Simply Gum - Peanut Butter Crispies - June 3, 2025

Chocolate of the Day

Simply Gum

Peanut Butter Crispies 
Good ++ 
Weight: 1.625 oz. (46 g.) / 4.7 oz. (133 g.) in total package
Calories: 240 calories in 2 pieces
Cost: $7.99 for 1 package of 6 pieces
Purchased from: Farm Fresh, online order 

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

Today's Peanut Butter Crispies were from Simply Gum Inc. (Brooklyn, NY).

Aroma and flavor notes included: peanut, chocolate and toffee. 

In texture, aroma and taste these small bars were similar to a Butterfinger* candy bar--made with higher quality (darker) chocolate, quinoa and brown rice, and a lighter (less dense), crispy texture. All this with a shorter list of ingredients.

These treat-sized bars evoked great childhood chocolate memories. The only downside: these were quite addicting. If you open up this relatively large package (that contains an inviting sea of unwrapped bars), you may be tempted to eat more than planned.

I enjoyed the balanced and complementary blend of flavors and textures; and I appreciated the list of quality ingredients and the absence of extra additives--true to the "Simply" company name and mission.

Maker's description: "Our Peanut Butter Crisps are a lighter take on a classic candy -- think nut butter cup meets rice crispies..."

Ingredients: Dark Chocolate (Cocoa Mass, Organic Coconut Sugar, Cocoa Butter), Peanut Flour, Organic Coconut Sugar, Organic Cocoa Butter, Roasted Peanuts, Quinoa, Organic Brown Rice, Coconut Oil, Peanut Oil, Organic Vanilla Bean, Sea Salt

Allergen-related information: Contains Peanuts, Coconut. Manufactured in a facility with products that may contain milk, tree nuts and/or peanuts. Gluten Free. 

*The Butterfinger candy bar was created in 1923 by the Curtiss Candy Company. In the past this brand was owned by Standard Brands, Nabisco and Nestle. Ferrero Group became the latest owner in the U.S. in 2018. It is manufactured internationally by Nestle.

Zoe's Chocolate Co. - Peanut Butter Love Bugs - Feb. 27, 2025

Chocolate of the Day 

Zoe's Chocolate Co. 
Peanut Butter Love Bugs
Good + - Good ++
Weight: (unknown)
Calories: (unknown)
Cost: $11.00 + shipping for 1 box of 2 pieces/bugs
Purchased from: Zoe's Chocolate, online order

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

Today's Peanut Butter Love Bugs were from Zoe's Chocolate Company (Frederick, MD).

Aroma notes for these heart-shaped pair of ladybug-like Love Bugs included: chocolate and peanut butter (peanut butter cup).

A thin, velvety coat of dark chocolate--decorated with an attractive, rose and pink hued (colored white chocolate) pattern--surrounded a smooth, sweet peanut butter center.

Flavor notes included: a blend of classic, chocolate and peanut butter cup flavors.

I liked: the appearance and classic peanut butter cup flavors. The love bug confections, designed to look like festive ladybugs, were cute. I was less excited about the long list of ingredients that included artificial colors. But, overall these were tasty treats.

Ingredients: Dark Chocolate (cocoa mass, sugar, cocoa butter, sunflower lecithin, natural vanilla), Milk Chocolate (sugar, whole milk powder, cocoa butter, cocoa mass, sunflower lecithin, natural vanilla), White Chocolate (sugar, whole milk powder, cocoa butter, sunflower lecithin, natural vanilla), Organic Peanuts, Salt. Decorations: Cocoa Butter, Sugar, Full Milk Powder, Sunflower Lecithin (emulsifier). Titanium Dioxide, Rice Starch, FD&C Blue #1, Blue #2, Red #3, Red #40, Yellow #5. 

Allergen-related information: Contains: Peanuts, Milk. "Made in an environment where peanuts, tree nuts, soy, wheat, dairy and eggs are used"

Nutsola - Dat Organic Dark Chocolate Peanut Butter Filled Dark Chocolate (bar) - Feb. 26, 2025

Chocolate of the Day

Nutsola 
Dat Organic Dark Chocolate Peanut Butter Filled Dark Chocolate (bar)
Good ++ 
Weight: 1.25 oz. (35.5 g.) / 2.5 oz. (71 g.) in total bar
Calories: 350 calories in 1 bar
Cost: Pricing not available for a single bar; (I paid $56.00 for 1 of a box of 8 bars)
Purchased from: Nutsola, online order

Welcome to Day #9 of Chocolate & Peanut Theme Week.

Today's Dat Chocolate Organic Dark Chocolate Peanut Butter Filled Dark Chocolate (bar) was from Nutsola LLC (Livingston, NJ).

Aroma notes included: bold (slightly bitter, but balanced) dark chocolate and faint nut.

