Zotter - Hemp Bonbon (bar) - Feb. 10, 2025 New

Chocolate(s) of the Day

Zotter
Hemp Bonbon Dark Chocolate 70% filled with hemp cream (bar)
Good ++ 
Weight: 1.23 oz. (35 g.) / 2.47 oz. (70 g.) in total bar
Calories: 210 calories in 1/2 bar
Cost: $10.19 + shipping for 1 bar
Purchased from: Zotter, online order

Welcome to Day #13 of Unique Chocolates Week.

Today's Zotter Hemp Bonbon Dark Chocolate 70% filled with hemp cream (bar) was made in Austria and distributed by Zotter Chocolates US LLC (Fort Myers, FL).

Aroma notes included: dark chocolate, botanical (malt, oatstraw, sunflower seed) and vanilla wafer.

Texture: creamy, almost silken dark chocolate coating, with a creamy, layered filling, the thickest layer being slightly green in color (that contained hemp seeds).

Flavor notes included: smooth dark chocolate, sweet layered filling with caramelized, very finely ground hemp seeds, praline, and vanilla.

I enjoyed the way that hemp seeds were skillfully used to make this chocolate. The bar may appeal to those who like dark chocolate, to those who favor confections, to those who enjoy novelty chocolates, and even to those who might be curious about hemp -- but don't want any THC. No small feat to satisfy all of these groups. 

Ingredients: Cane Sugar**, Hemp Seeds+, Cocoa Butter**, Cocoa Mass**, Rice Drink Powder+ (Rice+, Sunflower Oil+, Salt), Toasted Coconut**, Sunflower Oil+, Coconut Powder+ (Coconut Milk+, Maltodextrin+), Emulsifier: Lecithin [Soy]+, Salt, Lemon Powder+ (Lemon Juice Concentrate+, Corn Starch+, Sugar+), Vanilla Bean Powder+, Emulsifier: Lecithin (Sunflower)+.

 (+ = Organic; * = Fair Traded; Cocoa: 70% Minimum in the Dark Chocolate; and ** = Organic and Fair Trade) 

Allergen-related information: Contains: Soy, Coconut. Manufactured on Equipment That Processes Other Tree Nuts, Peanuts, Milk, Sesame, Eggs, Gluten.

 

Cacao & Cardamom - Health Freak Tumaco Colombia 85% Cacao (bar) - Sept. 14, 2024

Chocolate of the Day

Cacao & Cardamom
"Health Freak" Single Origin Tumaco Colombia 85% Cacao (bar)
Good ++
Weight: 3.52 oz. (100 g.) in 1 bar
Calories: 546 calories (estimate) in 1 bar
Cost: $12.00 for 1 bar
Purchased from: Cacao & Cardamom, online order

Welcome to Day #2 of Chocolate and Colombia Theme Week, and one last doff of the hat to Chocolate and Seeds Theme Week. (Find the hidden six seeds in this bar.*)

Today's "Health Freak" Single Origin Tumaco Colombia 85% Cacao (bar) was from Cacao & Cardamom (Houston, TX).

Aroma notes included: smooth dark chocolate, faint fruit, nut and seed; and very faint spice. 

This striking bar was designed with a variable grid-pattern that held rows of seeds (chia, hemp, flax) as well as ruby-toned goji berries, and small pieces of coconut.

Flavor notes included: smooth dark chocolate, slightly crunchy, tiny fields of seeds and fruit. A very subtle touch of vanilla warmed up the 85% dark chocolate and complemented the other elements.

Ingredients: "85% Tumaco Dark Chocolate (cocoa mass, sugar, cocoa butter, soy lecithin, and vanilla extract), Chai (sic) Seeds, Hemp Seeds, Flax Seeds, Goji Berries, Coconut"

Allergen-related information: "Vegan & Gluten Free"

*Answer: cacao beans used to make the chocolate (seeds); vanilla likely used to make the extract (seeds); chia seeds, hemp seeds, flax seeds, and coconut (single seed drupe). 

  

Pure Boost - Cocoa Banana Bounty Superfood Blend - Mar. 7, 2023

Chocolate of the Day

Pure Boost Superfood Blends
Cocoa Banana Bounty Superfood Blend
Good +
Weight: 1/3 cup (27 g.) / 8 oz. (227 g.) in total package
Calories: 70 calories in 1 serving
Cost: $5.99 for 1 package
Purchased from: Grocery Outlet Bargain Market, Palo Alto, CA

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

Today's Pure Boost Cocoa Banana Bounty Superfood Blend was distributed by IMS (Shelton, CT).

