MIA - Ghana Gold - Sea Salt and Cocoa Nibs Dark Chocolate 73% Cocoa (bar) - Apr. 2, 2023

Chocolate of the Day

MIA
Ghana Gold - Sea Salt and Cocoa Nibs Dark Chocolate 73% Cocoa (bar)
Good +
Weight: 1.5 oz. (42.5 g.) / 3 oz. (85 g.) in total bar
Calories: 250 calories in 1/2 bar
Cost: $2.49 for 1 bar
Purchased from: Grocery Outlet Bargain Market, Palo Alto, CA

Welcome to Day #6 of Chocolate and Ghana Theme Week, and Day #2 of Chocolate and Sea Salt Theme Week.

Today's MIA Ghana Gold - Sea Salt and Cocoa Nibs Dark Chocolate Chocolate 73% Cocoa (bar) was a product of Ghana and distributed by Kuanza Ltd. (London, UK).

MIA chocolate bars don't just contain cacao grown in Africa. Their finished chocolate is made in two African countries (Madagascar and Ghana). Only a small percent of chocolate bars are made from bean to bar in Africa.*

This Sea Salt and Nibs chocolate was part of the company's "Ghana Gold" series of bars (announced in 2022) made with Ghana cacao.*

Aroma notes included: chocolate (sweet cocoa), faint citrus (lemony herb, oxalis), and even faint cookie (graham cracker and coconut shortbread cookie).

The well-tempered smooth chocolate had a relatively slow, even melt (eaten in a cool room) and was interspersed with small crunchy flecks of cocoa bean (cocoa nibs). 

Flavor notes included rich cocoa (faint roasted mocha latte with a twist of lemon peel). The citrus was slightly sweet and had a mild tartness (faint lemon acidity and faint bitterness).

Too much salt can overpower more delicate cacao notes. That was not a problem with this relatively mild sea salt and nibs chocolate. If anything, a bit more cocoa (e.g. deep, dark brownie-ness) and sea salt might've helped to balance the inherent sweetness--that was relatively high for a 73% cacao chocolate with cacao nibs. (In defense of choices made with this bar, U.S. foods tend to have a lot of salt and sugar. You can always add salt if you need more. But, overly salty chocolate is very hard to fix.) 

Fans of less intense dark chocolate will enjoy the lighter touch this bar offers.

Ingredients: Cocoa mass, cane sugar, cocoa nibs (7%), cocoa butter, emulsifier (sunflower lecithin), salt (less than 1%). Minimum cocoa solids: 73%.

Allergen-related information: "May contain traces of tree nuts, peanuts and milk."

*MIA is a brand of Kuanza Ltd. (I'm guessing that MIA might stand for Made in Africa, but I could be mistaken.) While Africa produces the bulk (approximately 70%) of the world's cacao, only about 1% of finished chocolate is produced in Africa. 

Making finished chocolate "in country" (Ghana in this case) allows cacao farmers and producer communities to benefit from proceeds that normally flow out of Africa and into manufacturing centers in other nations.

MIA - Ghana Gold Fleur de Sel Milk Chocolate 48% Cocoa (bar) - Apr. 1, 2023

Chocolate of the Day

MIA
Ghana Gold - Fleur de Sel Milk Chocolate 48% Cocoa (bar)
Good +
Weight: 1.5 oz. (42.5 g.) / 3 oz. (85 g.) in total bar
Calories: 250 calories in 1/2 bar
Cost: $2.49 for 1 bar
Purchased from: Grocery Outlet Bargain Market, Palo Alto, CA

Welcome to Day #5 of Chocolate and Ghana Theme Week, and Day #1 of Chocolate and Sea Salt Theme Week.

Today's MIA Ghana Gold - Fleur de Sel Milk Chocolate 48% Cocoa (bar) was a product of Ghana and distributed by Kuanza Ltd. (London, UK).

MIA produces chocolates (bars) made using cacao grown in Africa; and produces finished chocolate in two African countries (Madagascar and Ghana). Only a small percent of chocolate bars are made from bean to bar in Africa.*

This chocolate was part of the company's "Ghana Gold" series of bars (announced in 2022) made with Ghana cacao.*

The aroma notes were relatively uniform and included: sweet, milky cocoa and very faint salt dough. The texture was smooth and creamy. And this 48% cocoa bar had a sweet milk chocolate flavor and finish with a blush of caramel.

The salt was very subtle. (It was inherent in the fleeting salted caramel notes I tasted.) This milk chocolate may be most appreciated by those with a sweet tooth.

Ingredients: Cocoa mass, cane sugar, whole milk powder, cocoa butter, emulsifier (sunflower lecithin), salt (less than 1%). Minimum cocoa solids: 48%.

