Alice Mushrooms - Brainstorm Singles Mushroom Chocolate Brain Bite for Focus & Energy - July 3, 2026

Chocolate of The Day

Alice Mushrooms
Brainstorm Singles - Mushroom Chocolate Brain Bite for Focus & Energy
Good +
Weight: .25 oz. (7 g.) in one bite
Calories: 40 calories in 1 bite/small packet
Cost: $3.89 for 1 bite/small packet 
Purchased from: Xocolatl Garden, Carmel, CA

Welcome to Day #7 of Chocolate & Mushrooms Theme Week.

Today's Brainstorm Singles - Mushroom Chocolate(s) for Focus & Energy were distributed by Alice Mushrooms Inc. (Los Angeles (Venice), CA).

There was quite a contrast between aroma and flavor notes for this dark chocolate. The aroma was a very faint, barely detectable (chocolate) aroma. But the flavor notes were quite intense--dark chocolate with a relatively bitter, slightly moldy, earthiness--presumably from the mushrooms/mushroom extract(s); but I am not 100% sure about that.

Texture: smooth texture with a satisfying melt

The small, individually-wrapped chocolates made it easier to have one small "dose" at a time. I appreciated the melt; and that the amount of caffeine per serving (66 mg.) was included on the packaging.

This bar contained a mushroom blend: "...750 mg [8:1 Lion's Mane Extract (fruiting body), Organic 8:1 Cordyceps Extract (fruiting body), Guarana, Phosphatidylserine]"

"Other Ingredients": Organic Semi-Sweet 72% Dark Chocolate (Organic Unsweetened Chocolate, Organic Cane Sugar, Organic Cocoa Butter), Coconut Oil, Cocoa Butter Guarana"

Allergen-related information: None found on packaging. (Be aware if you are mushroom or mold sensitive, this may not be a chocolate for you. I experienced nasal congestion and sneezing after consuming this bite.)

YumEarth - Choco Yums Chocolate Candies; Chocolove Almond Butter Dark 55% Cacao (bites) - Dec. 9, 2025

Chocolate(s) of the Day

YumEarth
Choco Yums Chocolate Candies
Good + - Good ++
Weight: 2.1 oz. (60 g.) / 3.5 oz. (99.2 g.) in 1 package of 5 snack packs
Calories: 300 calories in 3 snack packs
Cost: $6.49 for 1 package of 5 snack packs 
Purchased from: Vitacost, online order

Chocolove
Dark Chocolate 55% Cacao Almond Butter Bites
Good ++
Weight: 1.06 oz. (30 g.) / 3.5 oz. (100 g.) in total package
Calories: 170 calories in 3 pieces
Cost: $4.49 for 1 package of 10 (estimate) bites
Purchased from: Vitacost, online order 

Welcome to Day #16 of Chocolate, Movies & Entertainment Theme Week(s), and to movie snacks and music videos that share a "Choco" reference/name in common.

Choco Yums Chocolate Candies

Choco Yums(TM) is a trademark of YummyEarth Inc. (Stamford, CT). I appreciated that the company provides snacks that are free from common allergens, and uses plant-based colors (like spirulina, carrot and turmeric), and uses Fair Trade certified and organic ingredients.

The minute I opened the package I could smell authentic dark chocolate. These round chocolate candies were inside individually-wrapped snack packs. 

These disc-shaped, candy-coated dark chocolate pieces were covered in thin, crispy-crunchy shells, and were similar to (plain) Mars M&Ms*, but they had beautiful, naturally colored shells, and more authentic (less processed) dark chocolate centers.

I "paired" these two "Choco" items with two other "Choco" related foods/experiences. (I ate the rest of the "Choco Cherry" ice cream that went into ice cream sandwiches earlier this week; and sampled Choco Musk perfume--a wearable, but not edible treat with cocoa, vanilla and cinnamon notes. 

Ingredients: Semi-Sweet Chocolate (Cane Sugar, Chocolate Liquor*, Cocoa Butter*, Sunflower Lecithin, and Vanilla Extract), Cane Sugar, Organic Cocoa Butter*, Organic Powdered Sugar, Organic Spirulina (Color), Organic Turmeric Extract (Color), Acacia Gum, Colored with Concentrate (Carrot, Radish, Blackcurrant, Sweet Potato), Corn Protein, Organic Carnuba Wax. (*Fair Trade Certified(tm) by Fair Trade USA, 46% Fair Trade Certified Ingredients"

Allergen-related information: "Manufactured in a facility free from peanuts and tree nuts." Allergen Friendly: free of egg, gluten, shellfish, fish, peanut, tree nut, soy, dairy, sesame. 

