Endorfin Foods - Turkish Coffee 60% Cacao with coconut (bar) - Oct. 6, 2026

Chocolate of the Day

Endorfin Foods 
Turkish Coffee 60% Cacao with coconut (bar)
Good ++ 
Weight: 1.4 oz. (40 g.) in total bar

Calories: 200 calories in 1 bar
Cost: $5.49 for 1 bar
Purchased from: Whole Foods Market, Los Altos, CA 

Welcome to Day #8 of Chocolate & Coffee Theme Week.

Today's Endorfin Foods Turkish Coffee 60% Cacao with coconut (bar) was manufactured by Coracao Confections (Richmond, CA).

Aroma notes included: smooth dark chocolate (slightly fudge-y); brown sugar; faint dried fruit (date, jujube, red fruit) and coconut cookie; and very faint cardamom coffee.

Texture: relatively smooth texture with a pleasant melt

Flavor notes included: smooth "milk" chocolate with complex and subtle dried fruits; mild brown/coconut sugar and "caramelized" coconut butter; and very faint, gently spiced coffee.

I enjoyed the subtle flavors in this bar; the short list of organic and fair trade ingredients; the lack of gluten and refined sugars; and the lightness of the coffee--that allowed the chocolate-y notes shine.

Note: This bar was similar (but not identical) to a similar bar from Endorfin Foods 10 years ago (so likely a different harvest/batch of cacao as well). But, just in case, I'm featuring a second coffee chocolate bar today (see next entry) from Jamaica.

Ingredients: Cacao+*, Coconut Sugar*, Caramelized Coconut Butter*, Cacao Butter+*, Coffee*, Cardamom* (*Organic (Certified Organic by COOF);+Fair Trade Certified (TM))

Allergen-related information: No Dairy, No Soy, No Refined Sugar, No Gluten, No GMO, No Sugar Alcohols

Kessho - Lamb Skewer Goat Milk 60% Cacao Semuliki Forest Uganda (bar) - Sept. 7, 2026

Chocolate of The Day

Kessho Craft Chocolate 
Lamb Skewer Goat Milk 60% Cacao Semuliki Forest Uganda (bar)
Good ++
Weight: .7 oz. (20 g.) / 2.1 oz. (60 g.) in total bar
Calories: 116.1 calories in 1/3 bar
Cost: $11.00 for 1 bar
Purchased from: Kessho, online order 

Welcome to Day #10 of Savory Chocolates Theme Week.  

Today's Kessho Craft Chocolate Lamb Skewer* Goat Milk 60% Cacao Semuliki Forest Uganda (bar) was handcrafted in Austin, TX and distributed by Kessho, LLC (Austin, TX).

Aroma notes for this goat milk bar included: goat (milk), cumin, lemon pepper and very faint garlic and chili; and subtle chocolate.

Flavor notes included: smooth, creamy dark milk chocolate (chocolate-y) with savory and spicy, cumin-forward barbecue rub (without the rub; there was no spice grit). Full bodied flavors and a bit of spicy heat lingered and eventually tailed off into a pleasant, clean finish.

Texture: creamy dark milk chocolate. (The seasonings were fully incorporated into the chocolate so there were no detectable spice particles.)

This was a fun, flavorful bar to try. It was well executed and successfully captured the makers' memories* that inspired this bar. 

It was spicy, but not objectionably so; and the overall spice blend with the goat milk and single origin Uganda cacao was very effective. 

I love being transported when I taste chocolate. The goat milk and spices had me thinking I was strolling through a street market in Beijing smelling those lamb skewers. (To complete this virtual travel experience, I paired this bar with a Kessho recommended West China Tea ("Sticky Rice" Pu'er tea) the makers had sold as a pairing item with this bar last year. Very nice.)