Texture: relatively smooth dark chocolate and a filling of ground peanuts (peanut butter)

Flavor notes included: bold but balanced dark chocolate with faint umami/savory peanut. Because of the lack of added sugar (dates were used to lightly sweeten this chocolate), this bar tasted like a higher percentage (80%) dark chocolate. 

I liked 1.) the short list of quality (Organic and gluten-free) ingredients, 2.) how the peanut butter balanced and mellowed the dark chocolate); and 3) the hearty chocolate flavor that wasn't too sweet (thank you!). 

Sugar can be valuable to balance bitterness in some chocolates; but I can do without a sugar buzz. (I also enjoy balanced bitter and umami flavors.) Nutsola co-founders, Adam and Michael, created this date-sweetened chocolate with "clean ingredients" and with more fiber "to slow down sugar absorption." The company produces a variety of "no added sugar" bars.

Ingredients: "Organic Cacao, Organic Date, Organic Peanut Butter, Organic Cocoa Butter, Sea Salt"

Allergen-related information: "Contains Peanuts. May contain occasional pits. Shares Equipment with Products Containing Soy, Peanuts, Tree Nuts, Milk, Egg and Wheat."

Chocolove - Salted Peanut Butter in Milk Chocolate (filled bar) - Feb. 25, 2025

Chocolate of the Day

Chocolove
Salted Peanut Butter in Milk Chocolate (filled bar)
Good ++
Weight: 1.6 oz. (45 g.) / 3.2 oz. (90 g.) in total bar
Calories: 240 calories in 1/2 bar
Cost: $5.29 for 1 bar
Purchased from: The Market at Edgewood, Palo Alto, CA

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

Today's Salted Peanut Butter in Milk Chocolate (filled bar) was from Chocolove ("Made in Boulder, CO with Belgian Chocolate").

Aroma notes included: rich milk chocolate, faint nut (peanut butter) and warm vanilla.

The thick creamy milk chocolate bar contained a creamy peanut butter filling--making for a hearty, substantial bar.

A generous helping of sweetness and a little salt helped tipped this bar into the addictive snack zone; but when it comes to peanut butter chocolate confections I may eat more due to the tie to childhood chocolate candy memories. That happened today.

Ingredients: Milk Chocolate (Sugar, Cocoa Butter**, Milk, Cocoa Liquor**, Soy Lecithin and/or Sunflower Lecithin, Vanilla), Peanut Butter (Dry Roasted Blanched Peanuts), Organic Palm Fruit Oil, Organic Butter Oil, Sea Salt, Sunflower Lecithin. 

** Rainforest Alliance Certified

Allergen-related information: Contains: Peanuts, Milk, Soy. Made in a facility that also processes eggs and tree nuts.

Nomolotus - Truvani "The Only Bar" Organic, Gluten Free (bar) - Feb. 24, 2025

Chocolate of the Day

Truvani
The Only Bar Organic, Gluten Free (bar)
Good + - Good ++ 
Weight: 1.76 oz. (50 g.) in total bar
Calories: 210 calories in 1 bar
Cost: $3.59 for 1 bar
Purchased from: Country Sun Natural Foods, Palo Alto, CA

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

Today's Truvani* "The Only Bar" Organic, Gluten Free (bar) was manufactured for Nomolotus, LLC (Las Vegas, NV).

Aroma notes included: chocolate brownie cookie.

Texture: light and compact fudge brownie (softer) cookie chew with tiny (cacao nib and peanut?) bits.

Flavor notes included: light fudge brownie with very subtle date and peanut butter notes. 

I liked the: 1.) emphasis on authentic chocolate flavor (cacao nibs and cocoa); 2.) relatively lightness of the other flavor elements--including the light but complex sweetness (it wasn't too sweet or date-y); 3.) overall chocolate brownie flavor and texture; and 4.) relatively short list of quality, authentic/organic ingredients. 

Ingredients: Organic Dates, Organic Peanuts, Organic Maple Syrup, Organic Peanut Flour, Organic Cacao Nibs, Organic Cocoa, Organic Peanut Oil, Sea Salt, Organic Coconut Oil

Allergen-related information: Contains: Peanuts, Tree Nuts (Coconuts).

*Truvani is a registered trademark of Nomolotus LLC.

Raw Rev Peanut Butter Dark Chocolate & Sea Salt (bar) - Feb. 23, 2025

Chocolate of the Day

Raw Rev Peanut Butter Dark Chocolate & Sea Salt (bar)
Good + - Good ++
Weight: 1.6 oz. (46 g.) in total bar
Calories: 190 calories in 1 bar
Cost: $3.79 for 1 bar
Purchased from: Country Sun Natural Foods, Palo Alto, CA

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

Today's Raw* Rev Peanut Butter Dark Chocolate & Sea Salt (bar) was manufactured for Raw Indulgence Ltd. (Elmsford, New York). 

