Choco Del Mar - Hazelnut Noir 65% Cocoa (bar) - July 11, 2026

Chocolate of the Day

Choco Del Mar
Hazelnut Noir 65% Cocoa (bar) 
Good ++
Weight: 3/5 bar - 1.06 oz. (30 g.) / 1.76 oz. (50 g.) total bar
Calories: 168 calories in 3/5 bar
Cost: $11.00 for 1 bar
Purchased from: Choco Del Mar, online order

Welcome to Day #6 of Chocolate & Water Theme Week.

Today's Hazelnut Noir 65% Cocoa (bar) was from Choco Del Mar (Los Altos, CA). 

Where's the "water" connection? The company's name contains a reference to the sea (del mar = of/on the sea); the company's mascot is a chocolate-loving sea otter named Cleo; and the packaging was adorned with an image of a dolphin leaping out of the water with (if I'm not mistaken) a cacao pod balanced on its nose.

Inspired by classic Italian gianduja, this 65% chocolate tasted dark--a bit darker than 65%--but smooth. The fully ground (and seamlessly incorporated) hazelnuts added a relatively subtle nutty flavor without muting the dark chocolate.

There seemed to be less sugar/less sweet hazelnut paste in this chocolate than you might find in most gianduja confections and bars. (Either that, or the single origin cacao(s) used had an inherently stronger, darker flavor; or both these comments could be true.) Either way, as a dark chocolate lover, I found that refreshing.

Texture: smooth, rich dark chocolate 

I also appreciated the short list of just three ingredients. (Thank you.)

Ingredients: Cocoa Nibs, Cane Sugar, Hazelnuts

Allergen-related information: Contains Tree Nuts (Hazelnuts) "Made in a facility that processes milk, nuts, and other common allergens."

Holm Made Toffee Co. LLC - Oregon Hazelnut Toffee Himalayan Pink Salt - Mar. 16, 2026

Chocolate of the Day

Holm Made Toffee Co., LLC 
Oregon Hazelnut Toffee Himalayan Pink Salt 
Good ++
Weight: 2 oz. (57 g.) / 4 oz. (114 g.) in total package
Calories: 290 calories (estimate) in 1/2 package
Cost: $10.99 for 1 package
Purchased from: FarmFresh, add-on to produce delivery service

Welcome to Day #13 of Chocolate, Pistachio, Hazelnut and Almond Theme Week.

Today's Oregon Hazelnut Toffee with Himalayan Pink Salt was from Holm Made Toffee Co. (Bend, OR).

Aroma and flavor notes included: smooth chocolate, rich, buttery toffee, authentic and fresh-tasting hazelnuts, and faint vanilla.

Texture: hearty, perfectly crunchy and buttery toffee covered with a thin layer of smooth chocolate and crunchy hazelnuts.

Holm Made Toffee makes great toffees. The generously thick slabs of buttery, crunchy toffee are delicious. The choice of toffee flavor inclusions: also very nicely executed. 

I would have loved to see a little thicker chocolate layer on today's toffee, but I understand this may not be practical due to cost or possible warm weather meltage (related to shelf life and compromised appearance if chocolate melts and smears). And...toffee is the hero ingredient here, rightly so.

Ingredients: "Butter [cream (milk) & salt], pure cane sugar, Oregon Hazelnuts, dark chocolate [unsweetened chocolate, sugar, sunflower lecithin, and vanilla], Himalayan pink salt"

Allergen-related information: Contains dairy and nuts (hazelnuts)

Hu Chocolate - Almond Butter Almond Crunch Milk Chocolate (bar) - Mar. 13, 2026

Chocolate of the Day

Hu Chocolate
Almond Butter Almond Crunch Milk Chocolate (filled bar)
Good++ - Good +++
Weight: 1.05 oz. (30 g.) / 2.1 oz. (60 g.) in total bar
Calories: 360 calories in 1 bar
Cost: $N/A - gift 
Purchased from: N/A - gift; thank you Bill!

Welcome to Day #10 of Chocolate, Pistachio, Hazelnut & Almond Theme Week. 

Today's Almond Butter Almond Crunch Milk Chocolate (filled bar) was made in Italy and distributed by Hu Products LLC (Austin, TX).

Aroma and flavor notes for this nut butter filled bar included: sweet, flavorful milk chocolate with warm (brown/coconut sugar); nuts (almond butter, hints of toffee, very faint ground hazelnut butter); and just the right touch of sea salt. (Note: this bar contained almond butter and almonds, but no hazelnut ingredients.)

The texture was a pleasing, hearty blend of creamy 48% cacao dark milk chocolate with thick, creamy + crunchy almond butter and almond bits. 

This was a sweet, delicious, flavorful, nut butter filled milk chocolate bar that was "seasoned" with just the right amounts of coconut sugar and sea salt.

I appreciated the use of organic and fair trade ingredients, and the absence of emulsifiers and the use of a less processed sugar--that added a warm toffee-like flavor that was a great match with the nuts and chocolate ingredients.

