The Organic House - Barbeque Cookout 70% Cacao Philippines Bon Bulak (bar) - Aug. 30, 2026

Chocolate of The Day

The Organic House
BBQ Cookout 70% Cacao Philippines Bon Bulak (bar)
Good ++ 
Weight: 1.06 oz. (30 g.) / 1.94 oz. (55 g.) in total bar
Calories: 170 calories in 30 g. (1 serving) of bar
Cost: $9.00 for 1 bar
Purchased from: The Organic House, online order 

Welcome to Day #13 of Chocolate & The Philippines Theme Week; and Day #2 of Chocolate and Savory Flavors Theme Week. 

Chocolate historically has been incorporated into both sweet and savory beverages and foods, e.g. mole sauce in Mexico; chilis in cacao beverages and bars; BBQ spice meat rubs; and the occasional bacon chocolate bar). So chocolate infused with a barbeque spice mix seemed perfectly reasonable to me.

Today's Barbeque Cookout 70% Cacao Philippines Bon Bulak (bar) was from The Organic House (Burlington, ON, Canada). I'm thankful to them for not shying away from savory flavors.

Aroma and flavor additions for this unique chocolate included: a harmonious blend of quality cacao from the Philippines; a savory, barbeque spice blend; and coconut flower nectar.

The Bon Bulak cacao* was tasty with balanced complexity, and it partnered well with the savory spices. (See also previous entries for The Organic House's 65% Coffee Philippines Bon Bulak (bar) and Cool Dill 70% Cacao Philippines Bon Bulak (bar.)

Texture: This well-executed chocolate had a smooth texture and a satisfying melt. Flavor additions were well balanced and fully integrated into the chocolate. (There was no spice powder grit, or detectable salt crystals or pepper particles.) 

This was a fun and tasty bar, and could be part of a savory chocolate tasting flight; or (if you're an adventurous chef) this could be part of a sweet and savory chocolate dessert.

Maker's Tasting Notes: "notes of sweet BBQ and mellow earth notes, with a smooth finish"

Ingredients: "Organic cacao beans, Organic coconut flower nectar, Organic cacao butter, Paprika, Garlic powder, Onion powder, Sea salt, Chili powder, Black pepper, Cayenne pepper."

Allergen-related information: Made in a facility that uses tree nuts. "May contain Almonds, Cashews, Hazelnuts, Oats, Pecans, Pistachios."

*Origin: Kablon Farms, "a 70-acre bio diversified, sustainable farm" in South Cotabato, in Davao, Philippines. (Most cacao from the Philippines in chocolate bars today is grown in the Davao region.)

 

Oodaalolly - Trinitario Cacao 40% Salty Toffee Milk Chocolate (bar) - Aug. 21, 2026

Chocolate of The Day

Oodaalolly Chocolate
Trinitario Cacao 40% Salty Toffee Milk Chocolate (bar)
Good ++
Weight: 1.06 oz. (30 g.) / 2.1 oz. (60 g.) in total bar 
Calories: 170 calories in 1/2 bar
Cost: $8.00 for 1 bar
Purchased from: Malaya Botanicals, Alameda, CA

Welcome to Day #4 of Chocolate and The Philippines Theme Week.

Today's Trinitario Cacao 40% Salty Toffee Milk Chocolate (bar) was manufactured by Oodaalolly Chocolate using Trinitario variety cacao and Ilocano salt--both from the Philippines.

Aroma and Flavor notes included: sweet, smooth milk chocolate with chocolate-y (dark milk chocolate ganache) and very faint (barely detectable) fruit and butter toffee--with a tasty, slightly salty chocolate and toffee finish. 

This 40% milk chocolate bar was quite sweet; however the salt and the higher quality cacao helped balance the sweetness.

Texture: smooth, relatively creamy texture and melt with intermittent tiny crunchy bits of salt and toffee. 

I really appreciated the maker's use of single origin cacao and salt; the short list of quality and organic ingredients; and the sweet and salty balance.

Ingredients: Organic Cane Sugar, Organic Cacao Nibs, Organic Cocoa Butter, Organic Milk Powder, Ilocano Sea Salt, Toffee. Manufactured by Oodaalolly, a H&G Chocolate Distribution Company* (in Richmond, CA). 

Allergen-related information: Contains Milk. "Manufactured in a Facility That Also Processes: Milk, Almond, Coconut"

*Note: Oodaalolly Chocolate merged operations with H&G Chocolate Distribution Company in 2024.

Loon Chocolate - The Ghost & The Sea - 70% Dark Chocolate with Ghost Pepper & Sea Salt (bar)

Chocolate of The Day

Loon Chocolate 
"The Ghost & The Sea" - 70% Dark Chocolate with Ghost Pepper & Sea Salt (bar)
Good ++
Weight: 1 oz. (28.3 g.) / 2.25 oz. (64 g.) in total bar
Calories: 170 calories in 1 oz. (1 serving)
Cost: $9.00 for 1 bar
Purchased from: Loon Chocolate, online order

Welcome to Day #18 of Chocolate & Water Week(s), and Day #2 of Chocolate, Fire & Passion Theme Week.

Today's Loon Chocolate The Ghost & The Sea 70% Dark Chocolate with Ghost Pepper & Sea Salt (bar) was manufactured by White Birch Living LLC (Manchester, NH).