Aroma and flavor notes included: slightly tangy sweetened fruit (berry and banana) with smooth, subtle cocoa -- a cocoa flavor that became richer and closer to chocolate milk once mixed with milk. 

The powder mixed and incorporated fairly readily with the milk of choice and a bit of water. There was no grainy or sedimentary texture once blended.

No added sugar, non-dairy, gluten free, plant based, allergen free

The flavors were attenuated a little--often the case when foods are processed to create a powdered form. But, the flavors of real banana and faint cocoa did come through.

 The sweetness tasted a little too enhanced initially; but then it calmed down to something more natural. The pros of alternative sweeteners (like erythritol and stevia blends) included the absence of a processed sugar buzz or sugar-coated teeth afterwards. The plant/seed-based protein powder also helped balance the sweetness and any fruit acidity.

Today's blend was described as a "...boost to juices, smoothies and baking" and I tried sampling this powdered mix by itself and with (dairy) milk. 

On the back of the package was a smoothie recipe, calling for blending 1/3 cup of this Cocoa Banana Bounty blend with one cup of a milk of choice, 1 fresh banana and two tablespoons of nut butter. I agree this would be quite good.

Ingredients: Plant-based protein blend (pumpkin seed protein, sunflower flour, hemp seed protein, flax meal), banana powder, Pyure organic sweetener blend (organic erythritol, organic soluble tapioca fiber, organic stevia leaf extract, organic natural flavor), natural cocoa powder, natural flavor.

Allergen-related information: "Non dairy, gluten free, allergen free"

Hemp Love - Lavender Sea Salt and Hemp Seed Crunch (bar) - July 8, 2021

Chocolate of the Day

Hemp Love

61% Cacao Lavender Sea Salt and Hemp Seed Crunch (bar)

Good ++

Weight: 2 oz. (56 g.) in 1 bar

Calories: 300 calories in 1 bar

Cost: $5.99 for 1 bar

Purchased from: Piazza's, Palo Alto, CA 

Welcome to Day #6 of Chocolate, Fruit and Flowers Theme Week.

Today's 61% Lavender Sea Salt and Hemp Seed Crunch Organic Vegan Chocolate (bar) was manufactured for Hemp Love (Malibu, CA). 

The company incorporates hemp seeds (a food relatively high in protein and rich in Omega 3 as well as Omega 6 essential fatty acids) in their line of chocolate bars.

The aroma notes for Lavender Sea Salt bar included: floral (authentic, aromatic lavender buds) sweet dark chocolate and very faint vanilla.

This smooth, sweet dark chocolate had a mild crunchiness (hemp seeds) and occasional tiny sparkles of sea salt.

Flavor notes included smooth, sweet dark chocolate (cake) with lavender, vanilla and judicious salt notes. The bar had a pleasing, light lavender finish.

Lavender pairs very nicely with vanilla (creating a warm, invigorating* floral blend). When these two are joined with chocolate and sea salt and the hemp seeds, and angels started to sing. Some flavor sums are greater than their individual parts. 

The lavender sea salt provided the piney-floral, perfumed (some say soap) lavender flavor, and helped balance the sweetness.

Where's the fruit one might ask, given this week's chocolate, fruit and floral theme?

Bonus pairing: Alec's Honey Blueberry Lavender Ice Cream

Sweet tart, dark and slightly earthy blueberries play well with lavender and vanilla flavors (and chocolate). I amped up the lavender today by pairing the featured Hemp Love chocolate bar with a scoop of Honey Blueberry Lavender organic ice cream from Alec's Ice Cream (made in Petaluma, CA). The end result: harmony and bliss in the chocolate + fruit + floral universe. 

Ingredients: 61% dark chocolate (organic evaporated cane juice, organic cocoa paste, organic cocoa butter, organic ground vanilla), organic hemp seed, organic evaporated cane juice, organic lavender salt (sea salt, organic lavender oil, organic lavender flower).

