Sted Foods - Maple Toffee with Cacoa Nibs - Jan. 25, 2026

Chocolate of the Day

Sted Foods  
Maple Toffee with Cacoa Nibs (box)
Good ++ 
Weight: (unknown, not found on box)
Calories: (unknown, not listed)
Cost: $12.00 for 1 box of toffee pieces
Purchased from: Sted Foods, online order

Welcome to Day #5 of Chocolate, Warm Spices & Maple Theme Week.

Today's Sted Foods Maple Toffee with Cacao Nibs offering was manufactured by TC Foods, LLC (Fergus Falls, MN).

Aroma and flavor notes for this box of tasty toffee pieces included: buttery toffee brittle, lightly browned maple sugar, cacao (nibs, dark chocolate) and very faint nut (almond) and seed (cacao nibs).

Texture: crunchy-crispy shards of delicious maple toffee, covered with a layer of smooth dark chocolate, topped with a sprinkling of softly crunchy nibs.

I loved this balanced, well-executed brittle. The pieces were just the right size (not too big, not too little). The brittle was just the right thickness (not too thick and hard; not so thin that it shattered on contact; it was just right). It was made with real butter, real maple syrup,  and judiciously seasoned with a faint dose of sea salt.

The thin layer of creamy dark chocolate and the "cacao" bean nibs provided a grounded, authentic cacao flavor that balanced out the sweet brittle. And there were no "off" notes in the nibs (thank you).*

Ingredients: "organic cocoa beans, organic cane sugar, organic almonds, organic MN maple toffee (organic cane sugar, organic butter, organic maple syrup, sea salt)."

Allergen-related information: "Contains almonds and milk. Made in a facility that uses coconut, macadamia, almonds, pecans, and milk."

*Nibs from different cacao origins may taste quite different from each other. Some may have a slightly fermented (wine) aroma, others might be slightly earthy or roast-y. Some will have floral, nut or seed notes. Generally the taste will correlate with the chocolate made from the nibs. Roasting times selected by the chocolate maker will also affect flavor and aroma.

Raaka - Gingerbread Hot Chocolate Unroasted Dark Chocolate (mix) - Jan. 24, 2026

Chocolate of the Day

Raaka Chocolate
Gingerbread Hot Chocolate Unroasted Dark Chocolate (mix)
Good ++
Weight: 3 TB (.918 oz. (26 g.)) / 5 oz. (142 g.) total package
Calories: 113 calories in 1 serving
Cost: $13.99 for 1 package 
Purchased from: Bar & Cocoa, online order

Welcome to Day #4 of Chocolate, Warm Spices & Maple Theme Week.

Today's Limited Batch Gingerbread Hot Chocolate Unroasted Dark Chocolate (mix) was manufactured by Raaka Chocolate (Brooklyn, NY).

Most hot chocolates aren't made with a single origin cacao. This hot chocolate mix was made using unroasted cacao from Zorzal Cacao -- a 1,000-acre private bird sanctuary and organic cacao farm in the Dominican Republic.

Aroma notes included: smooth, authentic hot chocolate; aromatic sweet and sassy gingerbread cookie; and subtle coconut.

Texture: When this finely ground cacao powder, coconut milk powder and warm spice blend was mixed with hot water and stirred for a few minutes it created a relatively smooth hot chocolate (but with a little bit of spice grit). When I make this again, I'll let it sit in hot water for a few more minutes to let the spices diffuse, then blend and/or filter it before drinking. (I probably rushed the process. The Spanish children's song "Bate, Bate Chocolate" came to mind; where patience and process are reinforced by singing a song about chocolate beverage making.)

This warming hot beverage had a touch of the spicy zing of a homemade ginger molasses cookie, with a splash of warm coconut and hot cocoa--all in a satisfying hot beverage. Great for a winter morning.

This quality, base blend could be adorned with more items if desired. Want to add milk, cream, or more coconut milk (or milk of your choice) to this hot chocolate? Marshmallows? Go right ahead. 

The sweetness level was just right for me (not overly sweet). But for those with a sweet tooth, you could try adding a little fresh ginger and molasses syrup (for a real waker-upper); brown sugar; coconut nectar or honey...Customize as you wish.