Aroma and flavor notes for this gluten free, plant-based protein bar included: peanut butter, peanut cookie, and chocolate. Light touches of salt, fat (coconut oil) and vanilla rounded out the flavor. I liked that it wasn't overly sweet (thank you!).

The substantial, chewy texture and high protein blend made it hearty and satisfying. (This bar contained 12 grams of protein.) The chew was not too soft, not too hard -- just right for a protein bar.  

Ingredients: Peanuts, Isomalto-Ougosaccarides (Prebiotic from Tapioca), Protein Blend (Pea Protein Isolate, Brown Rice Protein, Organic Hemp Protein, Flax Protein), Organic Dark Chocolate Chips (Cane Sugar, Chocolate Liquor, Cocoa Butter, Soy Lecithin, Vanilla Extract), Organic Chia Seeds, Sunflower Lecithin, Organic Unrefined Extra Virgin Coconut Oil, Roasted Peanut Extract, Sea Salt.

Allergen-related information: Contains Peanuts, Soy and Coconut. Manufactured on Equipment Shared With Tree Nuts, Milk, Fish, Wheat, and Sesame.

*Manufacturer's Note:"Not a Raw Food; Ingredients Heated for Food Safety."

Chocolate Spiel - Peanut Butter (bar) - Feb. 22, 2025

Chocolate of the Day

Chocolate Spiel
Peanut Butter (bar) 
Good ++
Weight: 1 oz. (27 g.) in total bar
Calories: 155 calories (estimate) for 1 bar
Cost: $8.00 for 1 bar
Purchased from: Chocolate Spiel, online order 

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

Today's Peanut Butter (bar) was from Chocolate Spiel (Edmonds/Seattle, WA). 

Aroma notes included: subtle milk chocolate and nut (peanut). (Note: there were no milk ingredients listed.)

Texture: creamy, uniform melt and mouthfeel with soft nuttiness from peanut halves.

Flavor notes included: smooth, creamy dark chocolate with smooth creamy peanut butter and softly crunchy peanuts. The flavors in this bar were closest to peanut butter cup flavors so far this week -- without the extra sugar, salt or emulsifiers. 

I liked the near perfect, classic blend of peanuts and smooth dark chocolate in this bar. Not ultra sweet (thank you). It was just right for me (a dark chocolate lover).

The painted (colored cocoa butter) dotted patterns on this bar created a festive, upbeat visual appearance.

Ingredients: "cocoa, peanuts, sugar, cocoa butter, colored cocoa butter (yellow 5)."

Allergen-related information: Contains Peanuts. "May contain traces of peanuts, tree nuts and gluten." 

Seattle Chocolate - Peanut Buddy Crisp milk chocolate truffle bar - Feb. 21, 2025

Chocolate of the Day

Seattle Chocolate
Peanut Buddy Crisp milk chocolate truffle bar 
Good + - Good ++ 
Weight: 1.25 oz. (35 g.) / 2.5 oz. (70 g.) in total bar
Calories: 190 calories in 1/2 bar
Cost: $5.29 for 1 bar
Purchased from: FarmFresh, online order

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

Today's Peanut Buddy Crisp milk chocolate truffle bar was from Seattle Chocolate Company (Seattle, WA). 

Aroma notes included: smooth, rich milk chocolate, faint peanut butter, and very faint vanilla.

Texture: smooth, creamy and hearty milk chocolate base. Muted crisped rice bits added textural interest.

Flavor notes included: rich milk chocolate and subtle (fully incorporated) peanut butter. 

This was a rich and filling milk chocolate truffle bar. It provided great fuel for a winter weather walk.

Ingredients: "milk chocolate (cane sugar, milk, cocoa butter, cocoa mass, organic soy lecithin, natural vanilla), peanut butter (peanuts, salt), crisp rice (brown rice flour, cane sugar, sea salt, molasses), sea salt."

Allergen-related information: Contains: Milk, Soy and Peanuts. "This product is manufactured in a plant that processes milk, soy, peanuts, tree nuts, egg, and wheat products."

Ocho Candy - Organic Dark Chocolate Peanut Butter Minis - Nov. 19, 2024

Chocolate of the Day

Ocho Candy

Organic Dark Chocolate Peanut Butter Minis
Good ++

Weight: 1.75 oz. (50 g.) / 3.5 oz. (100 g.) in total package of 8 minis

Calories: 280 calories in minis
Cost: $ Missing information 
Purchased from: Missing information

Welcome to Day #13 of Chocolate and Hawaii Theme Week. 

This post is about good memories.

Today's Dark Chocolate Peanut Butter Minis were from Ocho Candy, Inc. (Oakland, CA). Ocho closed down earlier this year after 14 years in business. (Fortunately, these were in my chocolate vault.)

