The Organic House - Tomato Basil 70% Cacao Belize Maya Mountain (bar) - Sept. 6, 2026

Chocolate of The Day

The Organic House
Tomato Basil 70% Cacao Belize Maya Mountain (bar)
Good ++ 
Weight: 1.06 oz. (30 g.) / 1.94 oz. (55 g.) in total bar
Calories: 170 calories in 30 g. (1 serving) of bar
Cost: $14.00 for 1 bar
Purchased from: Chocolate Dispensary, online order 

Welcome to Day #9 of Chocolate and Savory Flavors Theme Week. 

Today's Tomato Basil 70% Cacao Belize Maya Mountain (bar) was from The Organic House (Burlington, ON, Canada). 

Aroma and flavor additions for this unique chocolate included: a harmonious blend of quality cacao from Belize (balanced, gentle complexity with very faint fruit notes); dried tomato (late summer sweet, ripe tomato bits). 

The Maya Mountain Cacao beans behind this chocolate enabled a tasty, balanced complexity. And the dark chocolate partnered well with the basil and tomato.

Texture: well-tempered, smooth, base dark chocolate that broke with a snap and had a satisfying melt and mouthfeel--accompanied by chewy bits of dried tomato.

After many spicy savory bars this week, I enjoyed this gently sweet and salty chocolate with subtle, fresh and authentic basil--a mint family member associated with savory dishes.

Maker's Tasting Notes: "Fresh basil ground into chocolate, with tiny pieces of sundried tomatoes"

Ingredients: "Organic cacao beans, Organic coconut flower nectar, Organic cacao butter, Sun-dried tomatoes, Organic basil, Organic sea salt."

Allergen-related information: Made in a facility that uses tree nuts. "May contain Almonds, Cashews, Hazelnuts, Oats, Pecans, Pistachios."

* Maya Mountain Cacao is a centralized fermentary located in Southern Belize that works with 350+ certified local cacao farmers and supplies craft chocolate makers like The Organic House with high-quality cacao.

 

Intrigue Chocolate - Basil; Orange & Fennel; Ginger & Molasses Truffles - Jan. 6, 2025

Chocolate(s) of the Day

Intrigue Chocolate Co.
1.) Basil Truffle - Good ++ 
2.) Orange & Fennel Truffle - Good ++
3.) Ginger & Molasses Truffle - Good ++ - Good +++

Weight: .944 oz. (26.7 g.) in 3 truffles / 4.09 oz. (116 g.) (estimate) in total box of 12 (13) truffles
Calories: 147 calories (estimate) for 3 truffles
Cost: $44.00 for 1 box of 12 (13) truffles
Purchased from: Intrigue Chocolate, online order

Welcome to Day #12 of Chocolate, Tea, Herb and Spice Week, featuring a range of bars, truffles, teas and flavored hot chocolates.

Today's three truffles were made and distributed by Intrigue Chocolate Co. (Seattle, WA). These individually-wrapped truffles were part of a 13-piece truffle assortment box. 

(I also enjoyed these with my own citrus, herb and spice tea that complemented these flavors.)

Aroma and flavor notes for the Basil Truffle included: chocolate (creamy, almost silken ganache) and faint green herb (basil).

Aroma and flavor notes for the Orange & Fennel Truffle included: chocolate (rich, creamy smooth ganache), fleeting savory (appealing mushroom jerky -- in aroma only); toasted fennel seed; and authentic citrus (orange). Light fennel lingered longest in the finish.

Aroma and flavor notes for the Ginger & Molasses Truffle included: creamy chocolate ganache, ground ginger spice, followed by appealing, authentic molasses that lightly lingered into the finish. 

I enjoyed the buttery smooth texture, the authentic and balanced flavors, and the choice of herbs and spices in the assortment box (of 13 truffles).

Ingredients: Chocolate (cocoa mass, sugar, cocoa butter, vanilla, soy lecithin), Cream (milk), flavors (as described in the truffle name).

Allergen-related information: Contains Milk. 

