Trader Joe's - Dark Chocolate Almond Butter Cups + Hot Cocoa - Feb. 24, 2024

Chocolate(s) of the Day

Trader Joe's

Dark Chocolate Almond Butter Cups
Good + - Good ++

Weight: 1.16 oz. (33 g.) / 3.51 oz. (100 g.) in total bar
Calories: 190 calories in 1/3 bar

Cost: $1.99 for 1 bar
Purchased from: Trader Joe's, Mountain View, CA

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

Today's Dark Chocolate Almond Butter Cups offering was distributed and sold by Trader Joe's (Monrovia, CA).* 

Aroma notes for these dark chocolate filled cups included: dark chocolate with very faint lemon-green (oxalis, wood sorrel); mellow nut butter (almond); and very faint nut cookie.

Flavor notes included: relatively flavorful, balanced, and sweet dark chocolate (chocolate-y, dark ganache/tort); and subtle, natural almond butter filling. The two layered flavors complemented each other. The roasted almonds and milk helped mellow the chocolate and balance the sweetness.; and the vanilla flavor added a bit of sweet baked cookie warmth. 

Ingredients: Dark Chocolate (Sugar, Unsweetened Chocolate Processed with Alkali, Cocoa Butter, Soy Lecithin [Emulsifier], Natural Vanilla Flavor), Roasted Almonds, White Confectionery Coating (Sugar, Palm Kernel Oil, Nonfat Milk Powder, Whole Milk Powder, Whey Powder, Palm Oil, Soy Lecithin [Emulsifier], Natural Vanilla Flavor), Salt.

Allergen-related information: Contains Milk, Soy, Almond. May Contain Traces of Egg, Sesame, Wheat, Peanut, Brazil Nut, Cashew, Coconut, Hazelnut, Macadamia Nut, Pecan, Pine Nut, Pistachio, Walnut. 

*The packaging and some of the ingredients were slightly different, but I tasted a variation on this same product almost five years ago. So I also enjoyed a homemade hot, spiced cocoa with almond and oat milk today.

 

Trader Joe's - Dark Chocolate Bar with Almonds 73% Cacao - Feb. 23, 2024

Chocolate of the Day

Trader Joe's

Dark Chocolate Bar with Almonds 73% Cacao
Good ++

Weight: 1.16 oz. (33 g.) / 3.51 oz. (100 g.) in total bar
Calories: 190 calories in 1/3 bar

Cost: $1.99 for 1 bar
Purchased from: Trader Joe's, Mountain View, CA

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

Today's Dark Chocolate Bar with Almonds 73% Cacao was distributed and sold by Trader Joe's (Monrovia, CA).

Aroma notes for this bar included: dark chocolate; earth (light peat); faint fruit (citrus); and very faint nut (almond). 

Flavor notes for this creamy and crunchy bar included: bold, dark chocolate (chocolate-y, ultra-dark brownie, ganache); subtle earth; and chunks of almond. The almonds helped mellow the acidity and bitterness and made it taste less sweet (which I liked).

The organic, bold 73% dark chocolate tasted more like an ultra-dark (75%-80%+ cacao) chocolate. I enjoyed this aspect; and I'm guessing other dark fans will too. If your preference is for a milder chocolate, maybe not so much.

Ingredients: Organic Dark Chocolate (Organic Cocoa Mass, Organic Cane Sugar, Organic Cocoa Butter), Organic Almonds.

Allergen-related information: Contains Almond. May Contain Milk, Soy, Wheat, Peanut, Cashew, Coconut, Hazelnut, Pecan.

Trader Joe's Organic Milk Chocolate Truffle Bar - Dec. 27, 2023

Chocolate of the Day

Trader Joe's 
Organic Milk Chocolate Truffle Bar 
Good +
Weight: 1.17 oz. (33.3 g.) / 3.51 oz. (100 g.) in total bar
Calories: 190 calories in 1/3 bar
Cost: $1.99 total bar
Purchased from: Trader Joe's, Mountain View, CA

Welcome to Day #5 of Chocolate Truffle Bars Week.

Today's Chocolate Truffle Bar from Trader Joe's (Monrovia, CA).

Aroma notes included: sweet fudge, milk chocolate

The texture was rich (solid and ganache-like), and smooth.