 

I appreciated the use of organic and gluten free ingredients...and that the company is committed to transparent trade and testing for heavy metals (results can be viewed on their website).

Ingredients: "organic cane sugar, organic cacao powder, organic coconut milk powder, organic cacao butter, organic ginger, organic cinnamon, organic nutmeg"

Allergen-related information: None listed on package. Contains: Coconut. 

*I learned this song in Spanish class in elementary school decades ago. The teacher brought in a hand-carved wooden molinillo from Mexico (a whisk-like device introduced by the Spanish for stirring and "beating"/frothing hot chocolate beverages). The molinillo was rotated/rolled between ones hands and used as a prop during the song. 

Loon Chocolate - Caribbean Kiss - Milk Chocolate + Shaved Coconut + Ginger 50% (bar) - Jan. 23, 2026

Chocolate of the Day

Loon Chocolate
Caribbean Kiss - Milk Chocolate + Shaved Coconut + Ginger (bar)
Good ++ 
Weight: 2.25 oz. (64 g.) in total bar
Calories: 360 calories in 1 bar
Cost: $10.00 for 1 bar
Purchased from: Bar & Cocoa, online order 

Welcome to Day #3 of Chocolate, Warm Spices and Maple Theme Week.

Today's Loon Chocolate Caribbean Kiss - Milk Chocolate + Shaved Coconut + Ginger 50% (bar) was manufactured by White Birch Living LLC (Manchester, NH).

Aroma and flavor notes included: pleasing dark milk chocolate; coconut, and faint warm spice (ginger); and very faint sweet green and citrus.

Texture: creamy dark milk chocolate with a satisfying melt, thinly shaved coconut pieces that had a delicate, soft crunch to them. The ginger seemed to be fully incorporated. (There was no spice grit, thank you.)

This was a satisfyingly sweet and flavorful winter confection. The Dominican Republic cacao used in the 50% cacao dark milk chocolate base was smooth, but dark enough to prevent this bar from being overly sweet.  (That said, it was still somewhat addictive.)

The shaved coconut and faint ginger contributed flavor and warmth. This chocolate offered a taste of the Caribbean on a cold, bleak January day.

I enjoyed the well-executed and balanced blend of flavors.

I appreciated the makers choice of authentic and organic ingredients, the fact that this blend was gluten and soy free, and the company's focus on obtaining ethically sourced single origin cacao(s).

Ingredients: Organic Cane Sugar, Organic Cacao, Organic Cocoa Butter, Organic Milk Powder, Shaved Coconut, Ground Ginger.

Allergen-related information: "Contains: Milk. Produced In A Facility That Uses Almonds and Milk."

Loon Chocolate - Ben's Sugar Shack "Maple Crunch" Milk Chocolate 50% (bar) - Jan. 22, 2026

Chocolate of the Day

Loon Chocolate
Ben's Sugar Shack "Maple Crunch" Milk Chocolate 50% (bar)
Good ++ 
Weight: 2.25 oz. (64 g.) in total bar
Calories: 360 calories in 1 bar
Cost: $10.00 for 1 bar
Purchased from: Bar & Cocoa, online order 

Welcome to Day #2 of Chocolate, Warm Spices and Maple Theme Week.

Today's Loon Chocolate Ben's Sugar Shack "Maple Crunch" Milk Chocolate 50% (bar) was manufactured by White Birch Living LLC (Manchester, NH).

Aroma and flavor notes included: maple sugar; pleasing dark milk chocolate; faint warm, sweet spice (cinnamon); and faint spice cookie.

Texture: This bar was a rich, but subtly layered textural blend of tiny crunchy bits (quinoa) and maple sugar atop smooth dark milk chocolate.

This was a satisfyingly sweet and flavorful winter confection. The Dominican Republic cacao used in the 50% cacao chocolate base layer was dark enough (very faintly earthly) that it prevented the dark milk chocolate from being overly bland or sweet. 

The cinnamon and maple sugar from Ben's Sugar Shack (Temple, NH--a town known for its maple sugar) added light spice and warmth. And a tiny pinch of salt rounded things out nicely.

