Undercover Chocolate Quinoa Crisps + Hammond's Peppermint Marshmallows with Chocolate Chips - Mar. 3, 2026

Chocolate(s) of the Day

Undercover 
Chocolate Quinoa Crisps
Good ++
Weight: 2 oz. (56.6 g.) in 1 package
Calories: 260 calories in 1 package
Cost: $3.49 for 1 package 
Purchased from: FarmFresh (add-on to produce delivery service)

Hammond's Candies
Peppermint Marshmallows with Chocolate Chips
Good + - Good ++
Weight: 2 oz. (56.6 g.) / 4 oz. (113 g.) in total package
Calories: 160 calories in 1/2 package
Cost: $7.95 for 1 package
Purchased from: Missing information

Welcome to Day #13 of Chocolate & Mint Theme Week. Today's two chocolate snack offerings were hiding in the chocolate vault, just waiting for the opportunity for chocolate and mint items to be featured.

Chocolate Quinoa Crisps

Today's Chocolate Quinoa Crisps were manufactured by Undercover Chocolate Co. (East Hanover, NJ). 

Aroma notes: smooth, dark chocolate, very faint cookie, and mint.

Texture: these small rounds had a soft crunch that seemed just right; it was easy to enjoy small bites without it being too soft or stiff. The quinoa that supplied the crunch was not too tough or granular.

I enjoyed these chocolate-y snack discs more than I thought I would. The dark chocolate was smooth, and satisfying, the texture was satisfying. And the mint (crushed peppermint) complemented the chocolate and quinoa. It was not too much mint, and not too little. 

I also appreciated the thoughtful list of ingredients (e.g. Rainforest Alliance Certified Cacao; peppermint candy with natural plant-based colors; and lack of artificial ingredients).

Ingredients: Dark Chocolate (Cacao Beans*, Pure Cane Sugar, Cocoa Butter*, Vanilla Beans), Quinoa, Crushed Peppermint (Pure Cane Sugar, Organic Rice Syrup, Colored with Red Cabbage and Purple Carrots, Peppermint Oil). (*Rainforest Alliance Certified)

Allergen-related information: "Manufactured in a facility FREE from: Wheat, Peanuts, Tree Nuts, Eggs, Fish, Shellfish, Sesame, and Poppy Seeds."

Peppermint Marshmallows with Chocolate Chips

The Peppermint Marshmallows Topped with Chocolate Chips were from Hammond's Candies (Denver, CO). 

Aroma and flavor notes included: Light, sweet peppermint; sweet, light marshmallow; and smooth, small, dark chocolate chips. 

Texture: fluffy soft marshmallow accented with tiny morsels of smooth, dark chocolate (chips). 

These tasted fresh and were fun to eat (and float in hot chocolate). They could also be incorporated into other desserts or ice creams as well. Each light pink and white layered marshmallow was topped with tiny, dark chocolate chips. 

Chocolate is dense, dark and lovely. And I'll always appreciate this. But, today I enjoyed the fresh and fluffy marshmallow texture that balanced the chocolate chips. The marshmallow, mint and chocolate flavors harmonized well in this light snack and possible chocolate accessory.

Ingredients: Sugar, Tapioca Syrup, Water, Semi-Sweet Chocolate (Sugar, Chocolate Liquor, Cocoa Butter, Soy Lecithin [an emulsifier], Vanilla), Kosher Gelatin, Tapioca Starch, Powdered Sugar (Sugar, Tapioca Starch), Peppermint Oil, Vegetable Juices (color), Salt.

Allergen-related information: "Manufactured in a Facility That Processes Egg, Milk, Mustard, Peanuts, Sesame, Soy, Sulfites, Tree Nuts & Wheat."

Schar - Double Chocolate Cookies + Rick's Choco Cherry Ice Cream - Dec. 7, 2025

Chocolate(s) of the Day

Schar 
Double Chocolate Soft Baked Cookies 
Good ++
Weight: 2.4 oz. (70 g.) / 7.4 oz. (210 g.) in total box of 6 cookies
Calories: 320 calories in 2 cookies
Cost: N/A - gift from family member
Purchased from: Grocery Outlet Bargain Market, Palo Alto, CA

Rick's Ice Cream
Choco Cherry Ice Cream
Good ++
Weight: 1/2 cup serving / 1 Quart total container
Calories: unknown
Cost: $19.50 for 1 quart of ice cream
Purchased from: Rick's Ice Cream, Palo Alto, CA

Welcome to Day #14 of Chocolate, Movies & Entertainment Theme Week, featuring an excellent two-product pairing--that resulted in a delicious ice cream sandwich.

