 3-bar pack
Calories: 78 calories (estimate) in 1 small bar
Cost: $10.00 for 3 mini bars (3 different flavors)
Purchased from: Sted Foods, online order

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

Today's Sted Foods Lakeside Blend 71% Dark Chocolate (small bar) was manufactured by TC Foods, LLC (Fergus Falls, MN), and was part of a three-bar, lake-themed collection.

Today's "Lakeside Blend" was part of the company's Lakeside Collection of three small bars that also included "The Bobber" (with cacao nibs) and "Coffee + Cream" chocolates.

Aroma and flavor notes for today's 71% dark chocolate included: ultra-dark chocolate with flickers of ultra-dark fudge, and faint fruit (dark red, blue/purple fruits). 

I enjoyed the balanced, earthy and deep, dark flavors of the cacao(s) (Haiti and Dominican Republic)--a boldness that still left room for complex berry and other subtle flavors.

Maker's Tasting notes: "Bright, Intense, Reflective"

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

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

Choco Del Mar - Hazelnut Noir 65% Cocoa (bar) - July 11, 2026

Chocolate of the Day

Choco Del Mar
Hazelnut Noir 65% Cocoa (bar) 
Good ++
Weight: 3/5 bar - 1.06 oz. (30 g.) / 1.76 oz. (50 g.) total bar
Calories: 168 calories in 3/5 bar
Cost: $11.00 for 1 bar
Purchased from: Choco Del Mar, online order

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

Today's Hazelnut Noir 65% Cocoa (bar) was from Choco Del Mar (Los Altos, CA). 

Where's the "water" connection? The company's name contains a reference to the sea (del mar = of/on the sea); the company's mascot is a chocolate-loving sea otter named Cleo; and the packaging was adorned with an image of a dolphin leaping out of the water with (if I'm not mistaken) a cacao pod balanced on its nose.

Inspired by classic Italian gianduja, this 65% chocolate tasted dark--a bit darker than 65%--but smooth. The fully ground (and seamlessly incorporated) hazelnuts added a relatively subtle nutty flavor without muting the dark chocolate.

There seemed to be less sugar/less sweet hazelnut paste in this chocolate than you might find in most gianduja confections and bars. (Either that, or the single origin cacao(s) used had an inherently stronger, darker flavor; or both these comments could be true.) Either way, as a dark chocolate lover, I found that refreshing.

Texture: smooth, rich dark chocolate 

I also appreciated the short list of just three ingredients. (Thank you.)

Ingredients: Cocoa Nibs, Cane Sugar, Hazelnuts

Allergen-related information: Contains Tree Nuts (Hazelnuts) "Made in a facility that processes milk, nuts, and other common allergens."

Harbor Sweets - Sand Dollars - Caramel & Pecan in Dark Chocolate & Milk Chocolate Periwinkle - July 10, 2026

Chocolate(s) of The Day

Harbor Sweets

Sand Dollars - Caramel and Pecan in Dark Chocolate 
Good ++
Weight: .647 oz. (18.33 g.) / 3 7/8 oz. (110 g.) in total package of 6 pieces
Calories: 90 calories in 1 piece
Cost: $13.95 + shipping for 1 package of 6 pieces
Purchased from: Harbor Sweets, online order

Milk Chocolate Periwinkles 
Good ++
Weight: .45 oz. (12.78 g.) for 2 small pieces / 3.5 oz. (99 g.) in total (large Nautical Assortment box)
Calories: 70 calories (estimate) in 2 periwinkles 
Cost: $50.00 + shipping for 1 large assortment box (that contained several other chocolates)
Purchased from: Harbor Sweets, online order

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

Today's two nautically-themed chocolates from Massachusetts were inspired by shells you might find on a beach walk along the Atlantic Ocean shoreline.

Today's Caramel and Pecan filled dark chocolate Sand Dollar--and the two, cute little (solid) milk chocolate periwinkles--were from Harbor Sweets (Salem, MA). Both were attractive to look at and each chocolate was swaddled in gold foil.

Both were relatively sweet, and had a relatively bright sweetness to them. (The addition of wildflower honey in many of the company's chocolate likely contributed to this pleasant fruit/floral sweetness.)