Ocho Candy's founders were committed to making higher-quality chocolate candy bars--before many companies had even considered Organic and Fair Trade, or gluten-free, chocolate bars, or dropping artificial colors and ingredients. They made some great small candy bars.

And speaking of memories, I chose today's Dark Chocolate Peanut Butter mini bars because they reminded me of a chocolate, peanut butter and fresh banana milk shake I fell in love with--at a poolside bar in Maui, many years ago. I made a delicious fresh banana milkshake at home and enjoyed these Dark Chocolate Peanut Butter Minis with the shake, and pretended I was back in Hawaii. 

The two-bite bars had a smooth dark chocolate outer layer and a both creamy and very slightly crunchy peanut butter interior. The sugar and salt levels in the peanut butter filling were perfect for my taste. 

These individually-wrapped treats were easy to share and transport; but a smaller bar size didn't help with portion control. I'll just have one more...I thought, three times.

Ingredients: *Dark Chocolate, (*+Cacao Beans, *Evaporated Cane Sugar, *+Cocoa Butter, Sunflower Lecithin), *Peanut Butter (*Peanuts), *Cane Sugar, *+Cocoa Butter, *Peanut Flour, *Sugar (*Cane Sugar, *Tapioca Starch) and Sea Salt. (* = Organic; + = Fair Trade Certified by Fair Trade USA)

Allergen-related information: Contains: Peanuts. Made on Shared Equipment That Processes Peanuts, Tree Nuts, Milk, Eggs, and Wheat.

 

Nectar Foods - Honey Mama's Peanut Butter Cup Cocoa Truffle Bar - Aug. 10, 2024

Chocolate of the Day

Nectar Foods, Inc.
Honey Mama's Peanut Butter Cup Cocoa Truffle Bar
Good ++
Weight: 2.5 oz. (70 g.) in total bar
Calories: 390 calories in 1 bar
Cost: $6.49 for 1 bar
Purchased from: Whole Foods Market, Los Altos, CA

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

Today's Honey Mama's Peanut Butter Cup Cocoa Truffle Bar was from Nectar Foods, Inc. (Portland, OR). The company produces a line of Cocoa Truffle Bars, all sweetened using honey, rather than refined sugar.

Aroma notes for these refrigerated truffle bars included: chocolate nut butter and honey cookie; peanuts.

This hearty soft chewy, fudge-y bar was a cross between a rich, soft chocolate cookie and a chocolate bar. It had smooth cocoa, peanut, and faint soft, sweet (pleasing) green floral (honey, vanilla), and very faint coconut notes.

I liked the natural honey flavor, and that the overall sweetness level wasn't too high (thank you!).

Ingredients: Organic Roasted Peanuts, Organic Raw Honey, Organic Unrefined Coconut Oil, Organic Alkalized Cocoa Powder, Organic Coconut Flour, Cocoa Butter, Vanilla Extract, Himalayan Pink Salt. 

Allergen-related information: Peanuts and Coconut. (Maker's note: Do not feed honey to infants under one year of age.)

Harbor Sweets - Peanut Butter Pony - Aug. 3, 2024

Chocolate of The Day 

Harbor Sweets
Peanut Butter Pony - Peanut Butter in Milk Chocolate
Good ++
Weight: 2 7/8 oz. (81 g.) in total pony
Calories: 440 calories in 1/2 pony
Cost: $17.95 (+ shipping) for 1 pony
Purchased from: Harbor Sweets, online order

Welcome to Day #8 of Chocolate and Peanut Week, and Day #1 of Chocolate and Horses Theme Week.

This equine-themed week is a tribute to my mother*, to the riders in the Summer 2024 Olympic Games this week in France, and to the wild horses who roam free in California and other Western states.

Today's Peanut Butter Pony was from Harbor Sweets (Salem, MA).**

This chocolate pony (that almost fit in the palm of my hand) was a handsome little horse. Sadly it would never see even one day of bright sunshine (too dangerous for a milk chocolate animal). 

It was also almost too pretty to eat. Attractive packaging (with a see-through window) allowed for a view of the pony in its stall with hay and a dog for company).

Aroma and flavor notes included: sweet milk chocolate with caramel and vanilla notes and high-end peanut butter cups--only with more milk chocolate in its pretty pony extremities. As promised, the pony's head, tail and legs all were milk chocolate; and it had " a tummy full of peanut butter."

Ingredients: "Milk Chocolate (Sugar, Milk, Cocoa Butter, Chocolate Liquor, Soy Lecithin, Vanilla), Peanut Butter (Dry Roasted Peanuts, Sugar, Hydrogenated Rapeseed Oil, Salt), Sugar, Confectionary Sugar, Dextrose, Salt."

Allergen-related information: "Contains Milk, Soy and Peanuts." "This product is prepared in a facility that handles soy, milk, peanuts, wheat, tree nuts and sesame."