Milk and sweet dark Chocolate-y flavor notes included: smooth, sweet milk chocolate-y (sweet, rich hot chocolate with milk, chocolate fudge candy, milk chocolate ganache).

Ingredients: Organic Milk Chocolate (Organic Cane Sugar, Organic Cocoa Butter, Organic Milk Powder, Organic Cocoa Mass), Organic Dark Chocolate (Organic Cocoa Mass, Organic Cane Sugar, Organic Cocoa Butter), Organic Vegetable Oil (Organic Hi-Oleic Sunflower Oil and/or Organic Canola, and/or Organic Safflower Oil).

Allergen-related information: May Contain Milk, Soy, Wheat, Peanut, Almond, Cashew, Coconut, Hazelnut, Pecan.

Trader Joe's - Organic Dark Chocolate Truffle Bar - Dec. 25, 2023

Chocolate of the Day

Trader Joe's 
Organic Dark Chocolate Truffle Bar 
Good ++
Weight: 1.17 oz. (33.3 g.) / 3.51 oz. (100 g.) in total bar
Calories: 190 calories in 1/3 bar
Cost: $1.99 total bar
Purchased from: Trader Joe's, Mountain View, CA

Welcome to Day #3 of Chocolate Truffle Bars Week. And Merry Christmas to those who celebrate. 

Two chocolates were enjoyed today: 1.) homemade bean-to-confection chocolate (made from cacao pods from Ecuador) (see separate entry for that)...and 2.) this Organic Dark Chocolate Truffle Bar from Trader Joe's (Monrovia, CA).

Aroma notes included: smooth dark chocolate (appealing malted dark chocolate milk, very faint diffuse fruit). 

The texture was pleasant, rich melt and creamy texture.

Flavor notes were similar to the aroma notes above, but even more chocolate-y (drinking chocolate, chocolate torte, dark chocolate ganache), with faint fleeting (balanced) earth notes.

Ingredients: Organic Cocoa Mass, Organic Cane Sugar, Organic Cocoa Butter, Organic Oil Blend (Organic Hi-Oleic Sunflower Oil, Organic Canola Oil, and/or Organic Safflower Oil).

Allergen-related information: May Contain Milk, Soy, Wheat, Peanut, Almond, Cashew, Coconut, Hazelnut, Pecan.

Trader Joe's - Mint Hot Cocoa Ornament + Maxine's Heavenly Chocolate Peppermint Cookies - Dec. 24, 2022

Chocolate(s) of the Day

Trader Joe's

Mint Flavored Hot Cocoa Ornaments

Good ++ - Good +++

Weight: 1.06 oz. (30 g.) / 2.12 oz. (60 g.) (estim.) for total ornament

Calories: 150 calories (estimate) for 1/2 ornament + milk

Cost: $N/A - holiday gift (Thank you Trudi!)

Purchased from: N/A - holiday gift (Trader Joe's)

Maxine's Heavenly

Super Soft Chocolate Peppermint Cane Cane Cookies

Good + - Good ++

Weight: 2.44 oz. (69 g.) / 7.2 oz. (284 g.) in total box/package

Calories: 300 calories in 3 cookies

Cost: $6.99 for 1 box/package

Purchased from: Farm Fresh to You CSA delivery box, added item

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

Today (Christmas Eve) was chocolate-filled this year. This is the second post (of two) for today features two chocolate items left out for Santa. 

The first item featured was a 70% Belize Bourbon Barrel Aged dark chocolate from Dick-Taylor Craft Chocolate (Eureka, CA)--enjoyed by adults before Santa's arrival. 

Trader Joe's Mint Hot Cocoa Ornament

This pretty, shiny rose-hued ornament was submerged in pot of hot milk on the stove. After melting, the inside contents were revealed: tiny marshmallows inside the hollow center. 

The taste (when incorporated into the hot (whole) milk) was chocolate-y, creamy and satisfying with a subtle (just the right) touch of mint.

Extra points for attractive packaging and fun presentation/preparation steps--and the "magical" transformation from holiday ornament to hot chocolate treat.

(This was likely part of a larger packaged set. No packaging to refer to for ingredients.)

Maxine's Heavenly Chocolate Peppermint Candy Cane Cookies

Maxine's Heavenly Cookies were gluten free, soft and slightly chewy. (A gluten-free oat blend (whole grain oats, oat flour) was the number one ingredient.)

