Endorfin Chocolate - Sourdough & Olive Oil 70% Cacao (bar) + Coracao Confections Dubai Chocolate 81% Dark Chocolate (bar) - Sept. 13, 2026

Chocolate of The Day

Endorfin Chocolate
Sourdough & Olive Oil 70% Cacao (bar)
Good ++ 
Weight: .7 oz. (20 g.) / 1.4 oz. (40 g.) in total bar
Calories: 100 calories in 1/2 bar
Cost: $6.50 for 1 bar
Purchased from: Coracao Confections, Richmond, CA

Coracao Confections
Dubai Chocolate 81% Dark Chocolate Shell (bar)
Good ++
Weight: 1.5 oz. (43 g.) in total bar

Calories: 220 calories in 1 bar 
Cost: Free sample bar
Purchased from: Coracao Confections, Richmond, CA

Welcome to Day #6 of Chocolate Banquet Birthday Celebration Week, featuring two different chocolates each day this week--from chocolate makers whose bars have appeared on Chocolate Banquet for many years.

Today's chocolate duo: 1.) Endorfin Foods Sourdough & Olive Oil 70% Cacao (bar) manufactured by Coracao Confections (Richmond, CA), and 2.) Dubai Chocolate, a pistachio and quinoa dark chocolate coated confection of a bar, created and manufactured by Coracao Confections.

Sourdough & Olive Oil 70% Cacao (bar)

Aroma and flavor notes included sweet dark chocolate, with very faint coconut sugar, and crunchy bits of (gluten free) sourdough bread. 

Texture: I really enjoyed the sourdough and olive oil crumbs.

I appreciated the short list of quality and organic ingredients and the choice of caramelized coconut butter. I was also grateful both of today's bars were gluten-free and made with allergies in mind. (It's rare to find other chocolates with bread and pastry ingredients that are also gluten free.)

Ingredients: Cacao*+, Coconut Sugar*, Cacao Butter*+, Caramelized Coconut Butter*, Extra Virgin Olive Oil* and Gluten Free Sourdough Breadcrumbs {(Sourdough starter [water, organic brown rice flour]), organic sorghum flour, organic millet flour, organic tapioca flour, organic psyllium husk, organic olive oil, organic flax meal, sea salt, organic apple cider vinegar} (*Organic ingredient; +Fair Trade Certified)

Allergen-related information: "No Dairy, No Soy, No Refined Sugar"

Dubai Chocolate 81% Dark Chocolate Shell

Aroma and flavor notes included: ultra-dark chocolate; sweet nutty aroma and flavor; buttery caramelized coconut; and authentic pistachio nuts (the number one ingredient).

The coconut ingredients (toasted coconut, coconut sugar and coconut milk) with caramel/caramelized notes complemented the nutty pistachios, added flavor depth and balanced the slightly bitter 81% dark chocolate and quinoa.

Texture: Relatively hearty, very satisfying chocolate, nutty and crunchy textures.

I enjoyed the texture and flavor blend and the opportunity to try a gluten-free Dubai chocolate.

Ingredients: Pistachios*, Coconut Sugar*, Crisped Quinoa*, Cacao*+, Cacao Butter*+, Toasted Coconut*, Coconut Milk Powder* (Coconut Milk*, Tapioca Maltodextrin*), Himalayan Salt, Vanilla Bean* (*Organic, +Fair Trade Certified(TM))

Allergen-related information: Contains Pistachio. Made in a facility processing other tree nuts. May contain shell fragments.

Coracao - 81% Dark California Almonds & Sea Salt (bar) - July 7, 2023

Chocolate of the Day

Coracao  
81% Dark California Almonds & Sea Salt
Good ++
Weight: 1 oz. (28.3 g.) / 2 oz. (57 g.) in total bar
Calories: 200 calories in 1/2 bar
Cost: $9.00 for 1 bar
Purchased from: Z. Cioccolato, San Francisco, CA

Welcome to Day #7 of Chocolate and Salt Theme Week.

Today's Organic 81% Dark California Almonds & Sea Salt (bar) was from Coracao Chocolate (Oakland, CA). The company has been making great-tasting chocolate bars and filled confections (less sweet, with high-quality, authentic flavors) since 2008.

Aroma notes for this bar included: dark chocolate, light floral citrus (subtle lemon), very faint tart green herb (oxalis), very faint graham cracker and coconut sugar, subtle vanilla spice cake, and barely detectable wood and nut.

This high cacao percentage (81%) dark chocolate was nuanced--more mild than wild. I noticed the absence of sugar (not a bad thing for me). What I'd call a soft landing after the first bite (often present with added cocoa butter). What was "missing" was the range of bold, bitter and acidic elements that often accompany ultra-dark chocolates. 

The use of Heritage variety cacao(s)* and coconut sugar as a sweetener (vs. cane sugar) helped to create this gentle, ebony-hued bar. The sea salt was also relatively subtle. (I was unable to detect the smoked salt flavor in the bites I had.)