*Mars, Incorporated has owned the M&Ms trademark since 1940.

Chocolove Salted Almond Butter Bites

These Almond Butter bites were made in Boulder, CO, with Belgian chocolate. 

I enjoyed these Chocolove bites. The chocolate-y outer covering was filled with a satisfying, almond butter filling that wasn't ultra-sweet.

Ingredients: "Dark Chocolate (Cocoa Liquor**, Sugar, Cocoa Butter**, Soy Lecithin and/or Sunflower Lecithin, Vanilla), Almond Butter (Dry Roasted Unblanched Almonds), Milk Chocolate (Sugar, Cocoa Butter**, Milk, Cocoa Liquor**, Soy Lecithin and/or Sunflower Lecithin, Vanilla), Organic Palm Fruit Oil, Organic Butter Oil, Sea Salt, Sunflower Lecithin. (** Rainforest Alliance Certified. Find out more at RA.ORG.)"

Allergen-related information: "Contains Almonds, Milk, Soy. Made in a Facility That Also Processes Eggs, Peanuts, and Other Tree Nuts."

Sadly the "Choco Taco" (discontinued in 2022 by Klondike, but there are variations on this product out there)--and the Ritter Sport "Choco Cubes" I bought--were a no go, as they contained wheat.

Choco-related entertainment today included 2 music videos:

• Chocolate (Choco Choco) song - Does anyone else remember this ear worm from 2004, from German duo Soul Control? (It was a Eurodance pop hit in Europe and the Philippines.)
• Choco Choco Choco song - Gummibar (The Gummy Bear/Gummy Bear International Inc.) This song is an adaptation of the Chocolate song from 2004 (and it too became a hit). See their YouTube channel.

Chocolove - "Bites" - Hazelnut Truffle in 33% Milk Chocolate - Mar. 9, 2024

Chocolate of the Day

Chocolove 
Bites - Hazelnut Truffle in 33% Milk Chocolate 
Good + - Good ++
Weight: 1.06 oz. (30 g.) / 7.05 oz. (200 g.) in total package of 20  
Calories: 170 calories in 3 pieces 
Cost: $9.99 for 1 package
Purchased from: FarmFresh, online order 

Welcome to Day #12 of Chocolate and Outdoors Theme Week; and Day #1 of Chocolate and Hazelnut Theme Week.

Today's Bites - Hazelnut Truffle(s) in 33% Milk Chocolate were from Chocolove (Boulder, CO).

Aroma notes for these individually-wrapped, tree-shaped, filled bites included: rich milk chocolate, (warm cocoa with faint vanilla), and subtle nut butter (hazelnut).

A thick, creamy milk chocolate "tree" shell surrounded a ground hazelnut (nut butter) center, creating a layered gianduja confection-like tasting experience.

These will appeal to those with a sweet tooth who like milk chocolate and nut butter treats. (Think peanut butter cup offerings -- only with hazelnut butter.)

What I liked: 1.) the blend of chocolate and hazelnuts; 2.) these were made without gluten-containing ingredients and no artificial preservatives; 3.) individually wrapped chocolates that were easy to share with others and enjoy on a hike or other cool weather outdoor activity this month.

Ingredients: Milk Chocolate (Sugar, Cocoa Butter**, Milk, Cocoa Liquor**, Soy Lecithin and/or Sunflower Lecithin, Vanilla), Hazelnut Butter, Cocoa Butter**, Organic Butter Oil, Sea Salt, Vitamin E (Mixed Tocopherols, Sunflower Oil). (** = Rainforest Alliance Certified. Find out more at ra.org.)

Allergen-related information: Contains: Hazelnuts, Milk, Soy. Made in a Facility That Also Processes Eggs, Peanuts, and Other Tree Nuts.

 

Chocolove - Pumpkin Spice in 33% Milk Chocolate Bites - Oct. 16, 2023

Chocolate of the Day

Chocolove 
Pumpkin Spice in 33% Milk Chocolate Bites
Good + - Good ++
Weight: 1.06 oz. (30 g.) / 7.05 oz. (200 g.) in total package
Calories: 130 calories in 3 pieces
Cost: $9.99 for 1 package
Purchased from: FarmFresh, online order

Welcome to Day #4 of Chocolate, Pumpkin and Warm Spice Week.