Embedded chunks of dark chocolate and bits of candy cane gave these soft baked cookies layers of holiday flavor and well-integrated, satisfying texture(s).

These were left out on a plate for Santa, along with Maxine's Heavenly Super Soft Gingerbread Cookies (also gluten-free, but with no chocolate). 

Ingredients: Gluten Free Oat Blend (oats, oat flour, oat fiber); palm fruit oil (Roundtable on Sustainable Palm Oil (RSPO) Certified; Chocolate Chunks (organic cane sugar, chocolate liquor, cocoa butter); white rice flour; organic coconut sugar; organic coconut nectar; dates; candy cane pieces (cane sugar, organic rice syrup, peppermint oil, colored with red cabbage, purple carrots); water; cocoa powder; organic gum acacia; flaxseed; sunflower lecithin; peppermint extract; sea salt; baking soda.

Allergen-related information: Contains: Tree Nuts (coconut).

Trader Joe's - Oat Chocolate Bars - Aug. 15, 2022

Chocolate of the Day

Trader Joe's 
Oat Chocolate Bars
Good + - Good ++ 
Weight: 0.88 oz. (25 g.) / 2.65 oz. (75 g.) in total package of 3 bars 
Calories: 140 calories in 1 small bar
Cost: $2.99 for 1 package of 3 bars (Thank you Megan!)
Purchased from: Trader Joe's 

Welcome to Day #2 of Chocolate and Rice Theme Week, featuring more examples of how foods from different parts of the Globe have found happiness together.

Today's Oat Chocolate Bars were a product of Colombia, but distributed and sold exclusively by Trader Joe's (Monrovia, CA). The company has offered a very large range of chocolate bars and confections over the years. This neatly compact package held three individually-wrapped small bars.

Chocolate and Rice as a Sweetener

Rice can serve as a flavor inclusion, or as a chocolate sweetener. While oats feature prominently in today's set of 3 small chocolate bars, the chocolate was sweetened with rice syrup (instead of cane sugar).

The aroma for these bars included: bittersweet chocolate that mellowed a little after opening, allowing subtle caramel and milk notes to shine through.

The texture was relatively thick and quite creamy. (This bar was eaten at room temperature (70 degrees F. (21.1 degrees C.).)

The flavor was uniform and chocolate-y (ganache, fudge) with faint cereal grain/oat notes. The oat flavor(s) may have made any rice syrup flavor less obvious. (Generally rice syrup is mild, with very faint nutty and butterscotch notes, which would be consistent with aroma and flavors of today's chocolate.) Vanilla flavoring added warmth.

Ingredients: Cane sugar, cocoa butter, ground oats, cocoa mass, rice syrup, sunflower lecithin (emulsifier), natural vanilla flavor.

Allergen-related information: "dairy free, soy free, gluten free, vegan"

Trader Joe's - Dark Chocolate Coffee Buzz Bar - Mar. 24, 2022

Chocolate of the Day

Trader Joe's
Dark Chocolate Coffee Buzz Bar
Good +
Weight: .44 oz. (12.5 g.) / .88 oz. (25 g.) in total bar
Calories: 65 calories in 1/2 bar
Cost: (gift from friend) - was part of $1.99 package of 4 small bars
Purchased from: Trader Joe's (missing location information)

Welcome to Day #12 of Chocolate and Colombia Theme Week.

Today's Dark Chocolate Coffee Buzz Bar from Trader Joe's (Monrovia, CA) was a "Product of Colombia."

This small bar was shared with me by a friend and had been part of a larger package of four, individually-wrapped bars. 

This bar had a powerful, roasted coffee aroma with chocolate and very faint kola nut notes. Note: this small bar contained 70 mg. of caffeine* per bar; and I felt energized just inhaling the aroma. 

The taste of this bar was relatively smooth and satisfying with coffee, true chocolate and faint, fleeting fruit/floral notes. There was a very slight granular or powdery feel (very faint astringency) in the texture, but it was not off-putting.

This small bar made with "Colombian Cocoa Nibs and Coffee Beans" offered robust flavors and was a great breakfast bar.

Ingredients: "Colombian cocoa nibs and coffee beans" - Cocoa mass, sugar, ground roasted coffee, cocoa butter, soy lecithin (emulsifier), natural vanilla flavor (Note: ingredients list was copied from website. I was not have access to the original packaging.)

