Alter Eco - Truffle Thins Orange Creme Organic Dark Chocolate (bar) - Oct. 16, 2024

Chocolate of the Day 

Alter Eco
Truffle Thins Orange Creme Organic Dark Chocolate (bar)
Good ++ 
Weight: 1.48 oz. (42 g. ) / 2.96 oz. (84 g.) in total bar
Calories: 252 calories in 1/2 bar
Cost: $0.99 for 1 bar
Purchased from: Grocery Outlet Bargain Market, Palo Alto, CA

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

Today's Truffle Thins Orange Creme Organic Dark Chocolate (bar) from Alter Eco Foods (San Francisco, CA) was made in Switzerland.

I liked this bar more than I thought I would. When I read "truffle bar" I thought it might be too sweet for me. It was sweet; but it was also a very nice, authentic-tasting blend of creamy, smooth dark chocolate filled with a thin, ivory-hued inner, orange-flavored (orange oil) layer. There was a very subtle hint of vanilla that melded well with this chocolate. 

I also appreciated the relatively short list of organic ingredients.

Ingredients: "Organic dark chocolate (*organic cacao beans, *organic raw cane sugar, *organic cocoa butter, *organic vanilla beans), organic orange creme filling (*organic raw cane sugar, organic coconut oil, *organic cocoa butter, organic whole milk, organic orange oil). (* = Fair for Life Fair Trade certified. Contains 85% Fair Trade ingredients)"

Allergen-related information: "Contains milk and coconut. May contain hazelnuts, almonds, and soy. Individuals who are allergic to these should not consume this product."

Alter Eco - 85% Cacao Almond Blackout Organic Dark Chocolate (bar) - Sept. 6, 2024

Chocolate of the Day

Alter Eco
85% Cacao Almond Blackout Organic Dark Chocolate (bar)
Good ++ 
Weight: 1.325 oz. (37.5 g.) / 2.65 oz. (75 g.) in total bar
Calories: 190 calories in 4 sections
Cost: $0.99 for 1 bar (thank you Bill)
Purchased from: Grocery Outlet Bargain Market, Palo Alto, CA

Welcome to Day #3 of Chocolate and Seeds* Theme Week. This week includes chocolates with seeds--as well as seeds that we call beans or nuts.

This bar contained cacao (seeds we call beans), almonds (seeds we call nuts) and vanilla beans (seeds we call beans). 

Today's 85% Cacao Organic Almond Blackout Organic Dark Chocolate (bar) was made in Switzerland and distributed by Alter Eco Foods (San Francisco, CA). 

The company founders have long been involved in supporting fair trade ingredients and organic and regenerative agriculture. (They were also early adopters of compostable packaging for their chocolates and quinoa many years ago.)

Aroma notes included: ultra-dark chocolate (relatively intense, roasted cocoa and nuts).

This bar had a relatively thick, hearty, cocoa-buttery dark chocolate texture with crunchy pieces of almonds and tiny, slightly crunchy, sea salt crystals.

Flavor notes included: deep, dark chocolate with a well-behaved bitterness that was also balanced with cocoa butter, almonds and salt. (Salt can also help cut bitterness.)

This ultra-dark 85% chocolate wasn't entirely "blacked out". It had just the right amount of raw cane sugar (not much) and crystalline sea salt (a judicious, sprinkle that had some flavor and detectable texture). I appreciated the smooth dark flavor and short list of organic and fair trade ingredients. 

When I went back to the store to buy more of these, there was nothing left but an empty box on the shelf--evidence of other ultra-dark chocolate fans in my neighborhood.

Ingredients: "*Organic cacao beans, *organic cocoa butter, *organic raw cane sugar, *organic almonds, sea salt (fleur de sel), *organic vanilla beans. (*Fair for Life Fair Trade certified. Contains 90% Fair Trade ingredients. Cacao: 85% minimum."

Allergen-related information: "Contains almonds. May contain milk, hazelnuts, coconut, and soy. Individuals who are allergic to these should not consume this product."

*Seeds come from mature flowering plants. Beans are a type of seeds--from the legume family. Cacao, coffee and vanilla are not members of the legume family; but we've come to call them "beans" over time. Confusing? Yes. Will this ever be corrected in our every day speech? Not likely. But, worth a mention, nonetheless.