Allergen-related information: "Produced in a Kosher vegan facility. Equipment shared with peanuts/tree nuts and soy. Ingredient suppliers may share equipment that could result in trace amounts of dairy protein."

*Disclaimer: I'm a lavender and floral flavor fan. Lavender (a member of the mint family) and chocolate are examples of foods that can be both relaxing and stimulating at the same time. 

Said to reduce stress and anxiety, a small handful of tiny, purple lavender flower buds (and a tiny rosemary sprig) thrown into a pot of simmering water can de-stress an entire room and/or perk up drab days fairly quickly. 

Hemp Love - 61% Cacao Orange/Vanilla and Hemp Seed Crunch (bar) - July 6, 2021

Chocolate of the Day

Hemp Love

61% Cacao Orange/Vanilla and Hemp Seed Crunch (bar)

Good +

Weight: 2 oz. (56 g.) in total bar

Calories: 340 calories in 1 bar

Cost: $5.99 for 1 bar

Purchased from: Piazza's, Palo Alto, CA

Welcome to Day #4 of Chocolate, Fruit and Flowers Theme Week.

Today's 61% Orange/Vanilla and Hemp Seed Crunch Organic Vegan Chocolate (bar) was manufactured for Hemp Love (Malibu, CA). 

The company incorporates hemp seeds (a food relatively high in protein and rich in Omega 3 as well as Omega 6 essential fatty acids) in their line of chocolate bars.

The aroma notes for Orange Vanilla bar included: natural orange soda, sweet dark chocolate and very faint vanilla.

This smooth, sweet dark chocolate had a light, almost whipped, crunchy texture with uniform, melded smooth orange and vanilla flavor.

Flavor notes included smooth, sweet dark chocolate (cake) with orange and vanilla (frosting) notes. The bar had a light, lingering finish. 

Ingredients: Organic dark chocolate (organic cocoa liquor, organic evaporated cane sugar, organic cocoa butter, organic vanilla), organic evaporated cane sugar, organic hemp seed hearts, organic orange oil, organic vanilla.

Allergen-related information: "Produced in a Kosher vegan facility. Equipment shared with peanuts/tree nuts and soy. Ingredient suppliers may share equipment that could result in trace amounts of dairy protein."

Hemp Yeah! - Dark Chocolate, Almond, Sea Salt Protein Bar - Feb. 24, 2021

Chocolate of the Day

Hemp Yeah!
Dark Chocolate, Almond, Sea Salt Protein Bar
Good - Good +
Weight: 1.59 oz. (45 g.) / 19.08 oz. (540 g.) in total box of 12 bars
Calories: 230 calories in 1 bar
Cost: $ missing information/receipt 
Purchased from: Grocery Outlet Bargain Market, Palo Alto, CA

Welcome to Day #9 of Chocolate and EFGHI Theme Week, featuring chocolate items with flavor inclusions that begin with the letters E, F, G, H and/or I, for example, hemp seeds.

Today's Hemp Yeah! Dark Chocolate, Almond and Sea Salt Protein Bars with hemp seeds were manufactured for Fresh Hemp Foods Ltd. (Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada).*

The aroma of this protein bar was bright, green, sweet, seedy and chocolatey. It had a soft chew, and hemp seed, pea protein, coconut, nut, and mellow dark chocolate flavor notes. (And the hemp seeds did not contain psycho-active ingredients if some of you were wondering.)*

I enjoyed that fact that I was eating a grain-free, gluten-free, soy-free, vegan protein bar with 10 grams of plant protein. (Hemp seeds are quite high in protein, and "pea protein crisps," almonds and pumpkin seeds boosted the protein content even higher.) Protein bars with a smidge of balanced fat (Omega-3 and Omega-6) seem to forestall cravings later in the day if I'm exercising. (Today was a hike day for me.)

Also the flavor of the hemp seeds was nicely off-set with chocolate, nut, seed, coconut and other flavors. (Even hulled hemp seeds can take some getting used to, but their flavor was not at all objectionable in this bar.)

While not gooey sweet, this bar was a little sweet for me. (It contained three different sweeteners.) But, the sweetness level will probably be perfectly fine for most people trying this protein/snack bar.

Ingredients: Shelled hemp seeds, fair trade dark chocolate (sugar, chocolate liquor, cocoa butter, sunflower lecithin, vanilla extract), PEA protein crisps (pea protein, tapioca starch, tapioca syrup, agave syrup, toasted coconut, almonds, pumpkin seeds, sea salt, coconut oil, cocoa powder, almond extract, natural flavor. 

