LOVO Almond Milk Chocolate (bar) - Feb. 25, 2024

Chocolate of the Day 

LOVO Almond Milk Chocolate (bar)
Good +
Weight: 1.06 oz. (30 g.) / 2.82 oz. (80 g.) in total bar
Calories: 160 calories in 1 serving (9 pieces)
Cost: $5.49 for 1 bar
Purchased from: The Market at Edgewood, Palo Alto, CA

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

Today's LOVO Almond Milk Chocolate (bar) was manufactured in Switzerland for Radically Good Food Co. (Toronto, ON, Canada).

Very faint aroma notes for this 100% plant-based bar included: sweet dark chocolate, malt and nuts. 

Texture: thick, creamy melt (soft, almost sticky caramel); and creamy, uniform texture.

Flavor notes included: very sweet, creamy, somewhat diluted chocolate (hot cocoa with an alternative milk, very faint almond milk); and very faint (barely detectable) warm spice (gingerbread) in the long, sweet finish. At the very end, I tasted a very tiny, fleeting hint of almond (milk); but otherwise it was difficult to detect any almond or nut-milk flavor.

This was a smooth, creamy, dairy-free (plant-based) chocolate confection made with just five ingredients. It was a bit too sweet for me (sugar was the number one ingredient); but this bar will appeal to those with a sweet tooth, and milk chocolate fans who wish to avoid dairy (milk, cream).

Ingredients: Sugar, cocoa mass*, cocoa butter*, organic almonds, sunflower lecithin, organic vanilla extract. (*Rainforest Alliance Certified. "Find out more at ra.org.")

Allergen-related information: Contains Almonds. Produced on equipment that also processes products containing milk, coconut, hazelnuts and peanuts.

Califia Farms - Cold Brew Coffee with Almondmilk Mocha - Apr. 17, 2023

Chocolate of the Day

Califia Farms 
Cold Brew Coffee with Almondmilk - Mocha  
Good + - Good ++
Weight: 10.5 fl. oz. (310 mL g.) in total bottle
Calories: 110 calories in 1 bottle
Cost: $ Missing information
Purchased from: Country Sun Natural Foods, Palo Alto, CA 

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

Today's Califia Farms Cold Brew Coffee with Almondmilk Mocha (beverage) was distributed by Califia Farms, LLC (Bakersfield, CA).

Aroma notes included: chocolate milk and faint mocha.

The texture for this dairy-free, almondmilk-based, chilled coffee beverage was very smooth and similar to low-fat dairy-milk.

The (Rainforest Alliance certified) cold brew coffee and chocolate (alkalized cocoa powder) flavors were relatively mild and pleasant. (There were also very faint nut and vanilla-like notes.)

The caffeine level (less than 50 mg in this bottle) and sweetness levels (Total carbs.: 17 g., including 2 g. fiber) were relatively low as well, making this a relatively relaxing, pick-me-up. It was a smooth, cold beverage enjoyed on a warm afternoon that still let me sleep later in the evening.

Ingredients: Cold brew coffee (water, coffee), almondmilk (almonds, water), cane sugar, alkalized cocoa powder, natural flavor, potassium citrate, calcium carbonate, sea salt, sunflower lecithin, monk fruit juice concentrate, guar gum, gellan gum.

Allergen-related information: Contains almonds. (Vegan, Kosher, Non-GMO Verified, carrageenan free, gluten free)

Ben & Jerry's - Cherry Garcia (Non-dairy, almond milk) frozen dessert - Jan. 11, 2023

Chocolate of the Day

Ben and Jerry's 
Cherry Garcia (non-dairy, almond milk) frozen dessert
Good - Good +
Weight: 2/3 cup (140 g.) / 1 Pint (473 mL) in total container
Calories: 230 calories in 2/3 cup serving
Cost: $6.49 (sale) for 1 container
Purchased from: Safeway, Mountain View, CA

Welcome to Day #5 of Chocolate and Cherries Theme Week

Today's Cherry Garcia Non-dairy frozen dessert was from Ben and Jerry's Homemade, Inc. (Burlington, VT). 