Allergen-related information: Contained milk. "May contain traces of tree nuts and peanuts."

*MIA is a brand of Kuanza Ltd. (I'm guessing that MIA might stand for Made in Africa, but I could be mistaken.) MIA co-founders, Brett Beach and Sarah Lescrauwaet, lived in Africa for seven years. 

While Africa produces the bulk (approximately 70%) of the world's cacao, only 1% of finished chocolate is produced in Africa. 

Brett and Sarah saw an opportunity to make finished chocolate "in country" where the farmers and producer communities can benefit from proceeds that normally flow out of Africa and into manufacturing centers in other nations.

MIA Ghana Gold - Intense Dark Chocolate 85% Cocoa (bar) - Mar. 31, 2023

Chocolate of the Day

MIA
Ghana Gold - Intense Dark Chocolate 85% Cocoa (bar)
Good + - Good ++
Weight: 1.5 oz. (42.5 g.) / 3 oz. (85 g.) in total bar
Calories: 260 calories in 1/2 bar
Cost: $2.49 for 1 bar
Purchased from: Grocery Outlet Bargain Market, Palo Alto, CA

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

Today's MIA Ghana Gold - Intense Dark Chocolate 85% Cocoa (bar) was a product of Ghana and distributed by Kuanza Ltd. (London, UK).

MIA produces chocolates (bars) made using cacao grown in Africa; and, more significantly, produces finished chocolate in two African countries (Madagascar and Ghana). Only a small percent of chocolate bars are made from bean to bar in Africa.*

This chocolate was part of the company's "Ghana Gold" series of bars (announced in 2022) made with single origin Ghana cacao.*

This bar had creamy, smooth texture. And aroma and flavor notes for this included: chocolate (rich cocoa, ultra-dark chocolate ganache) and vanilla (faintly aromatic vanilla pipe smoke). Enough vanilla that it conjured notions of chocolate + vanilla desserts. (But, there was no vanilla listed in the ingredients.)

The (Forastero-like deep, dense cacao) flavor was quite smooth, and not too bitter or acidic.

Ingredients: Cocoa mass, cane sugar, cocoa butter, emulsifier (sunflower lecithin), salt. Minimum cocoa solids: 85%.

Allergen-related information: "May contain traces of tree nuts, peanuts and milk."

*MIA is a brand of Kuanza Ltd. (I'm guessing that MIA might stand for Made in Africa, but I could be mistaken.) MIA co-founders, Brett Beach and Sarah Lescrauwaet, lived in Africa for seven years. While Africa produces the bulk (approximately 70%) of the world's cacao, only 1% of finished chocolate is produced in Africa. 

Brett and Sarah saw an opportunity to make finished chocolate "in country" where the farmers and producer communities can benefit from proceeds that normally flow out of Africa and into manufacturing centers in other nations.

MIA - Ghana Gold - Cashew Milk Chocolate 55% (bar) - Mar. 29, 2023

Chocolate of the Day

MIA
Ghana Gold - Creamy Cashew Milk Chocolate 55% Cocoa (bar)
Good + - Good ++
Weight: 1.5 oz. (42.5 g.) / 3 oz. (85 g.) in total bar
Calories: 250 calories in 1/2 bar
Cost: $2.49 for 1 bar
Purchased from: Grocery Outlet Bargain Market, Palo Alto, CA

Welcome to Day #2 of Chocolate and Ghana Theme Week.

Today's MIA Ghana Gold - Creamy Cashew Milk Chocolate 55% Cocoa (bar) was a product of Ghana and distributed by Kuanza Ltd. (London, UK).

MIA produces chocolates (bars) made using cacao grown in Africa; and, more significantly, produces finished chocolate in two African countries (Madagascar and Ghana). Only a small percent of chocolate bars are made from bean to bar in Africa.

This chocolate was part of the company's "Ghana Gold" series of bars (announced in 2022) made with single origin Ghana cacao.*

This bar had creamy, smooth very finely ground nut butter texture. And aroma and flavor notes for this included: cocoa (ganache), sweet green (honeydew melon), faint floral, and nut cookie.

The cashew milk helped moderate the sweetness of this 55% cacao chocolate; and the finish was relatively mild.

Ingredients: Cocoa mass, cane sugar, cashews (12%), cocoa butter, emulsifier (sunflower lecithin), salt. Minimum cocoa solids: 55%.

Allergen-related information: (Contained cashews.) "May contain traces of tree nuts, peanuts and milk."