I loved ice cream sandwiches as a child--outdoors in warm weather, indoors in the winter. It was dark and cold today, so I tucked into this tasty chocolate and cherry sandwich while watching the Job Switching (1952) episode from the "I Love Lucy" (TV) show--where Lucy and Ethel (in their newly found jobs at a candy factory) were bested by a rapidly moving chocolate conveyor belt. One of the top classic chocolate comedic moments on film.

Also enjoyed: a variety of cartoon shorts from the Ice Cream Sandwich (YouTube) channel. 

Double Chocolate Soft Baked Cookies

These gluten-free, chocolate cookies with chocolate chips came individually wrapped in a box of six. They were good by themselves. And the cookies' texture and relatively mild, smooth chocolate flavor made them perfect for ice cream sandwiches. 

Texture: soft and perfectly cohesive (not too crumbly, dry or starchy) with a pleasing chew.

I don't know how they would fare over time in frozen form; but they were just right when used fresh.

Ingredients: "Corn starch, Chocolate chips (sugar, cocoa mass**, cocoa butter**, soy lecithin, natural flavor), Brown sugar, Rice flour, Blend of vegetable fats and oils (coconut fat, sunflower oil), Butter (milk), Chocolate (Cocoa mass**, sugar, cocoa butter**, soy lecithin), Corn syrup, Sorbitol syrup, Eggs, Fructose, Cocoa powder**, Dextrose, Xanthan gum, Baking soda, Ammonium bicarbonate, Salt, Soy lecithin, Natural flavor."

Allergen-related information: "Contains: Soy, Egg, Milk, Tree nuts (coconut). May contain: Tree nuts."

Choco Cherry Ice Cream (and sandwich filling)

Aroma and flavor notes for this Chocolate Cherry ice cream included: Light colored, Burgandy cherry-style ice cream aroma and flavor with flecks of dark chocolate.

Texture: Light and creamy in texture, easy to scoop, and enjoyable to eat. Also perfect for ice cream sandwich making. A denser ice cream would have been more challenging to scoop/shape.

Ingredients: (Not listed on container)

Allergen-related information: (Not listed on container.) Contained Milk.

Marianne's Ice Cream - Irish Coffee & Chocolate Chip Ice Cream - Sept. 8, 2025

Chocolate of the Day

Marianne's Ice Cream 

Irish Coffee & Chocolate Chip Ice Cream
Good ++
Weight: 1/2 cup / 1 Quart (946 mL) in total container
Calories: 155 calories (estimate) in 1/2 cup serving (+ nibs topping)
Cost: $ Missing information

Purchased from: Piazza's, Palo Alto, CA 

Welcome to Day #9 of Chocolate & Coffee Week, and Day #2 of Chocolate & Spirits Theme Week.

Today's Irish Coffee & Chocolate Chip Ice Cream was from Marianne's Ice Cream (Santa Cruz, CA). I paired/topped this ice cream with (home-made) whiskey-soaked cacao nibs.

Aroma and flavor notes included: rich coffee, chocolate/cacao and subtle vanilla and whiskey flavoring. (The spirits were mostly from the whiskey soaked cacao bean nibs topping.)

These weren't your ordinary chocolate chips. The chocolate included fairly large, thin rectangular dark chocolate pieces--made with coconut oil and butter oil to stay relatively soft when frozen. My kind of ice cream.

Texture: creamy ice cream with thin, rectangular pieces of dark chocolate that were formulated to be just the right texture for ice cream-- not so hard that the splinters would hurt you,  

I liked the subtle, creamy coffee and that I could taste the dark chocolate--as if I was eating chocolate at room temperature. (Often chocolate chips in ice cream are cold and brittle, and too cold to taste.) These pieces were slightly chewy for a few seconds followed by a creamy chocolate melt and rich chocolate flavor release.

Very tasty overall with a satisfyingly creamy coffee ice cream base. Cool and refreshing on a warm day. And the whiskey-marinated cacao nibs added some authentic cacao and spirits oomph.

Ingredients: "milk, cream, sugar, whey, locust bean gum, guar gum, instant coffee, bourbon, chocolate chips (corn starch, coconut oil, cocoa processed with alkali, butter oil, soy lecithin, natural flavor)"

Allergen-related information: Contains: Milk, Soy. " in a Facility that handles peanuts, treenuts, wheat, soy and eggs"

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

 

IQ Bar - Peanut Butter Chip bar - July 30, 2024

Chocolate of the Day

IQ Bar
Peanut Butter Chip bar
Good+ - Good ++
Weight: 1.6 oz. (45 g.) / 1 Pound, 12.8 oz. (816 g.) in a box of 18 bars
Calories: 160 calories for 1 bar
Cost: $18.49 for box of 18 bars
Purchased from: Costco, Mountain View, CA

Welcome to Day #4 of Chocolate and Peanut Theme Week--a week that includes a variety of chocolates --ranging from ultra-high end bean-to-bar chocolate bars to casual snacks and protein bars.