Alter Eco - Truffle Thins - Classic Dark Chocolate Organics (bar) - Sept. 5, 2023

Chocolate of the Day

Alter Eco
Truffle Thins Classic Organic Dark Chocolate (bar)
Good ++
Weight: 1.48 oz. (42 g.) / 2.96 oz. (84 g.) in total bar
Calories: 255 calories in 1/2 bar
Cost: $4.99 for 1 bar
Purchased from: New Leaf Community Markets, Half Moon Bay, CA 

Welcome to Day #4 of Dark Chocolate Theme Week.

Today's Organic Alter Eco Truffle Thins - Classic Dark Chocolate Organics (bar) was made in Switzerland and distributed by Alter Eco Foods (San Francisco, CA). 

The company describes themselves having some of the cleanest, greenest (certified Organic) chocolate bars and confections available. E.g., they actively support regenerative agricultural methods** where cacao is grown. 

Aroma notes included: smooth dark chocolate (chocolate ganache, mousse) with faint citrus (lemon) + green herb (oxalis); faint brown sugar; vanilla; and barely detectable botanical (very light, woody-nutty plant stalk/husk).

There are dark chocolate bars and dark chocolate filled confections. Today's 60% filled chocolate bar was both...organic dark chocolate filled with ganache..."part truffle, part chocolate bar."

The dual construction of this bar--dark chocolate bar filled with a softer, creamy chocolate ganache inside--resulted in a smooth, almost buttery melt and mouthfeel, with subtle textural depth.

Flavor notes included: smooth, creamy and sweet dark chocolate (dark chocolate mousse, ganache, torte) with fleeting fruit (berry jam) and lemon herb (oxalis), and faint vanilla.

This certified organic and gluten free, rich filled chocolate tasted like sweet, creamy cool chocolate ice cream or warm, thick, drinking chocolate. Yes, it was sweet (which I sometimes don't care for); but it was also quite tasty and a little addictive.

Ingredients: Organic dark chocolate (*organic cacao beans, *organic raw cane sugar, *organic cocoa butter, *organic vanilla beans), chocolate creme filling (organic coconut oil, *organic raw cane sugar, *organic cacao beans, *organic cocoa butter, organic whole milk, natural flavor, *organic vanilla beans).

Allergen-related information: "Contains milk and coconut. May contain hazelnuts, almonds, and soy. Individuals who are allergic to these should not consume this product."

*Fair for Life Fair Trade certified. Contains 86% Fair Trade ingredients. (Cacao: 60% minimum.)

**Regenerative farming for cacao involves planting a diverse mix of trees around the (often smaller) cacao trees to "mimic an abundant forest ecosystem." These methods can allow the planting of more trees per acre, increase carbon absorption and biodiversity (habitat), soil fertility, drought resistance and can provide shade for the cacao trees and the farmers.

Alter Eco - Organic Dark Chocolate Hazelnut Butter Bombs - Nov. 23, 2022

Chocolate of the Day

Alter Eco

Organic Dark Chocolate Hazelnut Butter Bombs

Good ++

Weight: 1.27 oz. (36 g.) / 3.8 oz. (108 g.) in total package

Calories: 240 calories in 3 pieces

Cost: $2.99 for 1 package 

Purchased from: Grocery Outlet Bargain Market, Palo Alto, CA

Welcome to Day #6 of International Chocolate and Nuts Theme Week.

Today's Organic Dark Chocolate Hazelnut Butter Bombs were made in Switzerland and distributed by Alter Eco Foods (San Francisco, CA). 

Aroma notes for these certified gluten free, individually-wrapped bombs included: smooth dark chocolate, very faint lemony green herb (oxalis, wood sorrel, sour grass), and nuts.

The outer chocolate shell was deep, dark and very lightly sweetened--allowing the relatively bold (for couverature) but nicely balanced dark flavor shine through. And the hazelnut butter filling was naturally nutty (not overly salty or sweet) and mild (a bit overshadowed by the dark chocolate).

These chocolates were as noteworthy for what they omitted as what they contained.

I loved the fact that these Hazelnut Butter "bombs" were not too sweet. (Thank you!) They contained a small amount of organic, raw cane sugar (6th ingredient listed). They did not contain sugar alcohols, low-calorie sweeteners or artificial sweeteners. 