Today's Pumpkin Spice in 33% Milk Chocolate Bites were from Chocolove (Boulder, CO).

Each, individually-wrapped, milk chocolate-covered pumpkin confection was emblazoned with a heart-shaped outline (two "Cs" facing each other), consistent with the Chocolove's love themed chocolates.*

Aroma notes included: chocolate, pumpkin pie/warm spices, and a faint sweet and savory vegetable blend note (pumpkin, sweet potato-tomato sauce).

These individually-wrapped treats had a smooth creamy, easy melt.

Flavor notes included: rich, sweet milk chocolate and authentic pumpkin (with pie spices included). The 33% cacao outer milk chocolate shell was made a bit sweeter by the white chocolate filling. And that bit of extra cocoa (more than you'd find in most holiday/novelty chocolates) helped balance out the sweetness, while still allowing the pumpkin and spices to shine.

This bite was the closest I've ever tasted to real pumpkin pie blended with chocolate. Hats off to Chocolove for using real pumpkin and real spices, and going the extra mile to achieve this.

Ingredients: Milk Chocolate (Sugar, Cocoa Butter**, Milk, Cocoa Liquor**, Soy Lecithin and/or Sunflower Lecithin, Vanilla), Organic White Chocolate (Organic Sugar, Organic Cocoa Butter**, Organic Milk, Organic Soy Lecithin, Organic Vanilla), Organic Cream (Milk, Gellan Gum), Pumpkin Puree, Pumpkin Concentrate (Pumpkin, Citric Acid), Cane Sugar, Cocoa Butter**, Organic Glycerin, Tapioca Syrup, Organic Butter Oil, Spices (Ginger, Cinnamon, Nutmeg, Cloves), Sea Salt, Sunflower Lecithin.

(** Rainforest Alliance Certified. Find out more at ra.org.)

Allergen-related information: "Contains milk, soy. Made in a facility that also processes eggs, peanuts, and tree nuts."

*E.g., Chocolove chocolate bars I've purchased have come with a love poem inside the wrapper. 

And printed on the outside of the package of bites was this tagline: "Share it with someone you love."

 

 

Chocolove - Peanut Butter in 55% Dark Chocolate Bites - Oct. 15, 2023

Chocolate of the Day

Chocolove 
Bites - Peanut Butter in 55% Dark Chocolate
Good + - Good ++
Weight: 1.06 oz. (30 g.) / 7.05 oz. (200 g.) in total package
Calories: 170 calories in 1 serving (3 pieces)
Cost: $9.99 for 1 package
Purchased from: FarmFresh, online order

Welcome to Day #3 of Chocolate, Pumpkin and Warm Spice Week.

Today's Peanut Butter in 55% Dark Chocolate Bites were from Chocolove (Boulder, CO). The company uses Belgian chocolate in their bars and confections. 

Each, individually-wrapped, dark pumpkin (filled) confection was emblazoned with a heart-shaped outline (two "Cs" facing each other), consistent with the Chocolove's love theme.*

Aroma notes for these bites included: rich dark chocolate and faint nut.

Texture varied slightly with temperature throughout today. The outer dark chocolate shell will be a bit firmer if it's cold. Either way the chocolate had a uniform, smooth texture and slightly creamy melt. And the center was a bit softer with smooth, ground peanut butter mouthfeel.

Flavor notes included: bold but smooth 55% cacao dark chocolate (that tasted darker--more like 65% - 70% dark chocolate), and authentic nut (peanut) butter.

This treat will please dark chocolate lovers. Also, it was not too sweet (thank you!).

Ingredients: Dark Chocolate (Cocoa Liquor**, Sugar, Cocoa Butter**, Soy Lecithin and/or Sunflower Lecithin, Vanilla), Peanut Butter (Dark Roasted Blanched Peanuts), Milk Chocolate (Sugar, Cocoa Butter**, Milk, Cocoa Liquor**, Soy Lecithin and/or Sunflower Lecithin, Vanilla), Organic Palm Fruit Oil, Organic Butter Oil, Sea Salt, Sunflower Lecithin.

(** Rainforest Alliance Certified. Find out more at ra.org.)

Allergen-related information: "Contains peanuts, milk, soy. Made in a facility that also processes eggs and tree nuts."

