Spring & Mulberry - Mulberry Fennel 72% Cacao Date Sweetened Chocolate (bar) - May 19, 2025

Chocolate of the Day

Spring & Mulberry 
Mulberry Fennel 72% Cacao date sweetened chocolate
Good ++
Weight: 2.1 oz. (60 g.) in total bar
Calories: 260 calories in 1/2 bar
Cost: $9.75 for 1 bar (with quantity discount)
Purchased from: Spring & Mulberry, online order

Welcome to Day #12 of Chocolate, Bees and Trees Theme Week, including a range of chocolates sweetened with honey and tree-based sugars (maple and date).

Today's Mulberry Fennel 72% Cacao (bar) was distributed by Spring & Mulberry (Raleigh, NC).

Aroma notes included: sweet, mellow but dark, chocolate with faint herbal, dried fruit forest--and a very faint scent I associated with light fruit/cacao astringency. (Note: there was very little astringency in the flavor/texture.)

Texture: a mix of smooth, relatively dense dark 72% cacao chocolate (that was not too acidic or bitter); crunchy fennel seeds; and slightly chewy dried mulberries. (The thinly sliced almonds were soft enough to blend into the mix without standing out in terms of texture or flavor.)

I enjoyed the mix of flavors. It's rare to find chocolates with mulberries--delicious and nutritious small berries--much less mulberries and fennel seeds. The sweetness level was just right for me (a dark chocolate fan).

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

Ingredients: Cacao Beans*, Dates*, Cacao Butter*, White Mulberries*, Almonds*, Fennel Seeds* (* Organic)

Allergen-related information: Contains Tree Nuts: Almonds. May Contain Tree Nuts, Peanuts, Milk, Soy, and Wheat.

IQ Bar - Toasted Coconut Chip Plant Protein Bar - Dec. 21, 2024

Chocolate of the Day

IQBar, Inc.
Toasted Coconut Chip Plant Protein Bar
Good + - Good ++
Weight: 1.6 oz. (45 g.) in 1 bar
Calories: 180 calories in 1 bar
Cost: (Part of a 7-bar sampler pack for $14.99)
Purchased from: IQBar, online order

Welcome to Day #4 of Chocolate and Mushrooms Week. 

Today's Toasted Coconut Chip Plant Protein Bar was distributed by IQBar, Inc. (Boston, MA).

Aroma notes included: coconut almond cookie bar with vanilla cereal.

This bar had a protein bar texture (dense, but softer than most protein bars; small coconut shreds were embedded in a cookie dough-like texture); dark chocolate chips supplied a nice accent texture and flavor.

The coconut flavor was authentic and balanced by ground almonds (the number one ingredient), pea protein, chocolate chips and vanilla-like flavoring. The Lion's Mane (mushroom) was all but undetectable.

Ingredients: Almonds, Protein Blend (Pea Protein Crisps [Pea Protein, Tapioca Starch], Pea Protein,  Natural Flavors, Prebiotic Blend (Tapioca Fiber, Vegetable Fiber), Coconut, Coconut Oil, Unsweetened Chocolate, Water, Cocoa, Cocoa Butter, Sea Salt, Lion's Mane, Stevia Plant Extract, Vitamin E. 

Allergen-related information: Contains Almonds, Coconut. (Gluten Free, Vegan.)

 

Ragged Coast Chocolates - Almond Sea Salt - Bittersweet Chocolate, Roasted Almonds, Maine Sea Salt bark - Aug. 30, 2024

Chocolate of the Day

Ragged Coast Chocolates
Almond Sea Salt - Bittersweet Chocolate, Roasted Almonds & Maine Sea Salt Bark
Good + - Good ++
Weight: 1 oz. (28 g.) / 2 oz. (58 g.) in total package
Calories: 150 calories in 1/2 package
Cost: $5.95 for 1 package
Purchased from: Ragged Coast Chocolates, online order

Ahoy, and welcome to Day #6 of Chocolate and The Sea Theme Week.

Today's Almond Sea Salt - Bittersweet* Chocolate, Roasted Almonds & Maine Sea Salt Bark was from Ragged Coast Chocolates (Westbrook, ME).

Aroma notes included: bittersweet dark chocolate; faint sweet shortbread nut cookie; roasted nut; and very faint (barely detectable) tart (lemon-green oxalis).

Flavor notes for this relatively thick, smooth dark chocolate made with Latin American cacao included: bittersweet dark chocolate (sweet but earthy--loamy soil with sour milk/yogurt); crunchy (whole and pieces of) roasted almonds that helped balance and mellow the dark chocolate--along with the faint sparkles of sea salt. 

I liked the almonds and the sea salt. In fact I wouldn't have minded tasting a version with even a bit more Maine sea salt. I also enjoyed looking at the tiny twinkles of salt that could be seen against the field of dark brown. 

It's hard to not wax poetic about the sea. Coming from another salt-making, coastal region (the San Francisco Bay in Northern California), I imagined the Maine sea salt crystallizing in the summer sun in the Gulf of Maine as I was eating this chocolate--3,000 miles away. Chocolate is a form of virtual travel.