Ingredients (Sand Dollars): Dark Chocolate (Sugar, Chocolate Liquor, Chocolate Liquor processed with Alkali, Cocoa Butter, Butterfat (Milk), Soy Lecithin, Vanilla), Pecans, Cream (Light Cream and Disodium Phosphate), Tapioca Syrup (Tapioca Starch), Evaporated Milk (Milk 0.5% or less of: Dipotassium Phosphate, Carrageenan, Vitamin D3), Sugar, Light Brown Sugar, Butter (Cream (Milk), Salt), Wildflower Honey, Vanilla, Salt, Soy Lecithin, Baking Soda.

Allergen-related information for dark chocolate Sand Dollars: Contains Milk, Soy and Pecans. "This product is prepared in a facility that handles soy, milk, peanuts, wheat, tree nuts and sesame." (The latter statement likely applies to the milk chocolate periwinkles as well.)

Ingredients (Periwinkles): (Not Listed individually in larger assortment box.) Contained Milk, Soy.

Guido Gobino - 63% Dark Chocolate Easter Fish - July 9, 2026

Chocolate of The Day

Guido Gobino 
63% Dark Chocolate Easter Fish
Good ++
Weight: 1.4 oz. (40 g.) / 2.8 oz. (80 g.) in total fish
Calories: 212 calories in 1/2 fish
Cost: $22.99 for 1 fish
Purchased from: Bar & Cocoa, online order  

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

Today's seasonal 63% Dark Chocolate Easter Fish was from Guido Gobino Srl (Torino, Italy).

Aroma notes included: smooth, sweet and rich dark chocolate

Texture: smooth dark chocolate with an even melt and mouthfeel

Flavor notes included: sweet, dark chocolate (chocolate-y, fudge brownie) bright fruit (cherry) and a hint of nut.

I loved the fish. Perfect size and shape. While I enjoyed this seasonal gem 3 months after Easter (its intended season), it was a great fit for this water-themed week. And it was fun; and having fun is never out of season. (Also, this fish confection extraordinaire wouldn't have lasted until Chocolate & Italy Week in fall this year.)

Ingredients: "cocoa mass, sugar, cocoa butter, HAZELNUT, MILK, SOY. Cocoa solids: 63% minimum."

Allergen-related information: Contains Hazelnut, Milk, Soy. Gluten free.

Sted Foods - The Bobber Bar 50% Dark Milk Chocolate with Cocoa Nibs - July 8, 2026

Chocolate of The Day

Sted Foods
The Bobber Bar 50% Dark Milk Chocolate with Cocoa Nibs 
Good ++ - Good +++
Weight: .5 oz. (14 g.) in 1 small bar
Calories: 78 calories (estimate) in 1 small bar
Cost: (1 of three small bars in a $10 three-pack) 
Purchased from: Sted Foods, online order

Welcome to Day #3 of Chocolate and Water Theme Week. 

No matter what water-related pastime you may enjoy (appreciating bodies of water or shells and water wildlife in nature, surfing, boating or fishing), I'm now convinced there is a chocolate related to that activity.*

Today's Sted Foods Organic "The Bobber Bar" 50% Dark Milk Chocolate with Cocoa Nibs manufactured by TC Foods, LLC (Fergus Falls, MN) might appeal to fishermen (and woman); but this bar will float the boat of a much larger audience.

The bean-to-bar chocolate maker describes themselves as "Making Pretty Good Chocolate, West of the Fjord," a likely nod to Scandanavian coastal ancestry.

I loved Sted's creamy and crunchy take on a dark milk chocolate with cacao nibs and a "pinch" of sea salt. (I readily admit this blend is a personal favorite combination of mine). This one was balanced, and delicious.

Ingredients: "organic cocoa beans, organic cane sugar, organic cocoa butter, organic whole milk powder, organic cocoa nibs, himalayan pink salt"

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

*I am drowning in the large number of water-related chocolates this week. Small piles of chocolate have flooded my tasting area. The challenge: consume or share them with others before the summer heat waves arrive. 

Stoked Chocolates - Waikiki Pineapple Dark Chocolate Longboard (bar) - July 7, 2026

Chocolate of the Day

Stoked Chocolates
Waikiki Pineapple Dark Chocolate Longboard (bar)
Good ++
Weight: 3 oz. (85 g.) in total bar
Calories: 450 calories in 1 bar
Cost: $13.75 for 1 bar

Purchased from: The Xocolatl Garden, Carmel, CA

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

Today's Waikiki Pineapple Dark Chocolate Longboard (bar) was from Stoked Chocolates in Hermosa Beach, CA. The company offers several surf-themed and surfboard-shaped bars and confections--including a gift set of four different flavored chocolate longboards.