Allergen-related information: Contains soy. May contain milk.

*One ounce (28 g.) of dark chocolate typically contains closer to 10 - 12 mg. of caffeine. This same amount of dark chocolate also includes the naturally-occurring stimulant, theobromine, found in cacao and other plants. Some people are more sensitive to caffeine; others may feel the effects of theobromine. Both are plant alkaloids with similar chemical structure.

Trader Joe's - Organic Dark Chocolate Covered Whole Cocoa Beans - Aug. 15, 2021

Chocolate of the Day

Trader Joe's
Organic Dark Chocolate Covered Whole Cocoa Beans 
Good + - Good ++
Weight: 2.12 oz. (60 g.) / 3.52 oz. (100 g.) in total package
Calories: 360 calories in 2 servings (approx. 2/3 package) 
Cost: $ missing information
Purchased from: Trader Joe's, San Carlos, CA

Welcome to Day #7 of 100% Cacao and Nibs Theme Week. Today's featured item used whole cocoa beans instead of nibs (the more commonly found pieces of cocoa beans). Whole beans are the most unprocessed form of 100% cacao one can enjoy.

Today's Organic Dark Chocolate Covered Whole Cocoa Beans were made in Italy for Trader Joe's (Monrovia, CA).

The aroma signaled interesting complexity to come, with faintly smokey, nutty, dark chocolate, fruity, with a very faint hint of maple/brown sugar and sweet green (sugar cane stalks).

The texture was a blend of contrasts. Crunchy, fresh and fibrous roasted (whole) cocoa beans were surrounded by a relatively thin layer of smooth, dark chocolate.

It was hard to confirm exactly which flavors were coming from the cocoa beans vs. the chocolate. However, the two together provided a range of nuanced, authentic flavors. Those who look at cacao as a food (and not just a sugary dessert item) will likely find these pieces very satisfying. 

The chocolate coating provided a bit of sweetness, but most of the taste (and texture) seemed to be coming from the cocoa beans (technically seeds); and flavor notes included slightly savory (salt), subtle toasted maize/corn and/or toasted cereal grain, roasted nut (chestnut, almond) and wood notes, as well as fleeting loamy soil, fermented milk and fruit (very faint/barely there dried, mild pineapple, plum and citrus), followed by fleeting but distinct honey and very faint roasted coffee/chicory. 

The overall taste was refreshingly and authentically complex and un-sweet (thank you!). Extra points for being certified Organic.

Ingredients: "Organic dark chocolate (organic cocoa mass, organic cocoa nibs, organic cane sugar, organic cocoa butter, organic soy lecithin (emulsifier), organic cocoa beans."

Allergen-related information: "Contains soy. May contain milk, almond, hazelnut, pistachio."

Trader Joe's - Organic Almond Beverage Chocolate Bar - July 22, 2021

Chocolate of the Day

Trader Joe's
Organic Almond Beverage Chocolate Bar
Good - Good +
Weight: 1.25 oz. (35.5 g.) / 2.5 oz. (71 g.) in total bar
Calories: 210 calories in 1/2 bar
Cost: $2.99 for 1 bar
Purchased from: Trader Joe's, San Carlos, CA

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

Today's Organic Almond Beverage Chocolate Bar was from Trader Joe's (Monrovia, CA).

The rich aroma for this chocolate bar included prune, date, light molasses, and vanilla nut (toasted almonds and pecans*) butter cookie and very faint green (tea, nut) notes.

The non-dairy bar had a creamy (milk chocolate) texture with a relatively rapid melt after the initial tempered firmness experienced with each new bite. 

The flavor was mild dark chocolate with a very faint plant (almond) "milk" flavor. The almond beverage inclusion and a good dose of cocoa butter (the number one ingredient) contributed to a subtle chocolate flavor--and (lighter, warmer) milk chocolate color. Almonds also balanced the sugar, i.e. it was not overly sweet (thank you!).

Very light touches of sea salt and vanilla rounded out the even, subtle chocolate flavor. This pleasant, organic bar may please vegan chocolate lovers who enjoy a smooth, buttery, dairy-free chocolate, with very low cacao acidity and bitterness. 

Ingredients: Organic cocoa butter, organic cane sugar, organic cocoa beans, organic almond beverage (organic almond flour, water), organic sunflower lecithin (emulsifier), sea salt, organic ground vanilla beans. 