At 2 net carbs per bomb/piece, these were labeled as Keto Friendly. A judicious amount of butter (organic butterfat) contributed to a feeling of fat-satisfaction (feeling full and satisfied), unlike many sweet and salty snacks that often trigger a desire for more.

Ingredients: *Organic cacao beans, *organic cacao butter, organic hazelnut butter, organic agave fiber, organic coconut oil, *organic raw cane sugar, organic butterfat, natural flavor, *organic vanilla beans.

*Fair for Life Fair Trade certified. Contains 61% Fair Trade ingredients."

Allergen-related information: "Contains hazelnuts, coconut, and milk. May contain almonds and soy. Individuals who are allergic to these should not consumer this product."

Alter Eco - Raspberry Blackout 85% Cacao Organic Dark Chocolate (bar) - Nov. 29, 2021

Chocolate of the Day

Alter Eco Foods

Raspberry Blackout 85% Cacao Organic Dark Chocolate (bar)

Good + - Good ++

Weight: 1.06 oz. (30 g.) / 2.65 oz. (75 g.) in total bar

Calories: 190 calories in 1 serving (4 sections) of bar

Cost: $ missing information

Purchased from: Grocery Outlet Bargain Market, Palo Alto, CA

Welcome to Day #8 of Chocolate and Fruit Theme Week.

Today's Raspberry Blackout 85% Cacao Organic Dark Chocolate (bar) was from Alter Eco Foods (San Francisco, CA).

Alter Eco packaging for this bar included images of cacao trees surrounded by a diverse mix of (taller) banana trees, hardwood timber and shade trees--with a brief explanation of the benefits of regenerative agriculture (vs. industrial agriculture), inter-cropping and shade-grown crops. "Farm like a forest," was the message "to mimic an abundant forest ecosystem." 

Farmers can benefit from planting more than one crop (less reliance on one single crop if something happens), in addition to gaining more shade for themselves and cacao trees. 

Why should chocolate lovers care? Because we want great chocolate to continue to be farmed and available in the face of climate change and other challenges, and "regenerative agriculture creates extraordinary cacao."  So, how did this chocolate taste?

Aroma

I would describe the aroma for this ultra-dark bar as very berry (raspberry jam) in a base of dark and dense, bittersweet earthy cocoa and dark chocolate cake. (Whenever I smell baked goods, I think there is likely some added vanilla. 

This bar contained a judicious amount of vanilla bean. Unlike vanilla extracts, whole vanilla beans can be a mix of aromatic floral, sweet marshmallow, earthy/woody, faint almost boozy sweet rum and maple extracts, cake/cookie, and other flavors. (Like cacao, vanilla beans contain many different flavor compounds.)

Texture 

Smooth, dense and creamy with occasional tiny, firm raspberry seeds.

Flavor 

Bittersweet, deep dark cocoa (often associated with Forastero variety cacao) with micro-bursts of authentic, tart-sweet raspberry pulp and seeds.

This bar will likely be a delight for high-percentage (80% - 100% cacao) chocolate lovers who also enjoy authentic fruit inclusions. There was plenty of rich flavor(s), without much sugar.

Ingredients: Organic cacao beans, organic cocoa butter, organic raw cane sugar, organic dried raspberries, organic vanilla beans. (

Allergen-related information: "May contain milk, hazelnuts, almonds, coconut, and soy. Individuals who are allergic to these should not consume this product."

Alter Eco Foods - Organic Chocolate Grass Fed Milk with rice crunch - 46% cacao (bar) - Oct. 5, 2020

Chocolate of the Day

Alter Eco Foods
Organic Chocolate Grass Fed Milk with rice crunch 46% cacao (bar)
Good - Good +
Weight: 1.325 oz. (37.5 g.) / 2.65 oz. (75 g.) in total bar
Calories: 205 calories in 1/2 bar
Cost: $ missing information
Purchased from: Rainbow Grocery, San Francisco, CA

Welcome to Day #4 of Chocolate and Grass-Fed Milk Theme Week.

Today's Organic Chocolate Grass Fed Milk with rice crunch 46% cacao (bar) was made in Switzerland and distributed by Alter Eco Foods (San Francisco, CA). This bar was third in a series of three organic, grass fed milk chocolate bars from the company.