Aroma and flavor notes included: rich dark chocolate (chocolate-y, dark chocolate torte/ganache) and subtle, authentic pineapple and coconut.

Texture: This bar was a satisfying, smooth and hearty dark chocolate with softly crunchy coconut and pineapple pieces. Both the coconut and the pineapple were just right: the coconut was pleasing and not too tough or chewy; and the pineapple was authentically soft, not too tough and chewy.

I liked the balanced, authentic and hearty dark chocolate flavor, the surfer theme packaging and (longboard bar) concept, the sweetness level (sweet, but not too much) and well-executed textures. 

Ingredients: Dark Belgian Chocolate (Cocoa Mass, Sugar, Cocoa Butter, Emulsifier: Soya Lecithin, Natural Vanilla Flavouring), Dried Natural Pineapple, Toasted Coconut (Coconut, Sugar, Dextrose, Salt)

Allergen-related information: Contains Coconut, Soy. (Check with the company for more information.)

Karu Chocolates - Pacific Dark 75% Tumaco, Colombia (bar) - July 6, 2026

Chocolate of The Day

Karu Chocolates

Pacific Dark - 75% Tumaco, 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

Yesterday we said goodbye to Earth (and Mushroom) themed weeks, and today we say hello to another elemental chocolate week. 

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

Today's Karu Chocolates Pacific Dark 75% Tumaco Colombia (bar) was made in Bogota, Colombia and distributed (in the U.S.) by Tropicalia LLC. 

This bar is named for the city of Tumaco, located on the Pacific Coast*--next to the gigantic body of water that is the Pacific (Ocean).*

Aroma and flavor notes for this hearty dark bar included: dark chocolate (deep, chocolate-y, roasted cacao and balanced earth (where the misty forest meets the coast), and subtle, diffuse red berry.

Texture: relatively thick and rich with a smooth melt and mouthfeel

This 75% dark chocolate was bold in flavor, but wasn't too bitter or acidic--or too sweet (thank you).

I really appreciated that this chocolate was made with just two ingredients "in country" -- in the same country where the cacao was grown.

Ingredients: Cacao, cane sugar

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

*There's nothing like living on the edge of the Pacific Ocean--Earth's largest body of water (63 million square miles or 163 million square kilometers). 

In California (where Chocolate Banquet is based), the moisture from this large ocean enables many ecosystems (Redwood, Oak, Almond, Avocado and many trees and plants and life forms). In South America, it supports cacao and many other fruit and seed trees, as well as tropical/rain forests).

Elemental Superfoods - Double Chocolate Reishi, Chaga & Cordyceps Superfood Adaptogen Seed Bar - July 5, 2026

Chocolate of The Day

Elemental Superfoods
Double Chocolate Reishi, Chaga & Cordyceps (bar)
Good + - Good ++
Weight: 1.8 oz. (51 g.) in 1 bar
Calories: 230 calories in 1 bar
Purchased from: Elemental Superfood, online order

Welcome to Day #9 of Chocolate and Mushrooms Week.

Today's Double Chocolate Reishi, Chaga & Cordyceps (bar) was distributed by Elemental Superfood, Inc. (Torrance, CA).

Aroma and flavor notes included: seedy, nutty and chocolate-y with faint, balanced earth and umami.

Texture: a blend of crunchy (buckwheat, flax seeds, nuts) and creamy, binding elements (almond butter, chocolate) 

This substantial energy seed, nut, chocolate and mushroom bar contained 8 grams of protein; and the relatively long list of flavors harmonized fairly well with each other.