*E.g., Chocolove chocolate bars I've purchased have come with a love poem inside the wrapper. Printed on the outside package containing today's bites was this tagline: "Share it with someone you love."

 

Sweet Nothings - Nut Butter Bites - Chocolate Peanut Butter (2 bites) - Aug. 13, 2023

Chocolate of the Day

Sweet Nothings
Nut Butter Bites - Chocolate Peanut Butter
Good +
Weight: 1.4 oz. (40 g.) in total package of 2 bites
Calories: 150 calories in 2 bites
Cost: $2.99 for 1 package of 2 bites
Purchased from: The Market at Edgewood, Palo Alto, CA

Welcome to Day #10 of Chocolate and Surprise Theme Week, including several chocolates with unique ingredients and interesting stories.

Today's Organic Nut Butter Bites - Chocolate Peanut Butter, were manufactured for Sweet Nothings, Inc. (Menlo Park, CA). The company has worked to "reimagine" snack foods. Their organic, plant-based offerings have no added sugar; they are sweetened with dried fruit (dates, raisins) instead.

Chocolate and Nut Week starts tomorrow. Why not today? Some are surprised to find out: peanuts are legumes and not nuts. 

Aroma notes for these (1.5 in. (4 cm.)) peanut-butter filled round bites included: oats/oatmeal, nutty chocolate and dried fruit (date).

Texture: The outer chocolate-y layer had a soft, nutty, slightly seedy/fibrous (flax) chew with a creamier peanut butter center. 

Flavor notes for these small but hearty snack bites included: chewy chocolate oatmeal cookie with peanut butter, dates and seeds. These were surprisingly filling, and not overly sweet (thank you!).

Ingredients: "Just (Organic) Dates, (Organic) Peanut Butter (Peanuts), Organic Oats, Organic Cacao, (Organic Ground) Flax, Sea Salt"

Allergen-related information: Contains peanuts. ("Filled with Peanut Butter")

Myracle Kitchen - Chocolate Coconut Bytes - Apr. 12, 2023

Chocolate of the Day

Myracle Kitchen 
Chocolate Coconut Bytes 
Good ++
Weight: 1.1 oz. (30 g.) / 3.17 oz. (90g.) in total package
Calories: 180 calories in 1 serving
Cost: $ Missing information
Purchased from: Missing information

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

Today's Myracle Kitchen Chocolate Coconut Bytes were a product of Sri Lanka and distributed by Nurture Brands LLC (Larchmont, NY). (Certified B Corp.)

Aroma and flavor notes for these light, petite disc-shaped treats included: sweet coconut and cocoa.

The perfectly light and crunchy texture of these "byte" sized pieces easy to eat (and somewhat addictive). And the balanced flavors (sweet, authentic coconut accented with cocoa) were appealing as well. 

Ingredients: Organic coconut, organic coconut sugar, organic coconut nectar, organic cocoa powder, organic tapioca starch, sea salt.  

Allergen-related information: Contains coconut. Made at a facility that also processes milk and sesame. ("Organic, Gluten free, no dairy ingredients")

Bhu Keto - Double Dark Chocolate Cookie Dough Keto Bites - Sept. 1, 2022

Chocolate of the Day

Bhu Keto
Double Dark Chocolate Cookie Dough Keto Bites
Good - Good +
Weight: .88 oz. (25 g.) / 5.29 oz. (150 g.) in total package of 6 bites 
Calories: 140 calories in 1 bite/piece
Cost: $10.99 for 1 package of 6 bites
Purchased from: Oceana Market, Pacifica, CA

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

Today's Organic Double Dark Chocolate Cookie Dough Keto Bites were made by Bhu Foods (San Diego, CA).

True to its name, the aroma and flavor notes for these individually-wrapped squares were consistent with a chocolate (chip) cookie dough.

The texture was smooth, rich (buttery) and pillowy while having a very faint powdery mouthfeel--what you might experience with well-beaten butter and a little flour in some short cookie or pastry doughs. (In this case it may have been tapioca and pea protein powder rather than flour.)

The whipped chocolate chip cookie and very mild (cashew) nut butter flavors were relatively pleasant. Chocolate chips and cocoa powder added flavor depth. The fat content and added pea protein extinguished cravings. 

 And, refreshingly, these bites weren't overly sweet (thank you!)--unlike some cookie doughs or artificially sweetened "sugar free" confections can be. The very subtle sweetness came from organic cherries, monk fruit, the relatively "sweet" roasted cashew nuts, and vanilla extract.