As was the case for the first two grass fed milk bars, the milk was supplied by cows grazing in Swiss Alpine pastures; and the cacao was from farmers in Peru. 

Also, I would be remiss if I didn't mention the long history of Swiss milk chocolate. There was something akin to the space race in the 1800s to arrive at the formula for a shelf-stable, milk chocolate bar. The Swiss, French and British were all in hot pursuit of the process that would allow for successful melding of these two edibles--that was first achieved in beverage form (perhaps by a Brit in Jamaica as early as the 1600s). 

But to create a more durable milk chocolate bar took a bit more tinkering. Although others were involved, Swiss chocolatier Daniel Peter receives a large measure of the credit for solving this problem in 1875-6, using powdered milk developed by Henri Nestle--whose creamery was near Peter's factory.

Today's generous helping of embedded crisped rice in the Alter Eco 46% milk bar balanced the relatively bold chocolate aroma and flavor (similar to yesterday's Alter Eco grass fed milk chocolate bar with salted almonds). Although yesterday's salt and almond inclusions helped balance the milk and cacao and sugar. Today's crisp rice acted as a very pleasing crunchy counterpart to the smooth Swiss milk chocolate, but did not tap the brakes on the sugar as successfully as the salted almonds did.

Ingredients: Organic raw cane sugar, organic cacao beans, organic cocoa butter, rice crisp (organic rice, organic raw cane sugar) organic whole milk, organic butterfat.

Alter Eco Foods - Organic Chocolate Grass Fed Milk with salted almonds (bar) - Oct. 4, 2020

Chocolate of the Day

Alter Eco Foods
Organic Chocolate Grass Fed Milk with salted almonds (bar)
Good ++
Weight: 2.65 oz. (75 g.) in total bar
Calories: 440 calories in 1/2 bar
Cost: $ missing information
Purchased from: Rainbow Grocery, San Francisco, CA

Welcome to Day #3 of Chocolate and Grass-Fed Milk Theme Week.

Today's Organic Chocolate Grass Fed Milk with salted almonds (bar) was made in Switzerland and distributed by Alter Eco Foods (San Francisco, CA).

The bar was part of a series of organic, grass fed milk chocolate bars from the company, with the milk coming from Alpine pastured cows in Switzerland, and the cacao from farmers in Peru.

All three grass fed bars featured this week had a similar slightly earthy, gamey, balanced bitter aroma. The milk tempered sharp edges, but today's salted almonds, a single flavor inclusion, magically balanced everything. (Today's salted almond version was my favorite of the three bars in the series that I sampled.)

The salt, nut and malt flavor nuts almonds created a great balance, creating hearty, milk chocolate flavors, even for a 46% cacao (dark) milk bar.

Ingredients: Organic raw cane sugar, organic

Alter Eco Foods - Organic Chocolate Grass Fed Milk 46% Cocoa (bar) - Oct. 3, 2020

Chocolate of the Day

Alter Eco Foods
Organic Chocolate Grass Fed Milk 46% Cocoa (bar)  
Good - Good +
Weight: 1.325 oz. (37.5 g.) / 2.65 oz. (75 g.) in total bar
Calories: 215 calories in 1/2 bar
Cost: $4.00 (estimate) for 1 bar
Purchased from: Rainbow Grocery, San Francisco, CA

Welcome to Day #2 of Chocolate and Grass-Fed Milk Theme Week.

Today's Organic Chocolate Grass Fed Milk 46% Cocoa (bar) was made in Switzerland and distributed by Alter Eco Foods (San Francisco, CA). 

Full fat milk powder melds with cacao in a satisfying way. Milk softens cacao flavors and often the reverse is true as well (if there are flavors still left in the milk after processing).

This Alter Eco dark milk bar (made with Peruvian cacao) had a smooth texture and melt, and was unapologetically bold (Forastero-like) from the start, with only the sharpest edges burnished down. The aroma of this rich, robust milk chocolate bar had a faint gamey and rich, earthy bitter-bold aroma and flavor. 

The chocolate did have a darker/bolder flavor than one would expect for a 46% cacao milk chocolate and/or Peruvian cacao origin bars we've tasted in recent years. 