Today's Peanut Butter Chip bar was made by IQBAR, Inc. (Boston, MA). This bar was part of a larger, 3-flavor, 18-bar variety box.*

Aroma notes for this individually-wrapped bar included: somewhat artificial sweetness, nuttiness (faint peanut), and almost undetectable vegetable protein/starch. The taste and texture were better than the initial aroma.

Texture: This peanut butter-hued protein bar had a relatively soft, very slightly crunchy, chew-- a texture that was interspersed with smooth chocolate chips.

Flavor notes included: light peanut/peanut butter, relatively invisible pea protein crisps, and the occasional flicker of dark chocolate. The pea protein and other additions made this bar more filling and satisfying.

I liked the relatively short and thoughtful list of ingredients; the fact that each bar contained 12 grams of Protein and 3 grams of (Net) Carbs; and that this protein bar didn't taste sugary sweet. I also liked that they called out the Magnesium** levels in their bars. I also liked the use of Stevia (vs. other sweetener alternatives in this particular bar).

Ingredients: "Nuts (Peanuts, Almonds), Prebiotic Blend (Tapioca Fiber, Vegetable Fiber), Protein Blend (Pea Protein Crisps [Pea Protein, Tapioca Starch], Pea Protein), Natural Flavors, Peanut Flour, Coconut Oil, Unsweetened Chocolate, Cocoa, Cocoa Butter, Sea Salt, Lion's Mane, Stevia Plant Extract, Vitamin E"

Allergen-related information: "Allergens: Peanuts, Almonds, Coconut" (Non-GMO Certified, Gluten Free, Vegan and Kosher)

*The two other flavors in this box were Chocolate Sea Salt and Almond Butter Chip.

**Dark chocolate naturally contains relatively significant levels of iron and magnesium -- one of the many reasons why some people crave chocolate. I find it difficult to get all the calcium and magnesium I need; so it was a plus to see the levels listed--15% Daily Value for Magnesium was not bad for this bar; and the amount would be higher for bars higher in dark chocolate. (You might not find this level of detail on some craft chocolate labels.)

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). 

Cappello's - Almond Flour Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough - Aug. 14, 2023

Chocolate of the Day

Cappello's
Gluten Free Almond Flour Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough
Good +++
Weight: 3 oz. (85 g.) / 12 oz. (340 g.) in total package
Calories: 420 calories in 3 cookies 
Cost: $16.99 for 1 package
Purchased from: The Market at Edgewood, Palo Alto, CA

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

This week includes variety of chocolate bars and confections that contain a range of "true" nuts (pecans, walnuts, hazelnuts) and tree nuts/"drupes" (almonds, cashews and pistachios). 

Today's refrigerated Gluten Free Almond Flour Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough was from Cappello's LLC (Denver, CO). The company offers a line of gluten free, almond flour-based baked goods that are very tasty.

There's nothing like the smell of freshly baked cookies. Aroma notes for these right-out-of-the-oven cookies included: aromatic, slightly nutty, chocolate chip cookies, facilitated by warm chocolate chips, and a touch of warm vanilla and coconut. 

These cookies had a satisfying "buttery" crunchy texture accented with rich, melted chocolate chips.

I found these to be delicious, easy to prepare (slice and cook) cookies. They were good by themselves, and crumbled over a gelato sundae with amaretto, vanilla and mocha gelato flavors--topped with dark chocolate sauce, roasted almonds and a tiny sprinkle of sea salt. And they paired nicely with fresh fruit. (Cappello's has other recipe ideas on their website.)

Ingredients: Almond flour, organic maple syrup, semi-sweet chocolate morsels (unsweetened chocolate, organic cane sugar, cocoa butter), arrowroot flour, organic coconut oil, organic vanilla extract, sea salt, baking soda

Allergen-related information: Contains tree nuts (almonds), coconut (oil). "Made in a facility that also produces products with peanuts, soy, milk, and egg." Gluten Free, Dairy Free, Soy Free, Grain Free, Paleo, Vegan"

The Yes Bar Co. - Macadamia Chocolate with Cherries and Apricots (bar) - July 28, 2023

Chocolate of The Day

The Yes Bar Co.
Macadamia Chocolate with Cherries and Apricots (bar)
Good + - Good ++
Weight: 1.4 oz. (40 g.) in 1 bar
Calories: 210 calories in 1 bar
Cost: $2.95 for 1 bar

Purchased from: Westpoint Harbor (shop), Redwood City, CA

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

Today's Macadamia Chocolate with Cherries and Apricots "snack bar for foodies" was from The Yes Bar Co. (Oakland, CA).

Aroma notes included: coconut, dried fruits (apricot, stone fruit, cherry, red berry) and very faint chocolate and warm spices (cinnamon, vanilla).