*Note: Hemp plants used to be grown in the U.S. for fiber and seeds before hemp production became illegal in the 1900s. 

Federal laws were targeting the use and sale of marijuana. However, industrial hemp products that did not contain psycho-active ingredients (THC), such as hemp seeds, hemp rope, hemp paper, plastic and cloth, and other products made from hemp plants, also were effectively banned by these anti-drug laws. 

Hemp seeds, such as those contained in today's protein bar, have come primarily from Canada, because it has not been possible to grow hemp plants in the U.S. (It became legal to cultivate industrial hemp in Canada more than 20 years ago.) 

However, the laws concerning hemp seeds and industrial hemp production in the U.S. are starting to change, which may help bring down hemp seed prices, and expand the use of these seeds in future protein powder/flour, snack, cereal, animal feed, chocolate and other offerings.

Theo Chocolate - Lemon Hemp Chocolate Clusters - April 20, 2018

Chocolate of the Day: 

Theo Chocolate
Lemon Hemp Chocolate Clusters
Good
Weight: 1.4 oz. (40 g.) / 2.8 oz. (80 g.) in total package
Calories: 220 calories in 1/2 package
Cost: $0.99 for 1 package
Purchased from: Grocery Outlet Bargain Market, Palo Alto, CA

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

Today's Lemon Hemp Chocolate Clusters were from Theo Chocolate (Seattle, WA). The company has a history of being "passionate about chocolate and making the world a better place." Founded in 2006, the company was one of the first to offer organic, fair trade cocoa products. (Today's USDA Organic, Non GMO Project Verified chocolate was "fair for life.")

Today's Organic Lemon Hemp Chocolate Clusters* contained a mix of dark chocolate, crunchy plant-based seeds and flakes and a hint of natural, lemon fragrance and flavor. One serving (1/2 package) of these crunchy clusters contained "50 mg cocoa flavanols per serving,"**

While not certified gluten free (these clusters were made on shared equipment with products containing soy, milk, eggs, wheat, peanuts and other tree nuts), they did not contain soy, dairy or gluten-containing ingredients.

*Ingredients: Cocoa Beans*, Cane Sugar*, Coconut*, Crisped Sorghum Flakes*, Cocoa Butter*, Crisped Sorghum Flakes*, Cocoa Butter*, Crisped Quinoa*, Low Fat Cocoa Powder* (with Ascorbic Acid with color retention), Hemp Seeds*, Lemon Oil*, Ground Vanilla Bean*  (* = organic ingredient)

**Flavanols are plant nutrients found naturally in cocoa beans that are thought to contribute to heart health by "supporting healthy blood flow." 

Whether flavanols from dark chocolate can help counteract our habits of sitting behind a desk or on a couch for many hours a day, will depend on the individual circumstances. However, research does seem to support claims on this package that healthy circulation contributes to exercise performance, cognitive health, skin and cardiovascular health.

Himalania - Dark Chocolate Hemp Seeds - Apr. 20, 2016

Chocolate of the Day: 

Himalania
Dark Chocolate Hemp Seeds
Good
Weight: 2 Tablespoons - 1.06 oz. (30 g.) / 6 oz. (170 g.) in total package
Calories: 160 calories in 1 (2 TB) serving
Cost: $5.99 for 1 package
Purchased from: Safeway, Palo Alto, CA

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

Today's Himalania Dark Chocolate Hemp Seeds were distributed by BrandStorm, Inc. (Van Nuys, CA).

Seeds are great. Fiber, Omegas*, Magnesium. Let's hear it for seeds. However, when it comes to hemp seeds, we've needed to import ours from Canada, as there have been restrictions on growing hemp for food, fiber and oil in the U.S.

The Himalania Non-GMO Verified hemp seeds were sustainably grown, toasted, and enrobed in dark chocolate.

These seeds looked a bit like dark chocolate caviar. They had a slightly malty aroma and flavor, and a somewhat fibrous, seedy crunch.

Hemp Seed History
Hemp originated in Central Asia but over time was cultivated in other countries.

