Standout Chocolate - Nordic Nature European Blueberry 63% (bar) - Aug. 10, 2025

Chocolate of the Day

Standout Chocolate 
Nordic Nature European Blueberry 63% (bar)
Good ++
Weight: .88 oz. (25 g.) / 1.76 oz. (50 g.) in total bar
Calories: 145.5 calories in 1/2 bar
Cost: $10.99 for 1 bar
Purchased from: Caputo's, online order

Welcome to Day #14 of Chocolate, Berries & Cherries Theme Week.

Today's Organic Nordic Nature European Blueberry 63% (bar) was from Standout Chocolate (Goteborg, Sweden). The company has been very reliably producing some very tasty single origin bars in recent years (as well as a line of bars with Nordic-inspired flavor inclusions).

The cacao used to make this chocolate was from Oko Caribe, a cacao co-operative located in the Duarte Province of the Dominican Republic.

Aroma and flavor notes included: appealing dark chocolate and complex, tart-sweet blueberry that resulted in a bar with berry flavor with very light, attractive, herbal/savory (barely there umami, smoke) notes.

I enjoyed the opportunity to taste a chocolate bar with bilberries--and the complex, relatively more intense, flavor of these European blueberries. I also liked the very complementary and flavorful blend of single origin DR cacao with these unique wild berries. 

And, last but not least, I appreciated the short list of thoughtfully sourced, organic ingredients.

Maker's tasting notes: "Wild Blueberries, Fresh Fruitiness"

Ingredients: Cacao beans*, Sugar*, Cacao butter*, Bilberry*. (*Organic)

Allergen-related information: May contain traces of Milk. 

Preston's Candy by Javier - "5X Very Berry" Dark Chocolate 63% cacao (bar) - Aug. 9, 2025

Chocolate(s) of the Day

Preston's Candy by Javier
"5X Very Berry" Dark Chocolate 63% (bar)
Good ++
Weight: 1.16 oz. (33.3 g.) / 3.5 oz. (100 g.) in total bar
Calories: 160 calories in 1/3 bar
Cost: $9.95 for 1 bar
Purchased from: Filoli store, Woodside, CA

Dandelion Chocolate
Halva Bonbons
Good ++
Weight: 1.94 oz. (54.9 g.) / 6.8 oz. (192.7 g.) in total box of 7 pieces
Calories: 310 calories (estimate) in 2 bonbons
Cost: N/A - gift from family member - Thank you Megan!
Purchased from: N/A - gift from family member

Welcome to Day #13 of Chocolate, Berries & Cherries Theme Week.

5X Very Berry Dark Chocolate bar

Today's 5X Very Berry All Natural Dark Chocolate 63% cacao (bar) was from Preston's Candy By Javier (Burlingame, CA).

Aroma and flavor notes for this 5-fruit studded dark chocolate bar included: rich, bittersweet chocolate;  hearty, balanced fruitiness with bursts of tart-sweet goji, raisin, cherry, and other berries; and very faint nut. (Note: there were no nut ingredients.)

I enjoyed the hearty blend of smooth dark chocolate and the dried (but still relatively plump and moist) berries and fruits. It was indeed a 5x Very Berry chocolate.

Note: This was very similar to a bar I tasted in 2023. So, I also enjoyed this bar with some Halva Bonbons from Dandelion Chocolate (San Francisco, CA). No berries on the bonbons, but they were berry, berry good.

Ingredients: "63% Bittersweet chocolate (cacao beans, pure cane sugar, cocoa butter, soya lecithin, vanilla beans), Dried Goji, raisins, raspberry, blueberry and cherries."

Allergen-related information: "Made in a facility that also makes products containing milk, soy, peanuts, tree nuts, and wheat."

Halva Bonbons

These Halva Bonbons were a collaboration between Seed + Mill (New York) and Dandelion Chocolate (a bean-to-bar chocolate maker in San Francisco, CA). 

Dandelion has been reliably turning out great chocolate bars for many years; and in recent years, has been producing an increasing number of tasty chocolate confections (typically made with one of their single origin chocolates).

I really enjoyed these luxe, halva-filled chocolate confections--covered with creamy (Tumaco) Colombia cacao-based dark chocolate. 

I paired these generously-sized bonbons with the above berry chocolate bar + fresh cherries and vanilla cherry ice cream. It was a very decadent, sweet summer day and evening.

Aroma and flavor notes for these creamy bonbons included: authentic sesame tahini aroma and flavor; rich, dark, single origin chocolate; and very faint sweet spice (cardamom).

Sweet, complex, layered flavors and rich textures: very slightly crispy-crunchy sesame halva on top of flavorful chocolate ganache, then enrobed in creamy, high-quality chocolate. Delicious.

Ingredients: Dandelion 70% House Blend chocolate (cocoa beans, organic cane sugar), halva (sesame paste, sugar, glucose, saponaria extract), Dandelion 70% chocolate (cocoa beans from Tumaco, Colombia, organic cane sugar), cocoa butter, heavy whipping cream, glucose syrup, cardamom, sea salt, edible gold leaf).