Aroma and notes included: bold, but balanced dark chocolate with very faint, diffuse fruit; salt; and spicy chili pepper heat. 

As the maker indicated on the packaging, the flavors progressed from sweet to salty to spicy. Most of the cautious bites I took were spicy without the burn; but a one mouthful flared a little hotter at the end than others. So, be advised if you're chili-sensitive.

Texture: smooth, but tiny crunchy sparkles of sea salt

I appreciated that this vegan, gluten free, bean-to-bar chocolate was made with tasty 70% dark chocolate, just the right amount of salt, and a relatively short list of quality and organic ingredients.

 Maker's Tasting Notes: "Dark chocolate with subtle heat of ghost pepper powder"

Ingredients: Organic Cacao, Organic Cane Sugar, Organic Cocoa Butter, Sea Salt, Ghost Pepper

Allergen-related information: Produced in a Facility That Uses Almonds and Milk

Vixen Chocolate - salty pearl. 69% dark + pearl + salt (bar) - July 22, 2026

Chocolate of the Day

Vixen Chocolate
salty pearl. 69% dark + pearl + salt (bar)
Good ++
Weight: .97 oz. (27.5 g.) / 1.94 oz. (55 g.) in total bar
Calories: 155 calories (estimate) in 1/2 bar
Cost: $22.00 for 1 bar
Purchased from: The Chocolate Dispensary, online order

Welcome to Day #17 of Chocolate & Water Theme Week(s), and Day #1 of Chocolate and Fire & Passion Theme Week.

Today's salty pearl. 69% dark + pearl + salt (bar) was made by Vixen Chocolate (Portland, OR).

Pearls and sea salt may come from the oceans, but this vibrantly packaged, slightly salty chocolate was also imbued with boldness and passion. (Vixen Chocolate assures us their bean-to-bar, small-batch chocolates are made for BOLD souls.)

Aroma notes included for this bright, iridescently packaged dark bar included: dark milk chocolate with a touch of sweet green, green tea, hibiscus, and very faint salt. (Note: there were no milk, tea or flower ingredients in this bar.)

Texture: thick, creamy and velvety melt and mouthfeel. It was smooth yet substantial--kind of like a pearl.

Flavor notes included: very smooth dark chocolate with sea salt with faint sea and green/floral oolong tea notes. (The sea salt was hand-harvested in Norway.)

I loved the shimmering, black and packaging that was full of bold passion. It was, quite literally, breaking out in rainbows at every turn. The mesmerizing design was eye-catching, and unapologetically bold and beautiful. It reminded me of scuba diving in the ocean, and gazing down at shiny abalone and oyster shells, with pearls winking back at me from the dark sea bottom. 

But, the pearly essence extended beyond the packaging. This chocolate bar also contained 2 grams of actual pearl powder (from Root + Bones (Arcata, CA)).

This was a great chocolate marking the transition from Chocolate & Water Theme Week to Chocolate & Fire Theme Week.

Ingredients: cacao beans, cane sugar*, cacao butter*, Root + Bones Pearl Powder (2 g.), HAVSNO Sea Salt, 852 Hz, LOVE (* Organic)

Allergen-related information: None found.

Standout Chocolate - Nordic Nature Sugar Kelp & Sea Salt 66% (bar) - July 15, 2026

Chocolate of The Day

Standout Craft Chocolate
Nordic Nature Sugar Kelp & Sea Salt 66% (bar)
Good ++
Weight: 1.76 oz. (50 g.) in total bar 
Calories: 297.5 calories in 1 bar
Cost: $12.49 for 1 bar
Purchased from: Caputo's, online order 

Welcome to Day #10 of Chocolate & Water Theme Week--including a variety of items ranging from chocolates with connections to bodies of water (lakes, rivers, oceans) to more literal objects like chocolate surfboards and chocolate fish.

Today's Nordic Nature Sugar Kelp & Sea Salt 66% (bar) was from Standout Craft Chocolate (Goteborg, Sweden).

The cacao used to make this bar was from Oko Caribe (a cacao producer) in The Dominican Republic.

Aroma and flavor notes included: pleasing dark chocolate with a satisfying light floral green tea; subtle umami; light salt; and warm spice (very faint ginger graham cracker cookie).

Texture: smooth texture and mouthfeel

Maker's Tasting Notes: "Rose Hip, Green Tea, Sea Breeze"

I liked the smooth blend of balanced flavors and appreciated the short list of organic ingredients.

Ingredients: Cacao beans*, Sugar*, Cacao butter*, Sugar Kelp*, Sea Salt. 

Allergen-related information: "May Contain Traces of MILK."

Sted Foods - The Bobber Bar 50% Dark Milk Chocolate with Cocoa Nibs - July 8, 2026

Chocolate of The Day

Sted Foods
The Bobber Bar 50% Dark Milk Chocolate with Cocoa Nibs 
Good ++ - Good +++
Weight: .5 oz. (14 g.) in 1 small bar
Calories: 78 calories (estimate) in 1 small bar
Cost: (1 of three small bars in a $10 three-pack) 
Purchased from: Sted Foods, online order

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

No matter what water-related pastime you may enjoy (appreciating bodies of water or shells and water wildlife in nature, surfing, boating or fishing), I'm now convinced there is a chocolate related to that activity.*

Today's Sted Foods Organic "The Bobber Bar" 50% Dark Milk Chocolate with Cocoa Nibs manufactured by TC Foods, LLC (Fergus Falls, MN) might appeal to fishermen (and woman); but this bar will float the boat of a much larger audience.