Himalania packaging points out that hemp was "once a staple ingredient amongst ancient civilizations," and that the seeds "have achieved great longevity due to their ability to nourish and fuel in their natural state. Each serving provides...vitamins and minerals, including proteins, fibers, omegas and essential amino seeds."

Unfortunately, the history of hemp is conflated with marijuana use, although the seed's nutritional profile is quite compelling on its own.

*Himalania Dark Chocolate Hemp Seeds contain: 0.5g Omega-3 and 1.5 g. Omega-6 per serving. One serving is 2 TB or 1.06 oz. (30 g.). 

The content and images in this post belong to ChocolateBanquet.com.

SOMA chocolatemaker - Cacao Crunch - Apr. 16, 2016

Chocolate of the Day: 

SOMA chocolatemaker
Cacao Crunch - Chocolate twig
Very Good
Weight: 3.5 oz. (100 g.) (estimate) in total package
Calories: 525 calories (estimate) in 1 package
Cost: $18.00 (estimate) for 1 package (member price)
Purchased from: The Chocolate Garage, Palo Alto, CA

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

What's a "Cacao Crunch?" It could be the crunchy sound being made as a happy, satisfied person consumes today's "Chocolate twig with roasted pumpkin seeds, cacao nibs and hemp seeds."

This sliceable confection from SOMA chocolatemaker (Toronto, ON, Canada) was substantially greater in size and substance than what I imagine when I think of a twig. It was both soft and crunchy, a delicious branch growing off a growing SOMA chocolate tree.

It was also delicious. The sweetness of high-quality milk chocolate was layered and made more complex with crunchy seeds and nibs. I thought I picked up a hint of hazelnut flavor, although it likely came from almonds and butter instead.

The content and images in this post belong to ChocolateBanquet.com.

The Oakland Chocolate Co. - 85% Fig, Pumpkin seed bark - Nov. 21, 2014

Chocolate of the Day:

The Oakland Chocolate Co.
85% Cacao Chocolate Bark - Fig, Pumpkin and Hemp Seeds
Good ++
Weight: 1 oz. (28.3 g.) / 2.5 oz. (70.75 g.) in total bag/package
Calories: 149 calories (estimate) in 1 oz. piece of bark
Cost: $5.50 for 1 bag/package
Purchased from: The Oakland Chocolate Co., Oakland, CA

Welcome to Day #1 of Chocolate and Fig Theme Week. Cold weather tends to enhance my appreciation of rich, concentrated flavors, like those found in dried fruits. So, while fresh figs are wonderful, I'm focusing on great chocolates made with dried figs this week.

Today's dark chocolate and fig offering from The Oakland Chocolate Co. (Oakland, CA) came in the form of thin shards of 85% (Jamaican) cacao bark, adorned with small slices of dried figs. Green pumpkin seeds, hemp seeds and small, sparkling crystals of sea salt added great, well-balanced texture and flavor.

When so many other holiday barks are loaded with sugar, this one stands out as a less-sweet, tasty, dark alternative. 

Criollo e Cannabis bar - Oct. 17, 2013

Chocolate of the Day: 

Antica Pasticceria Muzzi
Criollo e Cannabis bar
Good - Good +
Weight: 2.11 oz. (60 g.) in 1 bar
Calories: 330 calories (estimate) in 1 bar
Cost: $7.99 for 1 bar
Purchased from: Sigona's, Palo Alto, CA

Today was Day #5 of Chocolate and Hemp Theme Week.

Despite the inclusion of the word "Cannabis" in the name of this Criollo e Cannabis bar from Italian chocolatier Antica Pasticceria Muzzi (Roma, Italy) -- and the leafy green logo -- this 55% Criollo dark chocolate bar with toasted cannabis seeds contained no mind-altering chemicals (THC). This bar had a touch of mellow, malted grain flavor, and slight crunchiness from the tiny riot of seeds.

In the U.S., toasted hemp seeds are adding texture and flavor to an increasing variety of snacks, cereals and dishes these days.

Foodstuffs are often included under discussions about "industrial hemp" -- to differentiate some hemp products from marijuana with the active ingredient THC -- a substance subject to a ban enforced by the U.S. Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA). Hemp seeds and hemp fiber are the main "legal" items that have emerged in the market*. And hemp seeds have been showing up in chocolates in recent years.