Allergen-related information: Contains: Milk, Sesame Seeds. "Crafted in a facility that also processes wheat, soy, peanuts, and tree nuts (hazelnuts, coconuts, pistachios, walnuts, pecans, almonds)."

 

Spring & Mulberry - Mixed Berry Date-Sweetened Chocolate 72% Cacao (bar) - Aug. 8, 2025

Chocolate of the Day

Spring & Mulberry 
Mixed Berry Date-Sweetened Chocolate 72% Cacao (bar)
Good ++ 
Weight: 1.06 oz. (30 g.) / 2.1 oz. (60 g.) in total bar
Calories: 150 calories in 1/2 bar
Cost: $7.75 for 1 bar (part of a larger 6-bar order)
Purchased from: Spring & Mulberry, online order

Welcome to Day #12 of Chocolate, Berries & Cherries Theme Week.

Today's Mixed Berry Date-Sweetened Chocolate 72% Cacao (bar) was from Spring & Mulberry (Raleigh, NC).

Aroma notes included: dark chocolate; rich sweetness (dates, brown sugar); and faint berry (strawberry, red raspberry).

Texture: smooth dark chocolate with a very slight stone-ground aspect (that could have been from ground dates), interspersed with small fruit pieces. 

Flavor notes included: dark chocolate that was relatively low in bitterness; dates/brown sugar; and authentic red raspberry tartness (with raspberry seeds), with periodic upticks in strawberry (thin, dried slices) and flavorful, dried blueberry.

I appreciated the short list of authentic, balanced and organic ingredients, as well as a more minimal sugar buzz (use of dates as a sweetener vs. cane sugar).

Ingredients: Cacao Beans, Dates*, Cacao Butter*, Strawberries*, Red Raspberries*, Blueberries* (* = Organic)

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

Raaka - Raspberry Waffle Crunch Unroasted Dark Chocolate 59% Cacao (bar) - Aug. 7, 2025

Chocolate of the Day

Raaka
Raspberry Waffle Crunch Unroasted Dark Chocolate 59% Cacao (bar)
Good ++ 
Weight: .88 oz. (25 g.) / 1.8 (50 g.) in total bar
Calories: 110 calories in 1/2 bar
Cost: $9.00 for 1 bar
Purchased from: Bar & Cocoa, online order

Welcome to Day #11 of Chocolate, Berries & Cherries Theme Week.

Today's Raspberry Waffle Crunch Unroasted Dark Chocolate 59% Cacao (bar) was made from Raaka Chocolate (Brooklyn, NY).

Aroma notes included: dark chocolate, dark red raspberry, and very faint vanilla.

Texture: smooth dark chocolate and tiny crunchy bits. (The berry flavor was fully integrated, so there were no berry bits or seeds.)

Flavor notes included: dark chocolate with balanced bitterness, and subtle dark berry. 

I enjoyed that this bar wasn't too sweet. This single origin (Kokoa Kamili, Tanzania) dark chocolate was relatively smooth in flavor, and tasted "darker" than its 59% cacao content might indicate. I also appreciated that the waffle pieces were gluten-free and were not too sweet. The berry (raspberry) and vanilla were authentic-tasting, background flavors.

Ingredients: "organic cacao beans, organic cane sugar, organic cacao butter, organic gluten-free waffle cone (coconut oil*, cane sugar*, rice flour*, brown rice flour*, tapioca flour*, millet flour*, apple sauce*, flax seed*, cacao powder*, arrowroot powder*, baking powder, inulin*, ascorbic acid, xanthan gum), organic raspberry juice powder, organic vanilla" (*Organic)

Allergen-related information: "Certified Organic and Kosher; Vegan, Gluten Free; Soy Free"

Godavari Chocolate - Bon-fiction - The Cranberry Chilli Chase (bar) - Aug. 6, 2025

Chocolate of the Day

Godavari Chocolate
Bon-fiction - The Cranberry Chilli Chase 64% (bar)
Good ++ - Good +++
Weight: 1.94 oz. (55 g.) in 1 bar
Calories: 240 calories in 1 bar
Cost: $12.00 for 1 bar
Purchased from: The Chocolate Dispensary, online order

Welcome to Day #10 of Chocolate, Berries & Cherries Theme Week.

Today's "tree to bar" chocolate from India--The Cranberry Chilli Chase 64% (bar)--was manufactured by GACS Foods, India and Imported and Distributed by Godavari Chocolate Inc. (Folsom, CA). 

The company has a production facility in Andhra Pradesh, in the Godavari province, in (southeast) India. Cacao is grown on their plantation and the company also works with other farmers in Godavari.

Aroma notes included: rich dark chocolate, fruit (sweet red berry, cranberry) with a rich, decadent sweetness (brown sugar, dates). 