This flavor variation on a dairy ice cream classic --and other recently announced non-dairy frozen dessert flavors--reflect an increased demand for non-dairy (and vegan) offerings. 

Aroma notes for this almond milk based frozen dessert included: cherry, vanilla, almond and subtle dark chocolate.

The melt and mouthfeel was a blend of smooth and creamy with pieces of cherry fruit and both soft, small (thin) fudge flakes and (larger) "crunchy" dark chocolate fudge pieces.

The flavor was similar to the original Cherry Garcia Ice Cream. The fudge flakes that yielded sweet, dark chocolate flavor, and the texture and flavor of the cherries were similar. The touch of vanilla was also there. 

The differences between this non-dairy frozen dessert and the original: it did not have the dairy cream flavor and texture (although it was close), and had a fairly distinct, sweet almond flavor. 

It seemed sweeter (or at least slightly sweeter than expected). (Sugar(s) featured prominently in the ingredients. See below.)

Ingredients: Almond milk (almonds, water), liquid sugar (sugar, water), cherries, sugar, coconut oil, corn syrup, cocoa processed with alkali, pea protein, sunflower lecithin, fruit and vegetable concentrates (color), guar gum, natural flavor (coconut), lemon juice concentrate, carrageenan, soy lecithin, vanilla extract, locust bean gum, citric acid, water. 

Allergen-related information: Contains almond, coconut, and soy.

*Today's non-dairy frozen dessert was a(n almond milk) frozen dessert variation on a classic Ben and Jerry's ice cream flavor (Cherry Garcia ice cream). The original Cherry Garcia ice cream was first unveiled in the U.S. on February 15, 1987. And, as I write this in Jan. 2023, it is still described as a long-time, best selling flavor on the company's website.

Ben and Jerry's is a Unilever brand, acquired in 2000.

Remedy Organics - Cacao Essentials 14 g. Protein (beverage) - Sept. 23, 2021

Chocolate of the Day

Remedy Organics

Cacao Essentials 14 G. Protein (beverage)

Good - Good +

Weight: 12 fl. oz. (355 mL) in 1 bottle

Calories: 200 calories in 1 bottle

Cost: $4.32 for 1 bottle

Purchased from: CVS Pharmacy, Palo Alto, CA

Welcome to Day #7 of Chocolate Breakfast Theme Week.

Today's Cacao Essentials "protein-based wellness shake" was from Remedy Organics (Englewood Cliffs, NJ); and it was a great way to start the day. It was relatively light but with a rich natural taste. And it contained enough protein to stave off hunger until lunch.

Aroma notes for this vegan beverage with 14 grams of protein included plant (nut and seed, fresh green peas) and chocolate (pudding, custard).

The texture was relatively smooth (almost velvety) for a high-protein beverage. Protein drinks often have a grainy taste or mouthfeel. There was a very slight granular, astringency in the finish, but it was not bothersome.

The flavors tasted fresh and authentic, and similar to the aroma, with plant (nut and seed) and chocolate pudding notes. 

This offering (and other Remedy shakes and shots), developed by holistic nutritionist Cindy Kasindorf,  exemplify changes in public preferences and how protein "health" bars and beverages have evolved in the last few decades. 

Today's organic protein drink was made without refined sugar, gluten, dairy or artificial colors or ingredients. It was 100% plant-based (vegan). (It did contain vegetable gums, which are used as thickeners and stabilizers.) And it wasn't too sweet (thank you).

Ingredients: Organic almond milk (water, organic almonds), organic pea protein, organic coconut sugar, organic cocoa powder, organic hemp seeds, organic dates, organic natural flavor, organic acacia fiber, organic cinnamon, organic sunflower lecithin, vitamin blend (calcium derived from seaweed, vitamin A, vitamin D2), gellan gum, organic maca, organic ashwagandha, guar gum, sea salt, organic stevia powder, organic prebiotic fiber (derived from tapioca).