*For centuries, hemp was grown in the U.S. for many purposes (including fibers for rope, clothing and paper, oil, resin, pulp, fuel). 

Chocolate Kalenola - Oct. 15, 2013

Chocolate of the Day:

Just Pure Foods
KALEnola - Chocolate
Good
Weight: 3 oz. (85 g.) in 1 package
Calories: 270 calories in 1 package
Cost: $7.00 (on sale) for 1 package
Purchased from: Whole Foods, Palo Alto, CA

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

There are several different chocolate breakfast cereals available in the U.S. However, very few of them are made of leafy greens -- in this case, kale.

I enjoyed my bowl of vegan and gluten-free "Just Pure Foods" Chocolate Kalenola with cashew milk. This nutritious "green granola" was full of crunchy texture, from hemp, sunflower and pumpkin seeds, as well as sprouted buckwheat and shredded coconut.

Suitable for either a cereal or a snack, the Kalenola was lightly sweetened with coconut palm sugar. Not too sweet, it was just about right for my taste.

Askinosie - Happy Hemp Seeds bar - Oct. 14, 2013

Chocolate of the Day: 

Askinosie Chocolate
Toasted Happy Hemp Seeds and Roasted Cocoa Beans bar
Good +
Weight: .75 oz. (21.25 g.) / 3 oz. (85 g.) in total bar
Calories: 120 calories in 1/4 bar
Cost: $9.00 (estimate) for 1 bar
Purchased from: The Chocolate Garage, Palo Alto, CA

Today was the second day of Chocolate and Hemp Theme Week.

The full name of today's CollaBARation bar from Askinosie Chocolate (Springfield, MO), was the "Toasted Happy Hemp Seeds and Roasted Cocoa Beans Become Best Buds in a Chill Chocolate Bar." A long name. But it did accurately describe the texture and flavor of this bar.

The toasted hemp seeds (from Happy Hemp in Austin, TX) added a substantial crunch; and the roasted cacao beans infused the dark chocolate base with a smoky, well-done taste. Lots of flavor for a four-ingredient bar (cocoa beans, organic cane sugar, toasted hemp seeds, cocoa butter). I thought there might be just a faint hint of sea salt, but there was no salt listed in the ingredients.

Thunderbird Energetica - Cacao Hemp Mint bar - Oct. 13, 2013

Chocolate of the Day: 

Thunderbird Energetica
Cacao Hemp Walnut bar with mint
Good - Good +
Weight: 1.7 oz. (48 g.) in 1 bar
Calories: 195 calories in 1 bar
Cost: $ 2.39 in 1 bar
Purchased from: Whole Foods, Los Altos, CA

Today was Day #7 of Chocolate and Mint Theme Week, and Day #1 of Chocolate and Hemp Theme Week.

Did you say Hemp?

Yes, but let me be clear. When I said hemp, I'm referring to hemp seeds, hemp milk and/or hemp fiber used to make clothing, twine and other goods.

I won't be featuring a recipe for Alice Toklas brownies, or psychoactive chocolate bars riddled with THC this week. Some of you will be disappointed by this clarification, others relieved. Chocolate has enough interesting chemical properties related to pleasure receptors that I believe it can stand on its own in this regard.

Industrial hemp (the "it's-not-marijuana" description currently in vogue) has been in the news lately. Last month (September 2013), the U.S. Department of Justice appeared to be relaxing its stance on states growing industrial hemp. It may become legal again to practice non-drug cannabis cultivation in the U.S. in the future. (According to one article I read, the U.S. currently imports $300 million worth of industrial hemp. So, why not grow it in ex-tobacco states like Kentucky and create jobs here, the logic goes.)

This may be good news, as toasted hemp seeds can be tasty; and hemp milk (made from hemp seeds) is one of the better tasting "filks" (fake milks) on the market. So, could we see hemp seeds in more chocolate bars in the future? Maybe.

Back to Thunderbird Energetica

Today's Cacao Hemp Walnut with Mint bar, from Thunderbird Energetica (Austin, TX), was loaded with complex flavors: the moist texture, and slightly fruity flavor of dates, the rich flavors of cacao and coconut, the satisfying small chunks of walnut, and an occasional sparkle of fresh mint. The hemp seeds may have lent a mild nutty taste to this bar. It was difficult to pick them out specifically.