Maker's description: "The endless ocean drifts through every moment of life on Maine's ragged Coast. It's only natural that we'd harvest its spirit to share with you. This rich, almond-studded bar sparkles with Maine sea salt and the sweet taste that comes from the sun-kissed coast."

Ingredients: Single Origin Latin American Bittersweet Chocolate (cocoa liquor, sugar, cocoa butter, soy lecithin, natural vanilla), Organic Almonds and Maine Sea Salt.

Allergen-related information: "Allergens: Soy, Nuts, Milk, and Coconut. Contains: Almonds" 

*While no cacao percentage was listed, bittersweet chocolate is typically around 70% cacao; but it can be as high as 80%. (Semisweet chocolate is typically around 60% cacao. Both are used for chocolate bars, confections, and baked goods.)

Dark Horse Chocolates - Dressage Classics - Dark Chocolate & Almond Buttercrunch Toffee - Aug. 9, 2024

Chocolate of The Day 

Harbor Sweets
Dark Horse Chocolates - Dressage Classics - Dark Chocolate & Almond Buttercrunch Toffee
Good +
Weight: 1 oz. (28 g.) / 7 7/8 oz. (223 g.) in an assortment box of 16 pieces
Calories: 133 calories in 2 pieces
Cost: $29.50 for 1 box of 16 pieces (3 different flavors)
Purchased from: Harbor Sweets, online order

Welcome to Day #7 of Chocolate and Horses Theme Week, and Day #2 of Chocolate and Honey Week.

Today's two, gold-foil wrapped "Dressage Classics" - Dark Chocolate & Almond Buttercrunch Toffee pieces were from Harbor Sweets (Salem, MA). They were part of a 3-flavor, 16-piece English Assortment box.

Aroma notes for these equestrian-related chocolates included: sweet dark chocolate with faint caramel/toffee, vanilla and oxalis (tart green citric) notes.

Smooth, uniform dark chocolate formed this medallion shaped piece with the image of an erect rider and stepping horse. I enjoyed the crunchy toffee core with tiny almond bits.

Flavor notes included: sweet dark chocolate, toffee, very faint vanilla..and peppermint notes. (One of the other three flavors in this assortment box was peppermint. And peppermint can easily waft over into adjacent chocolates.)

Ingredients: "dark chocolate (sugar, chocolate liquor, chocolate liquor processed with alkali, cocoa butter, butterfat (milk), soy lecithin, vanilla), cream (light cream and sodium phosphate), tapioca syrup (tapioca starch), evaporated milk (milk, 0.5% or less of: dipotassium phosphate, carrageenan, vitamin D3), sugar, light brown sugar, butter (cream (milk), salt), wildflower honey, vanilla salt, soy lecithin, baking soda." (These also contained almonds.)

Allergen-related information: Contains Milk, Soy, Almonds. "This product is prepared in a facility that handles soy, milk, peanuts, wheat, tree nuts and sesame."

 

Taza Chocolate - Organic Chocolate Covered Nuts - April 26, 2024

 Chocolate of the Day

Taza Chocolate 
Organic Chocolate Covered Nuts
Good ++

Weight: 1 oz. (28 g.) / 16 oz. (453 g.) in total package
Calories: 160 calories in 1 serving
Cost: $8.99 for 1 package
Purchased from: Grocery Outlet Bargain Market 

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

Today's Organic Chocolate Covered Nuts were from Taza Chocolate (Somerville, MA). 

While the cacao origin wasn't explicitly stated on the package, there was an image of a woman cacao farmer in Haiti; and the company sources cacao from the Dominican Republic, Ghana and Haiti (PISA* in the Acul du Nord District).

Aroma notes included: bold chocolate-y chocolate (extra dark brownies); faint roasted nuts; (almonds); very subtle and balanced earth; very faint vanilla; and very faint sweet/tart green-citrus (oxalis) and red fruit.

Texture: smooth, chocolate coating over softly crunchy (whole) nuts.

Flavor notes included: deep, dark bold chocolate (with a very slight, well-balanced earthiness); authentic, whole nut (almond, cashew and hazelnut) centers; and a faint trace of vanilla.

Maker's notes (for Haiti cacao): Dried fig, tart cherry, roasted nuts.

Ingredients:  Organic Cane Sugar, Organic Cacao Beans, Organic Almonds, Organic Cashews, Organic Hazelnuts, Organic Cocoa Butter, Organic Vanilla Beans, Sea Salt.

Allergen-related information: Contains Almonds, Cashews and Hazelnuts. May Contain Traces of Other Tree Nuts and Sesame.

*Taza has been working with Produits Des Iles SA, or PISA, since 2015. PISA represents over 1,300 cacao farmers and works with farmers to develop high-quality cacao that can be sold to specialty markets, including bean-to-bar chocolate makers, such as Taza Chocolate. Most of the cacao in this week's Haiti bars come from PISA.

