Dick Taylor Craft Chocolate - Seasonal Release Winter Wilderness 65% Belize Dark Chocolate (bar) - June 23, 2026

Chocolate of The Day

Dick Taylor Craft Chocolate
Seasonal Release Winter Wilderness 65% Belize Dark Chocolate (bar) 
Good ++
Weight: 1 oz. (28.3 g.) / 2 oz. (57 g.) in total bar
Calories: 160 calories in 1/2 bar
Cost: $11.50 for 1 bar
Purchased from: Bar & Cocoa, online order 

Welcome to Day #8 of Chocolate & Earth, Mountains, Forests and Gardens Theme Week. This week's Earth theme embraces mountains and forests of all types--from tropical cacao rain forest farms to pine and redwood forests.

Today's Winter Wilderness 65% Belize Dark Chocolate (bar) was crafted by Dick Taylor Craft Chocolate (in Eureka, CA-- a Northern California city often considered a "gateway" to nearby redwood groves/forests*).

Aroma and flavor notes included: smooth dark chocolate, refreshing rosemary (sweet pine-y menthol), faint citrus, mint and other "tree" notes (maple, sweet pine/fir). There was also an almost ginger-like zing in the first bite or so (as my brain sorted out the flavors). 

This tree-forward blend, sweetened with maple sugar, successfully conjured up a brisk walk in the woods on a cool, crisp fall day with pine-scented fresh air. Originally designed as a Seasonal Release for the winter holidays, this chocolate could be enjoyed in any season.

Texture: smooth with an even and satisfying melt

I enjoyed this seasonal bar. Authentic rosemary blended with the maple, peppermint, citrus and fir tree; and the fun lingered into a long, happy finish. It was like a walk through an aromatic forest in the northern woods.

Ingredients: Cacao*, Cane Sugar*, Cocoa Butter*, Maple Sugar, Orange Oil, Peppermint Oil, Siberian Fir Oil (*Organic) Cacao Solids: 65% minimum.

Allergen-related information: "Processed on shared equipment with milk, tree nuts, wheat and peanuts."

*The local Eureka zoo even includes an elevated redwood tree walkway--touted to be the longest such walkway in the Western U.S.

Cluizel Paris - Ourson Guimauve Orange & Cannelle Marshmallow Bear - June 7, 2026

Chocolate of the Day

Cluizel
Ourson Guimauve Orange & Cannelle Marshmallow Bear
Good ++ 
Weight: .88 oz. (25 g.) / 1.76 oz. (50 g.) in total bear
Calories: 191 calories (estimate) in 1/2 bear
Cost: $16.00 for 1 bear
Purchased from: Bar & Cocoa, online order

Welcome to Day #3 of Chocolate & Bears Theme Week. 

Today's Ourson Guimauve Orange & Cannelle (Orange & Cinnamon) Marshmallow Bear was from Cluizel (Paris, France).

This little French bear was last seen (in one piece) in my house in California this morning. By evening, only the memory of chocolate, bergamot orange and cinnamon remained. Quel dommage. (What a shame.)

Aroma and flavor notes for this dark chocolate coated marshmallow confection included: subtle dark chocolate, very slightly bitter (bergamot) orange and warm cinnamon and sweet marshmallow.

Texture: a thin layer of smooth dark chocolate surrounded a fluffy, very slightly chewy marshmallow filling 

Ingredients: Sugar, Cocoa Bean, Water, Glucose Syrup, Inverted Sugar, Cocoa Butter, Setting Agent (bovine gelatin), Orange for decoration, Bergamot Powder, Emulsifier (rapeseed lecithin), Cinnamon, Bourbon Vanilla Pod. 

Allergen-related information: "May contain traces of shelled tree nuts, milk, gluten"

Eclat Chocolate - Zuta & Orange 54%/33% Cacao (bar) + Embers Chocolate Orange & Bay leaf (bar) - Mar. 1, 2026

Chocolate(s) of the Day

Eclat Chocolate 
Zuta & Orange 54%/33% Cacao (bar)
Good ++
Weight: 1.1 oz. (30 g.) / 2.2 oz. (60 g.) in total bar
Calories: 162 calories in 1/2 bar
Cost: $12.00 for 1 bar
Purchased from: Chocolate Dispensary, online order

Embers Chocolate
Chocolate Covered Orange Single Origin 45% Milk Chocolate with Bay (bar)
Good ++
Weight: .53 oz. (15 g.) in 1 small bar
Calories: 71 calories in 1 small bar
Cost: $6.00 for 1 bar
Purchased from: Chocolate Dispensary, online order

Welcome to Day #11 of Chocolate & Mint Theme Week.

Today's two bars both contained milk chocolate, orange and herb flavors.

Zuta & Orange 54%/33% Cacao bar

Aroma and flavor notes for this blended bar from Eclat Chocolate (West Chester, PA) included: dark milk chocolate (smooth, chocolate-y, slightly roasted cacao with faint cream and nut); light citrus and exotic mint (that tasted like light spearmint, with very faint lemon balm and/or Douglas Fir tips).