The bar was not too thick (thank you). This slim bar offered a thoughtfully, thin, layered texture and flavor experience with all the elements harmonizing well together. (Warning: This was somewhat addictive.)

I appreciated the makers choice of authentic, local and organic ingredients, the fact that this blend was gluten and soy free, and the company's focus on obtaining ethically sourced single origin cacao(s).

Ingredients: Organic Cane Sugar, Organic Cacao, Organic Cocoa Butter, Organic Milk Powder, Organic Puffed Quinoa, Maple Sugar, Organic Cinnamon Powder, Sea Salt.

Allergen-related information: "Contains: Milk. Produced In A Facility That Uses Almonds and Milk."

Tavi Chocolates - Golden Mix 72% cacao dark chocolate, turmeric, ginger, pepper & cinnamon (bar) - Jan. 21, 2026

Chocolate of the Day

Tavi Chocolates
Good ++ 
Golden Mix 72% cocoa dark chocolate, turmeric, ginger, pepper & cinnamon (bar)
Weight: 2.8 oz. (80 g.) in total bar
Calories: 450 calories in 1 bar (per label)
Cost: $11.50 for 1 bar
Purchased from: Bar & Cocoa, online order

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

Today's Tavi Golden Mix 72% cocoa dark chocolate, turmeric, ginger, pepper & cinnamon (bar) was manufactured by Vast Company SAS in Bogota, Colombia, and Imported into the U.S. by Tavi Chocolates (Miami, FL). 

The company offers numerous chocolate bars that blend premium Colombian chocolate with a variety of flavor inclusions. 

Today's Indian-inspired bar contained turmeric, ginger, pepper and cinnamon--flavors reminiscent of Golden Milk, aka Haldi Doodh, and golden chai tea drinks). 

This was a perfect bar for me today as I was healing from the flu/bronchitis. (I experienced rapid relief from symptoms after I enjoyed this bar.* 

Aroma notes for this bar included: sweet dark chocolate (ganache, hot cocoa); marshmallow, sweet green and warm spices.

Texture: smooth dark chocolate with authentic, finely ground spices (most of the spices were fully incorporated, very little spice grit). 

Flavor notes included: smooth, relatively sweet, dark chocolate with authentic golden berry fruit (aka, Warning, the sweetness in this bar can make it a bit addictive ("more-ish").

The textural blend was well-executed, flavorful and completely conveyed the complexity of these berries. The dark chocolate was smooth tasting and despite being relatively sweet it was also a good match for the fruit.

Ingredients: Bittersweet Chocolate (Chocolate Liquor, Cane Sugar, Cocoa Butter, Soy Lecit(h)in, Vainilla (sic)), Turmeric Powder, Cinnamon Powder, Ginger Powder, Pepper Powder" 

Allergen-related information: (Contains Soy.) "Produced on Equipment That Also Processes Products Containing Milk, Peanuts and Other Tree Nuts."

*Possible contributions to the feeling of relief from flu symptoms and bronchial distress lie in several of the ingredients in this bar.

The Theobromine in dark chocolate (as well as piperine in black pepper and gingerols in ginger) act as vasodilators -- substances that help open/dilate blood vessels, lower blood pressure and improve circulation. 

And the turmeric, ginger, cinnamon and black pepper (as well as the polyphenols in cacao) in this bar  have anti-inflammatory properties. 

   

Juan Choconat - Chocolate Oscuro 70% Cacao Con Cafe Especial (bar) - Jan. 20, 2026

Chocolate of the Day

Juan Choconat
Chocolate Oscuro 70% Cacao Con Cafe Especial (bar)
Good ++ - Good +++
Weight: 1.15 oz. (32.5 g.) / 2.3 oz. (65 g.) in total bar
Calories: 111 calories in 1/2 bar (per label)
Cost: $7.00 for 1 bar
Purchased from: Elebar Snacks, online order

Welcome to Day #14 of Chocolate & Colombia Theme Week. 

Today's Chocolate Oscuro 70% Cacao Con Cafe Especial (bar) was made by Juan Choconat SAS (Ibague, Tolima, Colombia) and imported by Elebar Snacks LLC (with locations in Illinois and Clearwater, FL).