*My mother used to ride and jump on horseback when she was young; and enjoyed watching the Triple Crown Races. She passed earlier this year. She would have enjoyed watching the Equestrian events in the Olympics this week.

** On the packaging, "Chief Equestrian Officer", Phyllis LeBlanc, notes that this chocolate was inspired by childhood memories of a favorite pony named Sequoia.

Seattle Chocolate - Peanut Butter Crisp milk chocolate truffle bar - Aug. 2, 2024

Chocolate of the Day

Seattle Chocolate Company
Peanut Butter Crisp milk chocolate truffle bar
Good +
Weight: 2.5 oz. (70 g.) in total bar
Calories: 380 calories in 1 bar
Cost: $4.99 for 1 bar
Purchased from: Seattle Chocolate, online order

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

Today's Peanut Butter Crisp milk chocolate truffle bar was from Seattle Chocolate Company (Seattle, WA).

Aroma notes for this gluten free truffle bar included: ground peanuts; milk chocolate; and very, fleeting faint menthol.

Flavor and texture notes included: sweet, very creamy milk chocolate with embedded crispy brown rice bits and subtle (fully incorporated) peanut butter. The textural contrast was nice.

This bar was a somewhat addictive, rich, nutty milk chocolate confection. Sugar was the number one ingredient--a fact that will please some with a sweet tooth, and be less attractive to dark chocolate fans. The flavors complemented each other, but the sugar and milk muffled more nuanced cacao and peanut notes.

Ingredients: "milk chocolate (cane sugar, milk, cocoa butter*, cocoa mass*, organic soy lecithin, natural vanilla), peanut butter (peanuts, salt), crisp rice (brown rice flour, cane sugar, sea salt, molasses), sea salt."

Allergen-related information: "Contains Milk, Soy, and Peanuts." "This product is manufactured in a plant that processes milk, soy, peanuts, tree nuts, egg, and wheat products."

Kize - Peanut Butter Chocolate (bar) - July 31, 2024

Chocolate of the Day

Kize
Peanut Butter Chocolate (bar)
Good ++
Weight: 1.5 oz. (43 g.) in 1 bar
Calories: 200 calories in 1 bar
Cost: $ Missing information
Purchased from: Missing information

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

Today's Peanut Butter Chocolate (bar) was from KiZE Concepts (Oklahoma City, OK). 

The company offers a series of different flavored bars (most contain chocolates), including one that is just peanut butter + honey.

Aroma notes included: hearty and authentic and nutty peanut butter, faint chocolate, and very faint honey.

Texture: soft, chewy texture (think rich, soft baked peanut butter, chocolate chip cookie drizzled with honey).

I really enjoyed the short list of only 8 ingredients; specifically, the blend of genuine peanut butter, chocolate chips and nuanced, sweet, honey flavors. It tasted like something made fresh from a kitchen, with nothing artificial. 

Ingredients: Peanut Butter, Honey, Chocolate Chips (cocoa liquor, sugar, cocoa butter, cocoa powder), Egg White Protein, Dates, Gluten Free, Rolled Oats, Cocoa Butter, Coconut Oil

Allergen-related information: Contains Peanuts, Egg, and Tree Nuts (Coconut). Made in a facility that produces peanuts, tree nuts, milk and eggs

 

Quinn - Chocolate'y Peanut Butter Filled Pretzel Nuggets - April 24, 2024

Chocolate of the Day

Quinn Foods LLC
Chocolate'y Peanut Butter Filled Pretzel Nuggets
Good +
Weight: 1.06 oz. (30 g.) / 6.5 oz. (184 g.) in total package
Calories: 130 calories in 1 serving
Cost: $4.29 for 1 package
Purchased from: Piazza's, Palo Alto, CA

Welcome to Day #12 of Chocolate and Umami Theme Week.

Today's Chocolate'y Peanut Butter Filled Pretzel Nuggets were distributed by Quinn Foods LLC (Boulder, CO). Kristy at Quinn Foods (named for her son) set out to create "cleaner" versions of childhood snacks.

These filled nuggets were part of an umami snack plate (that also included tamari-roasted soy beans, black sesame crackers and nori (seaweed)). 

Peanuts, peanut flour and peanut butter seem like a natural fit with umami foods and flavors. (At least one study showed that peanut powder was found to "elicit an umami taste and umami-enhancing effect."*)

Aroma notes for these crunchy snacks included: faint pretzel and faint tamari-peanut rice cracker, and very faint, fleeting almost meat-like savory/umami.

Texture: There was an appealing contrast between the well-executed, lovely, crunchy texture of the pillow-shaped pretzel shell and the smooth, creamy filling. 

Flavor notes: The peanut-infused pretzel and chocolate-y filling were hearty and satisfying, and all three flavors (pretzel, peanut and chocolate (cocoa) complemented each other. 

