Pure Boost - Cocoa Banana Bounty Superfood Blend - Mar. 7, 2023

Chocolate of the Day

Pure Boost Superfood Blends
Cocoa Banana Bounty Superfood Blend
Good +
Weight: 1/3 cup (27 g.) / 8 oz. (227 g.) in total package
Calories: 70 calories in 1 serving
Cost: $5.99 for 1 package
Purchased from: Grocery Outlet Bargain Market, Palo Alto, CA

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

Today's Pure Boost Cocoa Banana Bounty Superfood Blend was distributed by IMS (Shelton, CT).

Aroma and flavor notes included: slightly tangy sweetened fruit (berry and banana) with smooth, subtle cocoa -- a cocoa flavor that became richer and closer to chocolate milk once mixed with milk. 

The powder mixed and incorporated fairly readily with the milk of choice and a bit of water. There was no grainy or sedimentary texture once blended.

No added sugar, non-dairy, gluten free, plant based, allergen free

The flavors were attenuated a little--often the case when foods are processed to create a powdered form. But, the flavors of real banana and faint cocoa did come through.

 The sweetness tasted a little too enhanced initially; but then it calmed down to something more natural. The pros of alternative sweeteners (like erythritol and stevia blends) included the absence of a processed sugar buzz or sugar-coated teeth afterwards. The plant/seed-based protein powder also helped balance the sweetness and any fruit acidity.

Today's blend was described as a "...boost to juices, smoothies and baking" and I tried sampling this powdered mix by itself and with (dairy) milk. 

On the back of the package was a smoothie recipe, calling for blending 1/3 cup of this Cocoa Banana Bounty blend with one cup of a milk of choice, 1 fresh banana and two tablespoons of nut butter. I agree this would be quite good.

Ingredients: Plant-based protein blend (pumpkin seed protein, sunflower flour, hemp seed protein, flax meal), banana powder, Pyure organic sweetener blend (organic erythritol, organic soluble tapioca fiber, organic stevia leaf extract, organic natural flavor), natural cocoa powder, natural flavor.

Allergen-related information: "Non dairy, gluten free, allergen free"

Arete Chocolate - Expeller Pressed Cocoa Powder - Aug. 18, 2022

Chocolate of the Day

Arete Chocolate

Expeller Pressed Cocoa Powder

Good +

Weight: 1 oz. (28.3 g.) / 8.8 oz. (250 g.) in total package

Calories: 65 calories (estimate) in 1 oz. serving

Cost: $ Missing information  

Purchased from: Arete or The Chocolate Garage*

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

Today's homemade chocolate and rice (cake) dessert employed Expeller Pressed Cocoa Powder from Arete Chocolate as a topping and ingredient.

An ultra-dark (82% cacao) chocolate covered rice cake** that I made. It was topped with a large scoop of green tea ice cream and garnished with a healthy dose of Arete Chocolate Cocoa Powder and chopped almonds.

The Arete Chocolate cocoa powder classed up this dessert considerably. I'm hoping they might resume making and selling chocolate one day. (They closed shop in 2020.)

Ingredients: Expeller pressed cocoa solids

 

Allergen-related information: (None listed/found on package.) 

*The Chocolate Garage Retail space in Palo Alto, CA, is no longer open.

**Notes: I used a commercially available (Lundberg Family Farms) rice cake as a form to be chocolate covered. Melting a bar of chocolate on a round rice cake for a single-serving dessert can be done in the microwave; but it is very easy to burn the rice cake if you start with room temperature/cooler chocolate. 

It's best to warm the chocolate up on a microwave-safe plate first (so that it's soft, but not completely melted) and then transfer it (with the help of a spatula if needed) and place on top of the rice cake--and finish the melting over the rice cake for a bit longer--spreading the melted chocolate over an uncovered edge if needed). You can then transfer this to a clean dessert plate if you want a nice clean edge.

The end product is an easy-to-make, attractive perch for ice cream or a fruit dessert.