The rich, deep flavor notes initially held the bright, sugar taste in check, and were eventually overtaken by the raw cane sugar, and a sweet finish. 

It would be interesting to try versions of this chocolate with different types of milk powder to more accurately determine the milk's flavor contribution. Extra points for going with organic grass fed milk, and for providing an interesting tasting experience.

Ingredients: *Organic raw cane sugar, organic cacao beans, organic cocoa butter, organic whole milk, organic butterfat.

Alter Eco - Dark Chocolate Coconut Clusters, seeds and salt - Feb. 20, 2019

Chocolate of the Day: 

Alter Eco
Organic Dark Chocolate Coconut Clusters - seeds and salt
Good
Weight: 1.02 oz. (29 g.) / 3.2 oz. (91 g.) in total package
Calories: 160 calories in 1/4 cup
Cost: $1.99 for 1 package
Purchased from: Grocery Outlet Bargain Market, Palo Alto, CA

Welcome to Day #4 of Chocolate and Coconut Theme Week.

Today's package of Dark Chocolate Coconut Clusters (with) seeds and salt was distributed by Alter Eco (San Francisco, CA).

These organic, 70% cocoa dark chocolate pieces were topped with a pleasant, authentic tasting layer of coconut. Flavors and textures were well balanced. They were not too sweet (thank you). Pumpkin and sunflower seeds added a soft crunch. And sea salt provided a hint of savory sparkle.

Alter Eco - Organic Dark Mint Truffles - Nov 13, 2018

Chocolate of the Day:

Alter Eco
Organic Dark Mint Truffles
Good - Good +
Weight: 1.27 oz. (36 g.) / 4.2 oz. (120 g.) in total package of 10 truffles
Calories: 240 calories in 3 pieces
Cost: $8.39 total package of 10 truffles
Purchased from: The Market, Palo Alto, CA

Good morning and welcome to Day #2 of Chocolate and Mint Theme Week.

Today's package of individually-wrapped, Swiss-made Dark Mint Truffles were distributed by Alter Eco in the U.S. (San Francisco, CA). These mint globes were composed of peppermint oil-flavored centers, covered with 58% Ecuadorian cacao.

Mint is a natural match with chocolate. However, a generous serving of mint, likely peppermint oil in most chocolates, can mask aroma and flavor nuances even in dark chocolate. So, if you're in the mood for chocolate, you might go for more dialed back mint.

That said, the dark chocolate in these truffles still tasted rich, smooth and satisfying. And the almost silken centers were crafted with milk, coconut oil, vanilla and were well balanced and not ultra sweet (thank you!).

Alter Eco mindfully constructs their chocolate offerings. For example, each Organic, Gluten Free mint and dark chocolate globe were enveloped in plant-based, Non GMO, compostable wrappers. And these truffles made with fair trade ingredients earned a carbon neutral product rating.

Ingredients: organic raw cane sugar, organic cacao butter, organic coconut oil ("sustainably farmed on India's Malabar coast"), organic cacao beans, organic whole milk, organic peppermint oil, organic vanilla beans 

Alter Eco - Deep Dark Crisp Mint Chocolate bar - Nov. 12, 2018

Chocolate of the Day: 

Alter Eco

Deep Dark Crisp Mint Organic Chocolate bar 

Good+

Weight: 1.41 oz. (40 g.) / 2.82 oz. (80 g.) in total bar

Calories: 220 calories in 1/2 bar

Cost: $4.29 for 1 bar

Purchased from: Piazza's Fine Foods, Palo Alto, CA  

Welcome to Day #7 of Chocolate and Ecuador Theme Week, and Day #1 of Chocolate and Mint Theme Week. 

Nothing like a little refreshing mint in the morning, or any time of the day. Today's Deep Dark Crisp Mint Organic Chocolate bar was distributed by Alter Eco in San Francisco, CA.

This Swiss-made, 60% cocoa chocolate was brimming with concentrated sweet dark chocolate and peppermint flavor, from beginning to end—with a smidge of fruit acidity from the cacao, and a trace of vanilla from Madagascar, shining through.

Today's dark mint bar was Certified Organic and Gluten Free, vegan, paleo-friendly, no emulsifiers, no soy and was made with Fair Trade Certified ingredients.