*MIA is a brand of Kuanza Ltd. MIA co-founders, Brett Beach and Sarah Lescrauwaet, lived in Africa for seven years. While Africa produces the bulk (approximately 70%) of the world's cacao, only 1% of finished chocolate is produced in Africa. 

Brett and Sarah saw an opportunity to make finished chocolate "in country" where the farmers and producer communities can benefit from proceeds that normally flow out of Africa and into manufacturing centers in other nations.

MIA Chocolate - 65% Almond and Coconut (bar) - Apr. 4, 2020

Chocolate of the Day: 

MIA Chocolate
65% Almond and Coconut (bar)
Good +
Weight: 2.65 oz. (75 g.) in total bar
Calories: 420 calories in 1 bar
Cost: $6.95 for 1 bar
Purchased from: Chocosphere.com, online order

Welcome to Day #7 of Chocolate and Nuts Theme Week, and Day #1 of Chocolate and Coconut Theme Week.

Today's Almond and Coconut (bar) was from MIA Chocolate (London, UK), a social concern that sources cacao grown in Madagascar and works to produce bean-to-bar chocolate in Africa.

The bar's description read: "flakes of salted almond and crunchy coconut have been sprinkled liberally over 65% dark chocolate..." The dark chocolate base had a slight tart, bright fruit note often associated with cacao grown in Madagascar.

The bits of almond and coconut pressed into the back of the bar were quite small and so did not overwhelm, but rather added subtle flavor and texture. And the sweet and salt balance was very deft. There was not too much of either, allowing the rich chocolate flavor to shine through.

MIA Chocolate - Cranberry and Hazelnut Dark Chocolate (bar) - Apr. 2, 2020

Chocolate of the Day: 

MIA Chocolate
Cranberry and Hazelnut Dark Chocolate (bar)
Good +
Weight: 1.325 oz. (37.5 g.) / 2.65 oz. (75 g.) in total bar
Calories: 400 calories in 1 bar
Cost: $6.95 for 1 bar
Purchased from: Chocosphere.com, online order

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

Today's Cranberry and Hazelnut Dark Chocolate (bar) was from MIA Chocolate (London, UK), and was "Made in Africa (MIA)" in Madagascar using cacao grown in Madagascar.

This 65% cacao smooth, rich and flavorful dark chocolate contained a balanced tart red fruit and nut flavor and texture blend, with dried, ruby red cranberries and roasted hazelnut bits. The sweetness level seemed just right; and a hint of cinnamon added a bit of sweet warmth.

Tasting notes for this bar read: "...its flavour (sic) roams between sweet and sour with a nutty crunch and notes of woodsy spice."

MIA Chocolate - Baobab and Salted Nibs bar - Mar. 23, 2020

Chocolate of the Day: 

MIA Chocolate
MIA Baobab and Salted Nibs bar
Good +
Weight: 1.325 oz. (37.5 g.) / 2.65 oz. (75 g.) in total bar
Calories: 210 calories in 1/2 bar
Cost: $6.95 for 1 bar
Purchased from: Chocosphere.com (online order)

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

Today's MIA Baobab and Salted Nibs bar was from MIA Chocolate (London, UK) and was made in Africa (Madagascar).

This unique, well-tempered 65% dark chocolate bar was a blend of smooth chocolate and slightly chewy and crunchy texture from cacao nibs* pressed into the back of the bar. (Sea salt added to the nibs was very minimal.) The chocolate had a slightly acidic (Vitamin C/citrus) flavor that I'm assuming came from baobab powder.

Madagascar is home to the tall, bulbous-shaped baobab tree, also known as the tree of life. The fruit of this tree, like cacao, is contained in relatively large, tough/fibrous pods. Like cacao, baobab fruit pulp and ground seed powders are edible and have a citrus flavor. Neither fruit can be easily found supermarket outside their country of origin. So, to be able to taste the two in a chocolate bar is a rare opportunity and invites curiosity.

*Ingredients: Cocoa mass, cane sugar, cocoa butter, cocoa nibs 4%, baobab powder 2%, emulsifier (sunflower lecithin), sea salt (less than 1%).

** Both cacao and baobab are members of the malvaceae (mallows) family--along with okra, cotton, hibiscus, molokhia, marsh mallows and durian. Boabab trees can store water and provide nutrition in dry climates and gave traditionally been used as a medicinal plant as well.

MIA Chocolate - 75% Dark Chocolate bar - Mar. 22, 2020

Chocolate of the Day: 

MIA Chocolate
75% Dark Chocolate bar
Good ++
Weight: 1.325 oz. (37.5 g.) / 2.65 oz. (75 g.) in total bar
Calories: 210 calories in 1/2 bar
Cost: $6.95 for 1 bar
Purchased from: Chocosphere.com (online order)

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

Today's 75% Dark Chocolate bar was from MIA Chocolate (London, UK), and was made in Africa.