The packaging featured an illustration of Colombian cacao farmer (Damian Tapiero) next to a scannable code with his story. Damian, after military service, returned to work with his father and is now a leader in the local cacao community. The family supplies cacao beans with pulp (baba) to Juan Choconat and also grows avocados and produces honey from bees on their farm.

This shipment also came with its own backstory. I ordered several Juan Choconat bars online via an importer in Aug. 2025 -- when new U.S. tariffs on many imported goods became effective. The bars arrived, eventually, months later.* (Thankfully, tariffs on cacao were lifted last November; but some chocolate makers and customers and others in the supply chain are still recovering 1-2 months later.)

I was grateful this bar came in a sealed pouch that helped prevent aroma and flavor loss. That said, do try to eat this chocolate quickly after you open it. (If you wait a few days, you'll miss out on lighter, more volatile notes. It will not taste the same.)

Aroma and flavor notes for this 70% cacao + coffee bar included: smooth dark chocolate, aromatic sweet coffee (coffee toffee, caramel mocha, very faint berry and brown sugar), followed by nuanced cacao, then back to (Arabica) coffee notes. The Colombia cacao harmonized very well with the coffee flavors. 

Texture: a slightly blotchy appearance (likely from tariff-related shipping delays back in August*), the flavors were still excellent (a testament to the quality ingredients); although it did have a rustic, stoneground, granular texture.

I appreciated the rich and subtle flavors (that extended into a long and pleasing finish) as well as the short list of only three, high-quality ingredients. Even though the texture might have been affected by unusual conditions in transit, it was still a delicious bar. (I also enjoyed the information and photos of the cacao farm and farmers.)

Ingredients: Cacao nibs, unrefined cane sugar and specialty coffee

Allergen-related information: "May Contain Traces of Fruit, Milk or Nuts." 

*At one point I was called by a Federal Express agent who asked me several pages worth of questions related to the tariff and customs paperwork requirements. (I am not an importer so I was a little confused when I got the call.) At this point I'd already been waiting for this shipment (of several different bars) to arrive for several weeks. (I kept hoping the chocolates weren't melting on a loading dock in the sun or being heated and cooled past their limits--which likely did happen.) 

Juan Coconat - Chocolate Oscuro (Dark Chocolate) 70% Cacao (bar) - Jan. 19, 2026

Chocolate of the Day

Juan Choconat
Chocolate Oscuro (Dark Chocolate) 70% Cacao (bar)
Good ++
Weight: 1.15 oz. (32.5 g.) / 2.3 oz. (65 g.) in total bar
Calories: 110 calories in 1/2 bar (per label)
Cost: $7.00 for 1 bar
Purchased from: Elebar Snacks, online order

Welcome to Day #13 of Chocolate & Colombia Theme Week. 

Today's Chocolate Oscuro (Dark Chocolate) 70% Cacao  (bar) was made by Juan Choconat SAS (Ibague, Tolima, Colombia) and imported by Elebar Snacks LLC (with locations in Illinois and Clearwater, FL).

The packaging featured an illustration of Colombian cacao farmer (Juvenal Castro) next to a scannable code with his story. 

Aroma and flavor notes for this 70% cacao bar included: an aroma with smooth dark chocolate and maple/brown sugar. Flavors included: muffled green, roasted cacao/wood notes, licorice, chocolate cake, bread. 

Texture: relatively smooth, despite the fact that it had a slightly blotchy-bloomed appearance (likely from temperature volatility related to tariff-related shipping delays back in August) -- and this bar contained no added cocoa butter (impressive).

I was grateful each bar came in a sealed pouch that helped prevent aroma and flavor note degradation/disappearance. That said, do try to eat this chocolate quickly after you open it. (If you wait a few days, you'll miss out on some of the lighter, more volatile notes. It will not taste the same.)

I appreciated the very short list of two, quality ingredients.

Ingredients: Cacao nibs and unrefined cane sugar and the complex flavors.

Allergen-related information: "May Contain Traces of Fruit, Milk or Nuts."  

*This shipment also came with its own backstory. I ordered several Juan Choconat bars online via an importer in Aug. 2025 -- when new U.S. tariffs on many imported goods became effective. The bars did arrive eventually, but it was months later.