Maui Ku'ia Estate Chocolate - Dark Chocolate 65% and Dark Milk 60% (squares) - Apr. 2, 2025

Chocolate(s) of the Day

Maui Ku'ia Estate Chocolate

Dark Chocolate 65% square
Good ++
Weight: .18 oz. (5 g.) / 8.5 oz. (240 g.) in total box of 48 pieces
Calories: 28.3 calories in 1 square
Cost: $58.50 - $65.00 for 1 dark and milk assortment box
Purchased from: Maui Ku'ia Estate Chocolate, online order

Dark Milk Chocolate 60% square
Good ++
Weight: .18 oz. (5 g.) / 8.5 oz. (240 g.) in total box of 48 pieces
Calories: 30 calories in 1 square
Cost: $58.50 - $65.00 for 1 dark and milk assortment box
Purchased from: Maui Ku'ia Estate Chocolate, online order

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

Today's Dark Chocolate 65% and Dark Milk Chocolate 60% squares--manufactured by Maui Ku'ia Estate Chocolate Inc. (Lahaina, Maui, HI)--were part of an attractively-packaged 48-piece dark chocolate and dark milk assortment of individually-wrapped squares.

Dark Chocolate 65% square

Aroma and flavor notes for this smooth-textured 65% dark chocolate included: dark chocolate (dark ganache/torte, cocoa); slightly acidic but balanced fruit (citrus); and barely detectable balanced, bittersweet, cream, clean mineral and fleeting floral/oolong tea notes.

Dark Milk Chocolate 60% square

Aroma and flavor notes for this creamy, smooth-textured dark milk 60% square included: rich, creamy (hot chocolate/drinking chocolate), nuanced (and very slightly milk-buffered) cacao complexity.

What did I like? The genuine robust, well-balanced and gently complex cacao/dark chocolate flavors in the dark chocolate square; and the rich taste and creaminess (with cacao flavor depth) in the dark milk chocolate 60% version. 

Both these chocolates were good. The former was well-executed, flavorful and not too sweet (thank you!); and the latter is a dark milk chocolate that I think will likely please both dark and milk chocolate lovers.

Ingredients: Cacao Beans, Sugar, Cocoa Butter. The Dark Milk 60% version also contained Milk. 

Allergen-related information: The Dark Milk Chocolate 60% square contained Milk. "Soy, nut and gluten free."

Maui Ku'ia Estate Chocolate - Dark Milk Chocolate 60% Calamansi (square) - Apr. 1, 2025

Chocolate of the Day

Maui Ku'ia Estate Chocolate
Dark Milk Chocolate 60% Calamansi (square)
Good + - Good ++
Weight: .36 oz. (10 g.) / 8.5 oz. (240 g.) in a total box of 48 pieces
Calories: 60 calories in 2 squares 
Cost: $58.50 - $65.00 for 1 box of 48 pieces
Purchased from: Maui Ku'ia Estate Chocolate, online order

Welcome to Day #11 of Chocolate and Hawaii Theme Week.

Today's Dark Milk Chocolate Calamansi 60% Cacao squares were manufactured in Hawaii by Maui Ku'ia Estate Chocolate Inc. (Lahaina, Maui, HI). 

Company founder and CEO Gunar Valkirs set up a farm with the intent to share net profits with the community, and they have done so. They offer chocolates (like this one) made using cacao from Costa Esmeraldas, Ecuador--and chocolates made with Hawaiian cacao.

Today's individually-wrapped chocolates (squares) were part of a attractive, 48-piece assortment box featuring 1/2 Dark Chocolates and 1/2 Dark Milk Chocolates--almost all with different flavor infusions.

There was also a darker sibling (Dark Chocolate 65% Calamansi) square in this assortment. However, because I'd already featured the dark chocolate 65% version (in a Chocolate and Lime themed week), the Dark Milk 60% version appears by itself today.

Aroma notes for this dark milk chocolate included: subtle dark milk chocolate (cream) and citrus (lime).

Texture: smooth and relatively creamy

Flavor notes included: subtle dark milk chocolate and aromatic, sweet lime + lemon natural flavoring. The latter lingered into a long sweet citrus finish (slightly bittersweet lime + lemon candy/soft drink).

Ingredients: "Cacao Beans, Milk, Sugar, Cocoa Butter, Natural Flavors."  

Allergen-related information: Contains Milk.

Maui Ku'ia Estate Chocolate - 65% Dark Chocolate 60% and Dark Milk Chocolate Blood Orange - Mar. 31, 2025

Chocolate(s) of the Day

Maui Ku'ia Estate Chocolate
1.) Dark Chocolate Blood Orange 65% (square) - Good +
2.) Dark Milk Chocolate Blood Orange 60% (square) - Good + - Good ++
Weight: .36 oz. (10 g.) / 8.5 oz. (240 g.) in total box of 48 pieces
Calories: 58.3 calories in 2 squares
Cost: $58.50 - $65.00 for 1 box of 48 pieces
Purchased from: Maui Ku'ia Estate Chocolate, online order

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

Today's Dark Chocolate Blood Orange 65% and Dark Milk Chocolate Blood Orange 60% (squares) were manufactured in Hawaii by Maui Ku'ia Estate Chocolate Inc. (Lahaina, Maui, HI).