 

Moonstruck Chocolate - Black Cat Bar - Dark Chocolate + Dark Chocolate Strawberry & Basil (bars) - Nov. 1, 2024

Chocolate(s) of The Day 

Moonstruck Chocolate

Black Cat Bar - Dark Chocolate
Good + - Good ++
Weight: 1.06 oz. (30 g.) / 3.1 oz. (90 g.) in total bar
Calories: 180 calories in (approx.) 1/3 bar
Cost: $8.99 for 1 bar
Purchased from: The Market at Edgewood, Palo Alto, CA

Dark Chocolate Strawberry & Basil 
Good + - Good ++ 
Weight: 1.1 oz. (31 g.) / 3.25 oz. (92 g.) in total bar
Calories: 160 calories in (approx.) 1/3 bar
Cost: $8.99 for 1 bar
Purchased from: The Market at Edgewood, Palo Alto, CA 

Welcome to Day #5 of Chocolate and Mint Theme Week, featuring chocolates that contain a member of the very large mint family--that includes basil.

And in honor of Halloween Week (and the fact I tried a similar Strawberry & Basil bar from the same company many years ago), I added the Black Cat Bar to try along with its lightly basil-flavored chocolate sibling. 

Both were Moonstruck Chocolate bars from Portland, OR. (The Black Cat Bar was manufactured by CW Moonstruck LLC (Portland, OR); and the Strawberry and Basil bar was manufactured by Moonstruck Chocolate Co. in Portland, OR). Both were made with UTZ Certified Cocoa.*

Black Cat Bar - Dark Chocolate

Aroma and flavor notes for this smooth, attractive, (and I assume) seasonal chocolate included: roasted, smooth and chocolate-y dark chocolate (pudding, mousse), vanilla, and faint marshmallow.

I loved the simple but striking appearance of a dark (black) cat silhouetted against a full moon (white chocolate), and the light sparkling of stars (vanilla sugar crystals) in the dark chocolate sky and reflected in dark ground below.

Ingredients: "Dark Chocolate (Unsweetened Chocolate, Sugar, Cocoa Butter, Soy Lecithin, Natural Vanilla Flavor), White Chocolate (Sugar, Cocoa Butter, Whole Milk Powder, Nonfat Dry Milk, Butterfat, Soy Lecithin (An Emulsifier), Vanilla Extract), Vanilla Sugar (Cane Sugar, Vanilla Powder), Natural Toasted Marshmallow Flavor Extract (Vegetable Glycerin, Natural Flavor)."

Allergen-related information: "Allergens: Milk, Soy."

Dark Chocolate Strawberry Basil bar

Aroma and flavor notes included: chocolate, warm spices (clove, cinnamon), and refreshing, tart-sweet fruit (red berry). 

The basil was fleeting and faint, but the tiny green pieces were an attractive, colorful complement to the red strawberry bits on the dark chocolate. I was a little confused by the faint warm spices; but 'tis the season.

Ingredients: "Semisweet Chocolate (Unsweetened chocolate, sugar, cocoa butter, cocoa powder, soy lecithin, vanilla extract.) Basil Herb Sugar (sugar crystals, basil), Freeze Dried Strawberries."

Allergen-related information: "Manufactured on shared equipment. May contain traces of milk, wheat, soy, peanuts, sesame and tree nuts"

*The UTZ Certification program is now part of Rainforest Alliance. Both stress values such as sustainability, fair wages for farmers and training for farmers, and require that certain standards are met for certification. Farms and companies are audited by independent organizations.

Intrigue Chocolate - Basil Truffle Bar - Oct. 28, 2024

Chocolate of the Day

Intrigue Chocolate Co.
Basil Truffle Bar  
Good ++
Weight: 2.5 oz. (70.7 g.) in 1 bar
Calories: 388 calories (estimate) in 1 bar
Cost: $14.00 for 1 truffle bar + shipping
Purchased from: Intrigue Chocolate, online order

Welcome to Day #1 of Chocolate and Mint Family Theme Week. The extensive mint family* includes not only peppermint and spearmint, but also rosemary, basil, sage, oregano, thyme, lavender, lemon balm and others. 