Texture: a hearty blend of dark chocolate and a generous helping of plump, relatively moist, dried cranberries.

Flavor notes included: rich, dark chocolate; high-quality and authentic cranberry textures and flavors; just the right amount of chili warmth and sea salt. For some reason I was reminded of a delicious (dark chocolate) version of pemmican* likely because of the hearty, appealing and satisfying flavors.

The cranberries weren't overly sweetened or too tough and chewy (thank you). The choices and amounts of chili and light dose of sea salt were perfect. The overall flavors harmonized very well. This bar exceeded my expectations. I appreciated the choice of 64% cacao chocolate -- a percentage that often tastes too sweet for me (a dark chocolate fan). It seemed just right in this bar.

Ingredients: Cocoa Beans, Organic Cane Sugar, Cocoa Butter, Cranberries, Chilli, Sea Salt

Allergen-related information: Manufactured in a facility that also processes: Milk, Peanuts, Almond, Cashew, Walnut, Coconut, Hazelnut, Pistachio. 

*Pemmican is/was a staple food item in North America--made with ground jerky (typically dried bison jerky and occasionally dried/smoked salmon), rendered fat, berries (chokecherry, Saskatoon berry, cranberry) and occasionally honey and nuts. It was originally created by indigenous people. Fur traders and colonists consumed versions of this traditional protein/energy bar as well. (You can even find a few modern versions of pemmican with chocolate.)

Xocolatl Chocolate - 60% Dark Chocolate Love & Happiness Blood Orange & Raspberry (bar) - Aug. 5, 2025

Chocolate of the Day

Xocolatl Chocolate
60% Dark Chocolate Love & Happiness Blood Orange & Raspberry (bar)
Good ++ 
Weight: 1.3 oz. (37.5 g.) / 2.6 oz. (75 g.) in total bar
Calories: 180 calories in 1/2 bar
Cost: $11.00 for 1 bar
Purchased from: Xocolatl, online order

Welcome to Day #9 of Chocolate, Berries & Cherries Theme Week.

Today's 60% Dark Chocolate Love & Happiness Blood Orange & Raspberry (bar) was made from bean to bar by Xocolatl LLC (Atlanta, GA).

Aroma notes included subtle dark chocolate and faint fruit (berry, citrus, date).  

Texture: smooth, very slightly textured (finely ground, stoneground; or fudge-y cacao ground with freeze-dried fruit particles) mouthfeel--with an even and hearty/satisfying melt. 

The flavors burst forth when I tasted a piece of this 60% bar. Dark chocolate (chocolate-y with very faint, balanced earth notes) was embedded with bright layered fruit: bright red berry (red raspberry) and citrus (orange, blood orange).

I enjoyed the tart sweet refreshing fruit flavors that mingled with this dark chocolate.

Ingredients: Cacao, Cane Sugar*, Cocoa Butter*, Raspberry*, Olive Oil, Blood Orange (* Organic)

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

Intrigue Chocolate - Juniper Berry & Black Lime 68% Dark (bar) - Aug. 4, 2025

Chocolate of the Day

Intrigue Chocolate
Juniper Berry & Black Lime 68% Dark (bar)
Good ++
Weight: 1.25 oz. (35.5 g.) / 2.5 oz. (71 g.) in total bar
Calories: 194 calories in 1/2 bar
Cost: $13.00 for 1 bar
Purchased from: Intrigue Chocolate, online order

Welcome to Day #8 of Chocolate, Berries & Cherries Theme Week.

Today's Juniper Berry & Black Lime 68% Dark (bar) was created by Intrigue Chocolate (Seattle, WA).*

Aroma notes for today's bar included: dark chocolate; herbal berry (smooth, rich juniper, faint blueberry); and just the right amount of bright tart-sweet citrus (lime).

Texture: smooth dark chocolate with small flecks of what I presumed was with tiny pieces of finely ground juniper berry or freeze-dried lime particles (or both perhaps).

I liked the balanced, well-executed blend of flavors in this 68% dark chocolate. The juniper berries were just right; adding intriguing herbal/berry flavor -- but not too strong. I could say the same for the authentic-tasting black lime. I wouldn't change anything about it.

Thank you to the makers for this unique and tasty bar.

Maker's Tasting Notes: "Pungent juniper berry balanced by soft blueberry and vanilla notes, contrasted with the darkly mysterious aromatic juiciness of black lime."

Maker's description: "The scent of pine all around, packed earth under foot, sky reflected on an alpine lake, and air scrubbed clean by a surprise shower. This moment is too beautiful for trail mix...Juniper Berry and Black Lime is a late summer loop on a high-elevation Cascade trail." (Couldn't have said it better.)

Ingredients: "Chocolate (cocoa mass, sugar, cocoa butter, soy lecithin [emulsifier], natural vanilla flavoring), juniper berry, black lime"

Allergen-related information: "Processed in a facility with milk, soy and nuts"

*The company, previously based in Seattle, WA recently relocated to Chisholm, MN.