Texture: creamy, smooth textured milk chocolate blended into smooth dark chocolate.

The slightly exotic zuta (Israeli mint) and the citrus (orange) ingredients were well integrated with the chocolate. I noticed the mint a little more in the aroma than the flavor.

I liked the idea of running two different cacao percent chocolates together in parallel strips in the same bar. The integration of the two cacao percentage levels together was a smooth one, and added a gentle, balanced complexity to the chocolate. 

I also appreciated the choice (and subtlety) of the two flavor inclusions; although I found myself wanting to taste a little bit more of the unique zuta mint (Micromeria fruticosa).

Ingredients: Dark chocolate (min. cocoa mass 54%, sugar, cocoa butter, soya lecithin, natural vanilla), milk chocolate (min. cocoa powder 33%, sugar, cocoa butter, whole milk powder, soya lecithin, natural vanilla), fresh zuta, orange. 

Allergen-related information: Contains Milk. "Produced in a facility that handles peanuts, tree nuts, milk, wheat and soy."

Chocolate Orange Milk Chocolate 45% bar

This diminutive bar was made by Embers Chocolate (Scottsdale, AZ). 

Aroma and flavor notes included: creamy, dark milk chocolate, citrus (orange), mint/menthol/laurel with a hint of lemon.

Texture: smooth, thick and creamy dark milk chocolate with chewy bites of candied orange pieces. Tiny green (bay leaf) micro-confetti added a light herbal flavor, but no detectable leaf texture/grit

This was a successful, thoughtful and well-executed blend of flavors. The bay leaf bits added gentle herbal (light laurel/bay flavor), i.e. Turkish Bay Laurel (Laurus nobilis)--not the much stronger California Bay variety (Umbelluria californica) that I'm used to sampling in the San Francisco Bay Area where I live.

I also appreciated the short list of ingredients and use of organic cacao and sugar.

Maker's tasting notes: "...bright citrus meets silky 45% milk chocolate, with a whisper of bay leaf that pulls out the sweetness and adds a savory, aromatic edge..."

Ingredients: Cacao Beans*, Cane Sugar*, Milk Powder, Candied Orange Peel (Sugar, Water, Malic Acid), Bay Leaf. (* = Organic Ingredient)

Allergen-related information: Contains Milk. Made using shared equipment that may contain traces of milk, eggs, tree nuts, peanuts, soy, and sesame.

 

Ritual Chocolate - Orange Cranberry Bar 46% Cacao - Feb. 3, 2026

Chocolate of the Day

Ritual Chocolate
Orange Cranberry Bar 46% Cacao 
Good ++
Weight: 2.12 oz. (60 g.) in total bar
Calories: 420 calories in 1 bar
Cost: $11.99 for 1 bar
Purchased from: Whole Foods, Los Altos, CA

Welcome to Day #14 of Chocolate, Warm Spices & Maple Theme Week.

Today's Orange Cranberry Bar 46% Cacao was from Ritual Chocolate (Heber City, UT). I paired this chocolate with a hot, spiced cider (with an extra dash of cinnamon).

Aroma and flavor notes included: rich, sweet, milk chocolate; caramel; and fruit (dark red berry/cranberry; subtle, authentic citrus (orange)).

Texture: creamy, smooth, orange extract-infused milk chocolate broke with a light snap. About every third bite contained a whole, plump, dried cranberry--that was moist, softly chewy and satisfying. 

The ruby-hued, dried cranberries were sweetened, but weren't overly sweet (thank you).

This was a sweet, holiday chocolate. (When the cacao content of a chocolate dips into the 40% cacao range (less than 50% cacao), relatively more sugar can mask cacao and other flavors.) But the complementary, balanced and authentic cacao, citrus and cranberry elements in this bar helped balance the sweetness.

I appreciated the thoughtful execution behind this orange milk chocolate with cranberries bar and the choice of organic, authentic-tasting ingredients.

Maker's Tasting Notes: "Orange Zest, Cranberry & Light Caramel"

Ingredients: Organic Cacao, Organic Cane Sugar, Organic A1/A2 Whole Milk Powder, Organic Cocoa Butter, Organic Cranberries (Organic Dried Cranberries, Organic Sunflower Oil), Orange Extract (Organic Sunflower Oil, Organic Orange Oil)

Allergen-related information: "Contains Milk." "Manufactured in a facility that also processes Milk, Tree Nuts, and Wheat." 

Tavi - Honeycomb Orange 72% cacao dark chocolate (bar) - Jan. 9, 2026

Chocolate of the Day

Tavi Chocolates 
Orange Honeycomb 72% Cacao (bar)
Good ++
Weight: 1.4 (40 g.) oz. / 2.8 oz. (80 g.) in total bar
Calories: 222 calories in 1/2 bar
Cost: $11.50 for 1 bar
Purchased from: Bar & Cocoa, online order

Welcome to Day #10 of Chocolate & Citrus Week, and Day #3 of Chocolate & Colombia Theme Week.