Maker's Tasting Notes: "A balanced mix of goat milk, cumin and subtle heat from chili peppers"

Ingredients: "Whole cacao beans, sugar, cocoa butter, goat milk powder, cumin powder, chili powder"

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

*"...This chocolate was inspired by late nights in Beijing, where you can smell roasting lamb skewers as street vendors fan the flames of long coal grills. We start with Ugandan cacao, grind it with creamy goat milk, and season it, lamb-skewer style, with cumin and chili peppers. This is a bar to remember."

Auro - Don Papa Masskara Rum 60% Dark Chocolate w/ Calamansi, Chili & Honeycomb (bar) - Aug. 18, 2026

Chocolate of The Day

Auro 
Don Papa Masskara Rum Infused 60% Dark Chocolate w/ Calamansi, Chili & Honeycomb (bar)
Good ++ - Good +++ 
Weight: 2.12 oz. (60 g.) in total bar
Calories: 312 calories in 1 bar
Cost: $15.00 for 1 bar
Purchased from: Bar & Cocoa, online order

Welcome to Day #13 of Chocolate & Spirits Theme Week; and Day #1 of Chocolate & The Philippines Theme Week.

Today's Don Papa Masskara Rum Infused 60% Dark Chocolate with Calamansi, Chili & Honeycomb (bar) was produced by Filipinas Oro de Cacao, Inc. (dba/aka Auro Chocolate) (Calamba City, Laguna, Philippines).

The cacao used to make this tree-to-bar chocolate was from the Saloy Estate on the island of Mindanao in the southern Philippines.

Aroma and flavor notes included: a warm blend of chocolate; honeyed spirits (sweet rum, vanilla marshmallow, caramel, toffee, brown sugar, very faint smokey-sweet tobacco); and very light, balanced citrus and chili. 

Texture: smooth chocolate with a satisfying melt + barely detectable very tiny buttery, crunchy toffee bits.

I really enjoyed the harmonious complexity; the orchestra of flavors played very well together. Lots of elements to enjoy, without any one flavor inclusion being too dominant. 

This chocolate was sweet, but the overall sweetness had a lot of attractive depth (muscovado (brown) sugar, honey, citrus, rum) vs. a wall of flat and buzzy white sugar).

Maker's description: "the finest cacao...infused with Don Papa Masskara--a premium, pot-distilled rum infused with honey, calamansi and chili labuyo..."

Ingredients: "Cacao mass, organic muscovado sugar, cacao butter, cane sugar, honey, baking soda, dried calamansi, natural calamansi extract powder, soy lecithin (as emulsifier), dried chili powder, rum"

Allergen-related information: Contains Soy. "This product is manufactured in a facility that processes other products which may contain milk, oats, tree nuts and peanuts."

Solkiki - Maranon Coconut Dark Milk 60% Whisky Nibs - Aug. 17, 2026

Chocolate of The Day

Solkiki
Maranon Coconut Dark Milk 60% Whisky Nibs (bar)
Good ++ - Good +++
Weight: 2 oz. (56 g.) in total bar
Calories: 305 calories in 1 bar
Cost: $15.95 for 1 bar
Purchased from: Xocolatl Garden, Carmel, CA

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

Today's Maranon 60% Coconut Dark Milk Whisky Nibs (bar) was from Solkiki Chocolatemaker (Dorset, U.K.). The company's founders (Iris and Bob) were early entrants (in 2008) in the new wave of bean-to-bar craft chocolate makers in the U.K.

The cacao used to make this whisky bar was Fortunato No. 4 Maranon cacao (a prized "Pure Nacional" variety from Peru). 

Starward Whisky (Australia) brought a rich, satisfying flavor (deep red wine, oak) into the cacao nibs and the entire bar.

Aroma and flavor notes included: pleasingly aromatic and warm whisky and dark chocolate. The coconut (fresh coconut + caramel) was very subtle (barely detectable) and the unrefined cane sugar added faint, warm brown sugar flavor depth that complemented the whisky and chocolate very nicely.

Texture: relatively smooth dark chocolate populated with a generous field of tiny crunchy (cacao nib) bits.

Not surprisingly, as someone who enjoys dark chocolate and bold, balanced spirits (whiskey) flavors, I really liked this bar. I found it a little addictive. 