Ingredients: organic unrefined coconut sugar*, organic cacao*, organic grass-fed milk, organic cocoa butter*, organic almond butter, organic almond, sea salt. (*Certified Fairtrade ingredients)

Allergen-related information: "Contains almond, coconut, & milk. May contain cashew, hazelnut, & pistachio. Allergen cleans made prior to production, but beware that (this) product is produced using equipment that also processes other tree nuts, soy, & wheat."

Fine & Raw - Chocolate Hazelnut Chunky - Mar. 8, 2026

Chocolate of the Day

Fine & Raw
Chocolate Hazelnut Chunky
Good + - Good ++
Weight: 1 oz. (28 g.) in total chocolate
Calories: 155 calories (estimate) in 1 chocolate
Cost: $6.00 for 1 chocolate
Purchased from: Chocolate Dispensary, online order 

Welcome to Day #5 of Chocolate, Pistachio, Hazelnut & Almond Theme Week.

Today's rainbow-packaged Chocolate Hazelnut Chunky was from Fine & Raw (Brooklyn, NY).

Fine & Raw was founded in 2007 by Daniel Sklaar in a Brooklyn artist loft. The company offers a variety of chocolate bars (typically made using cacao from Belize and/or Ecuador). They also make at least one bar made with mesquite.*

Aroma and flavor notes included: dark chocolate (dark ganache, slightly smokey, earthy cocoa); coconut sugar; sweet green and nut; faint caramel and vanilla.

Texture: chunky and smooth. The hazelnuts were fully incorporated into the chocolate, and this "Chunky" had the mouthfeel and melt of a hearty, roasted nut butter and chocolate truffle bar -- likely similar to the company's other small chunky chocolate truffle bars (that I haven't tasted yet).

I liked that this chocolate was dark, nut-roast-y and not too sweet. I loved that my teeth weren't coated with sugar or tannins afterwards. This bar reminded me that the buzz/jolt one feels after eating chocolate is more often from the sugar than the inherent stimulants in chocolate (theobromine and caffeine). 

The Fine & Raw made hazelnut butter added nutty flavor and balanced bitterness/acidity. (This bar was more roasty than it was bitter.) I enjoyed the soft, substantial, almost stone-ground texture. And I appreciated the maker's choice of a short list of organic ingredients in this homemade hazelnut butter and raw cacao bar.

Ingredients: organic hazelnuts, organic coconut sugar, organic cacao bean, organic cacao butter

Allergy-related information: Made in a factory that processes tree nuts

*Years ago I was searching for more chocolates to try that were made with mesquite. (The first chocolate with mesquite that I found was featured here was 2010.) I found Fine & Raw's mesquite (and Alderwood smoked salt) bars in Brooklyn (featured here on Chocolate Banquet in 2019).

As expected, I also found other wood and smoke related chocolates in the Southwest U.S. (Arizona, New Mexico and eventually Texas). But, I still remember those Brooklyn/NYC bars, that seemed novel at the time.

Eclat Chocolate - Hazelnut Dragee - Mar. 5, 2026

Chocolate of the Day

Eclat Chocolate
Hazelnut Dragee
Good ++
Weight: 1.76 oz. (50 g.) / 3.5 oz. (100 g.) in total package
Calories: 250 calories in 1 serving (1/2 package)
Cost: $14.00 for 1 package
Purchased from: Chocolate Dispensary, online order

Welcome to Day #2 of Chocolate, Pistachio, Hazelnut & Almond Theme Week.

Today's Hazelnut Dragee chocolates were from Eclat Chocolate (West Chester, PA).

Aroma notes included: malty, caramelized nut and subtle chocolate (cocoa).

Texture: at the heart of each marble-sized round was a crunchy, toasted whole hazelnut; and each nut was covered in firm dark chocolate and dusted with cocoa powder. 

Flavor notes included: firm, smooth dark chocolate, toasted hazelnut and very light caramel, cocoa, vanilla and malt notes.

These dragees were attractive, well-balanced, and well-executed, bite-sized confections. (They're good by themselves; and would make a nice pairing with coffees/lattes, or wines/sherry and cheese.)

Ingredients: Dark chocolate (min. cacao 60% couverture chocolate, cocoa mass, sugar, soya lecithin, natural vanilla), roasted hazelnuts.

Allergen-related information: "Product may have trace elements of nuts, soy and dairy."

 

Hu - Limited Edition 70% Cacao Organic Almond Butter Bars - Feb. 9, 2025

Chocolate(s) of the Day

Hu Products, LLC

Limited Edition Peppermint Mocha + Almond Butter Dark Chocolate (bar)
Good ++ 
Weight: 2.1 oz. (60 g.) in total bar
Calories: 360 calories in 1 bar 
Purchased from: (Missing information)

Limited Edition Very Merry Raspberry + Hazelnut Butter Dark Chocolate Organic 70% Cacao (bar)
Good ++
Weight: 2.1 oz. (60 g.) in total bar
Calories: 380 calories in 1 bar
Purchased from: (Missing information)

Welcome to Day #12 of Unique Chocolates Week, featuring chocolates with unique origins, stories and unique or holiday-related flavor inclusions and stories.