Allergen-related information: "Contains tree nuts." (Made without gluten or dairy ingredients.)

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.

 

Ben and Jerry's - Chunky Monkey Non-Dairy Frozen Dessert - Sept. 24, 2019

Chocolate of the Day: 

Ben and Jerry's
Chunky Monkey Non-Dairy Frozen Dessert
Good +
Weight: 1/2 cup (102 g.) / 1 Pint (473 mL) in total container
Calories: 270 calories in 1 (1/2 cup) serving
Cost: $ missing information
Purchased from: missing information

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

Happy first day of autumn chocolate-loving friends! The shorter days are not enough to keep us away from chilly, frozen chocolate desserts. Today temperatures were in the mid-90s (F) in Northern California.

Today's Chunky Monkey Non-Dairy Frozen Dessert was from Ben and Jerry's Ice Cream (South Burlington, Vermont).*

This non-dairy (almond milk) version of the company's original Chunky Monkey, a long-time Ben and Jerry's ice cream flavor, was better than expected. Mid-afternoon heat sizzled, and we found ourselves enjoying a second helping to cool down. This smooth, cold, rich and relatively creamy frozen dessert had authentic banana, fudge chunk and fresh banana flavors.

*Ben and Jerry's, now known as Ben and Jerry's Homemade Holdings Inc., began selling ice creams in 1978 in Burlington, VT. In 2000, the company was sold to British-Dutch conglomerate Unilever, and presently operates as a fully owned subsidiary of Unilever.

New Barn - Banana Chocolate Chip AlmondCreme - April 29, 2017

Chocolate of the Day: 

New Barn
Banana Chocolate Chip AlmondCreme
Good +
Weight: 1/4 cup (59 g.) / 14 fl. oz. (414 mL) in total container
Calories: 80 calories in 1/4 cup serving
Cost: $missing information for 1 container
Purchased from: missing information

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

A few years ago, New Barn (Healdsburg, CA) introduced organic "Almondmilk," a non-dairy almond-based beverage, without all the flavorings, preservatives and carrageenan found in most other almond "milks."

Sounds good. Most people where I live enjoy food items with a shorter, healthier ingredients list. But, did they have offerings with chocolate?

The company followed that up by introducing a line of AlmondCreme frozen desserts. This non-dairy alternative to ice cream takes their Almondmilk story one step further.

They took their Almondmilk and added organic sugar and egg. And, to today's Banana Chocolate Chip flavor, they also added organic banana and chocolate chips. (They also have a chocolate flavor made with TCHO chocolate.)

Today's frozen dessert had subtle natural banana flavor with tiny hints of chocolate. Garnish with a few nuts, and bon appetit.

Or, use this AlmondCreme as a basis for cold smoothie drinks or shakes. One can amp up the creaminess and fruit flavor by throwing a scoop of this AlmondCreme in the blender with a real banana or two and a few nuts and cocoa nibs.

Hubbard & Cravens Coffee and Tea - Healthy Elephant - April 7, 2017 (part 2)

Chocolate(s) of the Day: 

Hubbard and Cravens Coffee and Tea
Healthy Elephant (cold drink)
Good ++ - Very Good
Weight: 1 Regular cup
Calories: Unknown (325 calories is a guesstimate)
Cost: $4.85
Purchased from: Hubbard and Cravens Coffee and Tea, Indianapolis, IN

Welcome to Day #6 of Chocolate and Indiana Theme Week, part two. As if often the case, a stroll through a new city reveals many new chocolates. So, this is the second entry for today.

Walking almost eight miles on the beautiful Indianapolis Cultural Trail for bicyclists and pedestrians can make one thirsty. I stopped in to Hubbard and Cravens Coffee and Tea (Indianapolis, IN) for a pick me up.