Ingredients: Organic roasted cashews, Organic red palm oil (Certified Sustainable), Organic soluble tapioca fiber, Organic chocolate chips [Organic cacao, Organic prebiotic tapioca, Organic "cocao" butter, Organic soluble tapioca fiber, Organic cherries, sunflower lecithin], Organic pea protein, Organic cocoa powder, pure water, Organic baobab, Organic sunflower lecithin, sea salt, Organic monk fruit, Organic vanilla extract.

Allergen-related information: Contains cashews. "May contain an occasional shell fragment. Manufactured in a facility that processes peanuts, tree nuts, and eggs."

Bubbies - Cookie Dough Ice Cream Bites - Aug. 20, 2022

Chocolate of the Day 

Bubbies

Cookie Dough Ice Cream Bites 

Good ++

Weight: 2.68 oz. (76 g.) / 8 oz. (228 g.) in total package/box of 6

Calories: 260 calories in 2 pieces

Cost: $3.99 for 1 box of 6 pieces

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

Welcome to Day #7 of Chocolate and Rice Theme Week, and Day #1 of Chocolate and Hawaii Theme Week.

Today's Cookie Dough Ice Cream Bites (frozen dessert bites consisting of vanilla chocolate chip ice cream inside a rice-based cookie dough) were manufactured by Bubbies Hawaii (Bubbies Homemade Ice Cream and Desserts Inc.). The company is based in Phoenix, AZ, but got its start making ice cream in Hawaii in 1985.

These bites had a satisfyingly complex melt and texture. The outer rice dough was firm yet pliable--a well-executed rich cookie dough with some of the pillowy, springy-chewy mochi texture one finds in frozen mochi desserts.

The cold, creamy vanilla chocolate chip ice cream interior blended well with the cookie dough exterior. The taste resembled a frozen ice cream cookie sandwich, but with a more cohesive and conveniently pliable cookie component--a design that prevented sudden rupture and dribble ice cream confection accidents.

Ingredients: Cookie dough (rice flour, butter, brown sugar, tapioca syrup, chocolate flakes [sugar, unsweetened chocolate, cocoa butter, whole milk powder, milkfat, natural vanilla flavor], sweetened condensed milk [milk, cane sugar], cane sugar, xanthan gum, vanilla extract, sunflower oil, natural flavor). Vanilla ice cream (ice cream mix [nonfat milk, cream, cane sugar, locust bean gum, guar gum], chocolate chips [sugar, unsweetened chocolate, cocoa butter, dextrose], egg yolk, vanilla extract).

 

Allergen-related information: Contains milk, eggs. Produced in a facility that processes peanuts, tree nuts, and soy. 

 

Truffettes de France - Keto Bites With Cocoa Nibs - May 16, 2022

Chocolate of the Day

Truffettes de France
Keto Bites With Cocoa Nibs
Good + - Good ++
Weight: 1.58 oz. (45 g.) / 6.35 oz. (180 g.) in total box of 4 bags

Calories: 240 calories for 1 bag (9 pieces)

Cost: $5.99 for 1 box

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

Welcome to Day #11 of Chocolate, Nuts and Nibs Theme Week, featuring chocolate items with nuts and/or cocoa nibs.

Today's Truffettes de France Keto Bites With Cocoa Nibs were a product of Canada and were imported by ChocMod USA (Fort Lee, NJ). 

These cocoa-dusted truffles had a true dark chocolate (fudge brownie) aroma.

The texture was a pleasing contrast: a buttercream melt and crunchy cocoa nibs. The smooth, bitter-sweet dark chocolate flavor was refreshingly un-sweet and had a faintly earthy finish.

Ingredients: Unsweetened chocolate, cocoa butter, vegetable oil (coconut oil, mixed tocopherols), dietary fiber (inulin), erythritol, cocoa nibs, cocoa powder processed with alkali, natural flavor, soy lecithin, stevia leaf extract, milk (less than 1 percent of milk).

Allergen-related information: "Contains: Soy and Milk. May contain: Tree nuts."

B&R Farms - Dark Chocolate Apricot Bites - Mar. 29, 2022

Chocolate of the Day

B and R Farms 
Dark Chocolate Apricot Bites
Good ++
Weight: 1.41 oz. (40 g.) / 3.5 oz. (99 g.) in total package
Calories: 170 calories in 40 g. serving (per label)
Cost: $4.50 (estimate) total package
Purchased from: (farm store) in Santa Clara County, CA  

Welcome to Day #5 of Chocolate Snacks Theme Week.