Hu Kitchen was started by two siblings in New York--and has grown into Hu Products, LLC (Austin, TX), with chocolate bars being made in Italy as they've grown. The company's tagline urges us to enjoy foods made with simple ingredients that taste good, and to: "Get Back to Human."

Today's two Limited Edition Hu bars evoked two red-hued, winter holidays (Valentines Day and Christmas). I saved them from falling out of season by eating them. It was the least I could do.

Peppermint Mocha + Almond Butter Dark Chocolate

As promised, this was a hearty blend of smooth dark chocolate, almond butter and peppermint. I appreciated these well-balanced, authentic flavors--that weren't too strong or overly sweet. The peppermint level was just right. (No big candy cane or high-wattage toothpaste level mint. Thank you!)

There was also a slight crunchiness (ground coffee bits) that added a bit of textural interest, without being too gritty or intrusive. 

Ingredients: "organic cacao*, organic unrefined coconut sugar*, organic almond butter, organic cocoa butter*, organic coffee*, organic peppermint oil." (* = Certified Fairtrade ingredients)

Allergen-related information: "Contains almond & coconut. May contain cashew, hazelnut, pistachio, & milk. Allergen cleans made prior to production, but beware that product is produced using equipment that also processes tree nuts, soy, milk, & wheat."

Very Merry Raspberry + Hazelnut Butter Dark Chocolate 

I enjoyed the authentic, refreshing red raspberry, almond butter and smooth dark chocolate flavors--that were balanced well with each other.

I continue to appreciate Hu's use of a relatively short list of organic, high-quality ingredients that are not overly processed (e.g., Organic, fairtrade 70% cacao, no emulsifiers, soy or gluten, no refined sugar) in their chocolate bars.

Ingredients: "organic cacao*, organic unrefined coconut sugar*, organic hazelnut butter, organic cocoa butter*, organic raspberry" (* = Certified Fairtrade ingredients)

Allergen-related information: "Contains coconut (sugar) & hazelnut. May contain almonds, cashew, pistachio, & milk. Allergen cleans made prior to production, but beware that product is produced using equipment that also processes tree nuts, soy, milk, & wheat."

 

Zotter Chocolate - Blueberry + Hazelnut (bar) - June 2, 2024

Chocolate of the Day

Zotter Chocolate
Blueberry + Hazelnut (bar) 
Good + - Good ++ 
Weight: 1.23 oz. (35 g.) / 2.47 oz. (70 g.) in total package of 2 bars
Calories: 180 calories in 1/2 bar
Cost: $8.99 for 1 bar
Purchased from: Zotter, online order

Welcome to Day #8 of Chocolate and Fruit Theme Week. Cherries, berries and citrus are heavily represented this week. It's always nice to find a bar with blueberries.

Today's Blueberry + Hazelnut - Blueberry candy bar and hazelnut praline with hazelnut pieces (bar) was made in Austria and distributed by Zotter Chocolates US LLC (Fort Myers, FL).

Zotter offers an abundant variety of creatively executed and packaged bars -- both filled ("hand-scooped") and single origin ("Labooko" line) chocolate bars.*

Aroma notes for this filled milk chocolate bar included: chocolate; blueberry; and very faint berry cereal milk and vanilla.

Texture: Creamy milk chocolate with a softer milk chocolate filling/center that contained crunchy hazelnut pieces.

Flavor notes included: sweet, slightly tangy blueberry-infused, rich and creamy milk chocolate, and subtle nut (hazelnut). 

The authentic flavors in this high-end, sweet candy bar (including the organic brown sugar) helped make this candy bar more interesting and mildly addicting. I would say that it was too sweet, but I had no trouble eating more than I'd planned. As in other candy bars, nuts helped balance out the sweetness. 

Ingredients: Cane Sugar**, Cocoa Butter** (24%), Hazelnuts** (21%), Cocoa Mass**, Dry Skim Milk, Dried Blueberries* (14%), Dry Whole Milk, Soy Lecithin*, Lemon Powder* (Lemon Juice Concentrate*, Corn Starch*, Sugar*), Dark Brown Cane Sugar**, Salt, Vanilla Bean Powder*, Cardamom*, Star Anise*. 

(* = Organic; ** = Organic and Fair Traded) Fair Trade Content: 87%

Allergen-related information: Contains Milk, Soy. "Manufactured on equipment that processes tree nuts, peanuts, and sesame." 

*Zotter is one of the only chocolate makers offering dark chocolate single origin bars "sweetened" with just milk, and with NO sugars. (No artificial or other sweeteners.) Not sure why more makers haven't done this. Hats off to the maker for this decision.