The company offers chocolates made with cacao from Ecuador, and cacao grown locally in Hawaii.

These two individually-wrapped chocolates (squares) were part of an attractively packaged large assortment box featuring both Dark Chocolates and Dark Milk Chocolates--most with flavor infusions. 

Dark Chocolate Blood Orange 65% (square)

Aroma and flavor notes for this creamy smooth dark chocolate square included: relatively bold but well balanced dark chocolate-y chocolate infused with citrus (blood orange) flavoring.

Dark Milk Chocolate Blood Orange 60% (square) 

Aroma and flavor notes for this dark milk 60% chocolate included satisfying dark milk chocolate with citrus (orange) infused flavor. The milk added a creamy texture and helped balance and mellow the flavoring.

Normally I prefer dark chocolate over milk chocolate, but the Dark Milk Chocolate version won out by a narrow margin this time.

Ingredients: Cacao Beans, Sugar, Cocoa Butter, Natural Flavors. Dark Milk Chocolate also contained Milk.

Allergen-related information: Dark Milk Chocolate contains Milk.   

Maui Ku'ia Estate Chocolate - 65% Dark and 60% Dark Milk Peppermint (squares) - Mar. 30, 2025

Chocolate(s) of the Day

Maui Ku'ia Estate Chocolate
1.) Dark Chocolate Peppermint 65% (square) - Good +
2.) Dark Milk Peppermint 60% (square) - Good + - Good ++
Weight: .36 oz. (10 g.) / 8.5 oz. (240 g.) in total box of 48 pieces
Calories: 58.3 calories in 2 squares
Cost: $58.50 for 1 box of 48 pieces
Purchased from: Maui Ku'ia Estate Chocolate, online order

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

Today's Dark Chocolate Peppermint 65% and Dark Milk Chocolate Peppermint 60% (squares) were manufactured in Hawaii by Maui Ku'ia Estate Chocolate Inc. (Lahaina, Maui, HI).

The company offers chocolates made with cacao from Ecuador, and cacao grown locally in Hawaii. And they have a retail store and cafe that looks like it would be fun to visit.

These two individually-wrapped chocolates (squares) were part of a large, thoughtfully designed assortment box featuring both Dark Chocolates and Dark Milk Chocolates--most with flavor infusions. 

Dark Chocolate Peppermint 65% (square)

Aroma and flavor notes for this creamy smooth dark chocolate square included: relatively bold but balanced chocolate-y chocolate infused with robust peppermint flavoring.

Dark Milk Peppermint 60% (square) 

Aroma and flavor notes for this dark milk 60% chocolate included satisfying dark milk chocolate with a mint (peppermint) flavoring. The milk added a creamy texture and helped buffer the "natural flavoring" a bit.

Normally I prefer dark chocolate over milk chocolate, but the milk in the Dark Milk Chocolate won out this time.

Ingredients: Cacao Beans, Sugar, Cocoa Butter, Natural Flavors. Dark Milk Chocolate also contained Milk.

Allergen-related information: Dark Milk Chocolate contains Milk.  

Maui Ku'ia Estate Chocolate - 65% Dark Chocolate Mango & 60% Dark Milk Mango (squares) - Mar. 29, 2025

Chocolate(s) of the Day

Maui Ku'ia Estate Chocolate

Dark Chocolate Mango 65% Cacao (square) - Good + 
Dark Milk Chocolate Mango 60% Cacao (square) - Good +
Weight for 2 squares: .36 oz. (10 g.) in 2 squares/ 8.5 oz. (240 g.) total box of 48 pieces
Calories: 58.3 calories in 2 squares
Cost: $58.50 for 1 box of 48-pieces
Purchased from: Maui Ku'ia Estate Chocolate, online order

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

Today's individually-wrapped Dark Mango and Dark Milk Mango squares were from Maui Ku'ia Estate Chocolate (Lahaina, Maui, HI).

Dark Chocolate Mango square

Aroma notes for the smooth-textured, Dark Chocolate 65% cacao square included: sweet, smooth dark chocolate, light cream and faint fruit.

Flavor notes included: sweet, smooth dark chocolate, bright tropical fruit (mango flavoring) with a slight bitterness in the finish. (I'm not sure if the bitterness was caused by the mango "natural flavors" added or whether it was from the cacao. It's not been present with other flavors tried so far in this assortment box.)

