Rhyme & Reason Chocolate Co. - Coffee Toffee Crunch (bar) - May 30, 2026

Chocolate of the Day

Rhyme & Reason Chocolate Co.
Coffee Toffee Crunch Milk Chocolate 42% (bar)
Good ++ 
Weight: 1.76 oz. (50 g.) in total bar
Calories: 350 calories in 1 bar
Cost: $10.00 for 1 bar
Purchased from: Bar & Cocoa, online order 

Welcome to Day #18 of Chocolate & Coffee Theme Week.

Today's Coffee Toffee Crunch Milk Chocolate 42% cacao (bar) was handcrafted in small batches by Rhyme & Reason Chocolate Company LLC (Greensboro, NC).

Aroma notes included: attractive, aromatic mocha and brown sugar and butter toffee

Texture: relatively smooth blend of dark milk chocolate, coffee and almost fully incorporated tiny, buttery toffee bits

Flavor notes included: smooth dark chocolate and relatively rich, smooth specialty coffee, accented with authentic buttery toffee bits. This bar had a sweet, politely robust coffee and dark milk chocolate finish.

Many toffee bars teeter on the edge of candy; this one (happily for me, a dark chocolate lover) did not. This had the flavor complexity and depth I dream of in a chocolate toffee offering. 

I appreciated the short list of quality ingredients and lack of additives. And the fact that cocoa beans were the number one ingredient (and not sugar). Thank you to Elizabeth Tully, founder and chief chocolate maker at Rhyme & Reason for a bar that both dark and milk chocolate lovers can appreciate.

Ingredients: Cocoa Beans, Organic Cane Sugar, Full Cream Milk Powder, Cocoa Butter, Coffee Beans, Toffee (cane sugar, butter)

Allergen-related information: Contains Milk. Made in a facility which also handles peanuts and tree nuts

 

Dude, Sweet Chocolate - Praline Chocolate Bar crunchy hazelnut caramel - March 18, 2027

Chocolate of the Day 

Dude, Sweet Chocolate
Praline Chocolate Bar crunchy hazelnut caramel
Good ++
Weight: .78 oz. (22 g.) / 1.55 oz. (44 g.) in total bar
Calories: 121 calories (estimate) in 1/2 bar
Cost: $7.00 for 1 bar
Purchased from: Dude, Sweet Chocolate, online order

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

Today's Praline Chocolate Bar crunchy hazelnut caramel was created by Dude, Sweet Chocolate (Dallas, TX).

Prominent aroma notes included: bold, dark, roasted (not quite smoky, almost coffee) cacao and toasted nuts.

Texture: This relatively thick dark bar had layered textures: smooth, bold dark chocolate and an embedded riot of crunchy toffee-like sugar and hazelnut bits.

Flavor notes included: bold, roasty dark chocolate (tasted more like 70%-72% than 62% cacao) with a uniform field of sugared hazelnut sparkly bits.

I loved the bolder dark chocolate flavors and the well-executed layered textures. Not too sweet (thank you!) and not too bitter either (at least for my taste). Not too moreish.* (One ounce (28 g.) was hearty and very satisfying.) This praline dark bar scored well into the Goldilocks zone for this dark fan.

Ingredients: Republica 62% chocolate (sugar, cocoa butter, whole milk powder, cocoa liquor from Peru, natural vanilla extract).

Allergen-related information: Tree Nuts, (Hazelnut); dairy. (According to chief chocolatier Katherine: the milk powder in the ingredients list (above) is a small amount used in the caramelization process. I could not taste the milk myself.)

*Moreish is an informal adjective used to describe foods (typically with a certain balance of sugar, fat and salt) that may trigger the desire to to eat more and more of something; even if it's not the best thing you ever have tasted. (I'm looking at you potato chips, certain ice creams, and some salted milk chocolates.) 

Theo and Philo - Mango and Coconut Chocolate Crunch - Sept. 27, 2022

Chocolate of the Day

Theo and Philo 

Mango and Coconut Chocolate Crunch 

Good ++

Weight: .848 oz. (24 g.) / 5.3 oz. (150 g.) in total container

Calories: 128 calories in 1 serving (3 pieces)

Cost: $13.00 for 1 container

Purchased from: Bar and Cocoa, online order

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

Today's Mango and Coconut Chocolate Crunch was created by Theo and Philo Chocolate Factory Inc. (San Juan, Metro Manila, Philippines).