I appreciated the makers' thoughtful, short list of quality and organic ingredients. And I liked that the coconut in this coconut milk chocolate was dialed back a little, serving as a successful background contributor vs. being more prominent.

Ingredients: "Organic Fortunato No.4 cacao beans, organic unrefined cane sugar, organic cold-pressed cacao butter, organic coconut, pink salt, Starward Whisky Fortunato No.4 nibs."

Allergen-related information: Contains Coconut. "Vegan. May contain traces of soy, nuts, gluten"   

River-Sea Chocolates - Rum Caramel dark chocolate 60% (bar) - Aug. 8, 2026

Chocolate of The Day

River-Sea Chocolates
Rum Caramel dark chocolate 60% (bar)
Good ++
Weight: 1.06 oz. (30 g.) / 2.1 oz. (60 g.) in total bar
Calories: 180 calories in 1/2 bar
Cost: $12.49 for 1 bar
Purchased from: Xocolatl Garden, Carmel, CA

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

Today's Rum Caramel dark chocolate 60% (bar) was from River-Sea Chocolate Factory (Chantilly, VA). The company's name was inspired by where the Amazon River meets the Sea.

Aroma and flavor notes included: smooth dark milk chocolate, caramel, butterscotch, brown sugar and aromatic rum. 

Texture: This well-tempered bar broke with a snap and had a smooth-texture with a satisfying melt.

I enjoyed the heady (wheee!) blend of aroma and flavors in this bar. It reminded me of butterscotch and chocolate brownies--made with single origin cacao, and spiked with smooth dark rum.

And I appreciated the maker's use of a relatively short list of ingredients, the fact that this bar was "direct trade" (Haiti cacao) and "wind powered"--and that the chocolate was gluten and soy free.

Warning: potentially addictive

Ingredients: Cacao Beans, Organic Cane Sugar, Fragrant Cacao Butter, Organic Whole Cow Milk, Pure Caramel Extract, Rum Flavor (Rum, Grain Alcohol)

Allergen-related information: "Produced in a facility that uses nuts, cow milk, and coconut"

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..."

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 - 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"

Xocolatl - 60% Dark Chocolate Commuter East Pole Coffee with Coconut Milk (bar) - May 27, 2026

Chocolate of the Day

Xocolatl
60% Dark Chocolate Commuter East Pole Coffee with Coconut Milk (bar)
Good ++
Weight: 1.3 oz. (37.5 g.) / 2.6 oz. (75 g.) in total bar
Calories: 200 calories in 1/2 bar
Cost: $11.00 for 1 bar
Purchased from: Xocolatl, online order 

Welcome to Day #15 of Chocolate & Coffee Theme Week.

Today's 60% Dark Chocolate Commuter East Pole Coffee with Coconut Milk (bar) was made from bean-to-bar by Xocolatl LLC (Atlanta, GA).

Aroma and flavor notes included: smooth dark chocolate and coffee with a balanced coconut milk finish.

Texture: smooth texture, mouthfeel and melt--largely due to the coconut milk.

I liked the flavor and texture smoothing the authentic-tasting coconut milk added, reducing the level of harshness (acidity and bitterness) that might have been present with the cacao and coffee. 

There is a balance with using sugars and milks -- you can enjoy creamier/silkier chocolate texture but you may also experience muffle subtler cacao (and in this case coffee) aroma and flavor notes. There was still a coffee flavor that came through with this bar, but it was more subtle.

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

Ingredients: Cacao*, Cane Sugar*, Coconut Milk*, Cocoa Butter*, Coffee (* = Organic)

Allergen-related information: "Made on equipment that processes soy, wheat, peanuts & tree nuts (almond, hazelnut, pecan).

DAR Chocolate - ART Bar - Caramel Coffee milk chocolate (bar) - May 20, 2026

Chocolate of the Day

DAR Chocolate 
ART BAR Limited Edition - Caramel Coffee milk chocolate (bar)
Good ++
Weight: 1.75 oz. (50 g.) in total bar
Calories: 240 calories in 1 bar
Cost: $9.50 for 1 bar
Purchased from: The Xocolatl Garden, Carmel, CA

Welcome to Day #8 of Chocolate & Coffee Theme Week.