This chewy, fresh-tasting fruit and nut bar with chocolate chips had an appealing texture and flavor. 

Flavor notes included: coconut, nuts, tart sweet dried fruits (apricots, stone fruit, red fruit (cherry, berry), faint, fleeting warm spice (cinnamon), and soft bursts of chocolate flavor (chocolate chips). Macadamias have a very mild buttery flavor and are sometimes more difficult to detect in a blend like this; but I was aware of eating bits of nuts.

This vegan, gluten-free bar was full of appealing, authentic flavors and textures. The "chew" was just right--not too stiff, not too crumbly, and loaded with good things. And, best of all, it wasn't too sweet. (Thank you!)

Ingredients: Macadamia Nuts, Maple Syrup*, Cashews*, Almonds, Dark Chocolate* (Cocoa Liquor*,  Coconut Sugar*, Cocoa Butter*), Sunflower Seeds*, Pumpkin Seeds*, Coconut Butter*, Pecans, Coconut Nectar*, Dried Tart Cherries (Cherries, Sunflower Oil), Dried Apricots, Dried Cranberries (Cranberries, Apple Juice Concentrate, Sunflower Oil), Sesame Seed Butter, Ground Flax Seeds*, Cinnamon*, Sea Salt, Vanilla Extract* (Alcohol*, Vanilla Extractives*, Water). *Denotes Organic Ingredients

Allergen-related information: "Contains: Tree Nuts (Almond, Cashew, Pecan, Macadamia, Coconut), Sesame." "Made in a gluten-free facility that handles eggs, milk, peanuts, soy, sesame, and tree nuts."

Zego LLC - Chocolate Chip Mix-Ins (Nut Free Trail Mix) - Feb. 28, 2023

Chocolate of the Day

Zego LLC
Chocolate Chip Mix-Ins (Nut Free Trail Mix)
Good + 
Weight: 2 oz. (57 g.) / 7 oz. (196 g.) in total package
Calories: 280 calories in 2 servings
Cost: $11.09 for 1 package
Purchased from: The Market at Edgewood, Palo Alto, CA

Welcome to Day #4 of Chocolate and Seeds Series.

Today's Chocolate Chip Mix-Ins (Nut Free Trail Mix) were distributed by Zego Foods (Zego LLC), based in San Francisco, CA.

Aroma and flavor notes for this Organic, Certified Gluten Free trail mix with a soft, seedy crunch included: faint oatmeal cookie, dates, and even fainter seed, chocolate and vanilla. 

Tiny chocolate chips provided subtle, dark chocolate flavor depth. Dates provided natural sweetness. 

This trail mix was a good "mix in" with yogurt and fruit; and would be a nice addition in cereals and/or baking mixes. 

Zego also offered a "purity verified" designation -- verified for "Glyphosate and over 400 other toxins, allergens and gluten...with traceable test results." (Ingredients were sourced from "glyphosate free farms.")

Ingredients: Organic pumpkin seeds, organic dates (organic dates, gluten free oat flour), chocolate chips 

Allergen-related information: "Our facility is free from gluten and the top 14 allergens. No peanuts, no tree nuts, no soy, no milk, no eggs, no sulfites, no sea creatures, no lupin, no sesame, no mustard. Corn free equipment and packaging." "Purity Verified for Glyphosate and over 400 other toxins, allergens and gluten." 

 

Love + Chew - The Superfood Cookie - Chocolate Chia - Feb. 27, 2023

Chocolate of the Day

Love + Chew 
The Superfood Cookie - Chocolate Chia
Good +
Weight: 2 oz. (57 g.) in total cookie
Calories: 270 calories in 1 cookie
Cost: Missing information
Purchased from: Country Sun Natural Foods, Palo Alto, CA

Welcome to Day #3 of Chocolate and Seeds Series.

Today's Love + Chew "The Superfood Cookie" Chocolate Chia treat was created by Lauren Chew at CompletEats, LLC, San Francisco, CA. (The company offers a family of plant-based protein cookies.)

Aroma notes included: faint date fruitcake, seed, melon, and pumpkin.

This low-sugar cookie was designed with health in mind. It had a satisfying soft chew and cohesive texture (no crumbs in lap), thanks in part to dates and almond butter.

Flavor notes included: mild dried fruit (date), cocoa and vanilla spice cake with a very faint Omega 3 (seed) finish. The flavors were balanced, the cookie was not overly sweet (thank you!). I enjoyed the subtle complexity, and the lack of a sugar rush.

Ingredients: Blanched almonds, date paste, almond butter, dark chocolate chips (organic cane sugar, organic cocoa liquor, organic cocoa butter), water, chia seeds, vegetable glycerin, baking soda (sodium bicarbonate), pure vanilla extract, sea salt.