Aroma notes for these chocolate confections included: toasted coconut, macaroon, chocolate, fresh sweet green and very faint sweet fruit. 

These two-bite sized, petite chocolate macaroon-like haystack scooped confections were light and crunchy. The small bits of different textures all played nicely together; and the rice crispies added textural interest and an airiness to these treats.

Texturally, this was a complex blend of chewy toasted coconut flakes, crunchy rice crispies, tender dried mango bits, and smooth dark chocolate. 

All these flavors were balanced and harmonized well--offering a pleasant, not too sweet (thank you) treat. These small snacks were not quick cookies, not quite confections. They were a welcome, high-end relative of small coconut macaroons, with a Philippine twist.

Ingredients: 65% dark chocolate (cacao beans, sugar, cocoa butter), desiccated coconut, dried mango, and rice crispies. (Cacao origin: Philippines)

Allergen-related information: "Processed in a facility that also processes peanuts and other tree nuts."

Crunchies - Freeze-Dried Blueberries in Dark Chocolate - June 9, 2022

Chocolate of the Day

Distributed by Crunchies Natural Food Company, LLC

Freeze-Dried Blueberries in Dark Chocolate

Good + - Good ++

Weight: 2.12 oz. (60 g.) / 5 oz. (142 g.) in total package

Calories: 280 calories in 2 servings

Cost: $3.99 for 1 package

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

Welcome to Day #16 of Chocolate and Fruit Theme Week.

Today's Freeze-Dried Blueberries in Dark Chocolate were distributed by Crunchies Natural Food Company, LLC (Calabasas, CA).

The company offers a line of crunchy freeze-dried fruits, including some that are chocolate-coated (strawberry, banana and today's blueberry).

Aroma notes for these petite, glossy, dark chocolate orbs included: unmistakable blueberry fruit, ripe, dark berry preserves and subtle dark chocolate notes.

The light, crunchy, freeze-dried blueberries at the center of these chocolate confections were bursting with a range of fresh blueberry fruit flavor notes: sweet, ripe and tangy blueberry fruit, blueberry syrup or jam, slightly floral, slightly earthy blueberry, and ripe blackberry. The entire blueberry flavor rainbow was perfectly captured, then sealed in a dark chocolate time capsule. A testament to the miracle of freeze-drying when done right.

I really enjoyed the pairing of dark berry and dark chocolate. The deeper, richer and more flavorful ingredients balanced the sweetness nicely. A hint of vanilla (and "natural flavor") evoked distant taste memories of freshly baked blueberry pancakes with blueberry syrup, and blueberry muffins.

Ingredients: Dark chocolate (unsweetened chocolate, sugar, cocoa butter, soy lecithin (emulsifier), whole milk powder, natural vanilla extract), freeze-dried blueberries, confectioners glaze, gum arabic, natural flavor.

Allergen-related information: "Contains milk, soy" "May contain eggs, peanuts, tree nuts, wheat" 

Crunchies Natural Foods - Freeze-Dried Bananas in Milk Chocolate - May 30, 2022

Chocolate of the Day

Distributed by Crunchies Natural Food Company, LLC

Freeze-Dried Bananas in Milk Chocolate

Good +

Weight: 2.12 oz. (60 g.) / 5 oz. (142 g.) in total package

Calories: 280 calories in 2 servings

Cost: $3.99 for 1 package

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

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

Today's Freeze-Dried Bananas in Milk Chocolate were distributed by Crunchies Natural Food Company, LLC (Calabasas, CA).

These glossy, milk chocolate covered pieces had an aroma with mild milk chocolate and faint fruit (banana milkshake) notes.

The authentic, light (almost airy) and crunchy banana slices that lay at the center of these chocolate confections were a cause for celebration. The company offers a line of crunchy freeze-dried fruits, including some that are chocolate-coated (strawberry, banana and blueberry).