The bean-to-bar chocolate maker describes themselves as "Making Pretty Good Chocolate, West of the Fjord," a likely nod to Scandanavian coastal ancestry.

I loved Sted's creamy and crunchy take on a dark milk chocolate with cacao nibs and a "pinch" of sea salt. (I readily admit this blend is a personal favorite combination of mine). This one was balanced, and delicious.

Ingredients: "organic cocoa beans, organic cane sugar, organic cocoa butter, organic whole milk powder, organic cocoa nibs, himalayan pink salt"

Allergen-related information: Contains Milk. "Made in a facility that uses sesame seeds, pecans, almonds, coconut, cashews, hazelnuts, and milk"

*I am drowning in the large number of water-related chocolates this week. Small piles of chocolate have flooded my tasting area. The challenge: consume or share them with others before the summer heat waves arrive. 

Wild West Chocolate - Most Wanted Almond & Sea Salt 70% Cacao Dark Chocolate (bar)

Chocolate of the Day

Wild West Chocolate
Most Wanted Almond & Sea Salt 70% Cacao Dark Chocolate (bar)
Good ++
Weight: 1.55 oz. (44 g.) / 2.3 oz. (65.2 g.) in total bar

Calories: 260 calories for 2/3 bar

Cost: $21.25 for 3 dark chocolate bars (approx. $7.08 each)
Purchased from: Wild West Chocolate, online order

Welcome to Day #3 of Wild West Theme Week, featuring chocolates with tie-ins to cowboys, outlaws, bears and other wildlife in the Great Outdoors.

Today's Most Wanted Almond & Sea Salt 70% Cacao Dark Chocolate (bar) was distributed by Wild West Chocolate, LLC (Missoula, MT).

Aroma and flavor notes for this bar included: slightly malty, roasted almonds, balanced, smooth dark chocolate; vanilla; and faint salt.

Texture: creamy texture and melt with tiny, crunchy almond bits

I liked that this bar wasn't too sweet. The fruit blend (date, mulberry, peach and mango) that the company uses (instead of cane sugar) gave the sweetness a more subtle, authentic and slightly layered flavor--compatible with naturally occurring fruit notes you might find in some cacaos.

And I appreciated the use of Regenerative Organic Certified* cocoa and Fair Trade ingredients.

Ingredients: Organic Dark Chocolate (Organic Fruit Blend [Powdered Date++, Powdered Mulberry+, Powdered Peach+, Powdered Mango+], Cocoa Liquor++, Cocoa Butter++, Vanilla Extract+), Roasted Almonds+, Sea Salt. (+ = Organic; ++ = Regenerative Organic Certified; Cocoa Liquor and Cocoa Butter: Fair Trade Certified 55% of product.) 

Allergen-related information: Contains Almonds. "Manufactured on equipment that processes tree nuts, peanuts, milk, wheat and soy."

* USDA Organic certification focuses on how food is grown, and prohibits synthetic pesticides, fertilizer and GMOs. Regenerative Organic Certified (ROC) starts with organic certification as a minimum required baseline and adds  requirements around soil health, animal welfare, and social fairness for farmworkers.

Origen Cacao - 55% Brazil Nuts and Sea Salt San Roque (bar) - May 3, 2026

Chocolate of the Day

Origen Cacao 
55% Brazil Nuts and Sea Salt San Roque (bar)
Good ++
Weight: 2.47 oz. (70 g.) in total bar
Calories: 420 calories in 1 bar
Cost: $30.00 for a 6-bar variety pack
Purchased from: Origen Cacao, online

Welcome to Day #2 of Chocolate & Colombia Theme Week. 

Today's 55% Brazil Nuts and Sea Salt San Roque (bar) from Origen Cacao was "handcrafted in small batches" at the company's factory in San Roque, Antioquia (Colombia).

Aroma and flavor notes included: satisfying, smooth and subtle dark chocolate--made with Colombian-grown cacao(s) that were low in acidity and bitterness. (It was almost similar to eating a milk chocolate bar or chocolate made with a milder, heritage/criollo cacao variety.)

Texture: smooth 55% dark chocolate with softly crunchy pieces of Brazil nuts. 

I enjoyed the salt and the nuts--that also helped prevent this chocolate from being overly sweet. 

Warning: addictive, as many salted dark milk chocolate bars (with nuts) can be. But, again, this bar did not contain milk.

Ingredients: "Organic cacao, organic cane sugar, organic cocoa butter, brazil nuts, sea salt."

Allergen-related information: Contains nuts (Brazil nuts).

Fjak - Licorice Root & Sea Salt Milk Chocolate 50% (bar) Nordic Collection - Feb. 4, 2026

Chocolate of the Day

Fjak 
Licorice Root & Sea Salt Milk Chocolate 50% (bar)
Good ++
Weight: 1.06 oz. (30 g.) / ~2.11 oz. (~60 g.) in total bar
Calories: 176 calories in 1/2 bar
Cost: $14.00 for 1 bar
Purchased from: Bar & Cocoa, online order

Welcome to Day #15 of Chocolate, Warm Spices & Maple Theme Week; and Day #1 of Chocolate & Central America Week.

