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).