Hogarth Chocolate Makers - Gianduia Dark Hazelnut (bar) - Mar. 20, 2024

Chocolate of the Day

Hogarth Chocolate Makers
Gianduia Dark Hazelnut (bar)
Good ++
Weight: 1.23 oz. (35 g.) / 2.47 oz. (70 g.) in total bar
Calories: 206.62 calories in 1/2 bar
Cost: $11.50 for 1 bar
Purchased from: Bar and Cocoa, online order

Welcome to Day #12 of Chocolate and Hazelnuts Theme Week, and Day #1 of Chocolate and New Zealand Series.

Today's Gianduia Dark Hazelnut 45% Cacao (bar)--made with New Zealand hazelnuts--was from Hogarth Chocolate Makers (Nelson, New Zealand). 

Founded by Karl (a former fisherman and sailor) and Marina Hogarth, the eponymous small-batch, bean-to-bar company offers a wide range of bean-to-bar chocolate bars with interesting and thoughtful flavor inclusions, and some single origin bars.

This "Kiwi style Gianduia" chocolate was made with toasted and ground New Zealand hazelnuts.

Aroma notes included: mild dark milk* chocolate with peach green tea and very faint nut and butter.

Texture: soft, smooth and relatively creamy/buttery. 

Flavor notes: lightly roasted, fragrant dark chocolate with green tea, stone fruit (peach, very faint sweet red berry jam), nut butter, very faint green tea and dairy milk.* 

The ground hazelnuts (30% of bar) had become one with the chocolate, creating an almost seamless fusion between relatively mild and nuanced cacao (think Criollo variety) and hazelnut chocolate (gianduia) flavors. The 45% cacao chocolate was also low in bitterness and acidity.

Ingredients: Cocoa Solids 45% (Cocoa Beans, Cocoa Butter**), Cane Sugar*, Hazelnuts (30%).

Allergen-related information: Contains Nuts. May Contain Traces of Milk. 

*Aroma or flavor notes do not necessarily track with actual ingredients. For example in this case, there are no milk ingredients, but there were like dairy-like/buttermilk-like notes.

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.) 

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.

 

Dr. Bronner's - Magic Crunchy Hazelnut Butter Oat Milk Chocolate (bar) - Dec. 12, 2023

Chocolate of the Day

Dr. Bronner's
Magic Crunchy Hazelnut Butter Oat Milk Chocolate 45% Cocoa (bar) 
Good ++ - Good +++
Weight: 1.465 oz. (41.5 g.) / 2.93 oz. (83 g.) in total bar
Calories: 249 calories in 1/2 bar
Cost: $N/A - free sample ($5.99 per bar); available online
Purchased from: N/A - Sample received from Dr. Bronner's

Today's Magic Crunchy Hazelnut Butter Oat Milk Chocolate 45% Cocoa (bar) was distributed by Dr. Bronner's (Vista, CA). 

The company, well-known for their soaps,* was founded in 1948. Their first line of Magic dark chocolate bars were created in 2021. Today's hazelnut oat milk chocolate was the second of three new Dr. Bronner's oat milk chocolate bars featured this week on Chocolate Banquet.

Organic, Fair for Life Fair Trade, Vegan Certified, and gluten free, today's new Crunchy Hazelnut Butter Oat Milk Chocolate offers food for thoughtful consumers. 

The growing selection of alternative "milk" chocolate bars in recent years has produced mixed results. However, this week's oat milk bars exemplify increasingly tasty variations that have become available in recent years.

Aroma notes for this aromatic bar included: roasted nuts (hazelnuts); sweet dark chocolate (that I usually associate with dark milk chocolate); and faint, freshly baked chocolate fudge brownie + shortbread hazelnut cookies with a trace of vanilla (wafting across the hall from someone's kitchen).

The texture was layered--with a slightly softer, flavorful (crunchy nut butter + chocolate blend) layer inside, surrounded by uniform, well-tempered outer chocolate coating.

Flavor notes included: Roasted nut butters (hazelnuts, almonds), and sweet, rich dark (oat) "milk" chocolate. I'm happy to admit I don't know if I could tell this was an oat milk chocolate vs. milk chocolate in a blind taste test. 

This 45% cacao coconut sugar sweetened chocolate was fairly sweet; and it may create a "moreish" desire to eat more--i.e., more than an ultra-dark chocolate would. Fortunately, the coconut sugar seemed to slow down the sugar buzz.** 

I'm a dark chocolate (and bold, natural flavors) fan. Even though this chocolate was only 45% cacao (more sugar, less cacao), it tasted like sweet, dark chocolate. The quality of the ingredients and nuts (hazelnuts and almonds), and perhaps the oat flour, helped balance out the sweetness. And I really appreciated the depth and richness of these authentic flavor(s).

Ingredients: Fair Trade Organic Coconut Sugar,* Fair Trade Organic Cocoa Butter,* Organic Hazelnuts, Fair Trade Organic Cocoa Beans,* Organic Whole Oat Flour,  Organic Sunflower Lecithin, Organic Almonds, Fair Trade Organic Bourbon Vanilla Bean (* = Regenerative Organic Certified)

Allergen-related information: Contains nuts (hazelnut, almond), coconut (sugar). "Made on equipment that also processes almonds, hazelnuts, coconut and soy." 