Allergen-related information: "Contains Almond." Certified organic and Pareve (U). Vegan, gluten free, soy free.

*This bar contained almonds but did not contain pecan nuts, even if the aroma of this bar did bring back memories of pecan shortbread cookies from childhood.

 

Trader Joe's - Amped Up Almonds - July 21, 2021

Chocolate of the Day

Trader Joe's 

Amped Up Almonds

Good +

Weight: 2.5 oz. (71 g.) in total package

Calories: 380 calories in 1 package 

Cost: $1.29 for 1 package

Purchased from: Trader Joe's, San Carlos, CA

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

Today's "Amped Up Almonds" - Chocolatey Coated Almonds were from Trader Joe's (Monrovia, CA).

These chocolate covered almonds had an aroma of chocolate with warm (vanilla), nutty/seed and very light, sweet vegetable aroma notes. 

Initially, I thought I might smell coffee (a caffeine-bearing ingredient that might explain the "amped up" in the product name), but I did not. Instead this moniker referred to extra protein supplied by added pea protein.*

The chocolate coating with smooth and, well, chocolatey. Dry roasted almonds provided crunchy, nutty texture.

The pea protein did contribute to some subtle attributes, but did not alter flavor very much. Imagine fresh, cooked green peas whipped into with some mashed potatoes, and then soften the flavor a bit. 

The pea protein did give some oomph to the texture (an almost undetectable "substantial" quality and a very fine graininess). These chocolate covered almonds were very filling. The pea protein (and almonds) seemed to balance out the sugar content and slightly muted other flavors. 

There was a very faint pea protein aftertaste a few minutes after finishing the last almonds. Nothing objectionable.

Ingredients: Chocolatey coating (unsweetened chocolate, sugar, pea protein, cocoa butter, soy lecithin (emulsifier), natural vanilla flavor), dry roasted almonds, confectioner's shellac.

Allergen-related information: Contains soy, almond. "May contain milk, wheat, peanut, pecan."

*Pea protein is typically made from yellow peas. It has become quite popular in the past decade with more yellow peas being planted to anticipate a growing demand for this product. As today's offering shows, it's not just for traditional protein powder smoothies and protein bars anymore.

Yellow peas could become part of the next (plant protein) gold rush. Global Market Insights predicated the U.S. market would grow to $325 million by 2027, reflecting an estimated 12% (compounded annual growth rate) from 2021-2027.

How is it made and what how does it fare nutritionally? The protein is isolated, and it's made into a powder that is a relatively complete protein, from an amino acid standpoint. (Although, like other plant proteins, it is relatively low in methionine.) It is higher in lysine and glutamine than many other plant proteins and relatively high in arginine, iron, potassium and calcium. It's considered to be a "good" protein for vegans and vegetarians and relatively easy to digest. 

Trader Joe's - Brownie Crisp - June 13, 2021

Chocolate of the Week

Trader Joe's 

Brownie Crisp

Good +

Weight: 1.02 oz. (29 g.) / 5 oz. (142 g.) in total package

Calories: 120 calories in 1 serving (3 crisps)
Cost: $2.99 for 1 package
Purchased from: Trader Joe's, San Carlos, CA

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

Some of the chocolate brownie items featured this week will be homemade, with a few made with single origin chocolate. Others, like today's chocolate treat, will be purchased off-the-shelf from various retail locations.

Today's chocolate brownie-inspired "Brownie Crisp" offering was from Trader Joe's (Monrovia, CA).

Each square smelled and tasted like the well-done top layer harvested from a baked chocolate brownie...but these were more uniformly thin and crunchy, like a brownie cookie -- exactly as advertised. 

You may not even notice that these crispy, chocolate chip/chunk adorned chocolate squares are also vegan and gluten free (made with a gluten-free flour blend, see Ingredients list below).

Ingredients: "Organic cane sugar, flour blend (oat, garbanzo, sorghum, tapioca and potato starch, fava), organic soymilk (water, soybeans, tricalcium phosphate, potassium citrate, carageenan, magnesium chloride, vitamin E, vitamin A palmitate, vitamin D2, vitamin B2, vitamin B12), cocoa, chocolate chips and chunks (unsweetened chocolate, dextrose, cocoa butter, soy lecithin), margarine (palm oil, mono- and diglycerides, sunflower lecithin, citric acid, beta carotene), leavening (calcium lactate, calcium carbonate, cream of tartar), cellulose gum, modified cellulose, natural flavors, baking soda, sea salt, xanthan gum."