These were pretzel nuggets first and foremost. While peanuts showed up in the aroma (peanut butter was the #1 ingredient listed), the overall flavor was more like muted umami pretzel and less like fresh-roasted peanut-y. 

Also, these nuggets were not overly sweet or salty. They were closer to savory bar snacks and less like some sweetened peanut butters and chocolate peanut butter cups. (Thank you, from someone who likes savory chocolate flavor inclusions.)

Ingredients: Peanut butter (dry roasted peanuts, sugar, salt), whole grain sorghum flour, brown rice flour, tapioca starch, potato starch, organic palm oil (sustainably sourced), expeller pressed high oleic sunflower oil, organic powdered sugar (organic cane sugar, organic tapioca starch), organic cane sugar, salt, organic cocoa powder, pea protein, peanut flour, vanilla extract, sunflower lecithin, sea salt, mixed tocopherols (to retain freshness).

Allergy-related information: Contains peanuts. 

Allergen-related information: Contains Peanuts. 

KiZE - Chocolate Sea Salt (bar) - Feb. 21, 2024

Chocolate of the Day

KiZE 
Chocolate Sea Salt (bar)
Good ++
Weight: 1.5 oz. (43 g.) in total bar
Calories: 190 calories in 1 bar
Cost: $ missing information
Purchased from: Grocery Outlet Bargain Market

Welcome to Day #8 of Chocolate and Salt Week, and Day #2 of Chocolate and Almond Week. 

Today's KiZE Chocolate Sea Salt (bar) was from KiZE Concepts (Oklahoma City, OK).

Aroma notes included: faint chocolate (dark chocolate cookie), faint peanut butter oat cereal/cookie, and very faint peanut butter and honey sandwich.

Texture: I found this bar in the refrigerated section, and wondered if it would have a "hard" chew as a result. Answer: Nope. It had just the right amount of soft, cohesive chew. It wasn't too dry (no protein powder grit), and it wasn't crumbly. Chocolate chips added spikes of dark chocolate flavor and texture.

The flavors (chocolate, peanut butter, honey, subtle date) were pleasing, and landed this bar a spot in the Goldilocks zone. Not too much or too little of anything. It was just right. I enjoyed this bar with a handful of whole, California almonds. The perfect healthy snack duo.

I liked several things about this bar. It was: 1.) a gluten free bar with 7 grams of plant protein with great texture (not dry/gritty or too moist); 2.) well balanced: not too sweet, not too salty--and a well executed blend of chocolate, peanut butter and honey flavors; 3.) chocolate chips added extra pops of dark chocolate texture and dark chocolate flavor; and 4.) made with a relatively short list of quality ingredients.

Ingredients: Peanut Butter, Honey, Gluten Free Rolled Oats, Dates, Chocolate Chips (Cocoa Liquor, 

Allergen-related information: Contains Peanuts, Tree Nuts (Coconut). 

KOS - Organic Plant Protein - Chocolate Peanut Butter - Nov. 10, 2023

Chocolate of the Day

KOS 
Organic Plant Protein - Chocolate Peanut Butter Flavored  
Good +
Weight: 1.37 oz. (39 g.) / 19 oz. (1.2 lbs.) (546 g.) in total package
Calories: 165 calories in 1 serving of 2 scoops
Cost: $21.99 for 1 package
Purchased from: Grocery Outlet Bargain Market, Palo Alto, CA

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

Today's "Organic Plant Protein Chocolate Peanut Butter Flavored" powdered blend was distributed by KOS Inc. (Santa Barbara, CA). It contained both coconut milk and coconut sugar.

Aroma notes included: cocoa, faint fruit (berry, citrus), and roasted nuts and coffee. The coconut was barely detectable in the mix, with so many other ingredients (peas, peanuts, fruits, vegetables, etc.).

Like most powdered protein blends, when mixed well into water/liquid, it was mostly smooth. It had a little bit of a starchy, powdery taste that tickled the back of my throat; but no objectionable grit.

Flavor notes included: sweet cocoa, faint peanut and pea, and very faint fruit(s). There was a sense of sweetness that often comes with sugar replacements. In this case, coconut sugar, stevia and monk fruit extract served as sweeteners.

The overall taste was good. Extra points for using Organic ingredients. The company suggests "if you're feeling frisky, add a frozen banana."