Today's Licorice Root & Sea Salt Milk Chocolate 50% (bar) was from Norwegian maker -- Fjak Chocolate AS -- from their Nordic Collection. 

This bar was made using cacao from Guatemala. Once again, a chocolate with a global story that spans at least three continents (Central/South

Aroma notes included: gentle, but aromatic milk chocolate (authentic cacao, drinking chocolate, fermented berry/wine, almost undetectable black pepper) and faint, herbal (licorice) root.

The licorice root was fully incorporated into a smooth, buttery milk chocolate that had a slow, creamy melt.

Flavor notes included pleasant, light flavors (criollo/white cacao bean; almost white milk chocolate), making this bar initially seem a bit "blander" than most licorice chocolate bars. I highly recommend you savor this chocolate slowly to appreciate the nuances of flavor and aroma that seem to reveal more of themselves over several minutes. 

The licorice root and the sea salt flavor inclusions were quite subtle. And that helped the cacao notes to shine through.

I appreciated the maker's skillful balancing of more subtle flavors; their use of high-quality, organic and gluten-free ingredients, and single origin organic cacao beans from Guatemala.

Ingredients: Cocoa Beans*, Cane Sugar*, Milk Powder*, Cocoa Butter*, Liquorice Root*, Sea Salt. Min. 50% cocoa.

Allergen-related information: Contains Milk. "Certified Organic. Gluten Free"

Olive and Sinclair - Candied Lemon Chocolate 75% Cacao (bar) - Jan. 5, 2026

Chocolate of the Day

Olive and Sinclair
Candied Lemon Chocolate 75% Cacao (bar)
Good ++
Weight: 2.5 oz. (70 g.) in total bar
Calories: 410 calories in 1 bar
Cost: $12.00 for 1 bar
Purchased from: The Chocolate Dispensary, online order

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

Today's Candied Lemon Chocolate 75% Cacao (bar) (Batch No. 012327) was from Olive and Sinclair Chocolate Co. (Nashville, TN).

Aroma notes included: smooth dark chocolate, faint malt (malty cracker) and lemon cookie/biscuit.

Texture: relatively smooth, stone-ground dark chocolate with bits of candied lemon and occasional tiny sparkles of sea salt. 

Flavor notes included: smooth 75% dark chocolate (Ecuador), faint malt, and multi-dimensional sweetness (brown sugar, candied lemon). I enjoyed the perfect balance of dark chocolate, lemon and sea salt in this bar. This was bittersweet at its very, balanced, best.

Each of the elements harmonized well with each other in this blend of smooth, 75% stoneground cacao, upbeat citrus, subtle brown sugar and (Maldon) sea salt, to create a sophisticated and delicious bar. Not too sweet. Not too dark. Not too bitter. Just right. This bar landed squarely in the Goldilocks* zone for me.

Maker's tasting notes: "Chewy candied lemon brings out the brightness of our 75%...chocolate" 

Ingredients: "Cacao Beans, Brown Sugar, Candied Lemon, Sea Salt"

Allergen-related information: "May contain traces of nuts"

*The Goldilocks reference is to "Goldilocks and the Three Bears," a story based on a European/American folktale/fairy tale. In most recent versions of this story, a young girl (Goldilocks) visits the home of three bears (who are out on a walk) and tries their bowls of porridge, chairs and beds belonging to each of the three bears. Goldilocks selects items that were neither too hot nor too cold, and were not too hard or soft. She selects the porridge, chair and bed that were "just right" for her. 

Eventually, the bears come home to find Goldilocks asleep on the baby bear's bed. The girl wakes, and runs out before anything happens to her. One assumes the bears were left scratching their heads, and were not entirely happy about the intruder.

Some astronomers have also used the expression "the Goldilocks zone" to describe planets that may possess the right characteristics (not too cold, not too hot, etc.) to support life.

 

TCHO - "Lemon Twist" Dark Chocolate With A Lemon Filling, Sea Salt & Extra Virgin Olive Oil (bar) - Jan. 1, 2026

Chocolate of the Day

TCHO
"Lemon Twist" - 67% Cacao (Shell) With A Lemon Filling, Sea Salt & Extra Virgin Olive Oil (bars)
Good ++
Weight: 1.4 oz. (40 g.) / 2.1 oz. (60 g.) in total package of 3 bars
Calories: 220 calories in 2 bars (2/3 package)
Cost: $4.95 for 1 bar
Purchased from: TCHO, online order

Happy New Year to you all! And, welcome to Day #2 of Chocolate & Citrus Theme Week. 

Like chocolate, lemons are tremendously versatile when it comes to flavor pairings. They both can go sweet or savory; and, happily, they both harmonize well with each other.

Today's bright "Lemon Twist" -- a package of 3-individually-wrapped "67% Cacao (Shell) With A Lemon Filling, Sea Salt & Extra Virgin Olive Oil" (bars) from TCHO Ventures Inc. (Berkeley, CA) offered upbeat holiday + citrus cheer.

Aroma notes for these bars included: dark, very slightly earthy chocolate and citrus (lemon). 

Texture: firm, dark chocolate-y exterior with a slightly softer, fondant-like lemon filling. The olive oil added smoothness and subtle flavor depth.

Flavor notes included: a blend of balanced bitter and sweet, with dark, slightly earthy 67% chocolate, tart-sweet and very slightly bitter lemon; and a nice light touch of salt to balance the bitter and the sweet. A tiny hint of vanilla added sweet warmth.