Today's Basil Truffle Bar was from Intrigue Chocolate Co. (Seattle, WA). The company offers a variety of chocolates (bars and confections) with interesting flavor inclusions.

Aroma and flavor notes for today's basil-infused chocolate included: dark chocolate (chocolate torte, ganache), subtle and savory basil, and very faint vanilla cookie.

This truffle bar had a smooth, creamy, buttery, truffle-like texture.

Flavor notes included: dark chocolate (rich, creamy dark chocolate truffle ganache) and subtle basil (a plant my brain associates more with savory dishes (pasta dishes and pizzas), and that lacks the (sometimes overly) sweet toothpaste-like sparkle that mint confections/candy can have). 

This cocoa-hued truffle bar was about the size of a small stick of butter; it was dusted in cocoa powder and had authentic soft/creamy truffle texture and flavor. 

The price ($14 USD) may seem high, but this small but mighty bar was the equivalent of 4-5 large, high-quality truffles; and if you eat the whole bar you may feel quite full.

This bar can easily be sliced into (thin or thick) chocolate truffle slices (with a knife or a butter or cheese slicer) and shared with others as a dessert by itself, or as part of a chocolate tasting, flight or pairing (with wine, spirits or cheese). It contains real cream and refrigeration and timely consumption is encouraged.

Note: I enjoy trying chocolates that are on the savory side, and Intrigue Chocolate also makes a Parmesan (cheese) truffle that would make for an interesting pairing with this basil Truffle bar. (A tomato truffle if you can find or make one might make an interesting trio.) 

I appreciated the authentic basil flavor in today's chocolate, and it wasn't overly sweet (thank you!).

Ingredients: Chocolate (cocoa mass, sugar, cocoa butter, vanilla, soy lecithin), Cream (milk), flavors (basil) 

Allergen-related information: Contains milk, soy. 

*The mint family (Lamiaceae) contains approximately 7,000 species across more than 230 genera.

La Belge Chocolatier - Dark Chocolate Lavender Basil Black Currant (bar) - May 23, 2023

Chocolate of the Day

Le Belge Chocolatier
Dark Chocolate Lavender Basil Black Currant (bar)
Good ++
Weight: 1.5 oz. (42.5 g.) / 3 oz. (85 g.) in total bar
Calories: 220 calories in 1/2 bar
Cost: $9.00 for 1 bar
Purchased from: Mercantile shop at Cavallo Point, Sausalito, CA 

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

Today's Dark Chocolate Lavender Basil Black Currant (bar) was from La Belge Chocolatier, a "Napa Valley Chocolate Company" in northern California.

Aroma notes included: dark chocolate and dark berry (black raspberry, black currant, deep black cherry), and a diffuse, refreshing blend of floral and herbal notes. 

Flavor notes included: smooth, sweet, dark chocolate, with rich black currant flavor, subtle floral (lavender and vanilla) and tiny, crunchy sparkles of herb crystal basil--green-tinged sugar crystals with crushed basil.

This was a very enjoyable bar to eat. The dark chocolate was a bit on the sweet side. However, the harmonious blend of flavor inclusions (that would be tasty in a variety of desserts and beverages) infused this chocolate with an enjoyable, upbeat complexity, and helped balance the sweetness.

Ingredients: Dark chocolate (cocoa mass, sugar, cocoa butter, soy lecithin [emulsifier], and natural vanilla extract), herb crystal basil, natural black currant extract, and natural lavender flavor. 

Allergen-related information: Contains soy. May contain milk, wheat, peanuts, and tree nuts. Kosher Dairy.

 

Chamisa Chocolate - Strawberry Basil bar - Jan. 25, 2021

Chocolate of the Day

Chamisa Chocolate
Strawberry Basil bar
Good + - Good ++
Weight: 1 oz. (30 g.) / 2 oz. (60 g.) in total bar
Calories: 155 calories (estimate) in 1/2 bar
Cost: $10.00 for 1 bar
Purchased from: Chamisa Chocolate, online order

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

Today's Strawberry Basil bar was created by Amanda Hatherly at Chamisa Chocolate (Santa Fe, NM).