 

OMG! Food Company - Immunity - Cacao, Camu Camu Powder - June 8, 2022

Chocolate of the Day

OMG! Food Company
Immunity Organic Superfood Blend  
Good +
Weight: 1 TB oz. (6.5 g.) / 5.5 oz. (155 g.) in total container
Calories: 20 calories in 1 serving
Cost: $7.99 for 1 container
Purchased from: Grocery Outlet Bargain Market, Palo Alto, CA

Welcome to Day #15 of Chocolate and Fruit Theme Week.

Today's "Immunity" Organic Superfood Blend--a powdered blend containing cacao, camu camu (fruit) and other powders--was from OMG! Food Company (Rancho Dominguez, CA).

This (vegan) blend was designed to be mixed with a variety of beverages and foods, including smoothies and yogurt. 

The subtle aroma notes (of the dried powder, by itself) included dried fruit (mango, orange, lemon-lime, goji berry), faint cocoa and green tea. 

I mixed today's Immunity powder with plain, non-fat, Greek yogurt and cold water. The water  made it easier to stir and fully incorporate these ingredients. The resulting beverage was relatively thick, smooth and creamy. I expected the yogurt would add a very slight tartness.

However, I wasn't quite prepared for how tart the camu camu fruit powder in this mix would be. The number one ingredient in this blend was cacao powder, but it was overshadowed by the eye-opening sourness of the camu camu fruit powder (the number two ingredient). This small fruit is known for it's high Vitamin C content. 

The South American* berry looks like a cross between a purple grape and a tiny red apple--with the tartness of both these fruits plus citrus fruit. Like many berries, camu camu contains anti-oxidants and has been shown to have anti-inflammatory properties.

Powdered mushrooms and greens added a bit of umami flavor to this tangy cacao blend. My palette's taste buds were treated to the full range of flavor: sour, bitter, umami, and to a lesser degree: sweet and salty. 

I enjoyed the bracing cacao and fruit boost and the (yogurt) protein this morning without a sugar rush. Like a very tart juice shot with lemon juice and ginger), you'll find that one serving (1 TB of powder) is plenty to wake you up.

Ingredients: Organic cacao powder, organic camu camu powder, organic chaga mushroom powder, organic chlorella powder, organic reishi mushroom powder, organic kale powder.

Allergen-related ingredients: "OMG Foods are free from gluten, dairy, soy, sweeteners, fillers, additives, preservatives, and anything artificial."

*Peru is the largest producer of camu camu berries, but it can be found in many other neighboring countries, including Brazil and Ecuador.

Earth Echo - Cacao Bliss Superfood Elixir Blend - Feb. 26, 2022

Chocolate of the Day

Earth Echo LLC
Cacao Bliss Superfood Elixir Blend
Good + - Good ++
Weight: 1 level scoop (7.88 g.) / 8.34 oz. (236.4 g.) in total package
Calories: 35 calories in 1 level scoop 
Cost: $59.95* for 1 package (less $8.99 discount) + $9.95 shipping = $60.91
Purchased from: (Earth Echo ad - online order)

Welcome to Day #6 of Chocolate and Spices Theme Weeks.

Today's Cacao Bliss Superfood Elixir Blend was manufactured for Earth Echo LLC (Evergreen, CO).

Marketed online, this organic, dietary supplement powder was designed to be mixed in with cold or hot liquids, including water, alternative milks, and/or hot chocolate or coffee. 

The dry, powdered blend contained "superfoods"** and spices that included cinnamon, black pepper fruit, sea salt and turmeric. (Lucuma and mesquite added mild, mellow sweetness.***)

Aroma notes for this powdered blend (mixed with water) included: chocolate, coconut and faint root/herb.

The texture was smooth and satisfying once thoroughly stirred and incorporated. There were no vegetable gums or other common additives (emulsifiers, stabilizers) often added to similar beverages (thank you!). (Note: If you prepare a cold beverage with this mix, and let it sit for a long period, it's a good idea to re-stir, unless you enjoy more layered flavors.)