The smooth creamy and fairly sweet milk chocolate (coating) was the metaphorical "icing on the cake." These pieces also had an addictive snack quality (real milk chocolate with whole milk powder will do that to me sometimes). So if you're overly hungry or craving something sweet, you may eat more than you planned.

Ingredients: Milk chocolate (sugar, whole milk powder, unsweetened chocolate, cocoa butter, soy lecithin (emulsifier), natural vanilla extract), freeze-dried banana, confectioners glaze, gum arabic.

Allergen-related information: "Contains milk, soy" "May contain eggs, peanuts, tree nuts, wheat"

LetterPress Chocolate - Amaranth Crunch - Ashanti Ghana 70% Dark Chocolate (bar) - Sept. 28, 2021

Chocolate of the Day

LetterPress Chocolate LLC
Amaranth Crunch - Ashanti Ghana 70% Dark Chocolate (bar)
Good ++
Weight: 1 oz. (28.3 g.) / 2 oz. (57 g.) in total bar
Calories: 155 calories (estimate) in 1/2 bar
Cost: $10.00 (+ summer shipping) for 1 bar
Purchased from: Bar and Cocoa, online order

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

Today's Amaranth Crunch 70% Dark Chocolate (bar)--made with Ashanti Ghana 70% Dark Chocolate, Puffed Amaranth + Sea Salt--was crafted by LetterPress Chocolate LLC (Los Angeles, CA).

The aroma notes for this bar were subtle and sweet including (in order of appearance) faint fruit (berry jam), dark chocolate cereal, very faint fleeting oxalis (tart lemony greens, sour grass, wood sorrel), dark chocolate again with faint, fleeting brown sugar/molasses.

Flavor notes included: sweet, dark chocolate, light cereal grain with a roasted, balanced bitterness, and brownie--especially in the second half of tasting.

Maker's tasting notes: toasty chocolatey crunch

Ingredients: Cacao beans, organic unrefined cane sugar, organic cocoa butter, organic puffed amaranth, sea salt.

Allergen-related information: Processed in a facility that also processes nuts and dairy. Pareve. 

Taza Chocolate - 80% Cacao Crunch bar + Nicaragua Rosquillas cookies - Apr. 3, 2021

Chocolate(s) of the Day

Taza Chocolate
80% Cacao Crunch Organic Dark Chocolate (bar)
Good +
Weight: 1.25 oz. (35 g.) / 2.5 oz. (70 g.) in total bar
Calories: 200 calories in 1/2 bar
Cost: $1.99 for 1 bar
Purchased from: Grocery Outlet Bargain Market, Palo Alto, CA

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

Today's featured 80% Cacao Crunch Organic Dark Chocolate (bar) was from Taza Chocolate (Somerville, MA).

This ultra-dark bar was made from cacao from an unknown origin(s). (The country (ies) of origin were not on the label.) However, it was a perfect pairing with the Nicaraguan Rosquillas cookies I made today. (More on these cookies below.) 

This Taza Chocolate bar was everything these cookies were not (except both were crunchy). The chocolate had a deep, dark roasted (yet not roasted),* green aroma. It conjured the feeling of being in a cool, green forest, with almost (but not quite) a mint/menthol note. It was, refreshingly, un-sweet (thank you!).

The even, stone-ground dark chocolate flavor also had depth (with a faint umami hint of leather). Embedded throughout the chocolate was a tiny riot of crispy, crunchy, puffed quinoa particles. 

Nicaraguan Rosquillas, chocolate cookies

Today's effortlessly light, crunchy shortbread style cookies were made using masa harina (finely ground corn flour). These relatively airy but substantial cookies were good with coffee, but could be enjoyed anytime. They were delicious and gluten-free. I made two different kinds. 

The first batch had "flower" petal-shaped indentations around the edges, with small mounds of panela (unrefined brown sugar) in the centers. 

And the second batch was made with an egg (making these cookies a bit lighter and fluffier) and these had Nicaraguan chocolate centers. 

I'm now a fan of rosquillas. They can be made slightly less sweet. (I used less sugar than most of the online recipes I found called for; and that did not seem to make a difference in the outcome.)