Today's Dark Chocolate Apricot Bites were from B+R Farms (Hollister, CA).

Take locally-grown Blenheim* apricot pieces and cover with Guittard dark chocolate. The results: a flavorful, tart-sweet wake up snack--with chocolate chip cookie and apricot jam aroma notes.  

The chocolate surrounding the fruit pieces had dark and smooth flavor and complemented the sweet fruit. The inner sun-dried apricot pieces looked and tasted naturally moist, plump and fresh (not sad and rubbery which can sometimes be the case with some store-bought dried apricots). These snack pieces had a uniquely apricot fruit flavor with vibrant, sweet, acidic notes.

Ingredients: Dark chocolate (cane sugar, cocoa mass (processed with alkali), cocoa butter, butter oil, sunflower lecithin, vanilla), dried apricots (processed with sulfur dioxide), tapioca syrup, tapioca dextrin, confectioner's glaze.

Allergen-related information: "This product contains sulfites and milk and may contain wheat, peanuts and other tree nuts."

*Blenheim apricots have a sweet, aromatic flavor. They arrived in California in the 1800s. They were widely cultivated in the San Francisco (South Bay area, where I grew up) in the 1900s, until land values and development pressures increased and eventually led to orchards being replaced by homes and businesses--including a host of technology companies that became Silicon Valley.

Magicdates, LLC - Hazelnut 100% Dark Chocolate Covered - Dec. 11, 2021

Chocolate of the Day

Magicdates, LLC
Hazelnut - 100% Dark Chocolate Covered
Good - Good +
Weight: 1.06 oz. (30 g.) / 3.5 oz. (100 g.) in total package
Calories: 130 calories in 2 pieces (1 serving)
Cost: $5.29 for 1 package of 6 pieces
Purchased from: Piazza's, Palo Alto, CA 

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

Today's Hazelnut 100% Dark Chocolate Covered energy bites were from Magicdates, LLC (Los Angeles, CA). The company offers other flavors (including: salted walnut brownie, coconut cream cake, lush lemon, and chocolate coconut cookie).

The aroma for these, oval-shaped, date-sweetened bites included malty, nutty and very faint coconut and cereal notes. An ultra-dark chocolate shell contained a hearty, chewy center made of compressed dates, hazelnuts and walnuts, coconut, and cocoa nibs--with a very fleeting earth note. They had a satisfying taste and were not too sweet (thank you).

These Hazelnut bites were packaged in a sturdy, resealable pouch, well suited to travel in a purse or bag, or as a snack for an outdoor adventure.

Ingredients: Dates, unsweetened chocolate, walnuts, shredded coconut, hazelnut butter, coconut powder, cacao nibs, coconut cream, coconut oil, hazelnut extract, Himalayan pink salt.

Allergen-related information: "Manufactured in a facility that processes nuts, tree nuts, peanuts, wheat, eggs, soybeans and milk." (Contains walnuts, hazelnuts, coconut); Non-GMO Verified, "vegan, gluten free"

 

Thrive Tribe - Cacao Nib Paleo Bites (with nuts + seeds) - Jan. 29, 2021

Chocolate of the Day

Thrive Tribe (1908 Brands)
Cacao Nib Paleo Bites  

Good

Weight: 1.5 oz. (43 g.) / 6 oz. (170 g.) in total container

Calories: 220 calories in 1 serving

Cost: $2.99 for 1 container

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

Welcome to Day #9 of Chocolate and ABCD Theme Week.

Today's container of Cacao Nib Paleo Bites with nuts + seeds was from 1908 Brands (Boulder, CO).

These tasty, ebony-colored, cork-shaped bites had an aroma with coconut, dark chocolate (cacao nibs and cocoa powder), nut and seed notes--and a hard, but satisfying chew. 

Each piece was condensed chewy coconut, crunchy nut (almond) and seed (pumpkin and flax) flavor, texture and goodness. They would be great trail snacks, or snacks on the go. (Less likely to melt than a chocolate bar.)

The Paleo Bites were sweetened with a judicious amount of honey, date paste and vanilla powder. The cacao nibs and other ingredients helped to balance the sweetness, so they weren't cloyingly (overly) sweet. (Thank you!) 