Dark Milk Mango square

Aroma and flavor notes included for the 60% Dark Milk Chocolate included: smooth, creamy milk chocolate, tropical fruit (mango) flavoring. The slight bitterness in the finish that was present in the 65% dark version was slightly muted by the milk in this square.

Ingredients: Cacao Beans, Sugar, Cocoa Butter, Natural Flavors. (The Dark Milk square also contained Milk.)

Allergen-related information: The Dark Milk square contained Milk. "Soy, nut and gluten free"   

Maui Ku'ia Estate Chocolate - Dark Chocolate & Dark Milk Chocolate Lemongrass (squares) - Mar. 27, 2025

Chocolate of the Day

Maui Ku'ia Estate Chocolate
1.) Dark Chocolate Lemongrass 65% (square) - Good ++
2.) Dark Milk Chocolate Lemongrass 60% (square) - Good + - Good ++
Weight: .36 oz. (10 g.) in 2 squares / 8.5 oz. (240 g.) in total box of 48 pieces
Calories: 58.3 calories in 2 squares 
Cost: $58.50 for Assorted Dark and Dark Milk 48-piece (16 flavor) box
Purchased from: Maui Ku'ia Estate Chocolate, online order

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

Today's individually-wrapped, Dark Chocolate Lemongrass 65% and Dark Milk Lemongrass 60% chocolate (squares) was made in Maui by Maui Ku'ia Estate Chocolate (Lahaina, Maui, HI).

Today's Dark Chocolate Maui Guava 65% Cacao, Costa Esmeraldas, Ecuador (bar)

These two lemongrass infused chocolate squares were part of a larger, 48-piece (dark chocolate and dark milk chocolate) assortment box. Each chocolate square was individually-wrapped.

Aroma and flavor notes for the dark chocolate 65% lemongrass-infused squares included: citrus, (herbal lemonade), lemongrass and relatively robust but smooth, almost creamy dark chocolate. 

The 60% dark milk version was creamier and sweeter; and the milk muted some chocolate and lemongrass flavors. (Think rich, creamy gelato.) Milk chocolate fans will enjoy this creamier taste and texture.

I enjoyed the crisper, purer flavors in the darker (65% cacao) version. 

Ingredients: Cacao Beans, Cocoa Butter, Sugar, (Dark Milk square contained Milk), Natural Flavors.

Allergen-related information: Today's Dark Milk square contained Milk.  

Whittaker's - Sea Salt And Caramel Brittle in 33% Milk Chocolate - March 24, 2024

Chocolate of the Day

Whittaker's 
Marlborough Sea Salt and Caramel Brittle In Milk Chocolate 
Good + - Good ++
Weight: .37 oz. (10.5 g.) in 1 bar
Calories: 57.5 calories (estimate) in 1 square
Cost: $ N/A - gift
Purchased from: N/A - gift (Thank you Penny!)

Welcome to Day #5 of Chocolate and New Zealand Series.

Today's Marlborough Sea Salt and Caramel Brittle in 33% Milk Chocolate square was from Whittaker and Sons LTD (Porirua, New Zealand).

This chocolate was part of the NZ Artisan Collection that highlighted flavor inclusions from different parts of New Zealand. Marlborough (on the northern end of the South Island, and one of 16 different regions/districts in New Zealand) produces wine grapes, sea salt, dairy, honey, and other products.

Aroma flavor notes included: sweet chocolate, vanilla and caramel.

Texture: smooth, creamy milk chocolate with crunchy micro bits of brittle.

Flavor notes included: rich, sweet 33% milk chocolate with vanilla; tiny bursts of crispy, toffee-like, brittle; and a subtle hint of sea salt.

Ingredients: Milk Chocolate [Sugar, Cocoa Solids 33%* (Pure Cocoa Butter & Cocoa Mass), NZ Milk Powder 30%*, Emulsifier (Soy Lecithin), Vanilla Flavour], Salted Caramel Pieces 10% [Sugar, Glucose, Salt, Clarified Butter (From Milk), Water, Emulsifier (Soy Lecithin), Natural Flavour, Natural Color (150A)]. *Minimum Percentage.

Allergen-related information: Contains milk, soy. May Be Present: Peanuts, Tree Nuts, Gluten.

Whittaker's - Sea Salt and Caramel Brittle with Saffron in Dark Chocolate - March 23, 2024

Chocolate of the Day

Whittaker's
Marlborough Sea Salt and Caramel Brittle with Saffron in Dark Chocolate
Good ++
Weight: .37 oz. (10.5 g.) in 1 bar
Calories: 57.5 calories (estimate) in 1 square
Cost: $N/A - gift
Purchased from: N/A - gift (Thank you Penny!)

Welcome to Day #4 of Chocolate and New Zealand Series.

Today's Marlborough 62% Dark Chocolate bar was from Whittaker and Sons LTD (Porirua, New Zealand).

Aroma flavor notes included: chocolate (ganache), caramel/toffee, and faint floral spice (vanilla, very faint saffron/botanical/marigold), and barely detectable earth.