Today's Limited Edition - Caramel Coffee milk chocolate Art Bar was manufactured by DAR Chocolate LLC (Thornton, CO).

Aroma and flavor notes for this very attractively-clad bar included: aromatic dark (fudge-y) milk chocolate with coffee (sweet mocha caramel latte); subtle caramel and very faint vanilla (pipe tobacco).

Texture: relatively smooth and creamy with a barely detectable astringency.

I enjoyed the 60% dark milk chocolate and coffee blend, and the subtle touch of Murray River Salt that helped balance the sweetness. (The salt also made this milk chocolate more addictive.)

Ingredients: cacao beans*, cane sugar*, dried whole milk, coffee beans*, cacao butter*, salt, natural flavors. (* organic)

Allergen-related information: Contains Milk. "Made in a facility that processes peanuts and tree nuts." 

River-Sea Chocolate - Peach IPA dark chocolate 60% (mountain peaches & hops) - Apr. 22, 2026

Chocolate of the Day

River-Sea Chocolate Factory
Peach IPA dark chocolate 60% (mountain peaches & hops) bar
Good ++
Weight: 2.1 oz. (60 g.) in total bar
Calories: 360 calories in 1 bar
Cost:  $12.49 for 1 bar
Purchased from: The Xocolatl Garden, Carmel, CA

Welcome to Day #14 of Chocolate & Flowers Theme Week. 

Hops used to make beer are made using the female flowers of this plant, and I was delighted to find a bar that contained Centennial* hops for this floral-themed week. 

Today's Peach IPA dark chocolate 60% (mountain peaches & hops) was created by River-Sea Chocolate Factory (Chantilly, VA). 

The cacao used to make this bar was from Haiti.

I really enjoyed this creamy, flavorful chocolate. Soft cacao (milk chocolate-y) notes flowed into authentic peach fruit/peach floral notes, followed by very faint flash of berry/pink peppercorn; and finishing with balanced and authentic, balanced hop notes. 

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

I eat my daily chocolate for breakfast; and this addicting dark milk bar was gone before lunch. 

Ingredients: Cacao Beans, Organic Cane Sugar, Fragrant Cacao Butter, Organic Whole Cow Milk, Palisade Peaches, Peach Extract, Pure Centennial Hop Oil 

Allergen-related information: Contains Milk. "Made in a facility that uses nuts, cow milk, and coconut" "Gluten-Free; Soy Free"

*Centennial (aka Super Cascade) hops have citrus, pine and floral notes and are versatile. They can be used for brewing or for culinary purposes.

Kakoa - 60% Cacao Dark Milk Chocolate Arroyo Alcocer, Chiapas (bar) - Apr. 1, 2026

Chocolate of the Day

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

Welcome to Day #16 of Chocolate & Mexico Theme Week(s).

Today's 60% Cacao Dark Milk Chocolate Arroyo Alcocer, Chiapas, Mexico (bar), Batch #2318, was made by Kakoa (Rio Chico, Mexico City, Mexico). 

Aroma and flavor notes included: sweet dark chocolate and tropical fruit (authentic, flavorful cacao pulp syrup). 

Cacao fruit, the ivory-colored pulp that surrounds cacao seeds (beans), plays an important role in the fermentation of cacao and the flavor of finished chocolate. 

The cacao fruit flavors will vary depending on the origin, cacao variety, ripeness and other factors. In today's bar, these flavors included: melon, pineapple, mango and sweet citrus (orange) and very faint warm spice (cinnamon).

I found this chocolate to be sweet, fruity and delicious, with minimal bitterness. The fruit flavors reminded me of tasting fresh cacao on a farm, or in a forest. Longer fermentation, drying, processing and roasting times generally mean less fruity or floral flavors in chocolate. So, having an opportunity to try this bar was a treat.