*Full disclosure, I was already a long-time fan of Dr. Bronner's liquid soaps before trying their chocolate. Now a B Corporation, Dr. Bronner's (now run by the descendants of the original founder (Dr. Bronner))  continues to be committed to quality ingredients and social good. That extends to working with farmers in Ghana and creating a Regenerative Organic Certified Serendipalm Project in Ghana.

** Coconut sugar is a bit lower on the glycemic scale than more processed/white sugar(s), i.e. is less likely to spike blood sugar as much.

Blue Stripes Cacao - Whole Cacao Chocolate Bar - Hazelnut Butter 70% Cacao - Aug. 18, 2023

Chocolate of the Day

Blue Stripes Urban Cacao
Whole Cacao Chocolate Bar Hazelnut Butter 70% Cacao
Good ++
Weight: 2.1 oz. (60 g.) in total bar
Calories; 380 calories in 1 bar
Cost: (Part of $31.99 multiple item gift box order)
Purchased from: Blue Stripes, online order 

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

Today's Whole Cacao Chocolate Bar - Hazelnut Butter (bar) was distributed by Blue Stripes Cacao LLC (New York, NY). 

Aroma notes included: light chocolate, diffuse fruit (light mango, sweet citrus, berry jam), nuts (hazelnuts, roasted peanuts, hazelnut paste).

This chocolate bar had two layers. The base 70% dark chocolate layer was smooth in texture and taste, with mild to moderate chocolate-y (ganache), nut and faint faint flavor. It was not too sweet or acidic, and it was low in bitterness. 

The other layer was softer and nut-buttery (hazelnut butter, gianduja-like) and with a generous amount of hazelnut pieces adding enjoyable crunchy and ultra-creamy textural contrast.

This was a satisfying blend of very creamy chocolate and crunchy hazelnut pieces--and, I'm imagining, tiny bits of cocoa pod/fruit, as this was "100% upcycled chocolate" made with not only cacao (beans), but also cacao shell flour and cacao fruit sugar.

The sweetness level seemed about right. And it tasted authentically (fruit/coconut) sweet, rather than processed sugar sweetened.

Ingredients: Whole Cacao Blend (100% Chocolate*, Cacao Shell Flour, Cacao Butter*, Cacao Sugar), Hazelnut Butter*, Hazelnuts*, Coconut Sugar*, Sea Salt. (*Organic)

Allergen-related information: Contains Hazelnuts, Coconut. "...product is produced in a facility that also processes tree nuts, soy, peanuts, and wheat."

Rimini - Hazelnut, Sicilian Pistachio & Italian Espresso Chocolates - June 13, 2023

Chocolate(s) of the Day

Rimini Chocolate
1.) Hazelnut - Good ++ - Good +++
2.) Sicilian Pistachio - Good ++ 
3.) Italian Espresso - Good ++ - Good +++

Weight: 3 pieces out of a total 25-piece box
Calories: (No information; this was a gift)
Cost: $ N/A - gift from family (Thank you Megan!)
Purchased from: N/A - Mother's Day gift

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

Today's Hazelnut, Sicilian Pistachio and Italian Espresso chocolates were from Rimini Chocolate (Colorado). 

After spending time in Rimini, Italy, owner and chocolatier Michael Schneider opened two Italian-inspired gelato and chocolate shops in Vail and Beaver Creek (CO) in the U.S.

These attractive, Italian-inspired, filled chocolates were skillfully executed blends of texture and taste. Flavor notes included rich, smooth dark/bittersweet chocolate and delicious soft, flowing caramel ganache flavored centers. 

The Hazelnut chocolate had almost impossibly silky smooth, sweet filling with authentic,  appealing hazalnut/gianduja flavor. The thin, attractively decorated dark chocolate shell had balanced boldness (very faint, fleeting earth) that helped balance the sweetness and natural nut flavor. The layered chocolate and hazelnut flavors were in perfect balance with each other.

Sicilian Pistachio very faint oxalis in aroma. Much like an excellent Italian pistachio gelato, the authentic pistachio flavor bloomed gradually after the first bite. And the texture of the filling was, like the Hazelnut, silky smooth.

 And the Italian Espresso was a faithful rendering of this most satisfying beverage.

Rimini describes their Italian Espresso filled chocolate this way: "...This...Tuscan pick-me-up presents rich caramel infused with fresh roasted Italian style espresso surrounded by dark chocolate." The texture, like almost all the chocolates in this collection was superb: silky smooth, almost whipped, yet very rich. 

This was a caramel, mocha cappuccino to remember. If I lived in Colorado, I would try out their gelato flavors as well. I'm sure they are good.

The centers were flavorful (and just a little bit salty like other ones?? or no). And the flavors were high-end, fresh and authentic.