Whole almonds pressed into the back of the bar gave this chocolate more textural oomph, layered almond and chocolate flavor(s) and moderated/mellowed what natural-tasting sweetness was present. The authentic light touch of vanilla bean also added a trace of background, floral warmth (that my brain frequently associates with baked goods and vanilla ice cream).

This well-executed, Organic and Vegan dark chocolate is perfect for those who enjoy the gentler flavors of Heritage cacao(s)--that offer subtle, attractive complexity. 

Too much sugar and salt would have overwhelmed these wonderful traits. Thank you to the maker for dialing back both sweet and savory levels to achieve a harmonious balance of flavors. For those that prefer the buzz of a bolder, harsher bar, there are plenty of other options out there.

Ingredients: Organic Heirloom Cacao, Organic Almonds, Organic Coconut Sugar, Organic Cacao Butter, Smoked Sea Salt, Himalayan Salt & Organic Vanilla Bean

Allergen-related information: "Made in a facility that processes almonds, cashews & other tree nuts"

*The cacao source listed on this packaging made reference to Eco Cacao Collaborative, Esmeraldas, Ecuador. (Esmeraldas is a coastal city in NW Ecuador.) Many of the region's residents make a living from agricultural products, including: banana, tobacco, coffee and cacao.

Coracao Chocolate - 81% Heirloom Cacao dark bar - Nov. 9, 2017

Chocolate of the Day:

Coracao Chocolate
81% Heirloom Cacao bar
Good ++
Weight: 1 oz. (28.3 g.) / 2 oz. (57 g.) in total bar
Calories: 180 calories in 1/2 bar
Cost: $5.59 for 1 bar
Purchased from: Monterey Market, Berkeley, CA

Welcome to Day #19 of South American Chocolate Theme Weeks.

Today we're moving from Ecuador to Peru on our virtual trip through South America. And what better way to do so than with a bar made from a blend of cacao from Ecuador and Peru.

Today's organic, 81% Heirloom Cacao bar was made by Coracao Chocolate* (Oakland, CA) and was sweetened with coconut sugar. The bar had an intoxicating aroma of hot chocolate, light coconut, fig spice cookies and a light, floral green note.

All this from a blend of organic cacao, coconut sugar, cacao butter, vanilla bean and Himalayan salt.

Despite the high 81% cacao percentage, this was a relatively pleasing and sweet chocolate bar, with a buttery melt (added cacao butter) and a smooth, stone-ground consistency.

Over the years, the company has moved to doing more of their own, small-batch stone-grinding in house. Cacao, coconut sugar and salt (and perhaps vanilla bean?) are ground together over a period of days. The result: a smoother blend than many other stoneground bars, with just enough even, balanced texture left-over that you're still in touch with the real ingredients.

This Coracao bar was dairy free and soy free, and was labeled low glycemic (coconut sugar). All the satisfaction of a confection or cookie, but without the sugar buzz.

*The company's name, Coracao, is a fusion between the Portuguese word for heart (coracao) and the name for the cacao plant (Theobroma cacao -- cacao that is "Food of the Gods"). Coracao + Cacao = Coracao. (Coracao Confections and Coracao Chocolate both refer to the same SF Bay Area company located on the border of Oakland, CA and Emeryville, CA.

Coracao Hazelnut truffle - April 8, 2013

Chocolate of the Day:

Coracao Confections
Hazelnut Mousse truffle
Good +
Weight: .658 oz. (18.6 g.) (estimate) in 1 piece / 3.29 oz. (93 g.) in total box of 5
Calories: 98 (estimate) calories in 1 truffle
Cost: $11.19 (sale) for 1 box of 5 truffles
Purchased from: Coracao Confections, Emeryville, CA

Welcome to Day #1 of Chocolate and Hazelnut Theme Week.

If nuts and chocolate are a match made in heaven, hazelnuts must be high on the angels' compatibility list. These roundish, heart-shaped nuts offer many wonderful options when combined with chocolate.

Today I enjoyed a Hazelnut Mousse Truffle, the last chocolate in a 5-piece collection box from Coracao Confections (Emeryville, CA).

A generous piping of smooth, rich chocolate mousse ganache (with a very subtle coffee/mocha note) was covered in dark chocolate and topped with chopped hazelnuts.

Coracao Espresso Truffle - March 21, 2013

Chocolate(s) of the Day:

Coracao Confections
Espresso Truffle
Good - Good +
Weight: .66 oz. (18.6 g.) (estimate) for 1 truffle/ 3.29 oz. (93 g.) in 1 box
Calories: 99 calories (estimate)
Cost: $11.19 (sale) for 1 5-piece Collection box
Purchased from: Coracao Confections (online)

Welcome to Day #5 of Chocolate and Espresso Theme Week.

For a lunchtime treat, I enjoyed an Espresso truffle from Coracao Confections (Emeryville, CA). At the center of this plump, dark cream puff of a chocolate was a whipped bouffant of dark chocolate ganache. Coated with dark chocolate, and topped with a coffee bean, this truffle was creamy soft and delivered its espresso payload with a naughty, yet virtuous, smile. Coracao used healthy, high-quality ingredients (coconut palm sugar helped defuse the sugar bomb) in their 5-piece Collection box.