I liked the cheery, authentic and balanced lemon and chocolate flavors; and I appreciated TCHO's decision to use organic, fair trade and gluten-free ingredients.

Ingredients: Cacao Beans*+, Cane Sugar*, Cocoa Butter*+, Gluten Free Oat Flour* (Oat Flour*, Natural Vitamin E), Freeze Dried Lemon Powder*, Extra Virgin Olive Oil*, Sunflower Oil*, Sunflower Lecithin*, Sea Salt), Turmeric*, Citric Acid, Lemon Oil*, Vanilla Beans*

(* = Organic, + = Fair Trade Certified (TM); Over 53% Fair Trade Certified (TM) Ingredients)

Allergen-related information: May contain tree nuts.

*I've been enjoying the lemon tree in my yard for almost 20 years now. 

Compartes Chocolatier - Beverly Hills Hotel and Bungalows (pink and white striped bar) - Dec. 2, 2025

Chocolate of the Day

Compartes Chocolatier
The Beverly Hills Hotel Dark Chocolate Salted Caramel 73% Cacao (bar)
Good ++
Weight: 3 oz. (85 g.) in total bar
Calories: 420 calories in 1/2 bar
Cost: $11.95 for 1 bar
Purchased from: Compartes Chocolatier, online order

Welcome to Day #9 of Chocolate, Movies & Entertainment Theme Week on Chocolate Banquet. 

Today's "The Beverly Hills Hotel and Bungalows Dark Chocolate Salted Caramel 73% Cacao" (bar) was from Compartes Chocolatier (Los Angeles, CA). 

Compartes offers a creative line of chocolate bars with different flavor inclusions, including several with references to Hollywood, movies and/or entertainment -- and at least two bars that pay homage specifically to the Beverly Hills Hotel.

Aroma and flavor notes for today's Beverly Hills Hotel-themed dark chocolate, caramel and salt bar included: pleasingly smooth chocolate-y dark chocolate and light, almost buttery caramel. 

Texture: well-tempered, smooth and relatively creamy dark chocolate with slightly crunchy sparkles of sea salt.

I enjoyed the satisfying dose of sea salt and the subtle almost smokey, warm caramel notes.

Warning: This chocolate is addictive ("more-ish") if you're hungry. Indeed, this bar quickly faded to black--as have many Hollywood stars who've enjoyed Beverly Hills Hotel since it opened in 1912.

The illustrated pattern for this bar's packaging--a pink and white pin striped pattern--is part of the Hotel's overall pink* and green color palette.

The hotel may carry Compartes Chocolatier bars like this one in their gift shop. (And if you're still interested in chocolate, head to the Polo Lounge for a chocolate souffle.)

I "paired" this chocolate with the 1978 film: "California Suite" that featured a star-studded cast with drama unfolding at/inside the famed hotel involving five separate couples. I also enjoyed watching "The History of Beverly Hills," (Hilton & Hyland President) Jeff Hyland's insider account of the city's history, ties with Hollywood films, film stars...and their estates. 

Ingredients: Milk Chocolate (Cocoa Mass, Sugar, Cocoa Butter, Soy Lecithin as an emulsifier, Vanilla), Cane Sugar, Butter, Cream, Vanilla, Sea Salt

Allergen-related information: Contains Milk, Soy. "Gluten Free"

*The choice of pink was inspired by the colors in southern California sunsets.

Xocolatl - Spooky Mermaids - Coconut Milk, Vanilla-Infused Sea Salt & Nibs (bar) - Oct. 31, 2025

Chocolate of the Day

Xocolatl
Spooky Mermaids - Coconut Milk, Vanilla-Infused Sea Salt & Nibs (bar)
Good ++
Weight: 2.6 oz. (75 g.) in total bar
Calories: 400 calories in 1 bar
Cost: $11.00 for 1 bar
Purchased from: Xocolatl, online order 

Happy Halloween, and welcome to Day #10 of Chocolate & Fruits Theme Week on Chocolate Banquet.

The prices of cacao and chocolate have soared to scary levels. But I'm sticking with multiple chocolates today, in memory of all those little candy bars and chocolate confections consumed as a trick-or-treating child.

Today's "Spooky Mermaids" 60% Dark Chocolate with coconut milk, vanilla-infused sea salt and nibs (bar)--wrapped in special Halloween packaging with luminous orange houses and trees--was created by Xocolatl LLC (Atlanta, GA).

Spooky Mermaids...

Aroma and flavor notes for today's Spooky 60% bar included: (very slightly earthy, sweet) dark chocolate, haunted with ghostly vapors of faint coconut milk and vanilla. A pinch of sea salt balanced out this concoction.

The texture was smooth (much more satisfying than spooky), and the vanilla-infused sea salt and softly crunchy cacao nibs, added complementary textures and flavors. You may be relieved to know that no mermaids were added or harmed in the making of this bar....Or, were they?...Only Xocolatl knows for sure. (I think I just heard cackling laughter and thunder outside...)  

I enjoyed this bar with fall fruits: pumpkin-hued persimmons and blood-red pears. (Also on the menu: pumpkin soup. And yes, pumpkins are technically fruits.)

Ingredients: "Cacao*, Cane Sugar*, Coconut Milk*, Cocoa Butter*, Sea Salt, Vanilla (* organic)"

Allergen-related information: Made on equipment that processes soy, wheat, peanuts & tree nuts (almond, hazelnut, pecan).