Ingredients: coconut chips, honey, pumpkin seeds, almonds, ground flax, date paste, coconut oil, cacao nibs, cocoa (processed with alkali), water, vanilla powder (sugar, maltodextrin, natural flavor), salt.

Sejoyia Foods - Coco-Roons, Chocolate Chip - Apr. 7, 2020

Chocolate of the Day: 

Sejoyia Foods
Coco-Roons Chewy Cookie Bites
Chocolate Chip
Good
Weight: 3 oz. (85 g.) in 1 package
Calories: 455 calories in 1 package
Cost: $1.99 for 1 package
Purchased from: Grocery Outlet Bargain Market, Palo Alto, CA

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

Today's Chocolate Chip Coco-Roons (Chewy Cookie Bites) were from Sejoyia Foods (Louisville, CO).

Certified Gluten-Free, Organic, Paleo, Kosher and Non-GMO Project Verified, these chewy vegan coconut bites were studded with chocolate chips and had a certain freshness and buttery fruitiness about them. The fresh taste was aided by sturdy, sealed (and re-sealable) packaging.

Ground cashews provided a bit of light nuttiness and protein balance to the blend. And small doses of maple syrup, vanilla and sea salt rounded out these bites, making them satisfying and not too sweet (thank you!).

Coconut was the featured flavor (these bites contained coconut, coconut sugar and extra virgin coconut oil); however, the natural coconut flavors were not overwhelming.

Ingredients: Organic Coconut, Organic Cashews, Organic Coconut Sugar, Organic Maple Syrup, Organic Unsweetened Chocolate, Organic Natural Vanilla Flavor, Organic Extra Virgin Coconut Oil, Sea Salt.

Bobo's - Oat Bites, Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip - Jan. 31, 2020

Chocolate of the Day: 

Simply Delicious, Inc. 

Bobo's Oat Bites - Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip

Good - Good +

Weight: 1.3 oz. (37 g.) / 6.5 oz. (185 g.) in total package of 5 bites

Calories: 170 calories in 1 bite

Cost: $5.99 for 1 package of 5 bites

Purchased from: Country Sun Natural Foods, Palo Alto, CA

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

Today's Bobo's Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Oat Bites were from Simply Delicious, Inc. (Boulder, CO).

These vegan, Certified Gluten Free and Non-GMO Project Verified bites offered a rollicking oat and textural taste fest with a light smattering of chocolate chips. The addition of smooth peanut butter added smooth nutty flavor and helped tone down the sweetness level just a bit, which I liked.

Enjoy Life - Chocolate Protein Bites - Dark Raspberry - Dec. 1, 2019

Chocolate of the Day: 

Enjoy Life
Chocolate Protein Bites - dark raspberry
Good
Weight: 1.27 oz. (36 g.) / 6.4 oz. (180 g.) in total package
Calories: 170 calories in 1 serving (3 pieces)
Cost: $8.49 for 1 package
Purchased from: CVS/pharmacy, Palo Alto, CA

Welcome to Day #7 of Chocolate and Protein Theme Week, and the first day of Chocolate and Raspberry Theme Week.

Today's Dark Raspberry Chocolate Protein Bites were from Enjoy Life Natural Brands LLC (Chicago, IL). One serving (3 pieces) contained 6 grams of plant protein.*

Enjoy Life offers a variety of cookies, bars (including Breakfast Ovals) and bites that are free of common allergens,* including today's Chocolate Protein Bites, that were made without "wheat, peanuts, tree nuts, dairy, casein, soy, egg, sesame, sulfites, lupin, mustard, fish, shellfish, (and/or) crustaceans." These Bites were also Palm Oil free.

These ball-shaped chocolate protein bites had a soft, slightly chewy texture and mild chocolate cookie flavor with flecks of red raspberry (and tiny raspberry seeds) inside—with corresponding fleeting sparkles of genuine raspberry flavor.

There was a very slight artificial flavor that was noticeable but not off-putting. It could have been from the "Natural Flavor" or the sunflower protein or rice protein. "Natural Flavors" can cause a slightly off flavor. One wonders why they are used at all.

Ingredients: Semisweet chocolate (unsweetened chocolate, cane sugar, cocoa butter), sunflower protein, sugarcane syrup (cane sugar, water), tapioca syrup, cocoa butter, roasted and salted pumpkin seeds (pumpkin seeds, safflower oil, salt), rice protein, cocoa powder, dried raspberries, safflower oil, natural flavor, citric acid.