Today's Tavi "Orange Honeycomb 72% cacao dark chocolate orange blend with honeycomb crunch" (bar) was manufactured by Vast Company SAS in Bogota, Colombia, and Imported by Tavi Chocolates Essoel, LLC (Miami, FL).

Founded by siblings Sofia and Esteban Varela, Tavi is a family-owned business focused on chocolates made in Colombia (using premium cacao(s) grown in Colombia) blended with creative designs and flavors.

Aroma notes included: smooth dark chocolate with warm, malty and faint orange notes.

Texture: smooth dark chocolate studded with light and airy, crispy-crunchy honeycomb candy (that did contain some real honey).

Flavor notes included: smooth-tasting chocolate, sweet and crunchy honeycomb candy; subtle, authentic orange; and faint honey.

I liked the overall harmonious blend of flavors and textures. There was just the right amount of orange powder that -- when combined with a hint of vanilla -- added warm and appealing accent flavors to the smooth dark chocolate. 

I also appreciated the light and crispy honeycomb candy (that was not too sticky sweet or overwhelming), and the choice of 72% cacao. (Anything less than 72% might have been too sweet for me, a dark fan.)

Ingredients: Bittersweet Chocolate (Chocolate Liquor, Cane Sugar, Cocoa Butter, Soy Lecit(h)in, Vainilla (sic)), Sugar Cane, Natural Orange Power (sic), Honey.

Allergen-related information: "Produced on Equipment That Also Processes Products Containing Milk, Peanuts and Other Tree Nuts."

Eigen Chocolate - Chocolate Orange 70% Dark Chocolate (bar) + Amparo Lebara 70% Huila Colombia Microlot (bar) - Jan. 8, 2026

Chocolate(s) of the Day

Eigen Chocolate

Chocolate Orange 70% Dark Chocolate with Orange Oil (bar)
Good ++ 
Weight: .88 oz. (25 g.) in total bar
Calories: 136.4 calories (estimate) in 1 bar
Cost: $7.50 for 1 bar
Purchased from: Eigen Chocolate, online order

San Jose de Isnos Huila Colombia - Amparo Lebaza 70% Cacao Microlot (bar)
Good ++ - Good +++
Weight: .88 oz. (25 g.) / 1.74 (sic) oz. (50 g.) in total bar
Calories: 136.4 calories (estimate) in 1/2 bar
Cost: $11.25 for 1 bar
Purchased from: Eigen Chocolate, online order 

Welcome to Day #9 of Chocolate & Citrus Theme Week, and Day #2 of Chocolate & Colombia Theme Week.

Today's two very tasty chocolate bars were: 

• 1.) Chocolate Orange - 70% Dark Chocolate with Orange Oil (bar)
• 2.) San Jose de Isnos Huila, Colombia - Amparo Lebaza 70% Cacao Microlot (bar). 

Both were crafted by the same maker: Eigen Chocolate (High Point, NC).

Chocolate Orange 70% Dark Chocolate with Orange Oil

Aroma notes included: smooth dark chocolate and aromatic, sweet orange.

Texture: smooth dark chocolate with a smooth, even melt

Flavor notes for this attractively packaged bar included: sweet dark chocolate and orange that extended into a pleasing orange finish. This was relatively sweet for a 70% dark chocolate, likely made more so by the orange oil that had an inherent citrus sweet orange taste to it and the use of cane sugar (which I've not tasted as often this week).*

This bar evoked memories of holiday dark chocolate oranges of the past. (Today's thoughtfully-executed bar would likely win in a taste-off against those chocolates from decades ago.)

I enjoyed the balanced blend of sweet and tasty authentic flavors and short list of quality ingredients. The orange oil tasted like real orange. 

Ingredients: "Cacao nibs, Organic cane sugar, Organic cocoa butter, Orange oil"

Allergen-related information: "Made in a facility that handles nuts, dairy & soy."

San Jose de Isnos Huila Colombia - Amparo Lebaza 70% Cacao Microlot

Aroma notes included: dark chocolate, dried fruit (raisin, citrus, pomegranate) and very faint herbal.

Texture: smooth, with a slight, but not unpleasant, astringency in the second half.

Flavor notes included: dark chocolate (fudge-y), diffuse dried fruit (raisin, mixed citrus, faint pomegranate), faint wood, and very faint, sharp floral/honey.

I really enjoyed the unique, slightly tart and tangy, yet grounded and balanced, flavors and complexity in this 70% dark chocolate bar--all elicited from just three ingredients. 

(After eating many holiday, milk and flavored chocolates these past few weeks, I loved tasting authentic and nuanced cacao bean flavors in a dark chocolate bar again.)