Ingredients: Organic Buckwheat, Organic Almond Butter, Organic Dark Chocolate (Organic Coconut Sugar, Organic Chocolate Liquor, Organic Cocoa Butter, Organic Vanilla Powder), Organic Cacao Powder, Organic Raw Honey, Organic Flaxseeds, Organic Coconut, Organic Sunflower Seeds, Organic Pumpkin Seeds, Brazil Nuts, Organic Sesame Seeds, Cacao Butter, Organic Reishi, Organic Chaga, Organic Cordyceps, Organic Vanilla Extract, Pink Himalayan Salt

Allergen-related information: Contains Nuts (Almonds, Brazil Nuts) and Coconut (Sugar)

Kessho Craft Chocolate - Porcini Dark Milk 60% Cacao Semuliki Forest, Uganda (bar) - July 4, 2026

Chocolate of The Day

Kessho Craft Chocolate 
Porcini Dark Milk 60% Cacao Semuliki Forest, Uganda (bar) 
Good ++ 
Weight: 1.06 oz. (30 g.) / 2.1 oz. (60 g.) in total bar
Calories: 177 calories in 1/2 bar
Cost: $12.00 for 1 bar 

Purchased from: Kessho, online order

Welcome to Day #8 of Chocolate & Mushrooms Theme Week. And Happy 250th birthday to those celebrating Independence Day in the U.S.A.

Today's Porcini Dark Milk 60% Cacao Semuliki Forest, Uganda (bar) was from Kessho Craft Chocolate (distributed by Kessho, LLC (Austin, TX)).*

The cacao used to make this bar was (a hybrid of Trinitario & Forastero varieties) grown in the Semuliki Forest region of Uganda.

Aroma and flavor notes included: smooth, rich dark chocolate; umami (gently savory, mushroom); subtle caramel; and very faint (barely detectable) fruit and nuts. It was a smooth and attractively interesting flavor ride, with a slight mushroom flavor at the end of a long relatively sweet finish.

Most of the mushroom/fungi flavor inclusions in this week's chocolates have been what are often considered "medicinal" or "adaptogenic" species. There are well over 10,000 species of mushrooms, and only a small subset of these are edible. The subset of these that taste good is even smaller.**

However, happily, today's Porcini mushroom flavor came with more delicious culinary associations, and not just, "eat it and it will be good for you" implied messaging.

Texture: smooth, relatively creamy, dark milk chocolate (with no detectable mushroom powder ("grit")). (The mushroom powder was well incorporated into the chocolate.)

I enjoyed the blend of dark milk chocolate with balanced umami notes, and authentic (and not overwhelming) mushroom flavor; the use of single origin cacao; and the short list of ingredients.

Maker's Tasting Notes: "Earthiness, umami, blue cheese...Foraged Yunnan porcini mushrooms lend their deep earthiness to this dark milk chocolate..."

Ingredients: "Whole cacao beans, sugar, cocoa butter, whole milk powder, porcini mushroom powder"

Allergen-related information: "Contains milk. Made in a facility that also processes tree nuts, wheat, sesame and eggs"

*Kessho is a Japanese word that means "Crystal" that pays tribute to the crystalline structure of chocolate.

**I've found this to be true for plants as well. About 10% of all plants are technically edible, and only 10% of that number actually taste good. Do your research on any plants (or certainly any mushrooms) you taste in the wild. As the cautionary advisory/saying goes in the mushroom foraging circles: "Every mushroom is edible, at least once..."

Alice Mushrooms - Brainstorm Singles Mushroom Chocolate Brain Bite for Focus & Energy - July 3, 2026

Chocolate of The Day

Alice Mushrooms
Brainstorm Singles - Mushroom Chocolate Brain Bite for Focus & Energy
Good +
Weight: .25 oz. (7 g.) in one bite
Calories: 40 calories in 1 bite/small packet
Cost: $3.89 for 1 bite/small packet 
Purchased from: Xocolatl Garden, Carmel, CA

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

Today's Brainstorm Singles - Mushroom Chocolate(s) for Focus & Energy were distributed by Alice Mushrooms Inc. (Los Angeles (Venice), CA).

There was quite a contrast between aroma and flavor notes for this dark chocolate. The aroma was a very faint, barely detectable (chocolate) aroma. But the flavor notes were quite intense--dark chocolate with a relatively bitter, slightly moldy, earthiness--presumably from the mushrooms/mushroom extract(s); but I am not 100% sure about that.

Texture: smooth texture with a satisfying melt

The small, individually-wrapped chocolates made it easier to have one small "dose" at a time. I appreciated the melt; and that the amount of caffeine per serving (66 mg.) was included on the packaging.