Sted Foods - French Grey Sea Salt 70% Dark Chocolate (bar) - Oct. 16, 2025

Chocolate of the Day

Sted Foods 
French Grey Sea Salt 70% Dark Chocolate (bar)
Good ++
Weight: .5 oz. (14.1 g.) in 1 small bar
Calories: 78 calories (estimate) in 1 bar
Cost: N/A -  gift from a friend
Purchased from: N/A - gift from a friend

Welcome to Day #3 of Chocolate and France Theme Week, with the French component being the mineral-rich grey sea salt.

Today's Sted Foods French Grey Sea Salt 70% Dark Chocolate (bar) was manufactured by TC Foods, LLC (Fergus Falls, MN). 

This bar had smooth, very pleasing, chocolate-y aroma, texture and flavor notes with very faint spice/herb (black licorice/sweet fennel seed), roasted note and tiny sparkles of sea salt.

It had a very balanced bitterness and toasty taste; and I found this chocolate to be somewhat addicting. (Often the case with sweet and salty chocolates/snacks.)

Thank you to Wendy for this lovely chocolate gift from Minnesota!

Ingredients: "organic cacao beans, organic cane sugar, organic cocoa butter"

Allergen-related information: "Made in a facility that uses coconut, pecans, almonds, cashews, seasame (sic), hazelnuts, and milk." "Free from Soy, Gluten, & Palm Oil"

The Organic House - Vietnam Dak Lak Cacao Vanilla Bean and Sea Salt 60% Cacao (bar) - Oct. 9, 2025

Chocolate of the Day

The Organic House 
Vietnam Dak Lak Cacao Vanilla Bean and Sea Salt 60% Cacao (bar) 
Good ++ 
Weight: 1.94 oz. (55 g.) in total bar
Calories: 293 calories in 1 bar
Cost: $9.00 for 1 bar
Purchased from: The Organic House, online order

Welcome to Day #1 of Chocolate and Vietnam Theme Week.

Today's Vietnam Dak Lak Cacao Vanilla Bean and Sea Salt 60% Cacao (bar) by The Organic House (Burlington, ON, Canada).

The cacao used to make this bar was from Dak Lak--a mountainous province in the Central Highlands of  Vietnam. (Sourced from T-BROS chocolate makers in Vietnam.*)

Aroma notes for this chocolate included: chocolate, light and bright botanical (fruit, banana floral--all infused with vanilla (and to a lesser extent vanilla marshmallow and vanilla coconut flower nectar/sugar).

Texture: This relatively thin dark chocolate bar had an almost velvety smooth melt and mouthfeel, and a fleeting texture from the generous dusting of fleur de sel flakes (if you can detect the delicate salt flakes before they quickly melt and disappear).

Flavor notes included: dark chocolate with an uplifting chorus of sweet, almost floral flavors--buoyed by vanilla and coconut floral nectar. These more angelic notes were tempered with sea salt, faint smoke, and balanced, flavorful dark chocolate with medium (diffuse fruit) acidity and low-medium bitterness.

I enjoyed the texture and the lively mix of aromas and flavors in this bar. (Even though the vanilla and salt almost stole the show.) Almost everyone enjoys a gravity-defying vanilla uplift--especially warming and welcoming as the weather turns cooler.

Many chocolates have very similar aroma and flavor notes. But single origin chocolates (especially those with certain teas/herbs, coffee, fruits, flowers, spirits and authentic vanilla bean flavor inclusions) often call for additional aroma details. My advice: smell chocolates before eating them, or you may miss something very unique and special. 

Maker's tasting notes: "Vanilla bean and maple with light notes of cherry, lemon, orange, and mocha."

Ingredients: "Vietnam Dak Lak cacao beans, Coconut flower nectar, Ontario maple sugar, Peru cacao butter, Vanilla beans, Sea salt"

Allergen-related information: "May contain: Almonds, Cashews, Hazelnuts, Oats, Pistachios"

*T-BROS (aka TBROS), a bean-to-bar chocolate company, was founded in 2017 by two friends and classmates, Truong Minh Thang and Nguyen Duy Thong. They direct source cacao from farms/farmers and focus on "meticulous post-harvest cacao processing" -- resulting in award-winning chocolate bars.

Ocelot Craft Chocolate - 70% Dark Chocolate Sea Salt (bar) - July 17, 2025

Chocolate of the Day 

Ocelot Craft Chocolate 
70% Dark Chocolate Sea Salt (bar)
Good ++
Weight: 1.23 oz. (35 g.) / 2.47 oz. (70 g.) in total bar
Calories: 202 calories in 1/2 bar
Cost: $12.00 for 1 bar
Purchased from: The Chocolate Dispensary, online order 

Welcome to Day #9 of Chocolate and Salt Theme Week. 

Today's 70% Dark Chocolate Sea Salt (bar) was from Ocelot Craft Chocolate (Dundee, UK) and imported into the U.S. by Original Beans BV (Amsterdam, NL).

The cacao used to make this chocolate was from Virunga National Park, Eastern Congo.

Aroma and flavor notes included: dark chocolate (relatively bold but balanced brownie with faint roasted, earth, very faint diffuse red fruit (apple and red berry), and chocolate cookie).

Texture: smooth dark chocolate with periodic tiny, crunchy salt crystals.