Taza Chocolate Ingredients: "Organic cacao beans, organic cane sugar, organic puffed quinoa, organic cocoa butter, organic vanilla beans."

*It's possible to have a blend of different roasted batches, each with a different flavor profile.

If makers heavily roast all their cacao, they run the risk of losing more subtle green and floral notes. (Occasionally more roasting time is used to lose objectionable flavors in lesser quality cacao.) However, if cacao beans are under-roasted, makers may miss out on some of the flavor development that comes with roasting. Some makers mix different roast batches to try to capture the best of both worlds. 

The best chocolate makers create several test roast batches to optimize roast settings/times for a given lot of cacao. Each cacao origin/variety may have different percentages of fat, moisture and various flavor attributes.

TCHO - Pretzel Crunch Dark Milk Chocolate with Pretzel and Sea Salt (bar) - Oct. 6, 2019

Chocolate of the Day: 

TCHO
Pretzel Crunch - Dark Milk Chocolate with Pretzel and Sea Salt 54% Cacao (bar)
Good +
Weight: 1.25 oz. (35 g.) / 2.5 oz. (70 g.) in total bar
Calories: 200 calories in 1/2 bar
Cost: $5.95 for 1 bar
Purchased from: SweetE Organic, Mill Valley, CA

Welcome to Day #4 of Chocolate Salt and Savory Theme Week.

Today's Pretzel Crunch Dark Milk Chocolate 54% Cacao (bar) was from TCHO (Berkeley, CA).

The bar embraced the seductive blend of dark milk chocolate and salt that offered sweet creaminess and savory crunch. Gluten free pretzel pieces contributed the soft crunchy texture and satisfying salt and carb content.

Thank you to Hannah at SweetE Organic for your great assistance/counter help—and in letting me know that this bar was gluten free.

Copyright 2019. Unauthorized use of the text and/or images from this site, www.ChocolateBanquet.com, is a copyright violation.

Primordial Chocolate - 70% Cacao Salted Maca Crunch bar - June 29, 2019

Chocolate of the Day: 

Primordial Chocolate
(Distributed by Fungi Perfecti, LLC)
70% Cacao Salted Maca Crunch bar
Weight: 1.4 oz. (40 g.) in total bar
Calories: 230 calories in 1 bar
Cost: $4.99 for 1 bar
Purchased from: Country Sun Natural Foods, Palo Alto, CA

Welcome to Day #5 of Chocolate and Peruvian Superfoods Theme Week.

Today's Primordial Chocolate 70% Cacao Salted Maca Crunch bar was distributed by Fungi Perfecti, LLC (Olympia, WA).

This bar had a slightly woodsy, chocolate aroma with a fleeting hint of coconut sugar.

The bar contained chocolate, cacao nibs, maca root and a blend of mushrooms/fungi: including: Lions Mane Mycelium, Reishi Mycelium, Cordyceps Mycelium, Chaga Mycelium; and Myceliated Brown Rice. A subtle touch of Peruvian Pink Salt rounded out this not-too-sweet (thank you!) bar.

A generous helping of cacao nibs gave the bar the "Crunch" that appeared in the title.

*Mycelium has to do with this little white/beige threads that eventually produce mushrooms (the "fruiting body"). Yes, this does make one wrinkle the nose a bit, and perhaps it's better not to know, as the chocolate tasted fun.

Natural Nectar - ChocoDream Organic Cocoa Rice Stix - Mar. 20, 2019

Chocolate of the Day: 

Natural Nectar
ChocoDream - Organic Cocoa Rice Stix - Coconut cream filled
Good +
Weight: .88 oz. (25 g.) / 4.4 oz. (125 g.) in total box of 5 packets
Calories: 130 calories in 1 packet (2 pieces/stix)
Cost: $4.49 for 1 box of 5 packets
Purchased from: Whole Foods Market, Los Altos, CA

Welcome to Day #1 of Chocolate, Grasses and Grains Theme Week.

Today's ChocoDream - Organic Cocoa Rice Stix - Coconut cream filled packaged snacks were made in Italy and distributed by Natural Nectar (Huntington, NY).