Maker's tasting notes: "Fudge, Hickory, Floral"

Ingredients: Cacao, cane sugar*, cocoa butter* (* = Organic)

Allergen-related information: "Made in a facility that handles nuts, dairy & soy."

*I've tasted many chocolates recently with less processed/brown sugars. The type of sugar can influence what a chocolate tastes like. "White" cane sugar is preferred for its clear sweetness, i.e. (lack of other flavors that may obfuscate more subtle cacao notes in chocolate. 

TCHO - Dark & Zesty 62% Cacao (bars) - Jan. 6, 2026

Chocolate of the Day

TCHO
"Dark & Zesty" - 62% Cacao (bars)
Good ++
Weight: 2.5 oz. (70 g.) in total package of 3 bars
Calories: 360 calories in 1 package of 3 bars
Cost: N/A - gift from a coworker
Purchased from: N/A - gift from a coworker

Welcome to Day #7 of Chocolate & Citrus Theme Week. 

Today's package of 3 individually-wrapped "Dark & Zesty" 62% Cacao (bars) was from TCHO Ventures Inc. (Berkeley, CA). 

This tasty and unapologetically orange chocolate was created as a small-batch chocolate collaboration between TCHO and The Florida Aquarium (Tampa, FL), and was given to me by the head zookeeper at the local Junior Museum & Zoo. (Thank you Sean!)

Aroma notes included: smooth dark chocolate infused with aromatic, authentic and vibrant orange. 

Texture: These individually-wrapped bars had an attractively smooth texture and melt.

Flavor notes included: a blend of smooth, sweet dark chocolate with a zesty blend of 62% cacao dark chocolate and sweet citrus (orange, orange juice, candied orange peel). The orange flavor was authentic and bright and lingered into the chocolate fudge and tart-sweet citrus finish. This was like one of those holiday chocolate oranges -- only better.

I really enjoyed this cheery, citrus-infused chocolate, even if it was on the sweet side. (Think 100% orange juice (frozen) bar covered in dark chocolate.) 

This bar was similar to other TCHO citrus flavored chocolates released recently (most notably the "Winter Squeeze" 62% Cacao bars with orange oomph and a hint of grapefruit). I hope today's bar (and the Lemon with Sea Salt and Olive Oil bar) join TCHO's permanent (year-round) collection.

Thank you to the makers at TCHO for using orange powder (rather than just natural flavors or orange essential oils (where taste/quality vary quite a bit)). The orange powder gave this bar a much more full-bodied and authentic citrus flavor; and evoked memories of fresh, backyard oranges in childhood that brightened up winter days.

I appreciated TCHO's use of Organic ingredients, as well as the use of Fair Trade cacao beans and cocoa butter.

Ingredients: Cacao Beans*+, Cane Sugar*, Cocoa Butter*+, Orange Powder (Orange Peel and Pulp)*, Sunflower Lecithin*,  Citic Acid, Natural Flavors*, Vanilla Beans*

(*Organic; +Fair Trade)

Allergen-related information: May contain tree nuts. 

TCHO - "Winter Squeeze" - 62% Smooth Dark Chocolate + Vibrant Orange - Jan. 4, 2026

Chocolate of the Day

TCHO
"Winter Squeeze" - 62% Cacao Smooth Dark Chocolate + Vibrant Orange
Good ++
Weight: 1.4 oz. (40 g.) for 2 bars / 2.1 oz. (60 g.) in total package of 3 bars
Calories: 200 calories in 2/3 of the package (2 bars)
Cost: $11.99 for 1 package of 3 bars
Purchased from: TCHO, online order

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

Today's "Winter Squeeze" 62% Cacao (bars) were from TCHO Ventures Inc. (Berkeley, CA).

Aroma notes included: smooth dark chocolate infused with aromatic, bold, authentic citrus (orange).

Flavor notes for these two individually-wrapped smaller bars (part of a package of 3) included: a relatively smooth, and certainly sweet, blend of 62% cacao dark chocolate and sweet citrus (orange juice, lime*, lemon*, pink grapefruit). The flavors in this winter waker-upper were authentic, bright. and bracing. 

I enjoyed this cheery, citrus-infused chocolate, even if it was on the sweet side. (Think 100% orange juice (frozen) bar covered in dark chocolate.) 

Thank you to the makers at TCHO for using orange powder (rather than just natural flavors or orange essential oils (whose taste/quality vary quite a bit)). The orange powder gave this bar a much more full-bodied and authentic citrus flavor; and evoked memories of freshly picked oranges in childhood that brightened up cold, damp January days then as well.

I also appreciated the use of Organic ingredients and the Organic certification, as well as the use of Fair Trade Certified cacao beans and cocoa butter.

*Orange and grapefruit were the citrus fruit flavorings in this bar. There was no lime or lemon.