Allergen-related information: "Contains Almonds. Manufactured in a facility that also processes tree nuts, peanuts, soy, milk, eggs, wheat, sesame seeds." (May contain date pit fragments.)

Essential Living Foods - Beyond Trail Mix (Brazil Nuts, Cashews, Dark Chocolate) - Nov. 8, 2022

Chocolate of the Day

Essential Living Foods

Beyond Trail Mix - Brazil Nuts + Cashews + Dark Chocolate 

Good + 

Weight: 1 oz. (28 g.) / 12 oz. (340 g.) in total package

Calories: 140 calories in 1 (28 g.) serving

Cost: $8.49 for 1 package

Purchased from: Grocery Outlet Bargain Market, Palo Alto, CA

Welcome to Day #3 of Chocolate and Brazil Theme Week, featuring chocolate made with Brazilian-grown cacao as well as chocolates with Brazil-related flavor inclusions.

Today's Essential Living Foods Organic Beyond Trail Mix (Brazil Nuts + Cashews + Dark Chocolate) was distributed by Terrafertil US, LLC* (Torrance, CA).

Aroma and flavor notes for this trail mix included: authentic nut (brazil nut and cashew), sweet dark chocolate chip, and sweet raisin. 

Normally trail mixes are quite salty and sweet. The lack of salt, and judicious sweetening, let more of the true nut and dried fruit flavors shine through. A mix of crunchy and chewy textures added interest.

Ingredients: Organic Brazil nuts, organic cashews, organic dark chocolate chips (organic chocolate liquor, organic cane sugar, organic cocoa butter, organic sunflower lecithin (an emulsifier), organic vanilla extract), organic Thompson raisins, organic Sultana raisins.

Allergen-related information: Contains tree nuts (cashews, Brazil nuts). May contain milk and soy. Manufactured in a facility that processes other tree nuts.

*Terrafertil US, LLC became a wholly owned subsidiary of Nestle USA in 2018. (The company was originally founded in Ecuador in 2005.)

Mikawaya Mochi Ice Cream - Double Chocolate Mochi - Aug. 19, 2022

Chocolate of the Day

Mikawaya Mochi Ice Cream

Chocolate Chocolate (Double Chocolate) Mochi

Good + 

Weight: 3 oz. (86 g.) / 9.1 oz. (258 g.) in total package of 6 pieces

Calories: 200 calories in 2 pieces

Cost: $3.99 for 1 serving

Purchased from: Grocery Outlet Bargain Market, Palo Alto, CA

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

Today's "Chocolate Chocolate" Mochi was the second frozen mochi treat (with chocolate) made by Mikawaya Mochi Ice Cream (Vernon, CA) featured this week. (The first was filled with mint chip ice cream.)

As with many frozen mochi (aka daifuku) desserts, the aroma was barely detectable. Texturally, this was a blend of refreshing, creamy, cold chocolate chocolate chip ice cream covered with a pillowy soft, lightly springy and chewy sweet rice dough. Both complemented each other well.

The chocolate ice cream, flecked with chocolate (that added some microbursts of authentic dark chocolate flavor), was flavorful and creamy with rich, smooth chocolate-y and cocoa tones. 

A light pixie dusting of rice flour adorned these pieces, enabling an effortless release of the mochi spheres from their half-dome plastic compartments. 

Ingredients: Ice Cream Ingredients: Milk, cream, cane sugar, chocolaty bits (cane sugar, coconut oil, cocoa processed with alkali, cocoa, corn starch, salt), cocoa processed with alkali, whey, nonfat dry milk, stabilizer (guar gum, locust bean gum). Mochi Dough Ingredients: Cane sugar, water, sweet rice flour, egg whites, rice flour, purple carrot juice (color), caramel color, enzyme, beet juice concentrate (color), citric acid.

Allergen-related information: Contains milk, egg. "May contain peanuts and tree nuts." (Gluten free, no soy ingredients, Kosher dairy)

Haagen-Dazs - Coffee Chip Ice Cream - July 18, 2022

Chocolate of the Day

Haagen-Dazs
Coffee Chip Ice Cream
Good ++
Weight: 14 fl. oz. (414 mL) in 1 container 
Calories: 890 calories in 1 container
Cost: $2.50 (sale) for 1 container (2 for $5.00)

Welcome to Day #17 of Chocolate and Coffee Theme Week(s).

Today's Haagen-Dazs Coffee Chip Ice Cream was distributed by Dreyer's Grand Ice Cream, Inc. (Oakland, CA).

This ice cream offered subtle, smooth and creamy coffee flavor and smooth dark chocolate chunks (chips) with true chocolatey (rich cocoa) flavor.

Years ago (and hundreds of chocolates ago), I tasted the "light" version of this ice cream. I have to admit, I really liked the full fat version (i.e. number one ingredients was cream, and this also contained egg yolks and butter oil). 