Why incorporate starch from rice, corn, millet, quinoa, oats, grains, pseudo-cereals, and other grains and root vegetables into a chocolate item? Chocolate can certainly perk up grains. And starches and grains can add crispy texture, e.g. to an oatmeal or quinoa chocolate chip cookie, or to today's organic crunchy rice treats.

Chocolate purists may not agree, but this week we're sampling chocolates with a bit of starch added.

Today's box* of light, sweet, crunchy cocoa flavored** tube-shaped sticks were filled with creamy coconut resulted in an addictive combination—as tasty as any cookie out there (if you like a bit of coconut). And they were gluten free, vegan and organic.

*This box of 5 individually-wrapped packets contained two pieces in each packet.
**Ingredients: organic cane sugar, organic rice flour, organic grated coconut,  organic sunflower oil, organic coconut oil, organic low-fat cocoa powder, organic quinoa flour, organic millet flour, salt.

Chuao Chocolatier - ooh aah almond - Crunchy whole almonds bar - Jan. 3, 2019

Chocolate of the Day: 

Chuao Chocolatier

ooh aah almond - Crunchy whole almonds bar 

Good

Weight: 1.4 oz. (40 g.) / 2.8 oz. (80 g.) in total bar

Calories: 220 calories in 1/2 bar

Cost: $5.99 for 1 bar

Purchased from: Piazza's Fine Foods, Palo Alto, CA 

Welcome to the last day (Day #9) of Crunchy Chocolate Theme Week.

This morning's ooh aah almond - Crunchy whole almonds...bar was from Chuao Chocolatier (Carlsbad, CA).

Everything about this bar was crunchy. Each bite broke off with a crunchy snap and the whole almonds kettle cooked in sugar and sea salt were crunchy. The packaging was fun. If you have a sweets craving with some flavor, this might be your bar.

The 60% dark chocolate bar was on the sweeter side. If you prefer a bolder chocolate and/or more unadulterated nut experience, you might favor a darker bar with less sugar. 

free2b - Chocolate Crunch - Chocolate and Crisply Rice bar - Jan. 2, 2019

Chocolate of the Day:

free2b Foods

Chocolate Crunch - Chocolate and Crispy Rice bar

Good

Weight: 1 oz. (28.3 g.) / 2 oz. (57 g.) in total bar

Calories: 145 calories in 1/2 bar

Cost: $3.99 for 1 bar

Purchased from: Piazza's Fine Foods, Palo Alto, CA

Welcome to Day #8 of Crunchy Chocolate Theme Week. This deluxe "week" started in Dec. 2018 and has continued into 2019.*

This Chocolate Crunch - Chocolate and Crispy Rice bar from free2b Foods (Boulder, CO) was free of several common allergens, including nuts, dairy, gluten and soy, and was made in a dedicated facility, and was Non-GMO Project Verified.

The thick, segmented chocolate bar broke with a hard snap and had a fairly authentic sweet milk chocolate flavor. It was full of crisp rice which added a crunchy texture.

* Chocolate Banquet bends the laws of time, space and common space once again. Chocolate themed weeks frequently exceed a conventional 7-day week period.

Lily's - Double Chocolate Crunch bar - Dec. 31, 2018

Chocolate of the Day: 

Lily's
Double Chocolate Crunch bar
Good
Weight: 1 oz. (28 g.) in total bar
Calories: 110 calories in 1 bar
Cost: $1.99 for 1 bar
Purchased from: Sprouts Farmers Marketing, Mountain View, CA

Welcome to Day #6 of Crunchy Chocolate Week.

Today's Double Chocolate Crunch bar was distributed by Lily's Sweets, LLC (King of Prussia, PA).

The crunch in this bar was supplied by crisped brown rice and the texture was a hearty mix of creamy and crunchy. Tiny chocolate chips were embedded in this bar as well.

This Non-GMO, certified gluten free 40% chocolate bar was sweetened with stevia and brown rice syrup.