Flavor notes included: creamy, sweet dark chocolate filled with tiny, crunchy, sugar-sparkly bits of caramel/toffee. There was also a faint chorus of floral (vanilla), backed up by a few barely detectable upticks of: sweet citrus (orange), sea salt, balanced earth and buttery floral spice (which I'm assuming was saffron) in the finish. 

I enjoyed the well-executed complexity of aromas and flavors that harmonized well together.

Ingredients: Dark Chocolate [Cocoa Solids 62%* (Cocoa Mass & Pure Cocoa Butter), Sugar, Emulsifier (Soy Lecithin), Vanilla Flavour]; Saffron Salted Caramel Pieces 12% [Sugar, Glucose, Saffron Infused Salt, Clarified Butter (From Milk), Water, Natural Colour (160A), Emulsifier (Soy Lecithin), Flavour]. (*Minimum Percentage.)

Allergen-related information: Contains milk, soy. "May Be Present: Peanuts, Tree Nuts, Gluten." 

Whittaker's - Wellington Roasted Supreme Coffee - Mar. 22, 2024

Chocolate of the Day

Whittaker's
Roasted Supreme Coffee in Dark Chocolate
Good +
Weight: .37 oz. (10.5 g.) in 1 bar
Calories: 57.5 calories (estimate) in 1 individually-wrapped square
Cost: $N/A gift
Purchased from: N/A - gift (Thank you Penny!)

Welcome to Day #3 of Chocolate and New Zealand Series.

Today's individually-wrapped square: Roasted Supreme Coffee in 50% Dark Chocolate was from Whittaker and Sons LTD (Porirua, New Zealand).

This dark chocolate was part of the company's New Zealand Artisan Collection, making good use of local ingredients. Today's flavor included roasted coffee from Wellington.

Aroma flavor notes included: sweet dark chocolate, coffee and very faint vanilla.

Texture: smooth texture and melt melt. (No detectable coffee grounds.)

Flavor notes included: smooth dark chocolate, coffee, and baked goods (chocolate and vanilla cake).

Ingredients: Dark Chocolate [Cocoa Solids 50%* (Cocoa Mass & Pure Cocoa Butter), Sugar, Emulsifier (Soy Lecithin), Vanilla Flavour]; Supreme Coffee 8%; Pure Cocoa Butter. *Minimum Percentage.

Allergen-related information: "May Be Present: Milk, Peanuts, Tree Nuts, Gluten." 

Lolli & Pops - Chocolate Tiles, Caramel Cappuccino - Oct. 4, 2023

Chocolate of the Day

Lolli and Pops
Chocolate Tiles - Caramel Cappuccino Dark Chocolate
Good +
Weight: 1.06 oz. (30 g.) / 8.4 oz. (240 g.) in total package of 16 Tiles
Calories: 160 calories in 2 tiles 
Cost: N/A - gift from a friend
Purchased from: N/A - gift from a friend 

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

Today's Caramel Cappuccino Dark Chocolate Tiles were manufactured for Lolli and Pops (San Francisco, CA).

The two individually wrapped tiles (squares) represented one of 8 flavors contained in a larger package of 16 Tiles (2 of each flavor).

Aroma notes included: chocolate, caramel, mocha and very faint vanilla.

Texture: A thin dark chocolate shell surrounded an even thinner caramel filling layer. There was just enough separation between the two elements to create pleasingly layered flavors--that were also very compatible with each other.

Flavor notes included: dark chocolate, caramel, mocha latte, and faint vanilla.

Ingredients: Note: because these two squares were part of an 8 flavor assortment pack, and the very long list of ingredients was a summary of all the flavors, I was unable to separate ingredients that applied just to this flavor. (Dark chocolate used contained chocolate liquor, sugar, cocoa butter, soy lecithin, vanilla flavor).

Allergen-related information: Contains: Milk and Soy, and may contain Wheat, Peanuts and Tree Nuts. Please visit www.lolliandpops.com. 

Fortunato Chocolate - Cacao Nibs and Sea Salt Dark Chocolate 84% Squares - July 11, 2023

Chocolate of the Day

Fortunato Chocolate
Cacao Nibs and Sea Salt Dark Chocolate 84% Squares
Good ++
Weight: 2.05 oz. (58 g.) / 8 oz. (226 g.) in total package
Calories: 360 calories in 2 servings (squares)
Cost: $10.99 for 1 package
Purchased from: Fortunato Chocolate, online order

Welcome to Day #11 of Chocolate and Sea Salt Theme Week, and Day #2 of Chocolate and Peru Week.

Today's Cacao Nibs and Sea Salt Dark Chocolate 84% Squares were from Fortunato Chocolate (Issaquah, WA). The company became known for their 68% dark chocolate offerings, and later added higher percentage cacao offerings, including today's squares with additional (100%) cacao nibs.