This bar would be a great bar to include in a chocolate tasting to remind people what less processed chocolate might taste like. However, the sheer fruitiness will surprise some who are not used to it.

Texture: relatively smooth with a slight fruit astringency. Satisfying melt.

This bar would be a great bar to include in a chocolate tasting to remind people what less processed, quality chocolate might taste like. However, the sheer fruitiness will likely surprise some who are not used to it.

Thank you to the maker for the short list of quality ingredients, and the beautifully fruity single origin Mexican cacao from Arroyo Alcocer, Chiapas in southeastern Mexico.

Maker's Tasting Notes: Fruity with citrus notes with a hint of spice(s).

Ingredients: Cocoa Beans, Sugar, Milk and Cocoa Butter  

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

 

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

Chocolate of the Day

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Chocolate of the Day

Moire
Sister Crops Tuxpeno Corn *M!lk* Chocolate (bar) 
Good ++
Weight: .97 oz. (27.5 g.) / 1.94 oz. (55 g.) in total bar
Calories: 170 calories in 1/2 bar
Cost: $18.00 for 1 bar
Purchased from: Chocolate Dispensary, online order

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Chocolate of the Day

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Chocolate of the Day

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Eclat Chocolate - Hazelnut Dragee - Mar. 5, 2026

Chocolate of the Day

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

 

The Functional Chocolate Company - Mellow Mint Truffle Carefree Chocolate (bar) - Feb. 23, 2026

Chocolate of the Day

The Functional Chocolate Company 
Mellow Mint Truffle flavor Carefree Chocolate 60% (bar)
Good ++
Weight: 1.75 oz. (50 g.) in total bar
Calories: 252 calories in 1 bar (6 squares)
Cost: $6.39 for 1 bar
Purchased from: Vitacost, online order

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

Today's Mellow Mint Truffle flavor Carefree Chocolate 60% (bar) was made for The Functional Chocolate Company LLC (Evergreen, CO). It contained a blend of inclusions (see ingredients list) to help reduce stress.

Aroma and flavor notes included: sweet and smooth dark chocolate infused with refreshing mint flavor--that extended into a pleasant, light (non-astringent) green tea (and very slightly floral - vanilla, sweet herb (lemon balm) and flower (chamomile) finish.

The English peppermint was nice (not too overwhelming.) And I was happy to taste another member of the mint family--lemon balm--in this chocolate.

The texture was relatively smooth, with a very faint (barely detectable) finely ground (powdered) herb/leaf granularity in one or two bites that did not bother me in the least.

I enjoyed this chocolate mint bar. The flavors were authentic, balanced and...yes, mellow. (Nothing was too intense or spiky.) It was sweet, but not overly so.

Note: I did not experience any noticeable effects from the "proprietary calming blend" in this bar; however, if you have any medical conditions, please read information listed below.

Ingredients: "Ethically Sourced Dark Chocolate (Unsweetened Cocoa Mass, All Natural Pure Cane Sugar, Cocoa Butter, Non GMO Soy Lecithin (Emulsifier), Natural Vanilla Extract), Natural Flavors"..."L-Theanine, Pharma Gaba(R) - Gamma Aminobutyric Acid, English Peppermint Oil (Black Mitcham), Passion Flower Extract, Lemon Balm Extract, Chamomile Extract, Organic Madagascar Vanilla Extract, Kava Kava CO2 Select Extract (60% Kavalactones), Ancient Sea Salt w/54 Trace Minerals"

Allergen-related information: "This product is manufactured in a facility that processes milk, soy, tree nuts and peanuts. Consult your doctor before use if you are on medication, have a medical condition or are pregnant or nursing."

The Organic House - Movie Night Caramel Corn 60% Cacao Nicaragua (bar) - Nov.30, 2025

Chocolate of the Day

The Organic House
Movie Night 60% Cacao Nicaragua O'Payo (bar)
Good ++
Weight: 1.94 oz. (55 g.) in total bar
Calories: 293 calories in 1 bar
Cost: $13.00 for 1 bar
Purchased from: Bar & Cocoa, online order 

Welcome to Day #7 of Chocolate, Movies & Entertainment Week.