Alter Eco - Deepest Dark Super Blackout 90% Cocoa bar - Nov. 8, 2018

Chocolate of the Day:

Alter Eco
Deepest Dark Super Blackout 90% Cocoa bar
Good - Good +
Weight: 1.325 oz. (37.5 g.) / 2.65 oz. (75 g.) in total bar
Calories: 250 calories in 1/2 bar
Cost: $4.29 for 1 bar
Purchased from: Piazza's Fine Foods, Palo Alto, CA

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

This ultra dark bar from Alter Eco (Europe and San Francisco, CA) had the kind of bold aroma that often promises deep chocolate and a relatively high degree of fruit acidity. That said, there was a very fleeting floral note that managed to peek through.

The texture was smooth, and the first bite was surprisingly sweet*, with true chocolate, nutty and acidic fruit flavor notes. However, this quickly simmered down to a more intense but balanced, bitter, acidic fruit sustained note toward, and into, the finish.

Alter Eco, a certified B Corporation, has specialized in a line of chocolate bars made with fair trade cacao (as well as coffee and quinoa) from the Americas (Bolivia, Ecuador, Peru, and other locations), and has also been involved with reforestation projects (PUR in Peru).

Today's Super Blackout bar is the even more intense and daring sibling of the company's 85% Blackout bar. This certified organic and gluten free (and Non GMO Verified) bar was made in Switzerland with cacao from Fortaleza Coop in Ecuador—and was distributed in the U.S. by Alter Eco in San Francisco, CA.

*This chocolate was surprisingly sweet for a 90% bar with only 3 grams of sugar for 1 (1/2 bar) serving.

Alter Eco 85% Dark Blackout, SOMA Black Science Camino Verde bars - Nov. 11, 2017

Chocolate(s) of the Day: 

Alter Eco
Dark Blackout 85% Cocoa bar
Good +++
Weight: .94 oz. (26.6 g.) / 2.82 oz. (80 g.) in total bar
Calories: 160 calories in 1/3 bar
Cost: $N/A - gift (Thank you Bill)
Purchased from: N/A - gift

SOMA Chocolatemaker
Black Science Camino Verde (Ecuador) 70% Cacao bar
Good +++
Weight: 1.15 oz. (32.5 g.) / 2.3 oz. (65 g.) in total bar
Calories: 175 calories (estimate) in 1/2 bar
Cost: $13.00 (estimate) for 1 bar
Purchased from: The Chocolate Garage, Palo Alto, CA

Welcome to Day #21 of South American Chocolate Theme Weeks. This month we've been taking an edible tour of this great continent, filled with cacao-growing regions that date back to the origin of cacao.

Before moving on from Ecuador to Peru, we'll taste two more bars made from Ecuadorean cacao. Drawing this pair of black aces from the depths of the Chocolate Banquet vault would be considered lucky by anyone with a superstitious chocolate bone in their body. And if it isn't considered so, it should be.

Alter Eco - 85% Cocoa Dark Blackout bar
The 85% Cocoa Dark Blackout bar from Alter Eco (San Francisco, CA) was made from organic, fair trade cocoa grown on the coast of Ecuador. The resulting (gluten-free) ultra-dark bar had complex aroma with notes that included: true dark chocolate (fudge brownie), chocolate covered dried fruits, and a trace of smoked salt.

The chocolate had a creamy, cocoa buttery melt, and a uniform, satisfying deep chocolate flavor with occasional light berry jam notes. Last, but not least, it was devilishly light on sugar.

SOMA Chocolatemaker - Black Science Camino Verde bar
The 70% Black Science Camino Verde (Ecuador) bar had an aroma with lush green forest and bittersweet chocolate notes.

Tasting notes read: "roasted cashews (and) baked bread." The latter did show up a bit in the tasting arc, perhaps aided by a higher sugar percentage content (70%) vs. the ebony-colored 80%+ bars we've been tasting this week.

The cashew was a more subtle, a difficult note to catch. If this bar did have a light sweet nutty note, cashews would be the right nut to describe that.

The "Black Science" term should be a tribute to the the farm, the fermentation expert (Vicente Norero), and the makers at SOMA Chocolatemaker (Toronto, ON, Canada).  Chocolate-making is both artful skill and science. Successful chocolate demands both.