Bearclaw Kitchen - Mt. Rosemary Trail Mix - Mar. 4, 2024

Chocolate of the Day

Bearclaw Kitchen 
Mt. Rosemary Trail Mix 
Good ++ 
Weight: 2 oz. (57 g.) in total package
Calories: 310 calories in 1 package 
Cost: $3.99 for 1 package
Purchased from: FarmFresh, online order

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

Today's Mt. Rosemary Trail Mix was from Bearclaw Kitchen (Los Angeles, CA). 

The company was founded by a "pastry chef with a big appetite" who urges us to "Please Devour and Claw On."

Aroma notes for this trail mix included: herb (rosemary); spice (ginger); seeds and nuts; diffuse (dried) fruit; and very faint chocolate.

This rich textural blend included crunchy, softly crunchy, chewy (coconut, dried fruit) and smooth (chocolate chips) elements.

Flavor notes were similar to the aroma notes (rosemary, ginger, seeds, nuts), but with more pronounced coconut, nut and dark chocolate.

I liked the aromatic and flavorful rosemary glazed cashews, and ginger. These flavors harmonized well and elevated this trail mix.

Ingredients: Pumpkin Seeds, Rosemary-Candied Cashews (Cashews, Sugar, Rosemary), Salted Almonds (Almonds, Salt), Dried Cranberries (Cranberries, Sugar, Sunflower Oil), Chocolate Chips (Cacao Beans, Sugar, Sunflower Lecithin, Vanilla), Crystallized Ginger (Ginger, Sugar), Coconut Flakes, Grapeseed Oil. 

Allergen-related information: "Contains Tree Nuts (Almonds, Cashews, Coconut). Baked In A Facility That Handles Milk, Eggs, Soy, Wheat & Peanuts."

Becca's Petites - Chocolat Noir Bouchees (Snack Mix) - Sept. 8, 2023

Chocolate(s) of the Day

Becca's Petites
Chocolate Noir Bouchees (Snack Mix)
Good ++
Weight: 3.5 oz. (99 g.) in total package
Calories: 460 calories in 1 package
Cost: $7.75 USD for 1 package 
Purchased from: Napa Farms Market, SFO Airport, San Francisco, CA

Welcome to Day #7 of Dark Chocolate Theme Week. 

Today's Becca's Petites "Chocolate Noir Bouchees" Snack Mix was manufactured by Gourmecca Kitchen LLC (Marin, CA). 

Note: This is the second of two dark chocolate items featured today. (See previous post for information on Equal Exchange's Organic 92% Cacao Total Eclipse Transcendently dark bar.)

The crunchy texture of these (gluten free, dairy free and vegan) small, granola-like, snack pieces--or bouchees ("mouthfuls")--was interspersed with upticks in creamy dark chocolate and slightly softer, rich nut bits.

This rich, almost crispy-crunchy mix had authentic, chocolate and very light coconut and nut flavors. It was satisfying, and slightly addictive--while only mildly triggering the "more-ish" sugar/salt snack threshold. (It was sweetened with coconut and apple juice; and very lightly seasoned with sea salt.)

Ingredients: Almonds, walnuts, dark chocolate (cane sugar, cacao beans*, cocoa butter*, sunflower lecithin, vanilla), almond butter, coconut chips, apple puree, apple juice concentrate, coconut nectar, cinnamon, pure vanilla extract, sea salt. ("No GMOs.") (* Fair Trade)

"Allergen Warning: Almond, Walnut, Coconut. Made in a facility that handles milk chocolate."

Venice Organics - Chocolate Joy (Raw Snacks) - Aug. 23, 2023

Chocolate of the Day

Venice Organics
Chocolate Joy 
Good ++
Weight: 1 oz. (28.3 g.) / 3 oz. (85 g.) in total container
Calories: 160 calories in 1/3 container
Cost: $9.00 (estimate) for 1 container
Purchased from: Part of Farm Fresh produce box, online order

Welcome to Day #10 of Chocolate and Nuts Theme Week.

Today's refrigerated, Organic "Chocolate Joy" raw snack offering was manufactured in California for Venice Organics (Los Angeles, CA). The company (formerly known as Rowe of Venice) offers a line of organic and raw offerings, including cacao nib-based confections and chocolate bars.

Aroma notes for this bar-shaped, raw confection included: dark chocolate/cacao nibs, soft coconut and faint nut. 

This snack had a hearty, moderately chewy texture. Ground cacao nibs, unsweetened coconut and raw almonds were melded together with coconut oil and lightly sweetened with blue agave. All these potentially crumbly elements were held together firmly, because it was refrigerated. (Coconut oil solidifies below 76 degrees F. (24 degrees C.).) Given the hot summer weather today, having a cool treat like this was an extra plus.

Flavor notes for this chilled confection included: rich cacao, fresh coconut, and ground almonds.  

I enjoyed the authentic cacao bean (cacao nibs) flavor--with no added emulsifiers, flavors, or dairy. This organic, vegan offering is also grain-free and gluten free.

Ingredients: *Raw Almonds, *Unsweetened Shredded Coconut, *Raw Blue Agave, *Virgin Coconut Oil, *Cacao Powder, *100% Cacao Chips, Himalayan Pink Salt (* = Organic)

Allergen-related information: "This product contains almonds and coconut and may contain nut 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.