Because of a 6-mile hike in the hills this afternoon filled with deer, bunnies, and spring wildflowers, I managed to justify a second chocolate item. For an after-dinner dessert, I consumed an entire slice of flourless (gluten free) chocolate cake at Aqui restaurant (in Cupertino, CA). On top of this rich, coffee-flavored cake sat a very generous, fluffy mound of coffee-flavored whipped cream.

Summary of today's espresso flavored chocolates. I was wired. And now I'm tired. Best to all, and good night.

Coracao cacao + vanilla syrup - March 15, 2013

Chocolate(s) of the Day:

Coracao Confections
1.) "Live" Almond Heart
Good - Good+
Weight: .658 oz. (18.6 g.) (estimate for 1 piece, 1/5 box) / 3.29 oz. (93 g.) total box of 5 pieces
Calories: 99 calories (estimate) in 1 piece
Cost: $11.19 for 5-piece collection box
Purchased from: Coracao Confections, Emeryville, CA

2.) Raw Fudge Truffle
Good + - Very Good
Weight: .658 oz. (18.6 g.) (estimate for 1 piece, 1/5 box) / 3.29 oz. (93 g.) total box of 5 pieces
Calories: 99 calories (estimate) in 1 piece
Cost: $11.19 for 5-piece collection box
Purchased from: Coracao Confections, Emeryville, CA

3.) Vanilla Palm Syrup
Very Good +
Weight: .5 oz. (14.1 g.) / 6 oz. (.18 L) in 1 bottle
Calories: 36 calories (estimate) in 1/2 oz. (14.1 g.)
Cost: $10.99 for 1 bottle
Purchased from: Coracao Confections, Emeryville, CA

Today I sampled two raw chocolates from a 5-piece collection, made by Coracao Confections (Emeryville, CA). Coracao founders (Matthew Rogers and Daniel Korson) set out to craft bars, truffles, filled chocolates and other confections from raw chocolate and the purest ingredients they could find in 2008.

Today's collection, sweetened with coconut palm sugar, tasted less sugary sweet than other chocolates -- a refreshing change of pace, and a bonus if you want to taste the earthier, authentic flavors of cacao.

How much of enjoying chocolate confections is due to the sugar buzz? It's hard to know for sure. But, I recommend tasting Coracao chocolates to see what higher quality, lower glycemic chocolate options have to offer. You may not miss that sugar spike.

The Coracao Live Almond Heart was chock full of hearty, crunchy almonds. The Raw Fudge Truffle had a wonderfully moist and slightly chewy, fudge brownie like filling, covered in dark chocolate, and topped with crunchy cacao nibs. (I also re-sampled a third piece, the Caramel Cup, that I featured previously. I'll try the last two, Espresso Ganache and Hazelnut Mousse, truffles later this month.)

Vanilla Syrup Heaven
If you really want to get your sweet on, I highly recommend trying Coracao's Vanilla Palm Syrup. This mahogony-toned, honey-textured syrup (made from organic coconut sugar, "wildcrafted" vanilla bean and filtered water) was rich and naturally wonderful.

I envisioned stirring this vanilla syrup into my tea, or using it to make a healthier sundae. Spoon vanilla syrup over vanilla bean ice cream and organic whipped cream, and top with roasted cacao nibs, cashew nuts and a pinch of cardamom. 

ChocolateBet: August 13, 2012

Chocolate of the Day: 

Coracao Confections
Kaffir Lime Caramel Bar - Dark Chocolate
Very Good - Very Good +
Weight: 2.5 oz. (71 g.) in 1 bar
Calories: 360 calories in 1 bar
Cost: $10.00 (estimate)
Purchased from: Country Sun Natural Foods, in Palo Alto, CA

I loved this exotic, strangely refreshing Kaffir Lime Caramel bar from Coracao Confections (Emeryville, CA). Made with organic, raw coconut palm sugar, cashew butter and cacao butter, the caramel filling in this vegan, gluten and dairy free, bar was surrounded by 81% raw cacao dark chocolate. The combination of the dark chocolate and the coconut and the kaffir lime leaves was well executed -- the best of its kind that I've sampled to date.

Today was Day #7 of Chocolate and Caramel and Toffee Theme Weeks.

Chocolate of the Day:

1 bar
Coracao Confections
Rawmond Butter Bar
Good + - Very Good
Weight: 2.5 oz. (71 g.) total bar
Calories: 360 calories (estimate)
Cost: $11.99 (estimate)
Purchased from: Country Sun Natural Foods, in Palo Alto, CA

Today was Day #3 of Chocolate and Almonds Theme Week; and instead of a bar embedded with almonds or almond pieces, I had this dairy and gluten free Rawmond Butter Bar from Coracao Confections. This "81% raw cacao" dark chocolate "Mama" Size bar was filled with almond butter.