Ingredients: Cacao Beans*+, Cane Sugar*, Cocoa Butter*+, Orange Powder (Orange Peel and Pulp)*, Sunflower Lecithin*,  Citic Acid, Natural Orange Flavor*, Natural Grapefruit Flavor, Vanilla Beans*

(*Organic; +Fair Trade Certified)

Allergen-related information: May contain tree nuts.

Sted Foods - Pecan Orange Spice 70% Dark Chocolate (bar) - Jan. 3, 2026

Chocolate of the Day

Sted Foods
Organic Pecan Orange Spice 70% Dark Chocolate (bar)
Good + - Good ++
Weight: 1 oz. (28.3 g.) / 2 oz. (56.6 g.) in total bar
Calories: 170 calories in 1/2 bar
Cost: $8.00 for 1 bar
Purchased from: Sted Foods, online order

Welcome to Day #4 of Chocolate & Citrus Theme Week.

Today's Sted Foods Organic Orange Pecan Spice 70% Dark Chocolate (bar) was manufactured by TC Foods, LLC (Fergus Falls, MN).

Aroma notes included: dark chocolate (roasted cacao) and orange oil.

Texture: This relatively thin, segmented bar broke easily and had a smooth texture with tiny, soft nut (pecan) bits.

 Flavor notes included: slightly bitter (or at least unsweetened, slightly over-roasted, smoke-y; black licorice, rubber) 70% cacao dark chocolate (that tasted more like an 80% dark chocolate); orange (peel); faint nut (pecan); faint spice; and a few tiny upticks of (unexpected, but appreciated) salt. (The salt helped to balance the bitterness.)

Maker's tasting notes: "Bright + Zesty + Orange Grove"..."This bar celebrates the simple zing of wild clementines with the buttery richness of pecans and the warming spice of cinnamon and cloves in dark chocolate..."

I appreciated the relatively short list of organic ingredients, the choice of flavors in this blend, and the maker's philosophy of creating connection(s) and a sense of place as part of a backdrop for celebrating flavors. 

Right now, I'm imagining what it's like in January and Minnesota...It's 28 degrees F (-2 degrees C in Fergus Falls and St. Paul, MN as I write this. Chocolate with citrus and warm spices sounds like a good antidote for this chilly weather.

Ingredients: "organic cocoa beans, organic cane sugar, organic pecans, organic cocoa butter, organic cinnamon, organic cloves, organic orange essential oil"

Allergen-related information: "Contain pecans. Made in a facility that uses coconut, almonds, pecans, and milk." "Free From Soy, Gluten, & Palm Oil"

 

Compartes Chocolatier - Dark Chocolate Fruits - Pomegranate, Golden Raisins, Blueberries, Orange Slice & Pear - Nov. 8, 2025

Chocolate(s) of the Day

Compartes Chocolatier
Dark Chocolate Fruit Assortment
Weight: Unknown. Total box estimate: (>1.57 lbs. (715.3 g.)
Calories: 380 calories (estimate) in 5 pieces
Cost: $74.00 for 1 box of 16+ pieces
Purchased from: Compartes, online order

Welcome to Day #18 of Chocolate and Fruits Theme Week.

Today's eye-catching matte black box of jewel-colored dark chocolate covered/dipped fruits were from Compartes Chocolatier (Los Angeles, CA). The company produces a wide variety of chocolate bars with different flavor inclusions, confections and chocolate gifts.

Three of today's five chocolate + fruit confections were composed of fruit pieces atop dark chocolate cups: 1.) Pomegranate, 2.) Golden Raisins and 3.) Blueberries. 

The last two were larger fruit pieces dipped in dark chocolate: 4.) a chocolate dipped Orange Slice and 5.) a dark chocolate dipped pear "spear." 

These five flavors were part of a larger "medium" sized dark chocolate + fruits assortment box. 

Aroma notes included: smooth, chocolate-y dark chocolate with very faint fruit (red berry). The orange piece had a citrus fragrance. The pear piece was very subtle.

Texture: varied by fruit item. The chocolate cup bases on the first three items were fairly substantial. These smooth, thick dark chocolate cups were topped with authentic, ruby-hued fresh pomegranate seeds, with little white pips at the centers; moist, chewy golden raisins and softly chewy blueberries. 

The orange slice and the pear spear were made of larger pieces of fruit. The fruits were sweet; but authentic. The little bursts of fruit flavor from the pomegranate seeds was pure bright-tart red berry/pomegranate. 

My favorite (and most fruit-flavorful) piece was the dark chocolate dipped orange slice. (Although I did not taste the dark chocolate dipped apricot piece, I'll bet that one was very tasty and tart-sweet too.)

This stylish, mixed dark assortment of chocolate dipped and covered fruit pieces was attractively presented in the black box; the contrast with the black box (and dark chocolate) really made the bright, authentic fruit colors pop and shine--wow factor for a gift box.