Haagen-Dazs - Coffee Almond Toffee Crunch Ice Cream bar + Double Belgian Chocolate Chip and Coffee Ice Creams - July 19, 2022

Chocolate(s) of the Day

Haagen-Dazs

1.) Coffee Almond Toffee Crunch ice cream bar 
Good + - Good ++
Weight: 3 fl. oz. (78 g.) / 9 fl. oz. (266 mL) in 1 box of 3 bars
Calories: 270 calories in 1 bar
Cost: $4.75 (estimate) for 1 box of 3 bars 
Purchased from: Safeway, Palo Alto, CA

2.) Double Belgian Chocolate Chip Ice Cream
Good ++ - Good +++
Weight: 2/3 cup (133 g.) / 14 fl. oz. (414 mL.) in total container
Calories: 420 calories in 1 serving 
Cost: $2.50 (sale) for 1 container (2 for $5.00 USD)
Purchased from: Safeway, Mountain View, CA

Welcome to Day #18 of Chocolate and Coffee Theme Week(s) -- a series that has included a lot of coffee + coffee/mocha ice cream-related items, just in time for summer weather. 

Today's three Haagen-Dazs frozen offerings: 1.) Coffee Almond Toffee Crunch ice cream bar and 2.) Double Belgian Chocolate Chip and 3.) Coffee ice creams were distributed by Dreyer's Grand Ice Cream, Inc. (Oakland, CA).

Coffee Almond Toffee Crunch (ice cream bar)

As with many frozen items, today's Haagen-Dazs Coffee Almond Toffee ice cream bar had a subtle aroma (compared to room temperature bars and confections), but with identifiable notes of chocolate, nuts and caramel/toffee.

The texture was a blend of a smooth ice cream interior and a crunchy chocolate outer shell and a thin shards of toffee candy and tiny bits of almond. The ice cream center had a creamy texture with vanilla and faint coffee flavor.

Ingredients: Coffee ice cream: cream, skim milk, sugar, egg yolks, coffee; milk chocolate and vegetable oil coating with almonds and toffee: milk chocolate (sugar, whole milk powder, chocolate, cocoa butter, soy lecithin, vanilla extract), coconut oil, almonds roasted in vegetable oil (almonds, safflower oil), toffee (corn syrup, sugar, butter (cream, salt), brown sugar, almonds, baking soda, soy lecithin, salt). 

Allergen-related information: Contains: milk, almond, egg and soy ingredients. 

Double Belgian Chocolate Chip + Coffee ice creams

The Haagen-Dazs Belgian chocolate (and Coffee) ice cream flavors were relatively smooth and mild; however, I was pleasantly surprised that the Double Belgian Chocolate ice cream had maintained very faint, diffuse fruit, nut, floral and light earth (authentic cacao) notes. 

Most chocolate ice creams are made using cocoa processed with alkali (a process that neutralizes acidic and/or bitter flavors in cacao. Today's Double Belgian Chocolate ice cream did contain some alkalized cocoa, but also a healthy dose of Belgian dark chocolate.

The chocolate ice cream paired nicely with Haagen-Dazs Coffee ice cream. Both the Double Belgian Chocolate Chip and Coffee flavors had a satisfying and filling, authentic creamy texture, mouthfeel and taste.

Ingredients: Chocolate ice cream: Cream, skim milk, dark chocolate (Belgian chocolate, sugar, cocoa butter, soy lecithin, vanilla extract), sugar, egg yolks, cocoa processed with alkali, vanilla extract. Chocolate chunks with vegetable oil: Belgian chocolate (sugar, chocolate, cocoa butter, soy lecithin, natural flavor), cottonseed oil, coconut oil.

Allergen-related information: Contains milk, egg and soy ingredients. 

Mother's Day - Chocolate Parfait dessert with topping - May 8, 2022

Chocolate of the Day

(Mother's Day gift)
Chocolate parfait in a glass
Good + - Good ++
Weight: unknown
Calories: unknown 
Cost: N/A - Mother's Day gift from neighbor

Purchased from: N/A - gift from neighbor (Thank you Sophie!)

Welcome to Day #3 of Chocolate, Nuts and Nibs Theme Week; and Happy Mother's Day to all who celebrate this holiday.

Today's chocolate parfait-style dessert (with layered, airy chocolate mouse) in a glass was a gift from my neighbor (thank you Sophie!) and her daughter.

I enjoyed this smooth, light and creamy dessert--layers of airy chocolate mousse topped with dark chocolate shavings--with a small side of chopped roasted almonds and marinated cocoa nibs.

Ingredients: (no information)

Allergen-related information: (no information)

Kind Cereal - Dark Chocolate Almond cereal - Mar. 26, 2021

Chocolate of the Day

Kind LLC

Dark Chocolate Almond (cereal)

Good +

Weight: 1.94 oz. (55 g.) / 15 oz. (425 g.) in total box

Calories: 240 calories in 1 serving (2/3 cup)

Cost: $6.98 (estimate) for 1 box

Purchased from: Walmart, Mountain View, CA 

Welcome to Day #5 of Chocolate and NOPQ Theme Week, where we're featuring chocolate items that have flavor inclusions and origins with letters that start with N, O, P and/or Q. Today's cereal with chocolate also contained oats and quinoa.

