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."