Alter Eco - Dark Salted Burnt Caramel bar - May 10, 2016

Chocolate of the Day: 

Alter Eco
Dark Salted Burnt Caramel bar
Good+
Weight: 1.41 oz. (40 g.) / 2.82 oz. (80 g.) in total bar
Calories: 220 calories in 1/2 bar
Cost: $4.00 (sale)
Purchased from: Country Sun Natural Foods, Palo Alto, CA

Welcome to Day #3 of Chocolate and Salted Caramel Theme Week.

This Dark Salted Burnt Caramel bar from Alter Eco (San Francisco, CA - Americas Div.) was made with fair trade certified, organic chocolate.

The 70% cocoa bar was flavorful with a fully roasted dark flavor, and had a "deep salty crunch."


Today's bar was gluten free, soy free, and Non-GMO.

The content and images in this post belong to ChocolateBanquet.com.

Alter Eco - Dark Brown Butter bar - Aug. 28, 2014

Chocolate of the Day: 

Alter Eco
Dark Salted Brown Butter bar
Good +
Weight: .564 oz. (16 g.) / 2.82 oz. (80 g.) in total bar
Calories: 91 calories in 1/5 bar
Cost: $4.99 (estimate) for 1 bar
Purchased from: Whole Foods Market

Today was Day #7 of Chocolate and Ecuador Theme Week.

This Dark Chocolate Salted Brown Butter bar from Alter Eco (San Francisco, CA*) was made with 70% organic, Fair Trade certified (Nacional Forastero) Ecuadorian cacao beans and sweet pastured butter.

It had a slight candy caramel corn aroma. It was, as expected, buttery and silky smooth, and a touch of fleur de sel de Guerande gave this chocolate helped balance the sweetness. I might even try this bar with some additional salt next time, in the form of toasted, savory (garlic rosemary or smoked salt) nuts.

The bar was soy free, gluten free, "No GMO" and contained no artificial flavors, and no emulsifiers.

*Made in Switzerland, Distributed by Alter Eco (Americas) 

Alter Eco Noir bar - Sept. 30, 2013

Chocolate of the Day: 

Alter Eco
Mini Dark Noir bar
Good - Good +
Weight: .71 oz. (20 g.) in 1 bar
Calories: 105 calories (estimate) in 1 bar
Cost: N/A - gift
Purchased from: N/A - gift

Today was Day #6 of Chocolate and Quinoa Theme Week.

Today's organically grown, fairly traded, 60% cocoa (minimum) Mini Dark (Noir) bar was another bar from a company with a mission that included socially-driven goals.

Alter Eco (San Francisco, CA in Americas) is a company that makes chocolate bars, and also sells quinoa, rice and sugar. What's the connection? Alter Eco supports an economic model that includes organic farming, family farms, and production on a "human scale" for all these crops. The company's line of chocolate bars included one that contained quinoa.

However, I'd already eaten Alter Eco's dark bar with quinoa in the past. And, since I've been eating a different chocolate every day for the past seven years, I enjoyed the Alter Eco Noir Mini bar with a Gluten Free, crunchy Quinoa Bar (three crispy, thin "bars" in 1 package) from Oskri (Lake Mills, WI), made with rice syrup, sesame seeds, quinoa and date syrup.

The bar was described on the label as "fruity and malty" ... "smooth and rich." I thought it had a more uniform "dark" taste, with a very faint glimmer of the flavor notes mentioned.

ChocolateBet: September 1, 2012

Chocolate of the Day:

Alter Eco
Dark Cacao Organic Chocolate bar
Good +  - Very Good
Weight: .564 oz. (16 g.) / 2.82 oz. (80 g.) total bar
Calories: 88 calories in 1/5 bar
Cost: $3.99 total bar
Purchased from: Whole Foods, in Los Altos, CA

Alter Eco's Dark Cacao (63% cocoa) bar with cacao nibs tasted like a rich cup of coffee -- smooth with light acidic and roasted notes and a bittersweet bite -- with the added textural dimension of crunchy cocoa nibs.