With the aid of helpful counter staff, I found the perfect cold drink to go, a Healthy Elephant (espresso, cocoa, almond milk and ice). This cup of chilled magic was full of flavor without being too sweet.

The Healthy Elephant was very refreshing with the perfect amount of chocolate and coffee zing to propel me through the downtown Indianapolis City Market and First Friday art stops that evening.

*Coffee personally sourced from Central America by Cravens family members.

Note: Photos will magically appear after I return from travel and have access to a computer again.

Artisan du Chocolat - Almond Milk bar - Jan. 21, 2015

Chocolate of the Day: 

Artisan du Chocolat
Almond Milk bar
Good - Good +
Weight: .95 oz. (27 g.)/ 1.59 oz. (45 g.) in total bar
Calories: 144 calories (estimate) for 3/5 bar
Cost: $8.00 (estimate)
Purchased from: n/a - sample

Today was Day #2 of Chocolate and Almond Theme Week, and I was watching squirrels frolic in the sun and winter greenery in my California backyard this morning. (Winter is when we see green shoots and grass here.) I guiltily admit, I occasionally throw a few left-over almonds outside for these little furry, forest-planters*.

At the same time, I reached into my chocolate vault to pick a bar with almonds, and found this one (packaging adorned with an array of active, green squirrels). Perfect.

Almonds come in many forms: raw, toasted, sliced, and ground into almond butter. However, until today, I had yet to taste a "milk" chocolate bar made from almond milk.

Today's Almond Milk bar from Artisan du Chocolat (London**) is just that, made with almond "milk" -- as a replacement for dairy in this creamy, 40% cocoa chocolate bar with a slight hint of marzipan/almond paste flavor from the holidays.

Speaking of cow's milk alternatives, the company also makes a bar with buffalo milk.

*However surburban dwellers might feel about squirrels in their gardens (digging them up to plant nuts, seeds), it's good to remember that this same annoying habit has resulted in much of the forested land around the globe. 

** Factory moved to Ashford Kent in 2006

Mocha Almond Fudge bars - August 21, 2013

Chocolate of the Day: 

Turtle Mountain, LLC
So Delicious - Minis (box of 4 bars)
Mocha Almond Fudge bars
Good - Good +
Weight: 4.6 fl. oz. (136 mL) in 2 bars / 9.2 fl. oz. (272 mL) in total box
Calories: 300 calories in 2 bars
Cost: $4.23 total box of 4 (sale price)
Purchased from: Sprouts Farmers Market, Mountain View, CA

Today was Day #7 of Chocolate and Almond Theme Week.

Frozen desserts, popsicles and ice cream were perfectly designed for hot summer days. I enjoyed every bite of today's (two) frozen, "So Delicious" Mocha Almond Fudge Minis (bars) from Turtle Mountain, LLC (Eugene, OR).

These cool treats on a wooden stick were good considering that they were almond "milk" based. They had elements of fudge ribbon sweetness, but weren't too sweet. I carefully ate each frozen mini, bite by bite, in the back yard, until I had to run inside and lean over the sink, to prevent shards of frosty chocolate coating from calving onto my shirt. (Just the way I remember eating similar frozen treats when I was young.)

These non-dairy frozen dessert bars were also gluten free, soy free and vegan. (The So Delicious line of products also included dairy-free ice cream and yogurt.)

ChocolateBet: January 16, 2009

Chocolate of the Day:

1 8 oz. serving (4 oz. hot + 4 oz. cold)
Blue Diamond
Almond Breeze - Chocolate
(Non-dairy beverage, made from almonds)
1.) Hot - Good
2.) Cold - Good +
Wt.: 8 fl oz. (240 mL)/ 32 fl. oz. (1 Qt)(946 mL) in entire carton
Calories: 120 calories in 8 oz. serving
Cost: $3.21 total
Purchased from: Safeway, Palo Alto, CA