These generously sized squares were made with "Organically Grown Pure Nacional* Cacao."

Subtly complex aroma notes included: dark chocolate, faint savory (salt/brine), very faint diffuse fruit and fermenting fruit, and very faint green, floral and spice.

Each dark chocolate square had a smooth, creamy, almost light/whipped texture. The added Fortunato cacao nibs increased the overall/average cacao percentage and were incorporated into the base chocolate.

The attractively complex and well-balanced flavor notes were similar to the aroma notes listed above, with more chocolate (chocolate-y, dark chocolate torte/ganache) and a judicious hint of sea salt.  

Ingredients: 68% Fortunato dark chocolate (organically grown cacao and cocoa butter 68%, cane sugar 32%), Fortunato cacao nibs (organically grown cacao nibs), sea salt.

Allergen-related information: "Contains: May contain traces of hazelnut and almonds." (Vegan, Gluten Free, Dairy Free)

*Nacional cacao beans were rediscovered in the Peruvian Andes around 2011. (This cacao fell victim to disease in the early 1900s.) The sought-after cacao variety typically has mild and complex flavors, creamy texture and low levels of bitterness.

Vine to Bar - Dark Chocolate Chardonnay Marc tasting square - July 9, 2023

Chocolate of the Day

Vine to Bar
Chocolate Tasting Squares
Chardonnay Smoked Salt and Cocoa Nibs
Good +
Weight: .777 oz. (22 g.) in 2 squares
Calories: 120 calories in 2 squares
Cost: $2.58 for 2 squares
Purchased from: The Market at Edgewood, Palo Alto, CA

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

Today's Dark Chocolate with Chardonnay Marc chocolate tasting square(s) were from Vine to Bar. (There was no HQ location listed on packaging or website.) 

The chardonnay grape marc* used in the company's chocolates was from "coastal vineyards." The company uses pressed wine grapes that might otherwise get discarded to use in chocolates.

Aroma notes included: naturally sweet dark chocolate, soft, diffuse fruit, and slightly floral botanical (including very faint vanilla-like, sweet green) notes.

The chocolate was fairly smooth, with a very slightly granular texture (likely due to chardonnay grape marc). A light sprinkling of cocoa bean pieces (nibs) added a crunchy element.

The flavor was a blend of very light dark chocolate and soft fruity (grape) notes, with a bit of salt. The flavors were relatively gentle, and well balanced.

I also tasted a few other Vine to Bar flavors, including a "plain" Dark Chocolate flavor. It shared some of the same aroma and flavor notes as those mentioned above. Relatively subtle, sweet flavors. It had slightly more dark chocolate oomph to it, but was otherwise very similar.

Ingredients: Dark chocolate (unsweetened chocolate, sugar, cocoa butter, soy lecithin, natural flavors)

Allergen-related information: May contain tree nuts, peanut, egg, wheat and milk. Vine to Bar Chocolates "contain no alcohol."

*Chardonnay Marc is a by-product of making wine. It's what's left after wine grape juice has been extracted. (According to the company, this by-product represents "up to 10 billion pounds of waste a year.")

The company describes their process to upcycle this marc as follows: "...After experimenting many times over, we transformed this by-product into WellVine (tm) Chardonnay Marc, a new ingredient full of natural sweetness, flavanols, and beneficial nutrients. It is also alcohol free.

This is one of several relatively new "upcycled" chocolates I've tasted that have become popular in recent years. This trend sounds practical and economical. I'm also interested in how these by-products will be monitored (e.g. how they're tested for pesticides and herbicide residues).

Lolli & Pops - Sea Salt Caramel Milk Chocolate Tiles - July 3, 2023

Chocolate of the Day

Lolli & Pops 
Sea Salt Caramel Milk Chocolate Tiles
Good +
Weight: 1.06 oz. (30 g.) / 8.04 oz. (240 g.) total package of 16 tiles
Calories: 160 calories in 2 tiles (squares)
Cost: $N/A - gift from a friend 
Purchased from: N/A - gift from a friend (Thank you Don)

Welcome to Day #3 of Chocolate and Sea Salt.

Today's Sea Salt Caramel Milk Chocolate Tiles were manufactured for Lolli & Pops (San Francisco, CA). The company is a candy and confection shop with store locations in the U.S. that "sources ingredients from around the world."

The two individually-wrapped, square-shaped tiles featured today were part of a larger, 16-piece (8 flavors) assortment pack. These milk chocolate tiles had a sea salt caramel filling.

Aroma notes for these tiles included: milk chocolate, butterscotch, caramel, and faint sweet fruit.

Both Sea Salt Caramel Tiles had a relatively smooth, creamy milk chocolate texture. 

Flavor notes included: very sweet milk chocolate with a soft, almost flowing, sweet, salted caramel filling, and very faint vanilla flavoring. These confections were candy-sweet.