Today's Dark Chocolate Almond cereal was from Kind LLC (New York City, NY).

This primarily flake-based cereal contained a blend of almonds, cocoa, oats, sorghum, quinoa and amaranth. The golden brown flakes appeared to have a very light cocoa powder coating, giving it a slightly richer color, that was accented with tiny, darker chocolate squares. 

The cereal flakes had a hearty texture and crunch, a slightly nutty cereal flavor, and were not too thick or thin. And the dark, semi-sweet chocolate pieces offered additional bursts of sweet, rich dark chocolate flavor.

The almonds, quinoa and oats contained a fair amount of protein. This gluten-free cereal contained 6 grams of protein in each 2/3 cup serving. 

Ingredients: "Almonds, oats, sorghum, brown rice, semi-sweet chocolate (sugar, unsweetened chocolate, cocoa butter, soy lecithin, vanilla extract), cane sugar, red rice, canola oil, quinoa, amaranth, cocoa powder, Natural Flavor, sea salt, Vitamin E (mixed tocopherols for freshness)."

Allergen information: "Contains Almonds and soy. May contain tree nuts and sesame seeds."

Kind - Dark Chocolate Almond Oatmeal - Mar. 25, 2021

Chocolate of the Day

Kind LLC 
Dark Chocolate Almond Oatmeal
Good +
Weight: 1.5 oz. (43 g.) / 9 oz. (258 g.) in total box of 6 packets
Calories: 170 calories in 1 packet
Cost: $1.99 for 1 box of 6 packets 
Purchased from: Grocery Outlet Bargain Market, Palo Alto, CA

Welcome to Day #4 of Chocolate and NOPQ Theme Week, featuring chocolate items with flavor inclusions or origins that begin with the letters N, O, P and/or Q. (More Oats today.)

Today's Dark Chocolate Almond Oatmeal was from Kind LLC (New York City, NY). Kind has been most well-known up until now for its whole nut and fruit snack bars (with relatively short ingredients lists). Some contain chocolate. They've recently expanded into cereals.

This warm, creamy, smooth oatmeal was full of oaty goodness and two great, complementary flavor inclusions. The gluten-free, whole grain oats were blended with sliced, roasted/toasted almonds and small chunks of semi-sweet dark chocolate. 

The single-serving packets (6 to a box) made this a good choice for a portable and easy-to-make breakfast on the go. I added hot water, waited a minute, and stirred. The melted dark chocolate pieces gave this hot cereal a subtle, uniform, authentic chocolate flavor and a subtle ebony hue.

Each packet of oatmeal contained 5 grams of protein, and was high in fiber, making it filling enough to tide one over until lunch.

Ingredients: "Oats, almonds, semi-sweet chocolate (sugar, unsweetened chocolate, cocoa butter, soy lecithin, vanilla extract), cane sugar, sea salt, natural flavor."

Allergen information: "Contains almonds and soy. May contain tree nuts."

Rowe of Venice - Cacao Nibs superfood snack - Mar. 23, 2021

Chocolate of the Day

Rowe of Venice 
Cacao Nibs superfood snack
Good ++
Weight: .75 oz. (21.25 g.) / 1.5 oz. (42.5 g.) in total package
Calories: 80 calories in 1/2 package 
Cost: $5.99 for 1 package
Purchased from: FarmFresh to You CSA box, add-on item 

Welcome to Day #2 of Chocolate and NOPQ Theme Week, in which chocolate items are featured with flavor inclusions and origins that begin with the letters of N, O, P and/or Q.

Today's organic, Cacao Nibs raw, vegan superfood snack squares were from Rowe of Venice (Los Angeles, CA).

Cacao nibs are the essence of cacao. They are pieces of cacao bean used to make chocolate. And as long as they are high-quality (well sorted) nibs, they are great a la carte too. They add true chocolate (brownie), almost nutty, and occasionally fruity/fermented flavor--as well as a soft, crunchy texture to any chocolate item. 

This was absolutely true for today's Cacao Nibs "superfood snack." The small squares were peppered with nibs, and offered a super-sized, substantial, satisfying tasting experience. (*The fact that they were made with organic ingredients was an added bonus.)

These squares had a rich, authentic cocoa and coconut aroma, and flavor. The nibs, together with cocoa powder, created divinely true cacao/chocolate flavor with very slight earth, cream and fermented flavor notes. 

*Ground almonds added protein. And nibs, nuts and coconut all contributed some natural plant fat/oils. A little fat and protein makes chocolate snacks more filling, and more satisfying than items that are high in sugars or carbohydrate content. For me, this holds true whether I'm on a walk in the hills, or sitting around indoors.

Last, but not least, these agave nectar-sweetened snack squares weren't too sweet (thank you!).