Information on the farmers/partners and the cacao bean origins (Fortaleza and Acopagro Co-op, and the coast of Ecuador) for this dark, organically grown and fairly traded chocolate is printed on the back and inside of the bar package. Alter Eco bars typically contain a short list of quality ingredients (5 in this bar), with no emulsifiers or artificial ingredients; this bar was free of soy or gluten ingredients and was GMO-free and vegan. Alter Eco is an international company, with a base in San Francisco, CA.

Today was Day #4 of Chocolate and Nibs Theme Week.

ChocolateBet: April 16, 2012

Chocolate of the Day: 

Alter Eco
Dark Coconut Toffee Organic Chocolate bar
Good + - Very Good
Weight: 1.128 oz. (32 g.)/ 2.82 oz. (80 g.) total bar
Calories: 168 calories
Cost: $3.99 total bar
Purchased from: Whole Foods, in Los Altos, CA

This Dark Coconut Toffee (47% cocoa) Organic Chocolate bar from Alter Eco (San Francisco, CA) was well liked by friends and family. Made with bits of dried coconut, raw cane sugar, and a touch of butter and sea salt rounded off things nicely.


I gave extra points to Alter Eco's work with cacao cooperatives in South America. This chocolate originated from "organic trees in the Peruvian Amazon." This Fair Trade, GMO free bar was made with milk, but "no soy or gluten ingredients," artificial flavors or emulsifiers.

Also extra points for the monkey hanging onto the UPC code on the back of the package because, what the heck, I just like monkeys.

Today was Day #3 of Chocolate and Coconut Theme Week.

ChocolateBet: December 30, 2010

Chocolate of the Day:

1/6 bar
Alter Eco
Dark Chocolate Velvet bar
Very Good
Weight: .583 oz. (16.5 g.) in 4 squares / 3.5 oz. (100 g.) total bar
Calories: 88 calories in 1/6 bar
Cost: $N/A - sample
Purchased from: N/A - obtained from Alter Eco, at a benefit event

I toyed with the idea of having a Theme Week(s) around Chocolate and paper, cloth or concept art in 2010. I could not find seven different items under this category for a full 7-day theme week. However, I did find a few wonderful chocolate-related things to share today, Day #7 of Chocolate and Something Different Theme Week.

First, a bar from Alter Eco -- a maker of Fair Trade Certified bars made from cacao beans from El Ceibo Cooperative in Bolivia. Alter Eco also sells quinoa (and a chocolate bar with quinoa), sugar, rice, coffee and olive oil. I hope to visit them in their San Francisco facility one day soon. Their Dark Chocolate Velvet bar (Velvet is a type of fabric/cloth, no?) contained a "delicate touch of milk" -- giving this bar a sweet, smooth milk chocolate mouth feel and taste. This bar is also GMO Free, Gluten Free, Soy Free and contains no emulsifiers.

* * * * * * * *

"Enjoy Revolution" Project - Liudmila and Nelson

The second item I'd like to share today is a concept for a series of chocolate bars by Cuban artists Liudmila and Nelson. It's a chocolate bar that, for now, exists on paper, and in a photograph below.

The husband and wife team have imagined chocolate bars (made with Cuban chocolate), with wrappers inspired by billboard and revolutionary images from different parts of Cuba (photographs from their "Cuban Landscapes" series). Above is an example of an image from their "Enjoy Revolution" project. I hope we will be able to see, and taste, the manifestations of this creative concept in the new year (2011).

ChocolateBet: October 14, 2010

Chocolate of the Day:

1/3 bar
Alter Eco
Dark Chocolate Twist - Crystallized Orange Peel (bar)
Very Good +
Weight: 1.17 oz. (33.3 g.) / 3.5 oz. (100 g.) total bar
Calories: 192 calories in 1/3 bar
Cost: $3.19
Purchased from: Whole Foods Market, in Cupertino, CA

Today marked the first official day of Chocolate and Orange Theme Week. However, the celebration started earlier -- last night to be precise -- when I enjoyed an excellent Grand Marnier souffle with chocolate sauce. (See yesterday's 10/13/2010 post for more details.)

This fair trade dark bar from Alter Eco (El Ceibo Cooperative, Bolivia), was very good. The small bits of orange peel added just the right amount of flavor, without being too sweet or too bitter.

Note: I am traveling this week; photo posts will be delayed.