Allergen-related information: Vegan, gluten free. Contains soy.

Trader Joe's - Uganda - 85% Dark Chocolate Bar - Apr. 26, 2021

Chocolate of the Day

Trader Joe's 
Uganda 85% Dark Chocolate Bar
Good ++
Weight: .875 oz. (25 g.) / 3.5 oz. (100 g.) in total bar
Calories: 158.3 calories in 1/4 bar
Cost: N/A - gift from family member (Thank you David)
Purchased from: (Trader Joe's) gift from family member

Welcome to Day #11 of Chocolate and RSTU Theme Week, featuring items with origins or flavor inclusions that start with the letters R, S, T and/or U...such as Uganda.

Today's Uganda 85% Dark Chocolate Bar was from Trader Joe's (Monrovia, CA).

A sustained inhalation of this offering yielded deep, dark true chocolate with notes of earthy forest, leather saddle, and faint roasted, salted potato/root vegetable. It was the kind of bold aroma that I would expect when tasting an ultra-dark bar (greater than 80% cacao).

The texture of this bar was luxurious, with a thick, satisfying, creamy-chewy (nut butter-like) melt and mouthfeel. 

The flavor was hearty and bold dark chocolate, a fleeting flicker of green floral, with a subtle hint of very nicely balanced bitterness--and faint earth and true chocolate (very smooth, almost savory brownie) in the finish. A re-tasting also yielded a barely-detectable hint of warm spice (cinnamon) at the very end, and a wee bit of astringency.

Overall, this was very smooth for an 85% cacao chocolate bar. Unlike some high cacao percentage bars--that have sweet, come-hither aromas, but then pounce upon the palette like a jaguar--this was almost the opposite. The aroma was stronger/darker than the taste.

Ingredients: Cocoa mass, sugar, cocoa butter.

Allergen-related information: "May contain milk, soy, wheat, almond, cashew, coconut, hazelnut, pistachio."

Trader Joe's - Organic 92% Dark Chocolate Single Origin Organic bar from Madasgascar - Mar. 12, 2021

Chocolate of the Day

Trader Joe's

Organic 92% Dark Chocolate Single Origin bar from Madagascar

Good + - Good ++

Weight: 1.32 oz. (37.5 g.) / 2.64 oz. (75 g.) in total bar

Calories: 240 calories in 1/2 bar

Cost: $N/A - gift for 1 bar

Purchased from: N/A gift from family member (Thank you Dave!)

Welcome to Day #7 of Chocolate and JKLM Theme Week, where chocolate items with flavor inclusions and origins beginning with the letters J, K, L and/or M are being featured. Today also marked the first day of Chocolate and Madagascar Theme Week.

Today's Organic 92% Single Origin Madagascar Dark Chocolate (bar) was from Trader Joe's (Monrovia, CA). This 92% cacao chocolate was made, from bean-to-bar, in Madagascar. Heirloom cacao beans used to make this bar "in country" were grown in remote tropical forests, and "directly sourced from farmer-run, organic cooperatives."

The resulting chocolate was packed with very deep, dark, complex aroma and flavor, and was a great example of a balanced, naturally savory (umami) bar, with a minimum of sugar. 

The aroma had complex, very dark chocolate, and fleeting savory/umami notes (baked bread, brownie, Boston brown bread (with molasses and raisins), baked potato/roasted root vegetables) and very faint leather and clay/earth. 

In the heart of the tasting curve there was a relatively high degree of fruit acidity: bright, tart, bittersweet citrus fruit notes. Think orange juice, orange marmalade, and/or dark, aged and mellowed balsamic vinegar infused with tangerine, plum and berries, or charcoal roasted holiday citrus fruitcake. (Madagascar cacao is known for its citrus and red berry notes.)

This was a hearty meal of a bar. Toward the end, the robust dark flavor(s) converged into a relatively long finish, reminiscent of an ultra-dark, lightly salted, complex, fudge brownie with caramel. (Note: There was no salt, and very little sugar, in this chocolate.)