Ingredients: "Dark Chocolate (Cocoa Mass, Sugar, Cocoa Butter, Soy Lecithin as an Emulsifier, Vanilla)... May Contain Apricot, Orange, Pear, Pineapple, Peach, Raisin, Ginger, Mango, Kiwi, Goji Berries, Cherries, Cranberries, Blueberries, Strawberries, Raspberries, Acai, Papaya, Cocoanut, Lemon, Dates, Apple, Sugar, Corn Syrup, Citric Acid, Potassium Sorbate, Sulphur Dioxide.

Allergen-related information: "Made in a facility that handles Milk, Wheat, Peanuts, Egg, Soy, Tree Nuts, and Sesame."  

Elements Truffles - Orange Crunch Dark Chocolate (bar) - June 11, 2025

Chocolate of the Day

Elements Truffles
Orange Crunch Dark Chocolate 70% Cacao (bar)
Good ++ 
Weight: .9 oz. (25 g.) / 1.8 oz. (50 g.) in total bar
Calories: 140 calories in 1/2 bar
Cost: $8.00 for 1 bar (part of a 4-pk. order)
Purchased from: Amazon, online order 

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

Today's Orange Crunch Dark Chocolate 70% Cacao (bar) was from Elements Truffles (Union City, NJ).

The cacao used to make this chocolate was "Fair trade cacao ethically sourced from Ecuador."

Aroma and flavor notes for this bar included: dark chocolate, subtle sweet citrus and slightly savory spice (turmeric) -- e.g. the very faint aroma of pickled peppers/beets and barely detectable earthy, spiced lentils. The chocolate was balanced and smooth in flavor.

Texture: this chocolate was smooth with a creamy (cocoa butter and honey) melt and mouthfeel with occasional softly crunchy/crispy quinoa pieces.

I enjoyed the relatively short list of quality and organic ingredients; the subtlety of the flavors; and the honey (smooth texture and subtle sweetness). Those with a sweet tooth may miss the customary refined sugar; but I was fine without the sugar buzz. 

And I appreciated the addition of turmeric, in the Ayurvedic tradition (for health).* This ground spice imparted a distinct flavor, but wasn't too overwhelming.

Ingredients: Organic Cacao Butter, Raw Honey, Organic Cacao Powder, Organic Puffed Quinoa, Organic Turmeric Powder, Orange Essential Oil

Allergen-related information: Made in a facility that processes nuts

*Turmeric contains curcumin which is believed to have anti-inflammatory properties. (Curcumin can interfere with certain cellular signaling pathways associated with inflammation, and may inhibit certain inflammatory enzymes.)

Argencove Fine Chocolate - Cardamom & Orange 70% Cacao Dark Chocolate Nicaragua (bar) - June 9, 2025

Chocolate of the Day

Argencove Fine Chocolate
Cardamom & Orange 70% Cacao Dark Chocolate Nicaragua (bar)
Good ++ - Good +++
Weight: 1.76 oz. (50 g.) in total bar
Calories: 273 calories (estimate) in 1 bar
Cost: $16.00 for 1 bar
Purchased from: Chocolate Dispensary, online order

Welcome to Day #3 of Chocolate and Citrus Week.

Today's Cardamom & Orange 70% Dark Chocolate Nicaragua (bar) was from Argencove Fine Chocolate (Granada, Nicaragua).*

Aroma notes for today's spice and citrus bar included: fragrant cardamom, slightly savory spice, orange and subtle, almost buttery dark chocolate.

Texture: relatively soft, creamy, and smooth. The cardamom and orange were completely incorporated into the chocolate.

Flavor notes were enjoyably complex and balanced and included: smooth dark chocolate infused with balanced sweet-tart citrus (orange), spice (cardamom), and very faint slightly earthy floral-herbal (think saffron, cardamom and turmeric vegetable stew with rice).

I loved the blend of unique, complex and complementary spice, citrus and cacao notes, and the

short list of quality and local (Nicaragua-grown) ingredients.

Ingredients: Cacao, sugar, cocoa butter, cardamom, orange.

Allergen-related information: May contain traces of peanuts and/or tree nuts due to shared equipment.

*Manufactured by C y B Productos Agricolas S.A. (Granada, Nicaragua).

The Organic House - Chocolate Covered Maple Candied Orange Slices - June 8, 2025

Chocolate of the Day

The Organic House 
Chocolate Covered Maple Candied Orange Slices
Good + - Good ++ 
Weight: .706 oz. (20 g.) / 3.52 oz. (100 g.) in total package 
Calories: 70 calories (estimate) in 1 piece/slice 
Cost: $22.00 for 1 package
Purchased from: Bar & Cocoa, online order 

Welcome to Day #2 of Chocolate and Citrus Week.

Today's Chocolate Covered Maple Candied Orange Slices were from The Organic House (Burlington, Ontario, Canada). 

The company is a bean-to-bar chocolate maker that specializes in vegan, gluten- and dairy-free, and organic chocolate bars and confections made with ethically-sourced cacao.

Aroma notes for today's chocolate and maple sugar covered, dehydrated orange slices included: citrus (orange, orange peel), maple sugar cake and dark chocolate.