Flavor notes included cocoa and salt with faint coconut and subtle root/herb and warm spice. There was a relatively subtle, balanced and fleeting cacao bitterness in the after-taste, but it mellowed quickly. (When I re-tasted this later I also enjoyed a bit more of a mildly spicy, authentic cinnamon flavor.)

This mix was sweetened with coconut sugar and monk fruit extract and it was not too sweet (thank you). This would make a potentially tasty addition to a hot or cold beverage or possible ingredient in homemade cacao treats/confections.****

This blend was made using (raw) "ceremonial grade cacao." This description refers to a "less processed" forms of cacao (e.g. unroasted or lightly roasted cacao, but not heated/fully ground (made into) chocolate). The cacao country of origin was not specified on the package/labeling.

Ingredients: Organic cacao bean powder, organic MCT (medium chain triglyceride) oil powder, organic coconut (flower blossom) nectar powder, organic cocoa (bean) powder, organic turmeric root powder, Himalayan sea salt, organic cinnamon bark powder, organic monk fruit extract, organic lucuma fruit powder, organic mesquite pods powder, organic black pepper fruit powder.

Allergen-related information: (Couldn't find on packaging.) "Gluten Free, Non Dairy, USDA Organic, Soy Free, Non GMO"

*The price per ounce/gram for this all-organic product was much higher than most comparable product on the market that I could find; however, it was also made with relatively expensive ingredients.

**Note: I was not able to (nor did I seek to) confirm claims of "superfoods," or claims related to weight loss that accompanied some of the product's testimonials by users.

***Lucuma is a South American tree fruit often used in powdered form in food supplements. Its flavor is often described as sweet, with butterscotch, sweet potato, maple, or tropical fruit/mango notes. 

Mesquite powder is made from ground seed pods of the mesquite plant/tree and is used as a mild sweetener and/or flour.

**** Product disclaimer printed on the back of this package: "Do not use if you are pregnant, nursing, or are under the age of 18. 

Nightfood - Cherry Eclipse ice cream + Let's Do Gluten Free - Sugar Cones - Oct. 31, 2021

Chocolate of the Day

Nightfood, Inc.
Cherry Eclipse Nighttime Ice Cream

Good +

Weight: 2/3 cup (96 g.) / 1 Pint (473 g.) in total container

Calories: 140 calories in 1 serving

Cost: $1.99 for 1 container

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

Edward and Sons Trading Co., Inc. 

(Product of Israel)

Let's Do Gluten Free - Sugar Cones, Rolled Style

Good +

Weight: .77 oz. (22 g.) / 4.6 oz. (132 g.) in total box of 12 cones

Calories: 90 calories in 2 cones 

Cost: $4.49 for 1 box of 12 cones

Purchased from: Sprouts Farmers Market, Mountain View, CA

Welcome to Day #7 of Chocolate and Waffle Theme Week--a week that has included several waffle ice cream cone items and a few ice creams with chocolate inclusions.

Today is also Halloween. Happy Halloween to all. This holiday is linked traditionally with candy (fun-sized chocolate bars), carved pumpkins, spooky skeletons, bats, witches, ghosts and costumes of all sorts.

Cherry Eclipse Ice Cream

Today's Cherry Eclipse ice cream was manufactured for Nightfood, Inc. (Tarrytown, NY).

This light ice cream was "Cravemonster and sleep expert approved." Despite images of scary cartoon monsters (perfect for Halloween) featured on Nightfood ice cream containers, this product line was formulated for better sleep in mind. 

To earn their "Sleep Friendly" tagline, Nightfood has added certain ingredients (and omitted others). Buried in the long list of ingredients (see below) you'll see a sleep-friendly "Nightfood mineral blend," and prebiotic fiber (and possibly two more recent additions (based on Nightfood website ingredient information): lactase enzyme and vitamin B6). There was no erythritol, artificial sweeteners or gluten in this Kosher, low fat and higher protein, ice cream. Tart cherries (the second ingredient listed) were called out as being melatonin-rich.*

This Cherry Eclipse ice cream had a very light, creamy (silky, velvety, almost foamy) texture, yet retained an authentic dairy milk taste and mouthfeel. The light ice cream had a subtle cherry flavor and color, and contained a smattering of small chocolate-y pieces/flecks.