Ingredients: Cream, milk, sugar, powdered sugar (sugar, corn starch), egg yolks, coconut oil, coffee, cocoa processed with alkali, butter oil, soy lecithin, natural flavor, milk.

Allergen-related information: "Contains milk, egg, and soy ingredients."

Tillamook - Cold Brew Coffee Chocolate Chip Frozen Custard - July 6, 2022

Chocolate of the Day

Tillamook
Cold Brew Coffee Chocolate Chip Frozen Custard
Good ++
Weight: 2/3 cup (132 g.) / 15 fl. oz. (444 mL) in total container
Calories: 350 calories in 1 serving
Cost: $2.49 for 1 container
Purchased from: Grocery Outlet Bargain Market, Palo Alto, CA

Welcome to Day #5 of Chocolate and Coffee Theme Week

Today's Cold Brew Coffee Chocolate Chip Frozen Custard was from Tillamook County Creamery Association (Tillamook, OR).

Tillamook is an Oregon-based dairy farmer co-op formed in 1909, that produces dairy products like cheeses, ice creams, yogurts and other dairy products.

Aroma notes for this frozen dessert included authentic roasted coffee with rich, whole milk.

This "ultra-creamy" (16 percent butterfat) frozen custard style ice cream contained egg yolks and featured an abundance of actual cream. Not surprisingly it had a satisfying creamy texture, creamy flavor and an authentic cream finish. 

And it featured three flavors that blend very well with cream without being completely neutralized: coffee, chocolate and vanilla. (The other flavor that comes to mind is caramel.) This creamy frozen custard was infused with lovely cold brewed coffee flavor, sugar, a smattering of small chocolate chunks/chips, and a faint hint of vanilla.

Ingredients: Cream, skim milk, sugar, tapioca syrup, coffee, milk, pasteurized egg yolks, chocolate liquor, cocoa butter, locust bean gum, guar gum, vanilla extract.

Allergen-related information: "Contains milk, eggs." "Made on equipment that makes products containing milk, egg, peanut, soy, tree nuts, wheat."

 

Alec's Ice Cream - Matcha Chocolate Chip - June 12, 2022

Chocolate of the Day

Alec's Ice Cream

Matcha Chocolate Chip

Good ++

Weight: 2/3 cup (122 g.) / 14 fl. oz. (414 mL) in total container

Calories: 310 calories in 2/3 cup serving

Cost: $2.99 (estimate) for 1 container

Purchased from: Grocery Outlet Bargain Market, Palo Alto, CA

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

Today's Matcha Chocolate Chip ice cream from Alec's Ice Cream* (Petaluma, CA) was made with organic cream and milk from pasture-raised cows in Sonoma, CA. 

Alec's chose "ultra-premium Japanese Matcha" for this blend; and the ice cream did indeed have a high-quality, refreshing, matcha green tea latte aroma and flavor. 

The happy cows (mentioned above, from Alexandre Family Farm, the first certified regenerative, organic A2 dairy in the U.S.) contributed to the creamy, rich texture of the base ice cream--that was studded with a generous helping of smooth, dark chocolate chunks. 

The dark chocolate may not have been super bold or complex, but it was well matched and crafted for this ice cream. Made with coconut oil (and organic, alkalized cocoa), the chunks/chips were texturally accessible--easy to bite into and enjoy (unlike chocolate chips that lose flavor and become small, ebony-colored waxy bits when frozen). And the relatively mild flavor profile allowed the the matcha and cream to shine.

The ice cream was sweet, without being overly so (thank you!). This judicious level of sugar helped showcase the green tea and chocolate flavors, mellowed only by the creamy ice cream base. (Yes, we're back to the cream. Visions of happy cows again.) 

Less sugar (and whipped air) means this denser ice cream is firmer when you first take it out of the freezer. I advise leaving it out for a few minutes after taking it out of the fridge, or using a strong scoop/spoon. (I broke a pretty (but apparently weak) spoon trying to drill into this Matcha Chocolate Chip ice cream straight out of the freezer.) It's worth the wait.

Maker's description: "Mellow and earthy meets sweet and sublime..."

Ingredients: Organic cream, Organic skim milk, organic cane sugar, organic chocolate chunks (organic cane sugar, organic coconut oil, organic alkalized cocoa powder (organic cocoa powder, potassium carbonate), organic soy lecithin, organic vanilla extract), organic egg yolk, organic matcha (less than 0.5%), organic carob gum, organic guar gum.

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

*Founder and CEO Alec Jaffee and the Alec's Ice Cream team took over the site of the much loved Three Twins Ice Cream in Petaluma, CA. 