*Today's Bites were made in a dedicated nut and gluten free facility.

Better Bites Bakery - Sun Butter Do Bites - Chocolate Enrobed Cookie Dough - Nov. 24, 2019

Chocolate of the Day: 

Better Bites
Sun Butter Do Bites - Chocolate Enrobed Cookie Dough
Good - Good +
Weight: 1 oz. (28.3 g.) / 6 oz. (170 g.) in total container of 6 pieces
Calories: 144 calories in 1 serving/bite
Cost: $1.99 for 1 package of 6 pieces
Purchased from: Grocery Outlet Bargain Market, Palo Alto, CA

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

Today's Chocolate Enrobed Cookie Dough Sun Butter Do Bites were from Better Bites Bakery (Austin, TX).

Free of 8 major allergens* (including wheat, peanuts, soy, dairy, egg, tree nuts, fish, shellfish), the "dough" at the center of these sweet Sun Butter Do confections consisted primarily of sugar (white and brown), a gluten-free flour blend and oils.

The flavor and consistency of cookie dough was enhanced with finely ground, sunflower seeds—a novel way to create the feel of cookie dough and to add some protein to help balance the sugar.

Thanks to the chocolate coating, each mouthful of these jumbo marshmallow shaped Do Bites yielded a pleasing, uniform chocolatey flavor as well.

*Better Bites Bakery was founded by Leah Lopez after her young son was diagnosed with severe food allergies.

NibMor - Dark Chocolate Bites with Tart Cherries - May 4, 2019

Chocolate of the Day: 

NibMor Inc.
Dark Chocolate Bites with Tart Cherries
Good
Weight: 1.8 oz. (51 g.) / 5.4 oz. (153 g.) in total package
Calories: 240 calories in 1 serving (6 pieces)
Cost: $ missing information
Purchased from: missing information

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

Today's Dark Chocolate Bites with real Tart Cherries were manufactured for NibMor Inc. (Kennebunk, ME). NibMor, short for Nibble More, had its start in a New York City kitchen. Eventually the company moved to Maine.

These NibMor small rectangular bites (think mini bars but without the extra packaging of individually-wrapped chocolates), were an easily consumable and shareable size.

They had a fairly strong cherry/cherry almond aroma* and bits of authentic tart, sweetened cherries complemented the sweet 52% cocoa dark chocolate.

Sugar was the first ingredient listed*. We would love to see a 70% cacao dark version to take down the sweetness a bit. But, we understand many people do like sugar.

*Ingredients: Sugar, chocolate liquor, cocoa butter, natural cherries, natural cherry flavor*, soy lecithin (an emulsifier), vanilla.

Siren Snacks - Dark Chocolate Brownie Protein Bites - Feb. 17, 2019

Chocolate of the Day: 

Siren Snacks Inc.
Dark Chocolate Brownie Protein Bites
Weight: .85 oz. (24 g.) / 1.7 oz. (48 g.) in total package
Calories: 100 calories in 1/2 package
Cost: $ missing information
Purchased from: missing information

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

Today's Dark Chocolate Brownie Protein Bites were from Siren Snacks Inc. (San Francisco, CA).

These snackable bites had the texture of a firm but soft-baked cookie, and were dairy, gluten, grain, soy and GMO free. The protein came from pea protein (#1 ingredient listed). Dates and coconut sugar provided some sweetness.

While not as chocolatey rich as actual brownies, the chocolate flavor in these small, cube-shaped protein bites was supplied by organic chocolate chips, Dutch cocoa and "Natural Chocolate Flavor."

Siren Snacks - Cookie Dough Protein Bites - Feb. 16, 2019

Chocolate of the Day: 

Siren Snacks Inc.
Cookie Dough Protein Bites
Weight: .85 oz. (24 g.) / 1.7 oz. (48 g.) in total package
Calories: 100 calories in 1/2 package
Cost: $ missing information
Purchased from: missing information

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

Today's Cookie Dough Protein Bites were from Siren Snacks Inc. (San Francisco, CA).

These small, cube-shaped protein bites were dairy, gluten, grain, soy and GMO free. The texture was compressed, but relatively soft, and slightly crumbly. The protein was supplied by pea protein (#1 ingredient listed, followed by dates).

Organic chocolate chips and Dutch cocoa (#7 and #9 on ingredients list, respectively) provided subtle chocolate flavor.