They were well-executed, what you're more likely to see from a ?? trained chef/chocolatier. The couverture thicknesses were just right (not too thick). Everything was well-balanced--smooth yet flavorful. Not too sweet; and well balanced with salt. And their elegant, hand "painted" appearance made them well-suited for gifts.

Ingredients: (Received as a gift; outside packaging/information had been removed.)

Allergen-related information: (May have contained milk.) (No information.) 

 

Alter Eco - Organic Dark Chocolate Hazelnut Butter Bombs - Nov. 23, 2022

Chocolate of the Day

Alter Eco

Organic Dark Chocolate Hazelnut Butter Bombs

Good ++

Weight: 1.27 oz. (36 g.) / 3.8 oz. (108 g.) in total package

Calories: 240 calories in 3 pieces

Cost: $2.99 for 1 package 

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

Welcome to Day #6 of International Chocolate and Nuts Theme Week.

Today's Organic Dark Chocolate Hazelnut Butter Bombs were made in Switzerland and distributed by Alter Eco Foods (San Francisco, CA). 

Aroma notes for these certified gluten free, individually-wrapped bombs included: smooth dark chocolate, very faint lemony green herb (oxalis, wood sorrel, sour grass), and nuts.

The outer chocolate shell was deep, dark and very lightly sweetened--allowing the relatively bold (for couverature) but nicely balanced dark flavor shine through. And the hazelnut butter filling was naturally nutty (not overly salty or sweet) and mild (a bit overshadowed by the dark chocolate).

These chocolates were as noteworthy for what they omitted as what they contained.

I loved the fact that these Hazelnut Butter "bombs" were not too sweet. (Thank you!) They contained a small amount of organic, raw cane sugar (6th ingredient listed). They did not contain sugar alcohols, low-calorie sweeteners or artificial sweeteners. 

At 2 net carbs per bomb/piece, these were labeled as Keto Friendly. A judicious amount of butter (organic butterfat) contributed to a feeling of fat-satisfaction (feeling full and satisfied), unlike many sweet and salty snacks that often trigger a desire for more.

Ingredients: *Organic cacao beans, *organic cacao butter, organic hazelnut butter, organic agave fiber, organic coconut oil, *organic raw cane sugar, organic butterfat, natural flavor, *organic vanilla beans.

*Fair for Life Fair Trade certified. Contains 61% Fair Trade ingredients."

Allergen-related information: "Contains hazelnuts, coconut, and milk. May contain almonds and soy. Individuals who are allergic to these should not consumer this product."

Beyond Good - Uganda Single Origin Chocolate Toasted Hazelnut 73% Cocoa (bar) - July 26, 2022

Chocolate of the Day

Beyond Good  

Uganda Single Origin Chocolate Toasted Hazelnut 73% Cocoa (bar)

Good +++ 

Weight: .88 oz. (25 g.) / 2.64 oz. (75 g.) in total bar

Calories: 160 calories in 1/3 bar

Cost: $3.99 for 1 bar

Purchased from: New Leaf Community Markets, Half Moon Bay, CA

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

Today's Beyond Good Uganda Single Origin Chocolate Toasted Hazelnut 73% Cocoa (bar) was produced in Italy and distributed by Madecasse LLC (Brooklyn, NY). It was the third of three different Beyond Good Uganda cacao bars featured this week. And it may have been my favorite.

All three bars were made with "Beyond Good direct trade certified cocoa." The company has a long history of working directly with cocoa farmers in Madagascar (where they have a factory that employs local people); and they've been ramping up their commitment in Uganda, with possible plans for a second small factory there as well.*

Toasted Hazelnut 73% Cocoa (bar)

This fragrant bar had aroma notes that included bold, smooth dark chocolate with balanced subtle earth notes and ground hazelnut (gianduja). 

Likely inspired by the great, classic Italian/European marriage of hazelnuts + chocolate (gianduia/gianduja confections, hazelnut chocolate spreads), today's chocolate and hazelnut blend resulted in a bar that was somehow greater than its individual ingredients. 

The hazelnuts benefited from the single origin Uganda cacao chocolate (that was more flavorful than the average, smooth Italian dark chocolate) and the high quality hazelnut pieces added a mellow, well-rounded nutty flavor to the chocolate. Sparkles of sea salt and lovely light, authentic vanilla added the perfect finishing touches.

This bar hit a sweet spot for me. It was a beautifully orchestrated blend of high-quality, classic flavors. It wasn't too sweet (thank you!) so I could really enjoy the complex, layered chocolatey and nutty flavor and textures: creamy (chocolate and hazelnut paste) and crunchy (hazelnut bits and salt crystals). 

Maker's tasting notes/description: "Rich and chocolatey with crunchy hazelnuts"

Ingredients: Cocoa beans, cane sugar, hazelnut nibs, cocoa butter, hazelnut paste, sea salt, vanilla extract.