Birch Benders - Chocolate Chip Waffles - Oct. 27, 2021

Chocolate of the Day

Birch Benders 
Chocolate Chip Keto Toaster Waffles
Good +
Weight: 2.96 oz. (84 g.) / 5.92 oz. (168 g.) in total package of 6 waffles
Calories: 270 calories in 3 waffles
Cost: $4.99 for 1 package of 6 waffles
Purchased from: Sprouts Farmers Market, Mountain View, CA

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

Today's Chocolate Chip Keto Toaster Waffles were manufactured in Belgium for Birch Benders (Denver, CO). The self-described "micro-pancakery" offers pancake and waffle mixes and frozen waffles. 

These gluten-free chocolate chip waffles--sweetened with erythritol and stevia--were substantial and filling (primarily due to relatively high levels of protein and fiber). And, happily, these were not too sweet.

A light scattering of small chocolate chips added a chocolate-y rich accent flavor. (Optional: Top with some 100% dark chocolate chips/shavings (with maple extract perhaps) instead of sugary syrup for amped up chocolate flavor.)

Depending on how these frozen waffles are defrosted and heated, the texture can be soft, with a light chew, or a bit crispier. 

Ingredients: Eggs, high oleic sunflower oil, dark chocolate chips (unsweetened chocolate, erythritol, cocoa butter, stevia extract, sunflower lecithin), organic coconut flour, cassava starch, tigernut flour, buttermilk powder, leavening (monocalcium phosphate, sodium bicarbonate), skim milk yogurt powder (skim milk, cultures), psyllium husk powder, spice.

Allergen-related information: "Contains: egg, milk, coconut."

 

The Yes Bar Co. - Dark Chocolate Chip Yes Bar - Sept. 19, 2021

Chocolate of the Day

The Yes Bar Co.

Dark Chocolate Chip Yes Bar

Good +

Weight: 1.4 oz. (40 g.) in 1 bar 

Calories: 220 calories in 1 bar

Cost: $2.49 for 1 bar 

Purchased from: Farm Fresh To You (add in to CSA box delivery service), online order 

Welcome to Day #3 of Chocolate and Breakfast Surprise Theme Week.

Today's Dark Chocolate Chip Yes Bar was from The Yes Bar Co. (Oakland, CA). The company makes a line of "gourmet soft-baked nut bar(s)" with high-quality ingredients.

The Yes Bar messaging reminded the reader that it's possible to say yes..."to everything you want (and no to the things you don't)." You had me at certified gluten free, and "half the sugar of an apple."

This vegan (round cookie-shaped) bar had aroma notes (in order of appearance) with light cocoa, coconut, maple, slightly savory, mild nut and seed.

The bar had a soft, chewy texture and a hearty, satisfying feel. (This snack bar contained 5 grams of plant protein, and 17 grams of fat.)

Flavor notes included dark chocolate, coconut, nut, seed, and faint savory flavor notes.

Ingredients: "Organic almonds, organic maple syrup, organic dark chocolate (cocoa mass, coconut blossom sugar, cocoa butter), organic sunflower seeds, organic pumpkin seeds, cashews, organic coconut butter, macadamia nuts, organic coconut nectar, pecans, sesame seed butter, white chia seeds, organic ground flax seeds, Celtic sea salt, organic cinnamon, organic vanilla extract."

Allergen-related information: Contains almond, cashew, pecan, macadamia, coconut (and sesame seeds). "Made in a gluten free certified facility that handles eggs, milk, peanuts, soy, and tree nuts. May contain shell or pit fragments."

Godiva - Bittersweet Chocolate Premium Baking Chips (brownies) - June 17, 2021

Chocolate of the Day

Godiva 
Bittersweet Chocolate Premium Baking Chips 69% Cacao
Good +
Weight: 2.12 oz. (60 g.) / 10 oz. (283 g.) in total package
Calories: 280 calories in 4 servings (4 TB)  
Cost: missing information
Purchased from: missing information 

Welcome to Day #6 of Chocolate Brownie Theme Week.

Today's Bittersweet Chocolate Premium Baking Chips were from Godiva (Belgium).*

I used these 69% cacao Godiva bittersweet chocolate chips to make a last batch of homemade brownies this brownie-themed week (with butter, egg, molasses, a small amount of gluten-free flour, ginger, cinnamon and toasted almonds). 

I was glad to see these higher-percentage (69 percent) cacao Godiva chocolate chips. They had a uniform, smooth dark flavor. And, for my taste, there was enough sugar in this chocolate for the chocolate chips to serve as the primary sweetener. (I also added a teaspoon or two of molasses.)

This particular recipe yielded a dark fudge, soft cookie-like texture that made them easier to transport and share than softer, gooey-er style brownies. The recipe could easily be adapted to achieve more of the latter qualities (more chocolate chips, less gluten-free flour, use of a deeper glass pan and possibly slightly shorter cooking time).