*Ingredients: "Organic almonds, organic unsweetened shredded coconut, organic cacao powder, organic raw blue agave nectar, organic raw cacao nibs, organic cold-pressed virgin coconut oil, Himalayan Pink Salt. Gratitude."

Rowe of Venice - Coconut Organic Gourmet Super Snacks - Jan. 31, 2021

Chocolate(s) of the Day

Rowe of Venice
Coconut Organic Gourmet Super Snacks
Good +
Weight: 1.5 oz. (42 g.) in total package
Calories: 240 calories in 1 package
Cost: $5.99 for 1 package
Purchased from: Farm Fresh To You CSA box delivery service, online order

Welcome to Day #11 of Chocolate and ABCD Theme Week, and Day #2 of Chocolate and Coconut Theme Week.

Covid-19 has made travel to chocolate shops and destinations more challenging. So, I was happy to learn that my Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) farm-to-home delivery service offered chocolate items, including craft (bean-to-bar) chocolate (from Theo Chocolate, Cru Chocolate and others) that I've featured previously, as well as several chocolate-related snacks.

Today's first of two chocolate and coconut snacks was from Rowe of Venice Super Snacks (Venice, CA/Los Angeles, CA). Rowe of Venice is the "nutritional love child" of Rowe Samieian, who, inspired by autoimmune issues, consulted with Ayurvedic, Chinese and other medical practitioners to create a series of natural snack offerings.

Today's Rowe of Venice's Organic Coconut Gourmet Super Snacks were vegan dairy free and gluten free. They had a refreshingly authentic, real coconut and almond aroma, flavor and chew with a rich carob flavor note, accented with a faint hint of Himalayan sea salt. Coconut oil and blue agave nectar provided cohesiveness, a touch of healthy fat (satiation) and bit of sweetness. (Note: do watch for nut shell fragments.)

There was one "missing" ingredient here...cacao or cocoa! 

Carob can be a good substitute for people wanting to avoid cacao. Understood. But clearly, Chocolate Banquet welcomes all things cacao. And, more to the point, to qualify for a daily chocolate entry on this site, an item must include some form cocoa solids. 

Thankfully, I'd ordered a second snack item from Farm Fresh To You (with cocoa solids). Both were from the L.A. area. And I've added this item (below). Close call. Cacao withdrawals avoided.

Ingredients: Organic raw almonds, Organic carob powder, Organic unsweetened shredded coconut, Organic raw blue agave nectar, Organic cold-pressed, virgin coconut oil, Himalayan Pink Salt. 

Foodstirs Keto Chocolate Chip Cookies

Foodstirs
Keto Chocolate Chip Cookie Mix
Good 
Weight: Portion: 2 small baked cookies / 7.94 oz. (225 g.) in total package of dry mix
Calories: Approximately 110 calories in 2 small cookies
Cost: $7.00 (estimate) for 1 package of mix + cost of additional, required ingredients
Purchased from: Farm Fresh to You, CSA box delivery service, online add-on

The second item sampled today was a finished cookie made from a Keto Chocolate Chip Cookie mix created by Foodstirs (Santa Monica, CA). The company, founded in 2015, sells baking kits, mixes and baked goods. One of the three founders was actress Sarah Michelle Gellar.

I added the required ingredients to this gluten-free cookie dry mix: a generous, lump of butter, almond milk and vanilla extract, and baked them in the oven. 

The resulting cookies didn't taste too sugary sweet which was a plus. There was, however, a noticeable non-sugar, sweetener flavor--from the erythritol used as a sugar replacement, that made the Keto label possible. (The mix also contained stevia, and a bit of organic cane sugar in the chocolate chips.)

The small chocolate chip cookies hung together and browned up fairly nicely (thank you butter). A cookie fresh out of the oven is a pleasure on a cold wintery day.

Ingredients: Organic almond flour, organic erythritol, organic pea protein flour, organic chocolate chips (organic cane sugar, organic cocoa liquor, organic cocoa butter), organic coconut flour, sodium bicarbonate (baking soda), sea salt, organic cacao powder, organic stevia extract, organic chocolate extract, organic vanilla extract.

Sahale Snacks - Cherry Cocoa Almond Coconut Snack Mix - Jan. 30, 2021

Chocolate of the Day

Sahale Snacks 

Cherry Cocoa Almond Coconut Snack Mix

Good

Weight: 1.5 oz. (42.5 g.) / 10.5 oz. (297 g.) in total box of 7 bags

Calories: 240 calories in 1 bag of snack mix

Cost: $3.99 for 1 box of 7 bags

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

Welcome to Day #10 of Chocolate and ABCD Theme Week, where I've been featuring chocolate items with flavor inclusions starting with the letters A, B, C and/or D.

Today's Cherry Cocoa Almond Coconut snack item from Sahale Snacks, Inc.* (Seattle, WA) served as an alphabetic trifecta, and provided a lead-in to Day #1 of Chocolate and Coconut Week.

In recent years, chocolate and coconut snack items have multiplied and are easy to find in California. Many of these offerings reflect current food trends (organic, less refined sugar, keto, paleo, grain free, "healthier" snacks with simplified ingredients lists, fewer/no artificial ingredients, etc.). 