Disclaimer: After sampling this ice cream, a la carte, I later added a spoonful of single origin chocolate shards for richer, darker authentic cacao flavor and a few roasted walnuts--adding back in a bit of protein and fat, to balance out carbs (sugars and gums). It liked it both ways.

I tasted two monster-adorned Nightfood Nighttime ice cream flavors today--the only two I was able to find in time at my local store: "Cherry Eclipse" (with chocolate chips) and "Pickles for Two" (a chocolate-less flavor).** Other flavors in the Nightfood line-up include "Midnight Chocolate" and "Full Moon Vanilla.") 

Nightfood light ice creams are part of a sleep-friendly snacking trend; because scary things do occur late at night (such as eating a whole pint of ice cream, and then finding it hard to sleep).

Ingredients: Skim milk, tart cherries (tart cherries, water, invert sugar, sugar, corn starch, natural flavor, citric acid, locust bean gum), prebiotic fiber (chicory root), milk protein concentrate, brown rice syrup, choco pieces (confectioner's sugar, coconut oil, cocoa processed with alkali, cocoa, butter oil, soy lecithin, natural flavor), cream, tapioca syrup, glycerin, glycine, Nightfood mineral blend (calcium citrate, magnesium citrate, zinc citrate), tara gum, guar gum, natural flavor, salt, monk fruit extract.

(Note: This ingredient list from the container I purchased varies a bit with latest ingredients listed on the Nightfood website, which can happen as formulas and ingredients are updated, changed, replaced or clarified.)

Allergen-related information: Contains: milk, soy. "Made on shared equipment that also processes Peanuts and Tree nuts."

Sugar Cones

Today's Rolled Style Sugar Cones were imported to the U.S. by Edward and Sons Trading Co., Inc. (Carpinteria, CA).

The lightweight, almost airy, crunchy, gluten free, sugar cones were strong enough to hold ice cream and toasted walnut and dark chocolate pieces (that I added). They came carefully packaged. (None were broken.) Just don't squeeze the cones too hard when they're full of ice cream.

These cones were more flavorful than the bland ice cream receptacles of decades past. Demerara sugar (a light brown, less processed sugar), a pinch of cocoa powder and salt, all contributed to a pleasing flavor. The aroma and taste evoked the ghosts of vanilla and chocolate ice creams, even when the cone was eaten with no ice cream (by itself). Spooky. (There was no vanilla added; I checked.)

I filled these sugar cones with two "scary" monster-adorned Nightfood ice cream flavor(s): "Cherry Eclipse" and "Pickles for Two."**

Ingredients: Potato starch, demerara sugar, tapioca starch, organic expeller-pressed palm oil, potato fiber, cocoa powder, soy lecithin, salt, xanthan gum.

Allergen-related information: Pareve, Non-GMO Project Verified

*Melatonin is a hormone (made in the humane body), that is released (by the pineal gland) at night to  coincide with sleep. Man-made melatonin supplements are thought to help regulate/influence sleep and wake cycles. There are studies that have shown Montmorency/tart cherry juice to be correlated with better and longer sleep. (Note: Nightfood advisors listed on their website included at least three sleep experts.)

**"Pickles for Two" was a Nightfood ice cream flavor with very faint and balanced dill pickle notes. Despite what you're thinking, it was not bad. This flavor was inspired by food and mineral cravings that pregnant women sometimes experience--in this case, for pickles (sodium/salt and small amounts of calcium and potassium) and ice cream (calcium and protein, as well as sugar and fat).