I enjoyed the chocolate-y flavors in this bar, and the origin stories about the salt as well as the cacao.

The Chocolate Dispensary supplied tasting notes: "The fruity, smoky flavours of this chocolate are beautifully lifted by a salty-sweet kick of hand-harvested sea salt from Scotland."

Ingredients: cacao mass*, raw cane sugar*, cacao butter*, sea salt (1%). Cacao solids: 70% minimum.

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

Qantu - Erable et Sel (Maple & fleur de sel) (bar) - May 14, 2025

Chocolate of the Day

Qantu
Erable et Sel (Maple & fleur de sel) bar
Good + - Good ++
Weight: .88 oz. (25 g.) / 1.76 oz. (50 g.) in total bar
Calories: 156 calories in 1/2 bar 
Cost: $12.00 for 1 bar
Purchased from: Bar & Cocoa, online order

Welcome to Day #7 of Chocolate, Bees and Trees Theme Week.

Today's Erable et Sel (Maple & fleur de sel) bar was from Qantu Cacao et Chocolat Inc. (Montreal, QC, Canada). 

Aroma notes included: sweet brown/maple sugar, faint caramel chocolate cookie.

Texture: smooth, fully incorporated maple sugar and salt.

Flavor notes included: dark chocolate with sweet, slightly acidic (banana tannins) maple sugar and faint sea salt.

The flavor notes in this blend of cacao and maple sugar had an interesting complexity. The sea salt provided a very light accent flavor.

Maker's tasting notes: "Nose: sweet spices, caramel; Mouth: banana cinnamon; Finish: pecans and other nuts"

Ingredients: "organic cocoa beans, organic pure maple sugar, organic cocoa butter, Maras fleur de sel"

Allergen-related information: "May contain traces of milk and nuts"

Oodaalolly - 50% Premium Cacao Milk Chocolate with Sea Salt (bar) - Jan. 19, 2025

Chocolate of the Day

Oodaalolly
50% Premium Cacao Milk Chocolate with Sea Salt (bar)
Good ++ 
Weight: 2.12 oz. (60 g.) in total bar
Calories: 340 calories in 1 bar
Cost: $9.00 for 1 bar
Purchased from: Oodaalolly, online order

Welcome to Day #11 of Chocolate and the Philippines Theme Week.

Today's 50% Premium Cacao Milk Chocolate with Sea Salt (bar) was manufactured by Oodaalolly, A H&G (Richmond, CA).

I enjoyed the smooth flavor in this 50% oat milk chocolate. It was rich and chocolate-y (high-end chocolate fudge sauce, ganache), but it wasn't too sweet (thank you). The sea salt and the oat milk (powder) helped balance the sweetness; and both harmonized well with the cacao. 

The oat powder was seamlessly integrated into the chocolate and added a very faint (almost undetectable) maltiness. And the tiny snowflakes of sea salt had a perfect texture and flavor.

Oodaalolly founder and chocolate maker Hernan Lauber has successfully delivered a blend of high-quality cacao (and short list of ingredients) with Swiss-style chocolate making techniques (smaller particle size, creamier texture, and relatively smooth flavors). 

This bar was well-balanced and smooth, yet also more flavorful than other 50% cacao bars and/or other most oat milk chocolates I've tried.

Maker's description: "This lush velvety bar is a love letter to my dual heritage, crafted with the finest  Philippine cacao using the Swiss chocolate making magic I learned from my father...Ilocano sea salt from the Pangasinan region has a unique crystal structure and minerality making it a culinary treasure of the Philippines..."

Ingredients: "Organic Cacao Nibs, Organic Cane Sugar, Organic Cocoa Butter, Oat Powder, Sea Salt"

Allergen-related information: Manufactured In a Facility That Also Processes Milk, Almond, Coconut" 

Chocolove - Hawaiian Sea Salt in Strong Dark Chocolate (bar) - Nov. 11, 2024

Chocolate of the Day

Chocolove 
Hawaiian Sea Salt in Strong Dark Chocolate 72% Cocoa (bar) 
Good ++
Weight: 1.5 oz. (42.5 g.) / 3 oz. (85 g.) in total bar 
Calories: 225 calories (estimate) in 1/2 bar
Cost: $2.50 for 1 bar
Purchased from: Piazza's, Palo Alto, CA 

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

Today's Hawaiian Sea Salt in Strong Dark Chocolate 72% Cocoa (bar) was from Chocolove (Boulder, CO). 

Timothy Moley founded Chocolove in 1995. Chocolove chocolates and flavors inclusions have evolved over the years; but since I started Chocolate Banquet in 2006: they've continued to make bars using Belgian chocolate and there have been love poems* of different sorts printed on the inside of their wrappers.

Texture: smooth, creamy (in part due to a bit of added cocoa butter (not dairy)) dark chocolate interspersed with small, almost crunchy crystals of salt.

Aroma and flavor notes included: very smooth, uniform dark chocolate (cocoa, ganache, brownie with vanilla and very faint raspberry jam) and substantial sparkles of embedded Hawaiian sea salt. (Don't worry, there wasn't strong acidity or bitterness in this "strong" dark chocolate.) A touch of vanilla helped evoke that smooth chocolate baked goods taste and/or cocoa flavor.

Ingredients: Cocoa Liquor, Sugar, Cocoa Butter, Soy Lecithin And/Or Sunflower Lecithin, Vanilla), Cocoa Butter, Hawaiian Salt. 