Sahale Snacks is known for trail mixes with "nuts, fruits and spices." Many of these, like today's mix, are glazed with a light layer of extra sweetness and flavor (e.g. cashews with a pomegranate coating, or a nut mix with a maple glaze).

Today's glossy snack clusters had a coconut candy aroma and a texture with uniform, optimal crunchiness--from the larger toasted coconut and almond pieces. 

Tiny cacao nibs provided a soft chewy crunch and faint rich flavor accent (although their cocoa flavor was all but eclipsed by other elements). And dried cherry bits added tart sweet fruit sweetness with a softer chew.

 

The flavors were fresh-tasting, sugar-sparkled, and naturally brightened further by a faint hint of citrus and vanilla. The ingredients were relatively high-end and thoughtful. (There were no artificial ingredients and preservatives.) 

However, the glaze that welded small bite-sized confection clusters together contained at least three sweeteners (cane sugar, organic invert sugar and tapioca syrup). The end result was too sweet for me, but this snack mix may appeal to those with a sweet tooth.

Ingredients: Toasted coconut, almonds, organic cane sugar, organic invert sugar, dried cherries (cherries, sugar, sunflower oil), organic tapioca syrup, cacao nibs, sea salt, cocoa, organic extra virgin coconut oil, dried orange peel, natural vanilla extract, pure ground vanilla beans.

*J.M. Smucker Company, a large food company, agreed to purchase Sahale Snacks, Inc. in 2014. The two men who founded Sahale were/(are) outdoor enthusiasts and mountain hikers/climbers who worked at NBC--and who, after an outing on Mount Rainier (a large mountain in Washington State), felt inspired to create a better trail mix.

Markham and Fitz Chocolate Makers - Sea Salt & Almond (Bolivia) bar - Aug. 29, 2020

Chocolate of the Day

Markham and Fitz Chocolate Makers
Sea Salt and Almond (Bolivia) bar

Good ++ - Good +++
Weight: 1 oz. (28.3 g.) / 2 oz. (57 g.) in total bar
Calories: 140 calories (per label) in 1/2 bar
Cost: $11.00 for 1 bar

Purchased from: Chocolate Covered, San Francisco, CA 

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

Today's Sea Salt and Almond (Bolivia) bar was from Markham and Fitz Chocolate Makers (Bentonville, AK).

This chocolate had a pleasing rich, dark chocolate aroma with faint savory (nut and salt) notes. The texture was a blend of smooth, well-tempered dark chocolate and crunchy, toasted almond bits (on the back side of the bar).

The 60 percent chocolate, made with cacao from Alto Beni, Bolivia, had light fermented notes and faint fruit, accented with just the right amount of salt (flakes). I experienced a very fleeting hint of pleasant, licorice spice in the finish with the first bite of this bar, but it was absent in subsequent bites. 

Ingredients: Cacao, organic cane sugar, almonds, organic cocoa butter, salt flakes.

Dagoba - Milk bar + Chocolove Toffee Almonds bar + Dolfin Caramel bar - May 19, 2020

Chocolate(s) of the Day:

Dagoba
"Milk" - Milk chocolate bar
Good 
Weight: 1.41 oz. (40 g.) / 2.83 oz. (80 g.) in total bar
Calories: 220? (guess) calories in 1/2 bar
Cost: $ missing information
Purchased from: missing information

Welcome to Day #5 of Chocolate, Caramel and Toffee Theme Week.

Today we have three bars: a Milk Chocolate bar from Dagoba (Hershey) and a re-taste of a Toffee and Almonds small bar from Chocolove (Boulder, CO), and an even smaller Chocolat Au Lait Caramel bar made in Belgium by Dolfin S.A.

Often, milk chocolate bars will have a slight caramel taste to them, a result of the interaction between the added milk (powder) and sugar. This Dagoba bar did not. Although it did taste smooth and milky.

Caramel and toffee are both forms of cooked sugar(s) where the sugar molecules change state. Caramel, typically made with white sugar, is brought to 340 degrees F. (170 degrees C.). In the U.S. toffee can be made with brown or white sugar; and toffee is typically more well done (harder) than al dente (caramel) in the U.S. Both forms can complement chocolate nicely in the right proportions.

Unless one is armed with a candy thermometer, one can go from soft, flowing golden caramel to hard toffee-like, crunchy bits and pendants in minutes. (The degree of "caramel" flavor may vary depending on technique as well.) Almost any cooked sugar is a potentially interesting plaything, but you'll want to plan ahead if you're expecting company. Not everyone is a rabidly curious scientist--a pity really. And friends don't always appreciate being used as guinea pigs.

Whether you accidentally made caramel when you meant to create toffee or vice versa, a small bite of either homemade golden brown sweet treat can be delicious. Although, your teeth (after being sugar-jacketed) will may remind you a little goes a long way.

Every chocolate maker has their own way of incorporating cooked sugars into chocolate (covering, substrate, companion, getting wholly lost in each other, etc.)