This bar had a slightly reddish hue, a warm spice aroma, and a smooth, gradual melt. The chocolate flavor had bright, red berry (raspberry), tart fruit notes with balanced citrus (sweet and mild pink grapefruit) acidity and a faint sparkle of sweetened fruit yogurt. These color and flavor characteristics are often associated with fine flavored Madagascan cacao.

The emblem you may see on the MIA* bar packaging (bottom right corner) is that of a Sankofa bird. (Sankofa roughly translated means to "go back and get it." And the "it" in this case may refer to beneficial knowledge that may otherwise be forgotten.)

This African metaphorical symbol, with roots in Ghana, is associated with applying lessons learned from the past to future endeavors, in order to make positive progress. True to the company's tagline "Food with Thought," this bit of wisdom is something we all might benefit from.

*The MIA in MIA Chocolate, a brand name and social concern, stands for Made in Africa. The organization fairly sources premium cacao from the island nation of Madagascar; and the cacao used to make today's bean-to-bar offering came from a single region--presumably near the Sambirano (River) Valley in NW Madagascar, where cacao is known for its reddish color and "fruity" flavor profile. 

MIA Chocolate - Candied Orange Dark Chocolate bar - Mar. 21, 2020

Chocolate of the Day: 

MIA Chocolate
Candied Orange Dark Chocolate 65% Cocoa bar
Good ++
Weight: 2.65 oz. (75 g.) in total bar
Calories: 400 calories in 1 bar
Cost: $ 6.95 for 1 bar
Purchased from: Chocosphere.com (online order)

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

Today's Candied Orange Dark Chocolate 65% Cocoa bar was from MIA Chocolate (London, UK), and was made from bean-to-bar in Africa (Madagascar).

This bar was a blend of pleasing 65% dark chocolate interspersed with authentic-tasting soft pieces of flavorful candied orange. (And both chocolate and fruit were flavorful and sweet, but not too sweet; thank you!)

Madagascan cacao is known for bright fruit with balanced citrus flavor notes. And the cacao in this bar complemented the candied orange bits nicely.

*MIA (Made in Africa) is a brand affiliated with KuanZa Ltd. (London, UK). Founder Brett Beach was also a co-founder of Madecasse (now known as "Beyond Good by Madecasse" in Brooklyn, NY) another bean-to-bar chocolate (and vanilla) company operating in Madagascar.

MIA Chocolate - 100% Cocoa Madagascar Dark bar - Mar. 20, 2020

Chocolate of the Day: 

MIA Chocolate

100% Cocoa Madagascar Dark (bar)

Good + - Good ++

Weight: 1.325 oz. (37.5 g.) / 2.65 oz. (75 g.) in total bar

Calories: 230 calories in 1/2 bar

Cost: $6.95 for 1 bar

Purchased from: Chocosphere.com (online order)

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

Today's 100% Cocoa Madagascar Dark bar was from MIA Chocolate (and made by a contract manufacturer in Madagascar).

This one-ingredient (cocoa mass) bar had an intriguing, balanced green and savory aroma. The melt was even and smooth. with a relatively creamy, thick (almost nut butter-like) mouthfeel. The flavor included a slightly tart and astringent green (think not quite fully ripe banana with a hint of red currant), true chocolate and savory/salty notes, that mellowed into nice bold but quite smooth 100% cacao taste with a very slight astringency and a fleeting buckwheat pancake note in the finish. For a 100% cacao dark chocolate, this was quite smooth, offering balanced complexity without being too bitter.

Like any ultra-dark bar (with no sugar), I enjoyed re-tasting this bar. It continued to evolve over the course of the day, mostly with the same flavor and aroma notes mentioned above. Chocolate flavor will vary depending on time of day, temperature, proximity to a meal/food/beverage choice, a taster's body/mouth chemistry, and other mysterious factors.

The brand name, MIA, stands for Made In Africa, and the organization is a London (UK) based social enterprise that sources Criollo, Amelonado and Trinitario varieties of cacao* from farmers located in the Sambirano Valley of Madagascar. (These farmers also perform some value-added steps in cacao processing following harvesting (such as fermentation and drying), that benefit the local economy.) MIA also is involved with tree planting efforts in Madagascar.

*These three cacao varieties were wiped out by diseases in other cacao-growing countries in Africa and were largely replaced by the more robust Forastero cacao variety. The fact that these three varieties survive(d) in Madagascar has given this island nation an advantage when it comes to fine flavored cacao with complex and delicate flavor characteristics.