Allergen-related information: "Contains Soy. Made in a Facility That Also Processes Milk, Eggs, Peanuts, and Tree Nuts." 

*Today's love poem was from "I Will Tell Thee What It Is To Love" by Charles Swain.

Les gourmandises des Francais S.A.S. - Extra Dark 71% with Salt & Nibs (bars) - Sept. 5, 2024

Chocolate(s) of the Day

Les gourmandises des Francais S.A.S. 
Noir et sel de Camargue 
(Extra dark chocolate and Camargue salt (bar))
Good ++
Weight: 1.41 oz. (40 g.) / 2.82 oz. (80 g.) in total bar
Calories: 225.6 calories in 1/2 bar
Cost: $9.50 for 1 bar
Purchased from: Il Parco, Presidio, San Francisco, CA

Les gourmandises des Francais S.A.S. 
Noir, eclats de feves de cacao 
(Extra dark chocolate with cocoa nibs (bar))
Good ++ - Good +++
Weight: .53 oz. (15 g.) / 1.06 oz. (30 g.) in total bar
Calories: 85.35 calories in 1/2 bar
Cost: $4.50 for 1 bar
Purchased from: Il Parco, Presidio, San Francisco, CA

Bonjour, and welcome to Day #12 of Chocolate and The Sea Theme Week--that featured a variety of chocolates with marine-related flavor additions and themes. The first of the two bars featured today contained sea salt and was adorned with a colorful, tattooed sailor.

This is also Day #2 of Chocolate and Seeds Week with chocolates that contain seeds (including seeds that are misnamed beans).**  The second bar featured today has bits of cacao seeds (aka nibs).

Extra dark chocolate and Camargue salt (bar)

Aroma notes for this 71% French dark chocolate with salt bar included: deep, dark chocolate (West African, Forastero/Amelonado varieties of cacao); dark, fudge-y, with a touch of earth and very faint tree bark/peat; and barely detectable cookie.

Texture: fudge-y, luxe texture and melt interspersed with crystalline sparkles of salt.

Flavor notes included: Rich, deep dark chocolate (that tasted slightly darker than 71% cacao); faint and balanced loamy earth and peaty-bark; satisfying upticks of salt; and very faint tropical fruit and nut. The unrefined cane sugar contributed a subtle, natural, fruity sweetness.

I liked this flavorful, dark and not too sweet dark chocolate, with a thick, luxurious melt and texture. I enjoyed the small crystals of Camargue* salt (and the salt origin story); the colorful illustration of a sailor with the tall ship (and bird) tattoos, on the package; and the use of organic ingredients.

Ingredients: Cocoa mass* (Tanzania, Dominican Republic, Peru), unrefined cane sugar*, cocoa butter*, Camargue salt flower 0.3% (* = Ingredients from organic farming, certified by FR-BIO-O1)

Allergen-related information: "May contain traces of milk, gluten, eggs, soy, peanuts and nuts."

Extra dark chocolate with cocoa nibs (bar)

Aroma notes for this second 71% French dark chocolate bar--with cocoa nibs--included: deep, dark chocolate and faint fruit (melon, fig) and very faint chocolate cookie.

Texture: fudge-y, luxurious texture and melt in the base 71% dark chocolate; accented with crunchy bits of cocoa nibs. 

Nit-picking time....Cacao beans or cocoa beans are actually seeds; and the terms cacao (or cocoa) nibs used to describe bits of beans, are (you guessed it) bits of seeds. It seems unlikely we'll correct these terms after using them for many decades now. But, a seed-themed week seemed like the best time to make this point.**

Flavor notes included: Rich, deep dark chocolate; subtle fig cookie and very faint diffuse tropical fruit (ripe pineapple, mango, sweet green banana, red apple); faint, balanced slightly acidic, woody (peaty) earth, and nut cookie.

I liked the depth and subtle complexity of the rich, cocoa flavor in this small dark chocolate bar; and that it wasn't too sweet (thank you!). The sugar did not mask some of the more nuanced cacao and chocolate flavors. I also liked the use of organic ingredients and the lack of emulsifiers and other additives.

Ingredients: Cocoa mass* (Tanzania, Dominican Republic, Peru), unrefined cane sugar*, cocoa butter*, cocoa nibs* (* = Ingredients from organic farmers)

Allergen-related information: "May contain traces of milk, gluten, eggs, soy, peanuts and nuts."

*Salts in chocolates come with their own sea-related origin stories. Camargue salt comes from salt marshes in the Camargue region of southern France. This Mediterranean fleur de sel is used extensively in cooking in Southern France. The harvested salt is pushed up into large piles near pink salt evaporation ponds. Flamingos in the region also enjoy feeding in this landscape with large, shallow expanses of sea water and salt ponds. 

I could relate to this origin story. I live near the southern end of the San Francisco Bay (with salt marshes and a history of salt-making). We even have one, lone (live) flamingo that has been sighted feeding in some of the old salt ponds. 

**We may end up updating/clarifying definitions for seeds and beans in the future; but the following is what I was taught decades ago: A seed comes from a mature flowering plant/tree. A "bean" is a type of seed that comes from legumes; e.g. plants in the pea family (peas, lentils, beans). Cacao, coffee and vanilla are not part of the legume family; but their seeds are, nonetheless, called beans.