I enjoyed the very subtle molasses and warm spice flavor and aroma note(s) of this particular recipe. However, it's hard to beat the classic, plain chocolate brownie studded with dark chocolate chips.

Ingredients: Godiva Bittersweet Chocolate Chips: Chocolate (processed with alkali), sugar, cocoa powder, soy lecithin (emulsifier).

Allergen-related information: "Contains soy. May contain milk."

*Distributed by International Gourmet Specialties LLC (Pittsburgh, PA).

Nestle - Chocolate (Ghana) chip brownies - June 16, 2021

Chocolate of the Day

Nestle
Nestle Toll House Artisan Collection Premium Baking Chips
(Made with Single Origin Chocolate from Ghana)
Good +
Weight: 2 oz. (56.6 g.) / 12 oz. (340 g.) in total package
Calories: 400 calories in 1 large, prepared brownie (210 calories in 3 TB of chips)
Cost: missing information
Purchased from: missing information

Welcome to Day #5 of Chocolate Brownie Theme Week.

Today's homemade chocolate brownie offering was based on premium baking chocolate chips distributed by Nestle USA, Inc. (Arlington, VA).

Nestle's origins stretch back to 1866 in Switzerland; and the company began to produce chocolate morsels (chips) in 1939. Prior to that (and for many years after/since then), chocolate chunks for baking were created by chopping or shaving off smaller chocolate pieces from blocks of dark baking chocolate.

When did brownies* first originate? One can't be sure, but recipes started to pop up in cookbooks in the late 1800s. In any case, brownies in some form have been with us for well over 130 years.

Today's Nestle chocolate chips made a flavorful brownie; and they also could be enjoyed a la carte. I used them to make a small batch of fudgey, gluten-free brownies.

The brownies paid homage to Nestle and brownie traditions. However, these single origin (Ghana) chocolate chips--an addition to Nestle's "Artisan Collection" premium baking chocolate family--added a present day twist. The chips had robust, naturally sweet, slightly earthy, roasted dark chocolate notes that gave the resulting brownies bolder cacao flavor than the cocoa powder used to evoke the chocolate color and taste in most brownies. (This cocoa powder is often alkalized, a process that makes cocoa milder and less acidic/bitter.)

I did not add any sugar to this brownie recipe, as these 48% cacao chocolate chips supplied enough inherent sweetness for my taste. I added some mild "fruit" and nut flavor by blending a little bit of banana flour and almond flour into the egg, (dairy) butter and crunchy almond butter batter used to make these. 

Chocolate maker's tasting notes: "chestnut, caramel, honey."

Ingredients: "Cane sugar, unsweetened chocolate, cocoa butter, vanilla extract, soy lecithin."

Allergen-related information: "Contains soy."

*Brownie origins

While rarely discussed in the 21st century, in the 1900s a "brownie" was a type of imaginary elf who performed helpful deeds while people slept at night. This elf may have been the inspiration for young Girl Scouts who were called Brownies. Going further back in time, the first reference to "brownie" as a chocolate dessert (that I could find) was from the 1890s, and it referred to a rich chocolate molasses cake made in a mold.

The Safe + Fair Food Company - Double Chocolate Brownie Mix - June 15, 2021

Chocolate of the Day

The Safe + Fair Food Company
Double Chocolate Brownie Mix
Good +
Weight: dry mix equal to 2 brownies / 20.6 oz. (584 g.) in total package
Calories: 520 calories in 2 brownies (prepared mix)
Cost: missing information
Purchased from: missing information

Welcome to Day #4 of Chocolate Brownie Theme Week.

Today's Double Chocolate Brownie Mix was manufactured for The Safe + Fair Food Company (Chicago, IL).

While almost all brownies share a dark brown hue and general chocolatey flavor, there are many variations, ranging from dense, gooey and/or velvety brownies to light, springy, cake like brownies (and brownie muffins/cupcakes), to firmer, crisper brownies (including brownie cookies). Happily, all of these types are represented this week.

Today's gluten-free, non-GMO and vegan double chocolate brownie with chocolate chips was lighter and cake-like (adding an extra egg to most brownie recipes will also create more cake-like texture). A bit of "ancient" grain (teff flour) was included in the gluten-free flour blend for good measure.

The "double" chocolate flavor (provided by alkalized cocoa and embedded chocolate chips) was satisfying. 

Ingredients: "Cane sugar, white rice flour, alkalized cocoa, semi-sweet chocolate chips (sugar, chocolate liquor, cocoa butter, sunflower lecithin and vanilla extract), potato starch, brown rice flour, tapioca flour, teff flour, salt, baking powder (sodium acid pyrophosphate, sodium bicarbonate, non-gmo corn starch, monocalcium phosphate, xanthan gum."

Allergy-related information: "Made in a facility free from the top 9 allergens...gluten free, non-GMO, vegan, kosher."