This bar contained a mushroom blend: "...750 mg [8:1 Lion's Mane Extract (fruiting body), Organic 8:1 Cordyceps Extract (fruiting body), Guarana, Phosphatidylserine]"

"Other Ingredients": Organic Semi-Sweet 72% Dark Chocolate (Organic Unsweetened Chocolate, Organic Cane Sugar, Organic Cocoa Butter), Coconut Oil, Cocoa Butter Guarana"

Allergen-related information: None found on packaging. (Be aware if you are mushroom or mold sensitive, this may not be a chocolate for you. I experienced nasal congestion and sneezing after consuming this bite.)

Fruiting Bodies LLC - Reishi Dark Chocolate 70% (bar) - July 2, 2026

Chocolate of The Day

Fruiting Bodies LLC 
Good ++ 
Weight: 1.4 oz. (40 g.) in total bar
Calories: 240 calories in 1 bar

Cost: Missing information 

Purchased from: Oceana Market, Pacifica, CA 

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

Today's Reishi Dark Chocolate 70% Cacao (bar) was from Fruiting Bodies LLC (Muscatine, IA).

The company currently offers a line of three different mushroom chocolates (Cordyceps, Lion's Mane and Reishi), as well as mushroom tinctures and essences.

This dark chocolate bar was made using Golden Reishi (Ganaderma curtisii)--a bracket fungus, native to North America, found in hardwood forests in the Eastern U.S. and closely related to Asian Reishi mushrooms (e.g. Ganaderma lucidum).

Aroma and flavor notes included: pleasant dark chocolate, light brown or unrefined sugar, and very faint (barely detectable) mushroom.

Texture: relatively smooth texture; the reishi extract was completely incorporated into the chocolate.

I appreciated the balanced flavors and short list of organic ingredients, and the fact that they do third-party testing with their mushrooms/fungi.

Ingredients: "organic chocolate liquor, organic coconut palm sugar, organic cacao fat, organic reishi (Ganoderma curtisii) concentrate."

Allergen-related information: "Vegan" "No Refined Sugar, No Sugar Alcohols, No Dairy/Soy, No Lecithins, No Palm Oil, No Gluten"

Moksha - Turkey Tail Maitake & Chaga Functional Mushrooms in 70% Dark Chocolate - July 1, 2026

Chocolate of The Day

Moksha
Turkey Tail Maitake & Chaga Functional Mushrooms in 70% 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

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

Today's Turkey Tail Maitake & Chaga Functional Mushrooms in 70% Dark Chocolate (square) was manufactured (from cacao bean nib-to-bar) by Moksha Chocolate (Boulder, CO). 

Aroma and flavor notes included: hearty, dark chocolate with a slight, woody/umami bitterness and acidity. 

Texture: smooth texture (no detectable mushroom powder(s) in the mouthfeel or melt)

This 70%er was packed with deep, dark, chocolate-y flavor with authentic woodsy mushroom notes--and balanced acidity and bitterness--making it satisfying and easy to savor slowly. I enjoyed the depth of the combined flavors and that the resulting chocolate wasn't too sweet. 

I appreciated the well-executed flavor blend, the use of coconut sugar, and the short list of ingredients. 

Ingredients: Cacao Nibs, Coconut Sugar, Cacao Butter, Dried Mushrooms (Turkey Tail, Maitake & Chaga)

Allergen-related information: Contains Coconut (Sugar) 

Moksha - Reishi - Functional Mushrooms in 65% Dark Vegan Chocolate - June 30, 2026

Chocolate of The Day

Moksha
Reishi - Functional Mushrooms in 65% Dark Vegan 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

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

Today's Reishi Functional Mushrooms in 65% Dark Vegan Chocolate (square) was manufactured (from cacao bean nib-to-bar) by Moksha Chocolate (Boulder, CO). 

This reishi mushroom chocolate bar was labeled for "Night Time"--a reference to the thought that reishi mushrooms contain compounds that can act as a non-drowsy relaxant at the end of the day.

Aroma and flavor notes included: smooth, dark chocolate; faint coconut; and mushroom.

Texture: smooth textured (no mushroom powder "grit")

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

Ingredients: Cacao Nibs, Coconut Sugar, Coconut Milk Powder, Cacao Butter, Dried Mushrooms (Reishi)

Allergen-related information: Contains Coconut (Coconut Sugar, Coconut Milk).