Primal Chocolate Crunchy Caramel 85% bar - Dec. 30, 2018

Chocolate of the Day: 

Eating Evolved

Primal Chocolate Crunchy Caramel with Organic Coconut Sugar 85% Cacao (bar)

Good

Weight: 1.25 oz. (35 g.) / 2.5 oz. (70 g.) in total bar

Calories: 140 calories in 1 oz. (28.3 g.) (1 serving) of bar

Cost: $4.49 (estimate) for 1 bar

Purchased from: Whole Foods Market, Los Altos, CA

Welcome to Day #5 of Crunchy Chocolate Theme Week.

The Primal Chocolate Crunchy Caramel with Organic Coconut Sugar 85% Cacao (bar) was made by Eating Evolved (Setauket, NY). The company offers a line of Primal Chocolate bars, Coconut Butter cups, as well as customized chocolate bars.

Today's dairy and soy free, paleo, vegan, 4-ingredient, organic bar delivered a high-percentage (85%) cacao experience, with a very light touch of coconut and maple sugar sweetness and crunch.

Ingredients: organic cacao, organic coconut sugar, organic cacao butter, organic maple syrup

Loving Earth Organic Dark Mint Bar with Crunchy Raw Cacao Nibs - Dec. 29, 2018

Chocolate of the Day:

Loving Earth
Organic Dark Mint Bar - Vegan Chocolate Truffle with Peppermint Essential Oil and Crunchy Raw Cacao Nibs
Good
Weight: 1.25 oz. (35 g.) / 2.5 oz. (70 g.) in total bar
Calories: 200 calories in 1/2 bar
Cost: $2.99 for 1 bar
Purchased from: Grocery Outlet Bargain Market, Palo Alto, CA

Welcome to Day #4 of Crunchy Chocolate Theme Week.

Today's Organic Dark Mint Bar was from Loving Earth* and "Made in Australia from Imported Ingredients." The organic cacao was sourced from Peru.

This 72% dark, gluten, dairy and cane sugar free bar had a soft crunch (nibs) and slightly soft, cocoa butter melt and mouthfeel. (Today's chocolate-powered, winter walk took place on a sunny, cold day, and cold can influence texture.)

The chocolate (made with raw cacao butter and nibs) like most raw chocolates was smooth in flavor, without fully highly developed acidity or roasted flavors.

Ingredients: organic cacao (72%), organic virgin cacao butter, organic cacao powder, organic raw cacao nibs, organic raw agave nectar, organic peppermint essential oil (less than 1%)

*It appears that Loving Earth is based in Upper St. Clair, PA; and the chocolate is made in Melbourne, Australia.

barkThins - Dark Chocolate Blueberry with Quinoa Crunch - Dec. 28, 2018

Chocolate of the Day: 

Ripple Brand Collective, LLC

barkThins 

Dark Chocolate Blueberry with Quinoa Crunch

Good +

Weight: 1.4 oz. (40g.) / 4.7 oz. (133 g.) in total package

Calories: 190 calories in 1 serving

Cost: $4.99 for 1 package

Purchased from: Piazza's Fine Foods, Palo Alto, CA

Welcome to Day #3 of Crunchy Chocolate Theme Week.

Today's Dark Chocolate barkThins were made for Ripple Brand Collective, LLC (New York, New York), which is owned by The Hershey Company (Hershey, PA).

These Blueberry with Quinoa Crunch barkThins were similar to other flavors from the barkThins family. The package held a generous amount of chocolate "bark" pieces containing a flavor inclusion.

Yesterday's dark mint barkThins pieces were peppered with peppermint candy. Today's barkThins contained fruit (sweetened blueberries) and gained added crunch from glazed quinoa bits. It was a balanced, satisfying flavor blend.

Chuao Chocolatier - For the Love of Peppermint (bar) - Dec. 26, 2018

Chocolate of the Day: 

Chuao Chocolatier

for the love of Peppermint (bar)

Good

Weight: 1.4 oz. (40 g.) / 2.8 oz. (80 g.) in total bar

Calories: 180 calories in 1/2 bar

Cost: $ missing information

Purchased from: REI, Mountain View, CA

Happy Holidays, and welcome to Day #1 of Crunchy Chocolate Theme Week.

Today's "For the Love of Peppermint" (bar) was from Chuao Chocolatier (Carlsbad, CA). The company was co-founded by two Venezuelan brothers in 2002. 