Ghirardelli Chocolate - 100% Cocoa Dutch Process (powder) - Aug. 13, 2021

Chocolate of the Day

Ghirardelli Chocolate Company
100% Cocoa Dutch Process (powder)

Good - Good +
Weight: .21 oz. (6 g.) / 8 oz. (227 g.) in total package
Calories: 15 calories (estimate) in 1 Tbsp/TB serving

Cost: $6.49 for 1 package

Purchased from: Nugget Markets, Tiburon, CA 

Welcome to Day #5 of 100% Cacao and Nibs Theme Week.

Today's 100% Cocoa Dutch Process (powder) was from Ghirardelli Chocolate Company (San Leandro, CA).  

The "dutch process" generally uses an alkaline substance (higher on the pH scale) to reduce sharper, acidic flavor (lower on the pH scale). The alkali(ne) essentially neutralizes its acid opposite(s) and makes the cocoa more loveable--if you like brownies and cuddly, chocolate-y chocolate. (Many people prefer it over the less processed original or raw form.)

A small amount of cocoa powder rapidly transforms almost any item into a brownie-flavored dessert. I mixed 1 Tablespoon of today's cocoa powder into a bowl of mixed nuts (that were lightly coated in coconut oil). The powder instantly coated the nuts and turned the mixture into a rich, ebony-colored, nut brownie-flavored melange. (Success!)

Ingredients: "Cocoa - processed with alkali"

Allergen-related information: "May contain tree nuts, wheat, soy, milk and egg." 

 

Dick Taylor - Chocolate Coated Almonds 65% Belize - Aug. 8, 2021

Chocolate of the Day

Dick Taylor 
Chocolate Coated Almonds 65% Belize
Good ++
Weight: 2 oz. (57 g.) / 6 oz. (171 g.) in total container
Calories: 330 calories in 1 container
Cost: $12.99 for 1 container
Purchased from: Nugget Markets, Tiburon, CA

Welcome to Day #21 of Chocolate and Almonds Week(s).

Today's Chocolate Coated Almonds 65% Belize were made by Dick Taylor Craft Chocolate (Eureka, CA). 

This exquisitely packaged, high-end take on a chocolate covered classic used traditional coating pans to build up the layers of single origin 65% Belize chocolate coating around organic California almonds. 

Instead of a shiny, confectioners glaze top coat, these almonds were dusted with/in cocoa powder giving them a luxe, deep brown powdered velvet look. 

The aroma: malty, roasted almonds and rich, high-end dark chocolate milk/cocoa notes.

The Belize chocolate contributed a layered tasting experience not usually found in chocolate covered confections. The chocolate had balanced bittersweet, fruit (citrus, dark ripe berry), very faint earth notes that complemented the milder, rounder, nuttier, woodier, hand-roasted almonds--that had their chance to shine after the dark chocolate was chewed into and melted away.

These were carefully crafted, with a deftly balanced complexity. They weren't overly sweet (thank you), allowing quality ingredients to be fully enjoyed.

Ingredients: "Organic almonds, organic cacao, organic cane sugar, organic cocoa butter, organic cocoa powder"

Allergen-related information: "Contains almonds. Processed in a facility that also uses milk, tree nuts, wheat and peanuts."

Anthony's - Organic Superfood Smoothie Mix - Chocolate Flavor - Apr. 19, 2021

Chocolate of the Day 

Anthony's

Organic Superfood Smoothie Mix (Chocolate Flavor)

Good 

Weight: .848 oz. (24 g.) / 8 oz. (227 g.) in total package of mix

Calories: 110 calories in 1 serving (3 TB) (+ milk)

Cost: $7.99 for 1 package

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

Welcome to Day #4 of Chocolate and RSTU Theme Week, featuring items with origins or flavor inclusions that begin with the letters R, S, T and/or U.

Today's Chocolate Flavor Organic Superfood Smoothie Mix was from Anthony's Goods (Glendale, CA). 

The aroma of the dry mix had light cocoa, and faint, pleasant vegetable root/tuber (tigernut, maca) and celery notes.