Texture: chewy, authentic orange slices; lightly textured, authentic maple sugar and coconut flower nectar; partly covered by a smooth dark chocolate. 

Flavor notes included: high-quality, authentic maple sugar and dried orange slices flavor, and smooth dark chocolate. The maple and coconut flower nectar added a rich flavor of their own as well.

I appreciated the short list of quality, local (Ontario maple sugar) ingredients.  

Ingredients: "Oranges, Ontario maple sugar, cacao beans, coconut flower nectar, cacao butter"

Allergen-related information: Made in a facility that uses tree nuts. "Vegan, Non-GMO, Gluten Free"

Mirzam - 62% Dark Chocolate with Candied Oranges & Orange Infused Toffee (bar) - June 7, 2025

Chocolate of the Day

Mirzam Chocolate Makers
62% Dark Chocolate with Candied Oranges & Orange Infused Toffee (bar)
Good ++ 
Weight: 1.23 oz. (35 g.) / 2.47 oz. (70 g.) in total bar
Calories: 73 calories in 1/2 bar (per label - 208 kcals per 100 g.)
Cost: $18.50 for 1 bar
Purchased from: Bar & Cocoa, online order

Welcome to Day #1 of Chocolate & Citrus Week, featuring bars and confections with a citrus flavor inclusion.

Today's 62% Dark Chocolate with Candied Oranges & Orange Infused Toffee (bar) from Mirzam Chocolate Makers was "made from bean bar in Dubai, United Arab Emirates" -- "crafted in collaboration with: @zandzdc."

Aroma notes included: lovely aromatic orange (ripe orange fruit, candied orange peel) and dark chocolate.

Texture: lots of crunchy orange toffee bits and creamy smooth dark chocolate.

Flavor notes included: orange-infused toffee bits encased in a smooth dark chocolate bar. 

Citrus lovers will really appreciate this high-end exotic citrus bar. This was a well-executed and balanced orange-zilla dark chocolate confection. The orange had some authentic zing but was not bitter or acidic. The dark chocolate balanced and complemented the sweet citrus elements, and played more of a supporting role. 

Ingredients: Cocoa beans, unrefined cane sugar, cocoa butter, butter, orange sweet oil, orange peel, glucose.

Allergen-related information: Contains dairy (butter). May contain traces of nuts and gluten. 

Hana Gold - 63% Dark Chocolate with Mandarin Orange (bar) - Mar. 24, 2025

Chocolate of the Day

Hana Gold
63% Dark Chocolate with Mandarin Orange (bar) 
Good ++ 
Weight: 1 oz. (28 g.) / 1.5 oz. (42.5 g.) in total bar
Calories: 155 calories (estimate) in 1 oz. of bar
Cost: $8.50 for 1 bar
Purchased from: Hana Gold, online order

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

Today's 63% Dark Chocolate with Mandarin Orange (bar) was from Hana Gold Farm (Hana Highway, Maui, HI). The company is a "branch-to-bar" chocolate maker on the island of Maui. 

Hawaii has both the climate (lower latitude, and large areas with very few cold snaps) and the rich, volcanic soils--conditions that enable many working cacao farms/plantations.

Aroma and flavor notes included: rich, tart sweet dark chocolate (bold, very slightly earthy/peaty--but nicely balanced--cacao) with pieces of tart, sweet, authentic (and delicious) mandarin orange.

Texture: relatively smooth texture, with (three+ pieces) of wonderfully thin, chewy orange. 

I liked the 1.) balanced, robust dark and the high-quality chocolate, 2.) perfectly thin, chewy pieces of  authentic mandarin orange, and 3.) short list of ingredients.

Ingredients: "Hana Gold cacao, organic cane sugar, Mandarin oranges"

Allergen-related information: "Made in a facility that also processes nuts, dairy, soy."

 

Gaston Chocolat - Tree to Bar Candied Orange Dark 70% (bar) - Jan. 26, 2025

Chocolate of the Day

Gaston Chocolat
Tree to Bar Candied Orange Dark 70% (bar) 
Good ++
Weight: 1.22 oz. (34.5 g.) / 2.44 oz. (69 g.) in total bar
Calories: 189 calories (estimate) in 1/2 bar
Cost: N/A - gift from friend (thank you Toni!)
Purchased from: N/A gift 

Welcome to Day #5 of the Chocolate and Vanuatu Series.

Today's Tree to Bar Candied Orange Dark 70% (bar) (Batch #58/24) was from Gaston Chocolat (Port Vila, Vanuatu).

Aroma and flavor notes included: dark chocolate (pleasant, mild cocoa and chocolate cookie) and subtle, authentic orange. 

This relatively thick bar broke with a hard snap (in a cool room). The texture was uniform and smooth; and tiny bits of candied orange peel (adhered to the back of the bar) added a micro-crunchiness to some bites.