Chocolove
Toffee and Almonds in Milk Chocolate small bar
Good +
Weight: 1.3 oz. (37 g.) in total bar
Calories: 200 calories in 1 bar
Cost: $ missing information
Purchased from: missing information

I re-tasted this small Toffee and Almonds in Milk Chocolate bar from Chocolove (Boulder, CO). This was probably my favorite of the three bars. For a 33% cocoa chocolate, this one seemed more flavorful than other comparable milk chocolates with caramel. Identifiable pieces of toffee and almonds make it a more interesting bar to taste by adding layered flavors and textures. Nuts tend to balance out sweetness.

Dolfin 

Chocolat au Lait Caramel (bar)

Good 

Weight: .35 oz. (10 g.) in 1 small bar

Calories: 53 calories (estimate) in 1 small bar

Cost: $N/A part of a bigger sale 

Purchased from: missing information

Last but not least was this thin milk chocolate caramel cutie from Dolfin (Belgium). It was the perfect size for a snack, or to accompany tea or coffee for dessert.

The company has done a nice job with flavors in bars over the years. Most flavor inclusions in their bars are balanced and subtle and fully incorporated into the chocolate creating a uniform smoothness. It was the same with this mini bar. The milk and caramel flavors were merged completely with the chocolat, giving it a smooth texture and flavor ride.

I would have loved to have tried a 40% - 50% cacao version of this one, with a little less sugar and milk, to see if I could taste un petit more of the chocolate flavor; but for this, there are other styles of chocolates ranging from small disks of chocolates adorned with fruit and nuts (mendiants*) to their chocolate descendants: artisan dark chocolate bars artfully sprinkled (or fully loaded) with a wide variety of ingredients on the back side.

*Mendiants (literally means beggars in English) are chocolate confections from France. Flat chocolate discs were adorned with nuts and pieces/slices of dried fruits (raisins, figs, etc.) that were said to represent the colors of monastic robes (from four mendicant or monastic orders) that were shades of brown and beige, grayish brown and a purplish (grape) color. Monks who took a vow of poverty may have depended on the charity of others, thus the name.

Since then chocolatiers in the U.S. and elsewhere have taken this mendiant format and added some brighter fruit colors, kiwi green, oranges, yellows, purples, reds, you name it, to brighten things up a bit, making this concept our own.

Akbal Chocolate Mexicano - Chocolate Oscuro Almendras (bar) - Mar. 29, 2020

Chocolate of the Day:

Akbal Chocolate Mexicano
100% Cacao - Chocolate Oscuro Almendras (bar)
Good - Good +
Weight: .97 oz. (27.5 g.) / 1.94 oz. (55 g.) in total bar
Calories: 110 calories (per label) in 1/2 bar
Cost: $ unknown - gift from a friend 
Purchased from: N/A - gift from a friend (thank you Julie!)

Welcome to Day #6 of Chocolate and Mexico Theme Week, and Day #1 of Chocolate and Nuts Theme Week.

Today's Chocolate Oscuro (Dark) Almendras (Almonds) (bar) was from Akbal Chocolate Mexicano (aka Akbal Chocolates) located in Playas de Rosarito, Baja California, in Mexico.

The smell of a 100% cacao bar can be very different from the taste one's brain is expecting. Most of this difference can be explained by the lack of sugar or sweeteners.

However, there was no schism or shocking split between aroma and expected flavor with today's ultra-dark chocolate that was made from bean-to-bar in Mexico.

The aroma of this 100% cacao bar was fairly light, with roasted notes. And the flavor was also relatively mild, with a balanced, roasted bitterness. Whole almonds added crunchy, nutty texture and flavor and a welcome, relative sweetness that mellowed the bitterness.

*The three ingredients listed for this bar were: pasta y manteca de cacao, almendras (cacao paste, cacao butter, almonds)

Straw Propeller - Almond Cacao Crunch -- oats, almonds, cacao nibs - Feb. 6, 2020

Chocolate of the Day: 

Straw Propeller Gourmet Foods, Inc. (distributed by)
Almond Cacao Crunch
Good - Good +
Weight: 2.6 oz. (74 g.) in 1 cup
Calories: 240 calories in 1 cup
Cost: $3.25 for 1 cup
Purchased from: The Store House, San Francisco, CA

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

Today's Almond Cacao Crunch was distributed by Straw Propeller Gourmet Foods, Inc. (Redmond, OR).

Made with Organic, gluten free oats, organic coconut sugar, organic almonds, organic cacao nibs and a smidge of sea salt, this oatmeal provided a satisfying warm breakfast.

I really liked that this was not too sweet (thank you!). Cacao nibs added natural essential chocolate flavor—without the added sugar (usually present when dark chocolate is added). And almonds added a bit of nutty flavor and protein.

Straw Propeller offers a variety of oatmeal flavors, including Chocolate Strawberry (look for that to be featured soon); Banana Pancakes; Hemp and Honey; and Cinnamon Raisin Swirl, as well as seasonal flavors like Oh My, Pumpkin Pie. (They company also offers grain-free options.)

Note: Photos are delayed for this month's entries.