Today's Movie Night 60% Cacao Nicaragua O'Payo (bar) was from The Organic House (Burlington, ON, Canada). 

The bar was hand-crafted with care--as was the animated film "The Man Who Planted Trees" (1987) by Frederic Back* that I "paired" with this chocolate. 

The film features the story of a man who planted Oak, Birch, Linden (and possibly Maple) trees, across miles of land, over decades, completely transforming a once barren landscape. 

This hand-crafted story seemed like a good match with today's "Proudly Canadian" chocolate bean-to-bar chocolate, sweetened with sugar from maple trees. 

Aroma and flavor notes for today's bar included: dark chocolate; caramel and caramel corn; faint fruit (berry, faint date); and uplifting warm spice and maple sugar.

The caramel corn (made from scratch) was ground into the O'Payo** Nicaragua cacao beans -- resulting in a smooth, relatively creamy chocolate with no detectable popcorn texture. (A faint, pleasant popcorn flavor did surface in some bites.)

I enjoyed the dark, satisfying caramel flavors and gentle fruit and maple complexity. Some of these notes certainly came from the use of a single origin cacao. Many thanks to the creative Canadian animators and chocolate makers who made tonight's special "Movie Night" possible.

Ingredients: Organic cacao beans, Ontario maple sugar, Organic popcorn, Organic cacao butter, Organic maple sugar, Organic almond butter, Sea salt, Organic coconut oil. 

Allergen-related information: "Contains Almonds. May contain: Cashews, Hazelnuts, Oats, Pistachios"

*The "Man Who Planted Trees" is an award-winning, 30-minute long, animated film created from more than 20,000 drawings. It was adapted from a French story, created and directed by Frederic Back, and narrated by actor Christopher Plummer. The team also included Academy Award winning Canadian sound editor + composer Normand Roger and several other talented folks who worked to complete this film over a five-year period. The story was (and still remains) an inspiring tale of how one person can make a difference.

**The O'Payo Nicaragua cacao used in this bar was from Ingemann, a family-owned company in Nicaragua.

 

Xocolatl - "Ripple Effect" Applewood Smoked Nibs & Raspberry 60% Dark Chocolate (bar) - Nov. 12, 2025

Chocolate of the Day

Xocolatl
"Ripple Effect" Applewood Smoked Nibs & Raspberry 60% Dark Chocolate (bar) 
Good ++
Weight: 2.6 oz. (75 g.) in total bar
Calories: 360 calories in 1 bar
Cost: $11.00 for 1 bar
Purchased from: Xocolatl, online order

Welcome to Day #22 of Chocolate and Fruits Theme Week(s). 

Today's "Ripple Effect" Applewood Smoked Nibs & Raspberry 60% Dark Chocolate (bar) was made by Xocolatl LLC (Atlanta, GA). The company collaborated with at least two local companies for these flavor inclusions, e.g. orange-infused olive olive from Streppaggio, and smoked nibs from Pine Street Market, an artisan meat market with a smoker.).

Aroma notes included an intriguing blend of dark chocolate, fresh raspberry; very faint smoked dill salt/salted dill potato chips and light citrus.

Texture: creamy smooth dark chocolate with a little smattering of softly crunchy cacao nibs + authentic raspberry bits (with seeds).

I liked the overall complexity, vibrant and authentic red raspberry notes, and the smooth, creamy-velvety texture and melt. The 60% cacao (Peru) dark chocolate was relatively dark (but smooth).

Maker's tasting notes: "a sweet and smoky dark chocolate bar (with) hints of fruit"

Ingredients: "Cacao, Cane Sugar*, Cocoa Butter*, Raspberry*, Olive Oil (* organic)"

Allergen-related information: Made on equipment that processes soy, wheat, peanuts & tree nuts (almond, hazelnut, pecan).