This gluten-free, vegan smoothie mix tasted refreshingly un-sugared.* It did contain some coconut sugar, but did not taste sweet. 

The powder was shaken and stirred with a variety of liquids. (Coconut milk or frozen fruits and water, are good choices that provide a little touch of natural sweetness.) If you're not vegan, organic, dairy milk works too. 

Smoothie tip: If you're not using an electric blender, you might let the smoothie rest in the refrigerator for a few hours (or longer) before drinking. This allows the chia seeds (number one ingredient) to more fully absorb the liquid, to maximize smoothness in the mouthfeel.

Ingredients: Organic chia seed, organic coconut sugar, organic tigernut, organic cocoa, organic flaxseed, organic black maca

Rowe of Venice - Espresso organic gourmet snack - Feb. 19, 2021

Chocolate of the Day

Rowe of Venice

Espresso organic gourmet snack

Good - Good +

Weight: 1 oz. (28.1 g.) / 1.5 oz. (42.45 g.) in total package

Calories: 160 calories in 2/3 package

Cost: $5.99 for 1 package

Purchased from: FarmFresh to You CSA box delivery service, add-on order item

Welcome to Day #3 of Chocolate and EFGHI Theme Week, where flavor ingredients and concepts beginning with the letters E, F, G, H and I are featured.

Cocoa and coffee are a time-honored pairing, and today's snack contained the unadulterated essence of both of these flavors. Finely ground Espresso coffee and raw cocoa powder offered some extra bean goodness and oomph without being overpowering.

Today's Espresso organic gourmet snack pieces were from Rowe of Venice (Los Angeles, CA). The company offers a line of refrigerated, raw, superfood snack offerings and flourless SOL bread mini loafs.

The small package of snack pieces were gluten-free, dairy-free, plant-based, and made from raw ingredients.

These petite snack squares had aroma and flavor notes of ground espresso, authentic coconut, nuttiness (almonds) and dark cocoa. The shredded coconut and ground raw almonds contributed a slightly soft, chewy crunchiness. 

Pre-packaged snacks often have a slightly addictive level of sugar and salt. Happily, these snacks contained low levels of both. The sweetness (raw agave nectar) level was just right for my taste, which is to say not too sweet. The Himalayan pink salt was barely detectable. 

Like many enjoyable nutrient-dense foods, one or two squares was enough. The almonds provided protein, slowing cravings that have led to snack gobbling  (more rapid consumption).

Ingredients: "Love, organic raw almonds, organic espresso, organic raw blue agave nectar, organic raw cacao powder, unsweetened shredded coconut, organic cold-pressed virgin coconut oil, Himalayan pink salt, Gratitude."

Arete - Coco Powder; Coconut Drinking Chocolate - Dec. 8, 2019

Chocolate(s) of the Day: 

Arete
Expeller Pressed Cocoa Powder
Good - Good +
Weight: 4 oz. (113 g.) (estimate) in 1/2 cup hot chocolate / 8.8 oz. (250 g.) in total package of ("dry") cocoa powder
Calories: 200 calories in 1 small cup serving
Cost: $ Missing information
Purchased from: The Chocolate Garage, Palo Alto, CA

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

To make a good hot chocolate or drinking chocolate, you need to start with high-quality ingredients, like rich, flavorful, authentic Expeller Pressed Cocoa Powder from Arete Artisan Fine Chocolate (Spencer, TN).

To this cocoa powder I added (dairy) milk, homemade coconut milk, coconut oil and spices and a hint of monkfruit (sweetener)—resulting in a very rich hot drinking chocolate which was cooked and stirred and then run through a sieve into a cup.

"Zombie" Chocolates, Sticky Wilson's Candy Shop, Palo Alto

Chocolates have been available in the San Francisco Bay Area for more than 150 years. It's always interesting to research ghosts of chocolates past in one's own neighborhood.