Ingredients: Milk chocolate (sugar, cocoa butter, chocolate liquor, whole milk powder, soy lecithin, vanilla flavor) + salt and caramel-related ingredients. (Each flavor's ingredients were not separately identified.) This assortment pack "contains bioengineered ingredients." (It was not clear which components this referred to.)

Allergen-related information: This advisory was listed on the package for all 8 flavors: "Contains: milk, soy and wheat. May contain peanuts and tree nuts." 

Lolli & Pops - Sea Salt Dark Chocolate Tiles - July 2, 2023

Chocolate of the Day

Lolli & Pops 
Sea Salt Dark Chocolate
Good +
Weight: 1.06 oz. (30 g.) / 8.04 oz. (240 g.) total package of 16 tiles
Calories: 160 calories in 2 squares/tiles 
Cost: $N/A - gift from a friend 
Purchased from: N/A - gift from a friend (Thank you Don)

Welcome to Day #2 of Chocolate and Sea Salt.

Today's Sea Salt Dark Chocolate Tiles were manufactured for Lolli & Pops (San Francisco, CA). The company is a candy and confection shop with store locations in the U.S. that "sources ingredients from around the world."

The two individually-wrapped, 54% Belgian dark chocolate square-shaped tiles featured today were part of a larger, 16-piece (8 flavors) assortment pack. 

Aroma notes for these tiles included: dark chocolate with peat (earth) notes when the small sealed package was first opened. (The peat aroma receded after a few minutes.) The second piece was sweeter and lacked the same earth/peat aroma. Instead it had faint fruit (berry, cherry) notes.

Both Sea Salt Chocolate Tiles had a relatively smooth, creamy texture.

Flavor notes included faintly earthy (peat) dark chocolate (that tasted bolder than 54%)--with a granulated salt finish. 

As with the aroma notes mentioned above, the second of the two squares was different from the first. It lacked the same earthy/peaty flavor; and had a more sweet, subtle dark chocolate flavor with a very faint (barely detectable, fleeting) wet cardboard note. It also had a salty finish, but it was more harmonious all the way around than the first, identically labeled, square.

Complexity: yes, but there were some mild "off" notes. 

Ingredients: Dark chocolate (chocolate liquor, sugar, cocoa butter, soy lecithin, vanilla flavor) + salt and possibly other ingredients. (Each flavor's ingredients were not separately identified.) This assortment pack "contains bioengineered ingredients." (I appreciated the labeling transparency. It was not clear whether this referred to the cacao/chocolate, or the different/some flavor inclusions, or both.)

Allergen-related information: This advisory was listed on the package for all 8 flavors: "Contains: milk, soy and wheat. May contain peanuts and tree nuts."

Rowe of Venice - Cacao Nibs superfood snack - Mar. 23, 2021

Chocolate of the Day

Rowe of Venice 
Cacao Nibs superfood snack
Good ++
Weight: .75 oz. (21.25 g.) / 1.5 oz. (42.5 g.) in total package
Calories: 80 calories in 1/2 package 
Cost: $5.99 for 1 package
Purchased from: FarmFresh to You CSA box, add-on item 

Welcome to Day #2 of Chocolate and NOPQ Theme Week, in which chocolate items are featured with flavor inclusions and origins that begin with the letters of N, O, P and/or Q.

Today's organic, Cacao Nibs raw, vegan superfood snack squares were from Rowe of Venice (Los Angeles, CA).

Cacao nibs are the essence of cacao. They are pieces of cacao bean used to make chocolate. And as long as they are high-quality (well sorted) nibs, they are great a la carte too. They add true chocolate (brownie), almost nutty, and occasionally fruity/fermented flavor--as well as a soft, crunchy texture to any chocolate item. 

This was absolutely true for today's Cacao Nibs "superfood snack." The small squares were peppered with nibs, and offered a super-sized, substantial, satisfying tasting experience. (*The fact that they were made with organic ingredients was an added bonus.)

These squares had a rich, authentic cocoa and coconut aroma, and flavor. The nibs, together with cocoa powder, created divinely true cacao/chocolate flavor with very slight earth, cream and fermented flavor notes. 

*Ground almonds added protein. And nibs, nuts and coconut all contributed some natural plant fat/oils. A little fat and protein makes chocolate snacks more filling, and more satisfying than items that are high in sugars or carbohydrate content. For me, this holds true whether I'm on a walk in the hills, or sitting around indoors.

Last, but not least, these agave nectar-sweetened snack squares weren't too sweet (thank you!).

*Ingredients: "Organic almonds, organic unsweetened shredded coconut, organic cacao powder, organic raw blue agave nectar, organic raw cacao nibs, organic cold-pressed virgin coconut oil, Himalayan Pink Salt. Gratitude."