Amanda's organic, rich, dark sweet chocolate (65% cacao) bar sparkled with bright, fresh summer flavors: tart-sweet strawberry and authentic fresh basil. (I also caught a barely detectable whiff of very faint roasted coffee in the initial aroma.) The finish was light and lingering with sweet chocolate, red berry and subtle herbal (basil) notes.

This chocolate was the perfect antidote for a blustery, cold day in January.

The scent of basil did create a bit of a brain surprise when I took the first bite of chocolate. My palette/brain was anticipating a savory Mediterranean dish with tomato sauce and cheese, or a savory basil fruit salad...since this herb is rarely used in sweet dishes. A pity really. 

Basil is a member of the mint family. And while it's possible to use sweet* basil to make basil chocolate chip ice cream, lemon and basil sorbet, or sweet basil tea--most of us are so used to peppermint (and more occasionally spearmint) being wedded to sweet items that basil blended with sugar and chocolate may take some getting used to. (Peppermint also has a stronger mint (menthol) punch per bunch, making it a potentially less expensive flavoring in large scale production.)

Ingredients: Organic cacao beans, organic sugar, organic cacao butter, organic strawberries, organic basil.

*There are many types of basil, including Thai, Lemon, Greek and Cinnamon--each with their own flavor nuances--but the most common variety found in U.S. grocery stores is "sweet" basil (Ocimum basilicum) or cultivars of this common basil, such as Genovese basil (Ocimum basilicum 'Genovese'). 

Raaka Chocolate - Strawberry Basil Dominican Republic bar - April 12, 2017

Chocolate of the Day:

Raaka Chocolate
Limited Batch Strawberry Basil Dominican Republic bar
Good
Weight: .6 oz. (16.9 g.) / 1.8 oz. (50.9 g.) in total bar
Calories: 86.4 calories in 1/3 bar
Cost: $9.95 (estimate) for 1 bar
Purchased from: Raaka Chocolate (online order)

Welcome to the first day (Day #1) of Chocolate and Dominican Republic Theme Week.

Today's Limited Batch Strawberry Basil Dominican Republic bar was crafted by Raaka Chocolate (Brooklyn, NY), a maker of "virgin" chocolate made of un-roasted cacao.

This unique, pleasantly aromatic dark bar was part of the company's "Best of First Nibs" Limited Batch collection of bars and was wrapped and molded with compelling Raaka graphic style.*

The organic, gluten-free and kosher single origin dark chocolate (made from Zorzal Cacao, Reserva Zorzal, Dominican Republic) tasted darker than 67 percent.

The bar had a slightly earthy-roasted coffee flavor with tart strawberry (sweet-sour berry) notes, and a very slight granular texture The basil was infused into the cocoa butter and was difficult to identify, but added a light herbal touch.

*I'm not sure who does the graphic design for Raaka graphic bars, but we're fans.

Foxy's Pash - Wild Berry and Chocolate, with Basil - Aug. 22, 2015

Chocolate of the Day: 

Foxy's Pash
Sneaky Pash - Wild Berry and Chocolate Flakes frozen yogurt
Good
Weight: 1/2 cup (67 g.) / 1 pint (473 mL) in 1 container
Calories: 110 calories in 1/2 cup serving
Cost: $2.49 for 1 pint container
Purchased from: Grocery Outlet Bargain Market, Palo Alto, CA

Today was Day #3 of Chocolate and Mint Theme Week.

The Lamiaceae family encompasses a large family of flowering, aromatic mint plants, including spearmint and peppermint, as well as herbs like basil, rosemary, sage and lavender.

Basil is found more in savory dishes than sweet desserts; however it can provide a great flavor accent in (or atop) sorbets and fruit-flavored ice creams. And, like most members of the mint family, it harmonizes well with chocolate. A few tiny, fresh basil leaves helped balanced out the sweetness of today's frozen Wild Berry frozen yogurt.