I liked this bar, especially when it had been unwrapped and left to breathe for just a few minutes). Left out too long, it may lose some of the more complex and delicate flavors. And you'll be left with roasted and acid notes that are quite bold, but without some of the finer flavors that make it more balanced and approachable for a 90%+ cacao chocolate.

I plan to add it to future tasting flights to allow people to experience its unique attributes. Thank you to the farmers and processors for growing this cacao and making skillful fermentation, roasting and conching/grinding choices that, together, resulted in such an interesting bar. And thank you to Trader Joe's for sourcing some great, high-quality chocolates over time.

Ingredients: Organic cocoa beans, organic cane sugar, organic cocoa butter, organic sunflower lecithin (emulsifier).

Trader Joe's - Fair Trade, Organic 72% Belgian Dark Chocolate Bar - Feb. 24, 2020

Chocolate of the Day: 

Trader Joe's
72% Dark Chocolate Bar (no origin?)
Good
Weight: 1.75 oz. (50 g.) / 3.5 oz. (100 g.) in total bar
Calories: ??? calories in 1/2 bar
Cost: $N/A - gift (thank you Joe-Ming!)
Purchased from: N/A - gift

Welcome to Day #6 of Plain Dark Chocolate Theme Week.

Today's Fair Trade Organic 72% Cacao Belgian Dark Chocolate Bar was made in Belgium and distributed and sold by Trader Joe's (Monrovia, CA).

So many popular dark chocolate bars (made in higher volumes where consistency becomes a key objective), trade off consistency for interesting flavor profiles.

This dark chocolate had ripe, dried fruit and earthy notes that added aroma and flavor depth to this bar.

The cacao beans used to make this bar were organically grown and fairly traded.

Trader Joe's - Belgian Truffle Ballotin Box - 2 pcs. - Jan. 12, 2020

Chocolate(s) of the Day: 

Trader Joe's
Belgian Truffle Ballotin Box
1.) Chocolate truffle (square) - Good +
2.) White chocolate covered with milk chocolate and feuilletine* filling - Good
Weight: .88 oz. (25 g.) / 3.53 oz. (100 g.) in total assortment box
Calories: 140 calories in 2 pieces/truffles
Cost: $ N/A - holiday gift from a friend (Thank you Joy!)
Purchased from: N/A - holiday gift (Trader Joe's)

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

I enjoyed the last two filled chocolate truffles (pictured at right) in an 8-piece holiday assortment box today.

Filled chocolate confections can be a tad sweet, but hazelnuts and other nuts can help balance out the sweetness. And it's fun to mix it up every once in awhile, especially during the darker winter months when sugar seems a bit more appealing.**

*Feuilletine denotes small bits of wafer mixed into the chocolate filling. And these bits usually contain wheat.

**Generally, I eat at least a piece of a high-percentage single origin bar each day. Living in a high-percentage, high-flavor world is enjoyable, even if one has to be more careful about ingesting too much theobromine (a stimulant in chocolate), and sugar, late in the day before sleeping. 

Trader Joe's - Belgian Truffle Ballotin Box - Hazelnut Leaf - Jan. 11, 2020

Chocolate(s) of the Day: 

Trader Joe's
Belgian Truffle Ballotin Box
1.) Chocolate Leaf (hazelnut filling) - Good +
2.) Dark chocolate covered "snail" with milk chocolate feuilletine filling - Good
3.) Filled chocolate truffle - caramel filling - Good
Weight: 1.32 oz. (37.5 g.) / 3.53 oz. (100 g.) in total assortment box
Calories: 210 calories in 3 pieces/truffles
Cost: $ N/A - holiday gift from a friend (Thank you Joy!)
Purchased from: N/A - holiday gift (Trader Joe's)

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

Today's three Belgian truffles came from an 8-piece assortment Ballotin Box that I received as a holiday gift from a friend.

The first truffle sampled was shaped like a leaf, that enveloped a tasty hazelnut chocolate ganache/filling. The second "snail" shaped truffle had a milk chocolate filling with what I'm guessing were tiny bits of wafer (feuilletine style).* The third chocolate (pictured at bottom left of photo) was filled with soft, flowing caramel.

*Those who are very sensitive to wheat might want to sample a small bite of each truffle first before taking a larger bite.