A century ago Wilson's Candy, initially located on the Stanford University campus in Palo Alto, CA, opened its downtown Palo Alto store. An article in the December 2017 issue of the Stanford Illustrated Review talked about the new candy shop on University Avenue. Wilson's chocolates were described as superior, "College Educated Chocolates."


This and related information surfaced when I attended a talk at a local Palo Alto Historical Association meeting this evening.

Chocolates served at this event re-created a recipe for "Zombie" chocolates—sold by "Sticky" Wilson at his Palo Alto Candy Shop—including a coconut flavor. The truffle-shaped rounds were soft and chocolatey and rolled in flaked coconut.

Thank you to Nicole (and mom Kristen) and grandparents for bringing these historic chocolates back to life, and for explaining how they were made. The Coconut Zombie chocolate I tasted was great!

Freed Foods - NurturMe Organic Ancient Grain Cookies - Cocoa - Mar. 21, 2019

Chocolate of the Day: 

Made for Freed Foods

NurturMe - Organic Ancient Grain Cookies - Cocoa

Good

Weight: 1 oz. (28 g.) / 5 oz. (1?? g.) in total box

Calories: 130 calories in 1 serving (7 small cookies)

Cost: $ missing information

Purchased from: missing information

Welcome to Day #2 of Chocolate and Starches Theme Week.

Today's NurturMe Organic Ancient Grain Cookies - Cocoa - were manufactured for Freed Foods (Austin, TX), and were made from a flour blend of millet, sorghum and quinoa—considered "ancient grains" here (as well as potato and tapioca starch).

Quinoa is a plant from the Andes with starchy seeds that looks like a grain. Technically it's a pseudo-cereal, that has become popular in the U.S. in recent decades. Today's small cocoa-flavored cookies were crunchy, and not too sweet (thank you).

Quinoa can add a satisfying crunchy texture to baked goods, especially cookies. The cocoa gave these cookies a rich flavor. These were a bit on the dry side, but it was nothing a glass of water, milk, coffee, or companion beverage of your choice wouldn't be able to address.

Did I mention these cookies included probiotics? The probiotic(s) listed: GanedenBC30(R) (Organic Inulin, Bacillus coagulans GBI-30 6086). Sounds technical. We weren't sure what this beneficial bacteria is used for in terms of digestive or overall health. But, it didn't seem to affect the taste of these small cookies.

Natural Nectar - ChocoDream Organic Cocoa Rice Stix - Mar. 20, 2019

Chocolate of the Day: 

Natural Nectar
ChocoDream - Organic Cocoa Rice Stix - Coconut cream filled
Good +
Weight: .88 oz. (25 g.) / 4.4 oz. (125 g.) in total box of 5 packets
Calories: 130 calories in 1 packet (2 pieces/stix)
Cost: $4.49 for 1 box of 5 packets
Purchased from: Whole Foods Market, Los Altos, CA

Welcome to Day #1 of Chocolate, Grasses and Grains Theme Week.

Today's ChocoDream - Organic Cocoa Rice Stix - Coconut cream filled packaged snacks were made in Italy and distributed by Natural Nectar (Huntington, NY).

Why incorporate starch from rice, corn, millet, quinoa, oats, grains, pseudo-cereals, and other grains and root vegetables into a chocolate item? Chocolate can certainly perk up grains. And starches and grains can add crispy texture, e.g. to an oatmeal or quinoa chocolate chip cookie, or to today's organic crunchy rice treats.

Chocolate purists may not agree, but this week we're sampling chocolates with a bit of starch added.

Today's box* of light, sweet, crunchy cocoa flavored** tube-shaped sticks were filled with creamy coconut resulted in an addictive combination—as tasty as any cookie out there (if you like a bit of coconut). And they were gluten free, vegan and organic.

*This box of 5 individually-wrapped packets contained two pieces in each packet.
**Ingredients: organic cane sugar, organic rice flour, organic grated coconut,  organic sunflower oil, organic coconut oil, organic low-fat cocoa powder, organic quinoa flour, organic millet flour, salt.