Ingredients: Organic Pea Protein, Organic Peanut Flour, Organic Alkalized Cocoa, Organic Coconut Milk, Organic Flax Seed, Organic Coconut Sugar, Organic Inulin, Organic Acacia Gum, Himalayan Salt, Organic Quinoa, Natural Chocolate Flavor, Organic Stevia Extract, Organic Fruit and Veggie Blend (Organic Apple, Organic Carrot, Organic Cranberry, Organic Orange, Organic Broccoli, Organic Shitake Mushroom Extract, and Organic Tomato), Organic Pumpkin Seed Protein, Organic Monk Fruit Extract, Organic Chia Seed Seed, Digestive Enzyme Blend (Amylases, Lactase, Preteases, Lipase, Cellulase), KOS Vitamins and Minerals Blend (DL-Alpha Tocopherol, Manganese Amino Acid Chelate, Potassium Iodide, Zinc Oxide, Selenium Amino Acid Chelate, Molybdenum Amino Acid Chelate, Copper Oxide, Riboflavin, Niacinamide, Phylloquinone, Chromium Picolinate, Folic Acid, Cyanocobalamin).

Allergen-related information: "Contains Peanuts and Tree Nuts (Coconuts). Made in a facility that may also process eggs, dairy, soy, tree nuts, sesame, peanuts, fish, crustaceans, shellfish, and wheat products."

Chocolove - Peanut Butter in 55% Dark Chocolate Bites - Oct. 15, 2023

Chocolate of the Day

Chocolove 
Bites - Peanut Butter in 55% Dark Chocolate
Good + - Good ++
Weight: 1.06 oz. (30 g.) / 7.05 oz. (200 g.) in total package
Calories: 170 calories in 1 serving (3 pieces)
Cost: $9.99 for 1 package
Purchased from: FarmFresh, online order

Welcome to Day #3 of Chocolate, Pumpkin and Warm Spice Week.

Today's Peanut Butter in 55% Dark Chocolate Bites were from Chocolove (Boulder, CO). The company uses Belgian chocolate in their bars and confections. 

Each, individually-wrapped, dark pumpkin (filled) confection was emblazoned with a heart-shaped outline (two "Cs" facing each other), consistent with the Chocolove's love theme.*

Aroma notes for these bites included: rich dark chocolate and faint nut.

Texture varied slightly with temperature throughout today. The outer dark chocolate shell will be a bit firmer if it's cold. Either way the chocolate had a uniform, smooth texture and slightly creamy melt. And the center was a bit softer with smooth, ground peanut butter mouthfeel.

Flavor notes included: bold but smooth 55% cacao dark chocolate (that tasted darker--more like 65% - 70% dark chocolate), and authentic nut (peanut) butter.

This treat will please dark chocolate lovers. Also, it was not too sweet (thank you!).

Ingredients: Dark Chocolate (Cocoa Liquor**, Sugar, Cocoa Butter**, Soy Lecithin and/or Sunflower Lecithin, Vanilla), Peanut Butter (Dark Roasted Blanched Peanuts), Milk Chocolate (Sugar, Cocoa Butter**, Milk, Cocoa Liquor**, Soy Lecithin and/or Sunflower Lecithin, Vanilla), Organic Palm Fruit Oil, Organic Butter Oil, Sea Salt, Sunflower Lecithin.

(** Rainforest Alliance Certified. Find out more at ra.org.)

Allergen-related information: "Contains peanuts, milk, soy. Made in a facility that also processes eggs and tree nuts."

*E.g., Chocolove chocolate bars I've purchased have come with a love poem inside the wrapper. Printed on the outside package containing today's bites was this tagline: "Share it with someone you love."

 

Sweet Nothings - Nut Butter Bites - Chocolate Peanut Butter (2 bites) - Aug. 13, 2023

Chocolate of the Day

Sweet Nothings
Nut Butter Bites - Chocolate Peanut Butter
Good +
Weight: 1.4 oz. (40 g.) in total package of 2 bites
Calories: 150 calories in 2 bites
Cost: $2.99 for 1 package of 2 bites
Purchased from: The Market at Edgewood, Palo Alto, CA

Welcome to Day #10 of Chocolate and Surprise Theme Week, including several chocolates with unique ingredients and interesting stories.

Today's Organic Nut Butter Bites - Chocolate Peanut Butter, were manufactured for Sweet Nothings, Inc. (Menlo Park, CA). The company has worked to "reimagine" snack foods. Their organic, plant-based offerings have no added sugar; they are sweetened with dried fruit (dates, raisins) instead.

Chocolate and Nut Week starts tomorrow. Why not today? Some are surprised to find out: peanuts are legumes and not nuts. 

Aroma notes for these (1.5 in. (4 cm.)) peanut-butter filled round bites included: oats/oatmeal, nutty chocolate and dried fruit (date).

Texture: The outer chocolate-y layer had a soft, nutty, slightly seedy/fibrous (flax) chew with a creamier peanut butter center. 

Flavor notes for these small but hearty snack bites included: chewy chocolate oatmeal cookie with peanut butter, dates and seeds. These were surprisingly filling, and not overly sweet (thank you!).