Allergen-related information: (Contained tree nuts - hazelnuts.) "May contain traces of milk (and) tree nuts." ("gluten free, soy free, vegan")

*Producing the chocolate we enjoy involves many steps and typically spans a long, geographically-distributed supply chain. 

Chocolate made entirely (from bean-to-bar) in the same country where the cacao is grown is still rare; but being able to perform more chocolate manufacturing steps (or adding more value) "in-country" (e.g., fermentation, drying, roasting, making cocoa nibs, manufacturing) helps to create more income for those who live in the country of cacao origin. 

Historically, cocoa farmers and field workers have received a very small percent of the amount charged to the end customer for a high-end chocolate bar. It's always great to see chocolate makers working directly with farmers to help them earn more for high-quality cacao. After all, when today's cocoa farmers retire, their children may not want to follow in their footsteps if they're barely able to make a living. 

  

Sugarpova - Dark Chocolate Cafe Mocha + Milk Chocolate Hazelnut Truffes

Chocolate(s) of the Day

Sugarpova
Dark Chocolate Cafe Mocha Truffles
Good +
Weight: .74 oz. (21 g.) / 4.1 oz. (116 g.) in total package of truffles
Calories: 110 calories in 2 pieces
Cost: N/A - gift from a friend (Thank you Bill) 
Purchased from: Grocery Outlet Bargain Market, Palo Alto, CA

Sugarpova
Milk Chocolate Hazelnut Truffles
Good
Weight: .77 oz. (22 g.) / 3.9 oz. (110 g.) in total package of truffles
Calories: 120 calories in 2 pieces
Cost: NA - gift from a friend (Thank you Bill)
Purchased from: Grocery Outlet Bargain Market, Palo Alto, CA

Welcome to Day #13 of Chocolate and RSTU Theme Week, featuring chocolates with origins and flavor inclusions that start with the letters R, S, T and/or U. 

Sometimes the type of chocolate itself deserves a shout-out. For example, chocolate truffles. "Truffles"* in the U.S. are usually round chocolate shells that surround and seal in creamy, chocolate ganache (fillings)--often infused with flavor additions.

Today's 1.) Dark Chocolate Cafe Mocha Truffles and 2.) Milk Chocolate Hazelnut Truffles were created and distributed by Sugarpova LLC (Coral Gables, FL). The company's CEO behind this brand is tennis star, Maria Sharapova.

Dark Chocolate Cafe Mocha Truffles

These almost silky, smooth dark, sweet chocolate truffles had a faint ground nut nougat and dark chocolate aroma, flavor and texture (with hints of nut cookie, coconut, sweet dark chocolate (fudge brownie) and smooth coffee). Tasty.

Milk Chocolate Hazelnut Truffles

A whiff of these milk chocolate truffles revealed a whipped hazelnut butter and sweet milk chocolate aroma. The texture was very creamy; and the flavor was reminiscent of Italian gianduia/gianduja (creamy chocolate and hazelnut blends found in confections, gelatos, chocolate bars and baked good fillings/spreads). These truffles were a bit sweet for me, but it's hard to deny the seductive power behind this flavor fusion.

Ingredients: Dark Chocolate Cafe Mocha 

Dark chocolate (cocoa liquor, sugar, cocoa butter, soy lecithin, ground vanilla beans), organic coconut oil, coffee beans, canola oil, natural coffee flavor. (Cocoa solids 50% minimum.)

Allergen-related information: "Contains soy, coconut" "Processed in a facility where peanuts and tree nuts are present with wheat, barley and egg products."

Ingredients: Milk Chocolate Hazelnut

Milk chocolate (sugar, cocoa butter, milk, chocolate liquor, nonfat dry milk, soy lecithin (an emulsifier) and vanilla), sugar, palm kernel oil, hazelnuts, canola oil, palm shortening, cocoa powder, non fat dry milk, milk, soy lecithin (and emulsifier), maltodextrin, salt, silicon dioxide, natural flavor.

Allergen-related information: "Contains milk, soy, hazelnuts." "Processed in a facility where peanuts and tree nuts are present with wheat, barley and egg products."

**********

*Traditional, French-style chocolate truffles are hard to find. (In San Francisco, CA, there is a shop called XOX Truffles/cafe that makes/sells them.) XOX Truffle cocoa-dusted chocolates look more rough-hewn, and more closely resemble their namesake: the prized, tuberous truffle (fungi) hunted by men (and trained dogs and/or pigs) in the countrysides of France and Italy--and in the Pacific Northwest in the U.S. 

A doff of the hat to the Savory

Both types of truffles are quite wonderful. For a real gastronomic treat, try hunting down the one or two chocolatiers/artisan chocolate makers that make (fungi/savory) truffle-infused chocolate truffles/bars. Savory and sweet. Bella. (Xocolatl de David in Portland, OR, has produced some fun, savory chocolate flavors in the U.S. in the past.)