Venchi - GranBlend Montezuma 75% with nibs (squares) - Aug. 5, 2020

Chocolate of the Day: 

Venchi 

GranBlend Montezuma 75% with nibs 

Good ++

Weight: .53 oz. (15 g.) for 2 squares (.265 oz. (7.5 g.) in 1 square)

Calories: 79.5 calories (estimate) in 2 squares

Cost: $2.40 for 2 squares ($1.20 for each)

Purchased from: Chocosphere.com, online order

Welcome to Day #2 of Chocolate and Cacao Nibs Theme Week.

Today's GranBlend Montezuma 75% with nibs (squares) were from Venchi S.p.A. (Castelletto Stura, Cuneo, Piedmont, Italy).

These two small, thin chocolate squares had flavor to savor. Cocoa nibs contain more unprocessed cacao bean flavor. And eating these chocolates with nibs more slowly yielded a more interesting tasting experience.

Together, the two squares had aroma and flavor notes that included balanced chocolate nut brownie, earth, light leather. The second one had more faint sweet fruit and green notes. Cocoa nibs added a soft crunchy texture in both cases (slightly softer and nuttier in the first square). Some of the very subtle flavor differences between the two came from the nibs. (Different batches of beans/nibs or origins perhaps.) 

How does one handle "unpredictable" nibs?

Both of today's squares with nibs were good with no "off" flavors. But, all it takes is one funky piece of coca bean (nib) to throw flavors off. Most artisan chocolate makers sort their beans and nibs very carefully to avoid this. 

The other strategy, employed by many high-volume chocolate producers is to increase processing and homogenize batches of cocoa nibs/beans so thoroughly (and grind/conche them for so long--sometimes many days) that any "off" flavors will be greatly reduced or attenuated, even if some desirable or more delicate flavors disappear as well. This leads to a consistent, more predicable flavor over time, but one that can be much less exciting, and one where subtle varietal, harvest and origin flavors can be lost.

Venchi - Granblend "Montezuma" Fruttato 65% squares - July 18, 2020

Chocolate of the Day: 

Venchi
Granblend "Montezuma" Fruttato 65% squares
Good 
Weight: .53 oz. (15 g.) in 2 squares (7.5 grams each)
Calories: 86 calories in 2 squares
Cost: $2.40 for 2 squares ($1.20 x 2) + shipping
Purchased from: Chocosphere.com, online order

Ciao and welcome to Day #1 of Italian Chocolate Theme Week.

Today's Granblend "Montezuma" Fruttato 65% squares were from Venchi, made using cacao from four plantations (primarily Madagascar and perhaps other sources). Venchi is a large, privately held chocolate manufacturer based in Castelleto Stura, Cuneo, Piedmont, Italy). 

Italian Chocolate Overview
The first chocolate makers in Italy date back to the late 1700s. Italy is also home to some of the longest running chocolate businesses in the world. There are still several family and privately held chocolate companies in existence after more than a century.* 

In the 1800s, companies like Caffarel, Pernigotti, Streglio, Peyrano and Venchi got their start. Venchi was founded in 1878 in Torino (Turin), Italy, by chocolatier Silviano Venchi, and became well-known for their chocolate and hazelnut nougatine candies.

Fruttato Squares
Today's Venchi dark chocolate 65% cocoa squares had an attractive circle of pink (flavored white chocolate?) on each square. The individually-wrapped squares had a subtle chocolate and fruit (strawberry - strawberry rose-vanilla aroma) and flavor.

The inclusion of whole milk powder yielded a smooth, creamy melt and mouthfeel. The milk may also have muted the sweetness a bit (OK by me) and mellowed flavors (maybe not so good, depending on the flavors that were muted). 

Madagascar cacao is often associated with red berry and citrus notes. A touch of "vanilla in ground berries"** and an acidifier (citric acid)** were added to this chocolate--perhaps to enhance the berry and citrus notes. (A salute to Madagascar terroir perhaps?)

In any case, the subtle flavors were nicely balanced, and we're asked to accept the trade-off of adding milk to dark chocolate, i.e. you get creamier texture but tamer flavors. This could well have been a good choice; but we'll never know. 

Venchi tasting notes: "Grand blend Montezuma*** with four plantations that combine to give off unique sensations of exotic fruit, bananas and vanilla, a prized plantation from Madagascar with aromas of ripe fruit and plane tree centrally embeds a citrus-fermented rosacea chocolate to preserve its characteristics."

*In the U.S., U.K. and other countries large, historic chocolate makers' operations are now primarily owned by, or are managed as, large, publicly-traded corporations with brand portfolios. Cailler, one of the oldest chocolate companies, founded in 1819, in Switzerland, now is part of Nestle. One notable local exception where I live in Northern California is: Guittard Chocolate, founded in the 1800s south of San Francisco and the company is still going strong in 2020 with descendants from the original founder.

**Ingredients: "Madagascar cocoa mass 44.2%, sugar, cocoa butter, whole milk powder, cocoa mass, emulsifier: soy lecithin, acidifier: citric acid, vanilla in ground berries, natural vanilla flavor." 