The Thunderbird Energetica line of energy bars is the creation of Taylor and Katie Thunder, and they've been offering a range of vegan, dairy free, soy-free and gluten-free bars -- with mostly organic ingredients. The text on the (compostable) wrapper on my bar also indicated that this batch contained no added sugars, was all natural and non-GMO,...and was shaman-blessed and agave-free.

That's a lot of "non's" on one wrapper -- and a good example of how new health foods become established in the early stages. "We're against, or not like, the established products!" they seem to shout. I'm grateful for healthy, good-tasting food. I'm also waiting for the "with" language, and healthier products for all, to become the new norm.

ChocolateBet: February 20, 2012

Chocolate of the Day:

Fearless Chocolate
Super Seeds! Hemp Chia Flax bar
Good+
Weight:.8 oz. (22.64 g.) / 2 oz. (56.7 g.) total bar
Calories: 97 calories
Cost: $6.49 total bar
Purchased from: Alameda Natural Grocery, Alameda, CA

Today was Day #6 of Chocolate and Seeds Theme Week. This raw, organic Super Seeds! dark chocolate (70% cacao) bar from Fearless Chocolate (San Francisco/Oakland) incorporated three different types of seeds: hemp, chia and flax. Each type of seed added a slightly different texture and taste. The base dark chocolate tasted rich and complex up front with a relatively hard snap; and it had a mild finish with a few seed notes trailing after the chocolate flavor had subsided.

Remember those chia pets -- with the little green sprouts growing as "hair" or "fur" out of clay/ceramic heads and animals? Well, chia seeds are also edible, and they have a slightly nut-like taste and gel-like textural quality that you may detect if you eat enough of them. All three seeds in this bar are reputed to have beneficial nutritional properties on top of those found in raw dark chocolate.

What does raw chocolate mean? Fearless crafted this bar (and others in their product line) from unroasted cacao, and with low heat under 118 degrees, to help preserve nutritional, mineral and anti-oxidant content that might be otherwise lost in conventional processing.

ChocolateBet: April 20, 2010

Chocolate(s) of the Day:


1.) ProBar LLC
Koka Moka (bar) - 5/6 of 1 bar
Good +
Weight: 2.5 oz. (71 g.)/ 3 oz. (85 g.) in total bar
Calories: 300 calories in 5/6 bar
Cost: $3.59
Purchased from: Country Sun Natural Foods, in Palo Alto, CA

This ProBar was a great fit for Day #3 of Seed/Nut Butter and Fruit Theme Week (as well as Earth Day Week). In addition to a nut butter (organic peanut butter), the Koka Moka bar was chock full of other nuts (raw cashews, almonds and brazil nuts); seeds (organic raw sunflower, brown flax, and brown sesame seeds, and raw pumpkin seed, hemp seed, and organic cardamom, fennel and fenugreek seeds); and fruits (organic raisins and dates, pineapple, papaya and apples). My apologies to many more ingredients that I'm leaving out.

2.) Ococoa
Macadamia Guava (cup) - 1 cup
Good +
Weight: .62 oz. (17.5 g.) (estimate)
Calories: 89 calories (estimate)
Cost: $N/A
Purchased from: N/A

Also a fantastic fit for Seed/Nut Butter and Fruit Theme Week are Ococoa cups -- small chocolate parfait cups layered with nut, seed and fruit flavors. I like macadamia nuts; however, I don't recall having tried macadamia nut butter. It's probably one of the hardest nut butters to work with (other than brazil nut butter perhaps?). I enjoyed it most as the guava, chocolate and nut flavors all blended together.

ChocolateBet: November 30, 2007

Chocolate of the Day:

1 srvg, or 3 squares; approx. 1/4 - 1/3 of a 3 oz. bar
Vosges Haut Chocolat
Woolloomooloo "exotic candy bar"
Good - Very Good
Weight: 3.0 oz. (85 grams) in total bar
Calories: 190 calories/serving
Cost: ~$6.95 (estimate)
Purchased from: Whole Foods?, Los Altos, CA?

This one didn't quite grab me like some of the other Vosges exotic bars; but I love the fact that Vosges is putting these different exotic flavors together. This Woolloomooloo bar contained roasted and salted macadamia nuts, Indonesian coconut, and hemp seeds -- mixed into what they're calling deep milk chocolate.