Beato Chocolates - In the Garden 38% Milk Chocolate with Black Sage Oil (bar) - June 24, 2026

Chocolate of The Day

Beato Chocolates
"In the Garden" 38% Milk Chocolate with Black Sage Oil (bar)
Good + - Good ++ 
Weight: 1.43 oz. (40.5 g.) / 2.86 oz. (81 g.) in total bar
Calories: 257 calories (estimate) in 1/2 bar
Cost: $14.00 for 1 bar
Purchased from: Xocolatl, online order

Welcome to Day #9 of Chocolate, Earth, Mountains, Forests & Gardens Theme Week.

Today's In the Garden 38% Milk Chocolate with Black Sage Oil (bar) was created and distributed by Beato Chocolate (a woman-owned and artist focused business) "anti-established" in Ojai, California. 

"In The Garden" is a collaboration between Beato Chocolates and GARA Skincare. (Artwork for this bar: Beatrice Wood.)

"Foraged in the hills of Central, CA and distilled by GARA skincare in Ojai, CA, black sage is known for its calming, relaxing and nourishing properties."

Aroma and flavor notes included: sweet chocolate and herbs (mint, sage)

Texture: smooth, creamy milk chocolate

I appreciated the sage flavor; the creamy texture; and the focus on art and artists. 

The black sage (oil) flavor tasted authentic and harmonized nicely with the sweet milk chocolate. It helped balance the strong sweetness. (The first ingredient listed was sugar.) Too sweet for me; but those with a sweet tooth will likely enjoy this chocolate. I liked everything else about this bar.

Ingredients: Evaporated cane sugar, cacao beans, organic full cream milk, cocoa butter, sunflower lecithin, black sage oil

Allergen-related information: Contains Milk. 

The Functional Chocolate Company - Mellow Mint Truffle Carefree Chocolate (bar) - Feb. 23, 2026

Chocolate of the Day

The Functional Chocolate Company 
Mellow Mint Truffle flavor Carefree Chocolate 60% (bar)
Good ++
Weight: 1.75 oz. (50 g.) in total bar
Calories: 252 calories in 1 bar (6 squares)
Cost: $6.39 for 1 bar
Purchased from: Vitacost, online order

Welcome to Day #5 of Chocolate & Mint Theme Week.

Today's Mellow Mint Truffle flavor Carefree Chocolate 60% (bar) was made for The Functional Chocolate Company LLC (Evergreen, CO). It contained a blend of inclusions (see ingredients list) to help reduce stress.

Aroma and flavor notes included: sweet and smooth dark chocolate infused with refreshing mint flavor--that extended into a pleasant, light (non-astringent) green tea (and very slightly floral - vanilla, sweet herb (lemon balm) and flower (chamomile) finish.

The English peppermint was nice (not too overwhelming.) And I was happy to taste another member of the mint family--lemon balm--in this chocolate.

The texture was relatively smooth, with a very faint (barely detectable) finely ground (powdered) herb/leaf granularity in one or two bites that did not bother me in the least.

I enjoyed this chocolate mint bar. The flavors were authentic, balanced and...yes, mellow. (Nothing was too intense or spiky.) It was sweet, but not overly so.

Note: I did not experience any noticeable effects from the "proprietary calming blend" in this bar; however, if you have any medical conditions, please read information listed below.

Ingredients: "Ethically Sourced Dark Chocolate (Unsweetened Cocoa Mass, All Natural Pure Cane Sugar, Cocoa Butter, Non GMO Soy Lecithin (Emulsifier), Natural Vanilla Extract), Natural Flavors"..."L-Theanine, Pharma Gaba(R) - Gamma Aminobutyric Acid, English Peppermint Oil (Black Mitcham), Passion Flower Extract, Lemon Balm Extract, Chamomile Extract, Organic Madagascar Vanilla Extract, Kava Kava CO2 Select Extract (60% Kavalactones), Ancient Sea Salt w/54 Trace Minerals"

Allergen-related information: "This product is manufactured in a facility that processes milk, soy, tree nuts and peanuts. Consult your doctor before use if you are on medication, have a medical condition or are pregnant or nursing."

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

Chocolate(s) of the Day

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Allergen-related information: Contains Milk.