***Montezuma

The "Montezuma" name on the label was a bit of a puzzle. Montezuma was the name of a hero-god in Indian (extending up into SW U.S.) mythology; and he was the Aztec chief  that ruled over a mighty empire in what is now Mexico in the 1500s). Montezuma is said to have consumed a large amount of cacao. This leader eventually met his downfall when forces led by Spanish conquistador, Hernan Cortes (Cortez) arrived looking for wealth and gold. And, Cortez brought some of the first cacao back to Spain with him. Cacao would eventually made its way to Italy and the rest of Europe as well. And, given the wonders of today's complex food supply chains, today's chocolate ended up in Northern California, closer to the original source of cacao (Central and South America).

World Market - 64% Strawberry Champagne Dark Chocolate square - Aug. 14, 2019

Chocolate of the Day: 

World Market 

64% Cacao Strawberry and Champagne Dark Chocolate small bar

Good

Weight: .375 oz. (10.6 g.) in total bar

Calories: 49 calories in 1 small bar

Cost: $0.49 for 1 bar

Purchased from: World Market, N. Scottsdale, AZ

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

This individually wrapped square had a sweet dark chocolate and red berry/strawberry flavor.

The 64% cacao chocolate was embedded with tiny red-pink morsels, and it even had a few very tiny authentic strawberry seeds to embellish the tasting experience.

One had only to imagine a tiny crystal goblet of pink bubbly champagne along with it.

Lake Champlain - Organic Almonds and Sea Salt 72% Cocoa - Oct. 18, 2017

Chocolate(s) of the Day: 

Lake Champlain Chocolates
Organic Almonds and Sea Salt 72% Cocoa squares
Good
Weight: 1.2 oz. (33 g.) in three squares
Calories: 180 calories (estimate) in 3 squares
Cost: $2.37 for 3 squares ($0.79 each)
Purchased from: Monterey Market, Berkeley, CA


Welcome to Day #11 of Chocolate and Halloween wEEKs. My own Halloween chocolate plate would be made up of mostly high-end, mostly dark chocolate miniatures.

Today's Organic Almonds and Sea Salt 72% Cocoa squares from Lake Champlain Chocolates (Burlingame, VT) serve as an example of dark chocolates now available in individual or smaller sized pieces.

These squares had an earthy dark chocolate aroma and flavor; with a bit of extra umami* in the form of almond bits and sea salt.
The chocolate had a smooth texture and melt and was relatively creamy/buttery.

If you're willing to pay more, these individually wrapped Organic Almonds and Sea Salt 72% Cocoa squares—and other bean-to-bar and single origin mini bars—also make great Halloween treats.

*Umami flavors come from savory edibles high in glutamate, such as cheeses, meats, mushrooms, tomatoes, soy.

Endangered Species Chocolate - Dark squares, bites - April 5, 2017

Chocolate(s) of the Day:

Endangered Species Chocolate

Natural Dark Chocolate Squares
Good ++
Weight: .706 oz. (20 g.) / 3.5 oz. (99 g.) in total package
Calories: 100 calories in 2 squares
Cost: $3.99 for 1 package of about 10 squares
Purchased from: Piazza's Fine Foods, Palo Alto, CA

Chocolate Bites - Dark Chocolate Sea Salt and Almonds
Good ++
Weight: .7 oz. (19.8 g.) / 4.2 oz. (119 g.) in total package
Calories: 120 calories in 2 bites/pieces/squares
Cost: $3.99 for 1 package of about 12 pieces
Purchased from: Sprouts Farmers Market, Mountain View, CA

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

Today's individually-wrapped Natural Dark Chocolate and Dark Chocolate with Sea Salt and Almonds squares were both from Endangered Species Chocolate (Indiana, IN), and made with 72 percent cocoa dark chocolate.

The Indiana-based company features wildlife on their packaging (generally an animal or bird) that has been considered threatened or endangered. Endangered Species Chocolate dedicates 10 percent of proceeds toward species conservation, habitat protection and humanitarian efforts. They were also one of the first to adopt traceable, fair trade certification for their cacao.

The Natural Dark Chocolate Squares had smooth texture with a pleasant, velvety melt, and chocolate fudge and brownie pleasing flavor with very faint smoke and earth notes.

The Chocolate Bites were made with the same dark 72 percent cocoa chocolate base and had added sea salt and bits of almonds. Having the same dark chocolate base and shape/thickness, they were very similar in texture and flavor; although the salt and tiny bits of almonds gave these squares a very slightly sweeter, nuttier flavor. And a well balanced light touch of sea salt rounded things out nicely.

This second chocolate featured an image of a small Southern Boobook owl that lives in the forests of Australia and Tasmania and, like most birds of prey, lives and nest in tall trees. So, forest conservation efforts are important to this bird's continued survival.