This chocolate bar was one of at least three holiday-themed bars the company has offered this season. Today's bar was the company's "ode to the wonder and glee of the season...dark chocolate...mixed with crushed candy canes..."

When opening the package for this bar, the aroma of cooling peppermint wafted out. This peppermint was a prominent part of the tasting experience. The slightly bold dark chocolate took a back seat to the sweet but powerful mint candy. The bar offered a refreshing, wake-up, holiday experience. And the candy cane bits did add crunchy texture to the otherwise smooth dark chocolate.

Loving Earth - Berry Crunch Hazelnut Mylk bar - Sept. 5, 2018

Chocolate of the Day: 

Loving Earth Inc.
Organic Bean to Bar - Berry Crunch Hazelnut Mylk bar
Good
Weight: 1.25 oz. (35 g.) / 2.5 oz. (70 g.) in total bar
Calories: 190 calories in 1/2 bar
Cost: $2.99 (estimate) for 1 bar
Purchased from: Grocery Outlet Bargain Market, Palo Alto, CA

Welcome to Day #2 of Chocolate and Hazelnut Theme Week,

Today's Berry Crunch Hazelnut Mylk Chocolate 30% cacao bar was from Loving Earth Inc. (Upper St. Clair, PA).* The company specializes in raw, Organic chocolate.

This vegan bean-to-bar, "mylk" chocolate had a different melt and mouthfeel than traditional dairy milk chocolate. The "fat" was provided by organic cocoa butter and raw creamed hazelnuts. These two combined with other ingredients gave the bar a quicker melt and and slightly more granular texture.

Two other things influenced the texture: sugar and temperature. The bar was made with coconut sugar (no cane sugar) and it was relatively cold (about 65 degrees F.) when I ate it.

The raw cacao used to make the bar was sourced from the Ashaninka community in the Amazon; and the relatively low percentage (30% cacao solids) made the cacao flavor relatively faint. There was also no identifiable hazelnut flavor from the raw, creamed hazelnuts. (Hazelnuts often pick up a lot of their characteristic flavor when roasted.)

Berry Crunch was the right name for this bar. The emphasis was more on the berries and sprouted buckwheat. The tart-sweet (apple juice sweetened) cranberries provided an occasional spike of pleasing dried fruit sweetness. And the buckwheat provided some soft crunchiness in the background.

*The bar was made in Melbourne, Australia.

Mars - Crunchy Espresso M&Ms - May 19, 2018

Chocolate of the Day: 

Mars

Crunchy Espresso MandMs

Good

Weight: 1 oz. (28 g.) / 8 oz. (226.8 g.) in total package

Calories: 140 calories in 1 serving

Cost: $4.99 for 1 package

Purchased from: Safeway, Palo Alto, CA

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

Just when we thought we'd sampled every flavor in the pantheon of MandM's chocolate candies, along came today's Crunchy Espresso MandMs from Mars (Hackettstown, NJ).

As the name implied the fillings, inside the candy-coated exterior shells, were lighter, crispier and crunchier than those of classic MandM chocolate candies with a solid milk chocolate core.

The coffee flavor was very mild. These candies included artificial flavors and colorings and may contain gluten (barley malt extract).

Chocolate and Love - Mint 67% Dark Chocolate Mint Crunch bar - March 14, 2018

Chocolate of the Day: 

Chocolate and Love Ltd. 

Mint 67% Dark Chocolate and Mint Crunch bar

Good ++

Weight: 1.75 oz. (50 g.) / 3.5 oz. (100 g.) in total bar

Calories: 263 calories (per label) in 1/2 bar

Cost: $6.79 for 1 bar

Purchased from: Piazza's Fine Foods, Palo Alto, CA

Welcome to Day #5 of Chocolate and Mint Theme Week

Today's Organic Mint 67% Dark Chocolate and Mint Crunch bar was from Chocolate and Love Ltd. (Crescent Perth, UK), and was imported by Belgium's Chocolate Source (Milton, MA).

The "crunch" in this smooth, almost creamy, dark chocolate mint crunch bar came from a swarm of uniformly tiny, barely visible peppermint candy bits. Audible, but not visible. Research was surely done to achieve this feat.