Jason Scott LLC - Christmas Cocoa Assortment; Belgian Chocolates- Jan. 14, 2020

Chocolate(s) of the Day: 

Jason Scott LLC
Christmas Cocoa Assortment (3 flavors)
Vanilla with Hazelnut
Good - Good +
Weight: 1 oz. (28 g.) / 3 oz. (84 g.) in total package of 3 flavors
Calories: 100 calories in 1 packet
Cost: $2.99 for 1 package of 3 flavors
Purchased from: Ross Stores in Mountain View, CA

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

Today's Christmas Cocoa Assortment of three festively packaged miniature mixes was from Jason Scott LLC (Boca Raton, FL). Nothing warms one up quite like a good cup of hot chocolate. The vanilla (mix) added comfort and joy to a sweet hot cocoa sipping experience.

Belgian Chocolate Assortment 
I also sampled four filled chocolate truffles from a Belgian chocolate assortment holiday box.

While they mentioned hazelnut fillings, none of the chocolates I sampled had extremely strong hazelnut flavor.

See photo (at right) for a picture of the four flavors that seemed to have the most detectable hazelnut flavor.

Unlike many similar chocolate assortments, these did not contain gluten/wheat ingredients.

Trader Joe's - Belgian Truffle Ballotin Box - 2 pcs. - Jan. 12, 2020

Chocolate(s) of the Day: 

Trader Joe's
Belgian Truffle Ballotin Box
1.) Chocolate truffle (square) - Good +
2.) White chocolate covered with milk chocolate and feuilletine* filling - Good
Weight: .88 oz. (25 g.) / 3.53 oz. (100 g.) in total assortment box
Calories: 140 calories in 2 pieces/truffles
Cost: $ N/A - holiday gift from a friend (Thank you Joy!)
Purchased from: N/A - holiday gift (Trader Joe's)

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

I enjoyed the last two filled chocolate truffles (pictured at right) in an 8-piece holiday assortment box today.

Filled chocolate confections can be a tad sweet, but hazelnuts and other nuts can help balance out the sweetness. And it's fun to mix it up every once in awhile, especially during the darker winter months when sugar seems a bit more appealing.**

*Feuilletine denotes small bits of wafer mixed into the chocolate filling. And these bits usually contain wheat.

**Generally, I eat at least a piece of a high-percentage single origin bar each day. Living in a high-percentage, high-flavor world is enjoyable, even if one has to be more careful about ingesting too much theobromine (a stimulant in chocolate), and sugar, late in the day before sleeping. 

Trader Joe's - Belgian Truffle Ballotin Box - Hazelnut Leaf - Jan. 11, 2020

Chocolate(s) of the Day: 

Trader Joe's
Belgian Truffle Ballotin Box
1.) Chocolate Leaf (hazelnut filling) - Good +
2.) Dark chocolate covered "snail" with milk chocolate feuilletine filling - Good
3.) Filled chocolate truffle - caramel filling - Good
Weight: 1.32 oz. (37.5 g.) / 3.53 oz. (100 g.) in total assortment box
Calories: 210 calories in 3 pieces/truffles
Cost: $ N/A - holiday gift from a friend (Thank you Joy!)
Purchased from: N/A - holiday gift (Trader Joe's)

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

Today's three Belgian truffles came from an 8-piece assortment Ballotin Box that I received as a holiday gift from a friend.

The first truffle sampled was shaped like a leaf, that enveloped a tasty hazelnut chocolate ganache/filling. The second "snail" shaped truffle had a milk chocolate filling with what I'm guessing were tiny bits of wafer (feuilletine style).* The third chocolate (pictured at bottom left of photo) was filled with soft, flowing caramel.

*Those who are very sensitive to wheat might want to sample a small bite of each truffle first before taking a larger bite.

Trader Joe's Belgian Truffle Ballotin Box - Hazelnut Heart - Jan. 10, 2020

Chocolate(s) of the Day: 

Belgian Truffle Ballotin Box
1.) Milk chocolate heart (hazelnut filling)
2.) Dark chocolate filled cocoa pod
3.) White chocolate covered flower
Weight: 1.32 oz. (37.5 g.) / 3.53 oz. (100 g.) in total assortment box
Calories: 210 calories in 3 pieces/truffles
Cost: $ N/A - holiday gift from a friend (Thank you Joy!)
Purchased from: N/A - holiday gift (Trader Joe's)

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

There is something decadent and wonderful about chocolate hazelnut filled chocolates. Thank you to Joy for this lovely assortment box of chocolate truffles with hazelnut.

Of the 8 different truffles in this box, some of the fillings had more pronounced hazelnut flavor than others. (The number one ingredient listed on the back was "hazelnut filling."

The chocolate heart in this 8-piece assortment was filled with chocolate hazelnut ganache that was somewhere between an Italian gianduja/gianduia and a Nutella filling. (I have positive memories of both.)

The cocoa pod shaped and textured truffle added an authentic touch. I wonder how many people might recognize this as the "mother" fruit that contains the seeds used to make chocolate?

Note: Some of these chocolates contained tiny bits of wafer or wheat.