Ingredients: "Just (Organic) Dates, (Organic) Peanut Butter (Peanuts), Organic Oats, Organic Cacao, (Organic Ground) Flax, Sea Salt"

Allergen-related information: Contains peanuts. ("Filled with Peanut Butter")

Munk Pack - Keto Nut and Seed - Peanut Butter Dark Chocolate (bar) - Mar. 1, 2023

Chocolate of the Day

Munk Pack
Keto Nut and Seed - Peanut Butter Dark Chocolate (bar)
Good ++
Weight: 1.23 oz. (35 g.) in 1 bar
Calories: 150 calories in 1 bar
Cost: $2.79 for 1 bar
Purchased from: The Market at Edgewood, Palo Alto, CA

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

Today's Keto Nut and Seed Peanut Butter Dark Chocolate (bar) was manufactured for Munk Pack (Greenwich, CT). The company offers a variety of low/no sugar granolas and snack bars.

Aroma notes for this bar included: peanuts, chocolate, vanilla cookie and faint seed(s).

This gluten free bar had a satisfying texture, with crunchy peanuts, crispy (rice), softly chewy seeds, and smooth rich dark chocolate and peanut butter elements.

The balanced flavors for this plant-based, gluten-free bar included: subtle pumpkin and sunflower seed. But it was the blend of peanut butter and dark chocolate--a classic flavor duo--took center stage.

This snack bar was sweetened with allulose and monk fruit.

Ingredients: Peanuts, allulose, pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds, soluable tapioca fiber and/or Non-GMO corn fiber, peanut butter, palm kernel oil ("responsibly sourced"), rice flour, alkalized cocoa powder, sea salt, unsweetened chocolate, natural flavor, sunflower lecithin, mixed tocopherols (Vitamin E) for freshness, coconut oil, monk fruit extract

Allergen-related information: Contains peanuts, almonds, coconut, macadamia, traces of milk and other tree nuts. Made on equipment that processes soy, egg, sesame. May contain nut shell fragments.

*Note from Munk Pack: "Allulose is a sweetener found naturally in small amounts in maple syrup, figs and raisins. Our source is produced from non-bioengineered corn. Allulose has virtually no impact on blood sugar and insulin."

 

Endangered Species Chocolate - Fudgy Peanut Butter + Milk Chocolate 48% Cocoa (bar) - Sept. 11, 2022

Chocolate of the Day

Endangered Species Chocolate, LLC

Fudgy Peanut Butter + Milk Chocolate 48% Cocoa (bar)

Good ++

Weight: 1.5 oz. (42.5 g.) / 3 oz. (85 g.) in total bar

Calories: 255 calories in 1/2 bar

Cost: $3.99 for 1 bar

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

Welcome to Day #13 of Chocolate and Nuts Theme Week, featuring a variety of chocolate and nut blends. Today's milk chocolate was paired with peanut butter.* 

Today also marks the 16th anniversary of Chocolate Banquet, where I've written about eating a different chocolate every day, for 16 years now. Thank you all for being along for the ride.

And speaking of worthy occasions, today's Fudgy Peanut Butter + Milk Chocolate 48% Cocoa (bar) was from Endangered Species Chocolate, LLC (Indianapolis, IN). 

Aroma notes for this filled bar included: rich, authentic dark chocolate fudge brownie and peanut butter.

Soft, silky and fudgey chocolate squares--fused together to form the bar--held pockets of smooth, substantial peanut butter + white chocolate filling. 

These naturally complementary chocolate and peanut flavors blended nicely. The choice of darker cacao and a focus on concentrated, authentic peanut flavors (vs. what could have been more sugar), resulted in a filled bar that was flavorful, satisfying and not too sugary sweet (thank you!)

Last, but not least, the caribou was the animal of concern featured on the packaging of today's bar. Endangered Species Chocolate has a long tradition of highlighting animals that are endangered or threatened on their chocolate bars; and the company has donated part of their net profits (currently 10%) to non-profit and conservation organizations involved in saving and protecting wildlife. 

Among the facts shared about this amazing, large deer: "Caribou migrate over 3,000 miles per year--more than any other land mammal." That's a long way to travel around in arctic weather for one's daily 10 pounds of lichen (the caribou food of choice). If I'm fortunate, I may get to see some caribou later this year along with some Northern Lights (and chocolates).

Ingredients: Milk chocolate (chocolate liquor, milk, cane sugar, cocoa butter, soy lecithin, vanilla), white chocolate (organic cane sugar, fair trade certified organic cocoa butter, organic whole milk powder), dry roasted blanched peanuts, organic peanut flour, sea salt.

Allergen-related information: Contains: Milk, peanut, soy. Produced on equipment that also processes products containing tree nuts.

*Yes, I realize peanuts are legumes and not true nuts. (For that matter cacao "beans" are really seeds; almonds, pistachios and cashews are drupes; and I'm not a true nut, even though I've been accused of leaning that direction.)