I enjoyed the smooth, authentic and complementary flavors; the short list of ingredients; and being able to try a chocolate made "in country" (made within the same island nation where the cacao beans are grown) by a Vanuatu-based company.

Ingredients: Cocoa Beans, Cocoa Butter, Sugar, Orange Peel

Allergen-related information: (No information found on packaging)

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. 

 

ChocolateSpiel - Spicy Orange Chocolate Bar - Jan. 4, 2025

Chocolate of the Day

ChocolateSpiel 
Spicy Orange Chocolate Bar
Good ++ 
Weight: 1 oz. (27 g.) in 1 bar
Calories: 155 calories (estimate) in 1 bar
Cost: $8.00 for 1 bar
Purchased from: Etsy.com, ChocolateSpiel, online order

Welcome to Day #10 of Chocolate, Tea, Herbs and Spices Theme Week.

Today's Spicy Orange Chocolate Bar was from ChocolateSpiel (Seattle, WA).

Aroma notes included: chocolate; citrus (orange) and spices.

Overlapping splashes of colored cocoa butter "paints" gave this bar an attractive/festive appearance.

This chocolate had a smooth, relatively creamy texture.

Flavor notes included: chocolate (smooth, dark ganache), citrus (orange) and a bit of spicy heat.

The orange flavor with the dark chocolate and spices was a successful blend. I enjoyed this bar with a cup of tea.

Maker's tasting notes: "72% bean to bar chocolate made with Colombian cocoa beans. This bar has a classic cayenne pepper spiciness to it and fruity orange flavor."

Ingredients: Cocoa, sugar, cocoa butter, orange oil, cayenne pepper, smoked paprika, harissa seasoning, colored cocoa butter.  

Allergen-related information: "May contain traces of tree nuts, gluten, coconut and peanuts." (The colors are made with colored cocoa butter. "Some of the colors (used) are artificial."

Bonajuto - Bittersweet Chocolate with Orange Zest (bar) - Oct. 18, 2024

Chocolate of the Day

Antica Dolceria Bonajuto S.r.l.
Bittersweet Chocolate with Orange Zest 01 (bar)
Good ++
Weight: 1.76 oz. (50 g.) in total bar
Calories: 270 calories in 1 bar
Cost: $12.00 for 1 bar
Purchased from: Il Parco, San Francisco, CA

Welcome to Day #8 of Chocolate and Orange Theme Week.

Today's Bittersweet Chocolate with Orange Zest 01 (bar) was from Antica Dolceria Bonajuto S.r.l. (Modica, Italy).

Aroma and flavor notes for this Italian chocolate included: bittersweet dark chocolate; faint herbal spice (licorice); subtle citrus (orange); and honeycomb.

The texture in this relatively smooth chocolate with a stoneground-like texture actually seemed to come more from the sugar. 

The very subtle orange zest was very finely ground--perhaps into glistening, visible sugar crystals and incorporated into the bittersweet dark chocolate.

I liked the flavor blend, the interesting complexity, that it didn't seem too sweet, and that there were just three ingredients (thank you).

Ingredients: "cocoa mass, cane sugar, orange zest"

Allergen-related information: "May contain almonds, hazelnuts, pistachios and milk"

Godavari Chocolate - Bon-fiction "Lost in an Orange Haze" 64% dark chocolate (bar) - Oct. 17, 2024

Chocolate of the Day

Godavari Chocolate Inc.
Bon-fiction "Lost in an Orange Haze" 64% dark chocolate, candied orange peel and cinnamon (bar)
Good ++ 
Weight: .97 oz. (27.5 g.) / 1.94 oz. (55 g.) in total bar
Calories: 155 calories in 1/2 bar
Cost: $8.99 for 1 bar
Purchased from: Sigona's Market, Palo Alto, CA  

Welcome to Day #7 of Chocolate and Orange Week.

Today's Bon-fiction "Lost in an Orange Haze" 64% dark chocolate, candied orange peel and cinnamon (bar) was made from tree-to-bar in India, and imported and distributed by Godavari Chocolate Inc. (Folsom, CA).

The cacao used to make this bar was "hand-picked from farms in the Godavari region of Southern India."

Aroma and flavor notes for this single origin bar included: rich chocolate orange spiced cake/cookie. There was also a very faint (barely detectable) slightly savory freshly baked bread with butter aroma note(s) in the very beginning, that faded after taking a bite--when the chocolate and orange took center stage.

The texture was smooth and buttery/creamy. (It did not contain milk.) The finely diced pieces of candied orange peel were well executed and very complementary to the chocolate flavors. I also enjoyed the cinnamon--that added a subtle, warm spice note.

Ingredients: Cocoa Beans, Organic Cane Sugar, Cocoa Butter, Candied Orange Peels, Cinnamon

Allergen-related information: "Manufactured in a facility that also processes: Milk, Peanuts, Almond, Cashew, Walnut, Coconut, Hazelnut, Pistachio."