This Sneaky Pash Wild Berry and Chocolate Flakes frozen yogurt was from Foxy's Pash (Ventura, CA). Foxy's packaging featured fun -- black and white photos of cheery people, reminiscent of 1950's product advertisements. And these happy, slightly frisky snaps were framed with pleasing pastel colored graphics.

Chocolate Maya - Basil chocolate - July 29, 2015

Chocolate of the Day:

Chocolate Maya
Basil chocolate
Good ++
Weight: .4 oz. (11.32 g.) (estimate) for 1 piece
Calories: 60 calories (estimate) for 1 piece
Cost: $2.00 (estimate) for 1 piece
Purchased from: Chocolate Maya, Santa Barbara, CA

Today was Day #8 of Chocolate and Santa Barbara Theme Week.

I love flowers and herbs in filled chocolates, truffles and bonbons. So I was interested in trying this basil-flavored filled chocolate (adorned with a dark and white colored patterned stencil) from Chocolate Maya (Santa Barbara, CA).

Chocolate and mint is a popular combination. And basil is a member of the very large mint family. Both the chocolate and the basil-almost-mint herbal flavoring in the smooth ganache (filling) complemented each other nicely and the flavors were refreshingly natural and authentic.

Today's piece was one of several interesting, unique and carefully crafted filled chocolates packed into a relatively small Santa Barbara-based shop that also contained a great selection of chocolate bars from around the globe.

Moonstruck - Strawberries and Basil Sugar bar - July 3, 2015

Chocolate of the Day:

Moonstruck Chocolate Co.
Strawberries and Basil Sugar bark bar
Good ++ - Very Good
Weight: 1 oz. (28.3 g.) / 3.10 oz. (88 g.) in total bar
Calories: 150 calories (estimate) in 1 oz. (28.3 g.) piece of bar
Cost: $9.99 for 1 bar
Purchased from: Piazza's Fine Foods, Palo Alto, CA

Today was Day #10 of Chocolate and Botanicals Theme Week. I can't seem to get enough of this theme week that's been filled with examples of fruit, flowers and herb combinations with chocolate.

When I saw today's, visually stunning Strawberries and Basil Sugar bark bar from Moonstruck Chocolate Co. (Portland, OR) at a local supermarket, I knew I'd be hanging out in botanical land for a few days longer.

The carefully arranged topping of rose-colored, freeze-dried strawberry slices and green basil-infused sugar crystals looked, at first glance, like dried peas and carrots, but not so! This unique and flavorful fruit and herb combination atop a base of dark chocolate was great for savoring and enjoying after dinner this evening.

ChocolateBet: March 10, 2011

Chocolate of the Day:
1 piece
Tropical Chocolate Company
Meyer Lemon Basil
Good+ - Very Good
Weight: .4 oz. (11.3 g.)
Calories: 58 calories
Cost: N/A - gift
Purchased from: N/A - gift (thank you Alec, Ardis)

Today was Day #4 of Chocolate and Mint Theme Week.  So, you may be wondering about today's Meyer Lemon Basil chocolate choice. Here's where "Actually Man"* jumps in...

Actually, Basil is a member of the very large mint family. (Also part of the mint family: sage, marjoram, oregano, and many other plants that might also be considered cooking herbs.)

Regardless of basil's place in mint botanical correctness, I really liked this chocolate made from Meyer lemon(s) from Arroyo Grande, Organic basil from Paso Robles, and dark chocolate (65%) ganache. The Meyer Lemon and basil flavors were both distinct and nicely balanced. My only crime here: I waited too long to eat this. I'm sure this chocolate would have been even better fresh off the tray. I look forward to the next time I'm in San Luis Obispo (Central Coast area of California); I will drop by Tropical Chocolate's shop to re-sample this chocolate and others.

*Actually Man is a little character we made up at a family dinner recently. Sometimes we're so stuffed with knowledge on a given topic, we just have to share. All of us have the potential to transform into Actually Man (or Woman). I imagine this character being about two-feet tall, having a little asterisk on it's blue and yellow superhero costume, and maybe wearing glasses.