Trader Joe's Belgian Truffle Ballotin Box - Hazelnut Heart - Jan. 10, 2020

Chocolate(s) of the Day: 

Belgian Truffle Ballotin Box
1.) Milk chocolate heart (hazelnut filling)
2.) Dark chocolate filled cocoa pod
3.) White chocolate covered flower
Weight: 1.32 oz. (37.5 g.) / 3.53 oz. (100 g.) in total assortment box
Calories: 210 calories in 3 pieces/truffles
Cost: $ N/A - holiday gift from a friend (Thank you Joy!)
Purchased from: N/A - holiday gift (Trader Joe's)

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

There is something decadent and wonderful about chocolate hazelnut filled chocolates. Thank you to Joy for this lovely assortment box of chocolate truffles with hazelnut.

Of the 8 different truffles in this box, some of the fillings had more pronounced hazelnut flavor than others. (The number one ingredient listed on the back was "hazelnut filling."

The chocolate heart in this 8-piece assortment was filled with chocolate hazelnut ganache that was somewhere between an Italian gianduja/gianduia and a Nutella filling. (I have positive memories of both.)

The cocoa pod shaped and textured truffle added an authentic touch. I wonder how many people might recognize this as the "mother" fruit that contains the seeds used to make chocolate?

Note: Some of these chocolates contained tiny bits of wafer or wheat.

Trader Joe's - Milk and Dark Chocolate Sea Salt Caramel Popcorn - Oct. 9, 2019

Chocolate of the Day: 

Trader Joe's
Milk and Dark Chocolate Sea Salt Caramel Popcorn
Good - Good +
Weight: 3 oz. (85 g.) / 6 oz. (170 g.) in total package
Calories: 420 calories in 1/2 package
Cost: $2.99 for 1 package
Purchased from: Trader Joe's, Mountain View, CA

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

Today's Milk and Dark Chocolate Sea Salt Caramel Popcorn was from Trader Joe's (based in Monrovia, CA).

This sweet and salty snack had a light, soft loft and crunch, and the combination of milk and dark chocolate coating was well balanced with the salted caramel popcorn at the core of every piece.

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Trader Joe's - Chocolate Chip Banana Bread; Snow Monkeys, Bananas and Chocolate - Sept. 21, 2019

Chocolate of the Day: 

Trader Joe's
Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips
Good++
Weight: 1 oz. (28.3 g.) / 12 oz. (340 g.) in total package/bag
Calories: 150 calories (estimate) in 1/2 large muffin
Cost: $2.99 (estimate) for 1 package/bag
Purchased from: Trader Joe's, Mountain View/Palo Alto, CA

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

Today's tasty Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips from Trader Joe's (Monrovia, CA) were embedded in a gluten free version  of homemade banana bread—made with mashed bananas, banana flour, spices, nuts and no added sugar.

Other items sampled today included:

• A Cacao Fruit Smoothie from Dandelion Chocolate (San Francisco, CA)
• Chocolate Horchata from Dandelion Chocolate (San Francisco, CA)
• A gluten-free oatmeal chocolate chip and cranberry cookie
• Snow Monkey Cinnamon Superfood Ice Treat. This dairy-free frozen dessert contained 21 grams of protein; and the first ingredient listed was banana puree. (It did not contain any chocolate.)

And, if you're thinking, that's a lot of sugar. You're right. It was.

Trader Joe's - Almond Butter Cups - Sept. 14, 2019

Chocolate of the Day: 

Trader Joe's
Dark Chocolate Almond Butter Cups
Good ++
Weight: 1.27 oz. (36 g.) / 8 oz. (227 g.) in total container
Calories: 190 calories in 1 serving (3 small cups)
Cost: $3.99 for 1 container
Purchased from: Trader Joe's, Mountain View, CA

Welcome to Day #5 of Chocolate and Nut Butter Theme Week.

Today's Dark Chocolate Almond Butter Cups from Trader Joe's (Monrovia, CA) were thick, creamy, sweet and satisfying.

Individually wrapped in gold foil, these filled chocolate cups were thick, creamy, sweet and satisfying. Great for hikes, personal (or work) field trips, bag lunches, etc. as long as they aren't left in direct sun.

Even then, these cups proved to be more resilience than, say, a thin, single origin dark chocolate bar, which converts to a lovely solar-induced chocolate fondue fairly quickly on a hot day. And, since we're experiencing a last blast of hot weather (edging toward triple digits) and trying to spend time outdoors, chocolate meltdowns can be avoided only with careful planning.