Tag Archive: organic chocolate
Dagoba Extra Dark – 84% Organic Dark Chocolate
September 7, 2018
In 2001, Dagoba’s founder Frederick Schilling began making organic chocolate in his home kitchen. According to the Dagoba website, www.dagobachocolate.com, Frederick’s goal was to “craft deeply satisfying chocolate in a socially responsible way.”
Today, I’m reviewing a Dagoba Extra Dark, 84%. By the looks (and taste) of things Frederick’s vision is still going strong.
Taza Stone Ground Cacao Crunch
May 7, 2018
Cacao Crunch is an 80% dark, stone ground chocolate made by Taza Chocolate.
A couple years ago I reviewed another chocolate by Taza, a very dark (87%) single origin Bolivian bar. I pointed out its unusual texture due to the stone ground processing technique. That texture still prevails in today’s bar and is tightly woven into the whole tasting experience.
Sweet Valley Organics Dark Chocolate Praline Cinnamon Pecans
October 31, 2017
In 1907, Shibley Azar opened a small store in El Paso, Texas selling nuts and candy. The business grew and is now Sunrise Confections owned by Mount Franklin Foods, LLC. They continue to manufacture confections and nut products. The newest facility makes natural, organic, and functional food products.
According to their website, Sweet Valley Organics snack bites come in five varieties: Chewy Bananas, Sea Salt Toffee Almonds, Tart Cherries, Sea Salt Carmel Cashews, and today’s feature item, Praline Cinnamon Pecans.
Artisan Kettle Organic Chocolate Chips
September 29, 2017
There’s another player in the organic chocolate chip arena; Artisan Kettle made by Clasen Quality Chocolate. They are available in four varieties - semisweet, bittersweet, milk and white. The chips are organic and fair trade certified. Sourced from South America.
Alter Eco DARK BLACKOUT
November 21, 2016
Alter Eco’s Dark Blackout is a single source Ecuadorian, 85% cacao masterpiece of chocolate.
Everything they say about this chocolate bar on the wrapper and on their website is absolutely true. When they say it’s deeply fruity and intense, it is.
Alter Eco Dark Quinoa Organic Chocolate
December 7, 2015
I like Quinoa (pronounced keen-wah). I’ve had it in cold salads and in warm hot dishes. And, just recently, I’ve eaten it crispy and surrounded by delicious dark chocolate!
The Alter Eco brand Dark Quinoa Organic Chocolate bar is absolutely wonderful. The chocolate is 60% Ecuadorian, and the puffed Quinoa is Royal Pearl Bolivian.
Clif Organic Trail Mix Bar: Dark Chocolate Almond Sea Salt
September 21, 2015
CLIF® Organic Trail Mix Bars are certified USDA organic. The Dark Chocolate Almond Sea Salt bar is also gluten free and low glycemic.
According to their website, this particular trail mix bar “is a great tasting snack made with wholesome, organic ingredients. These bars are bursting with organic fruit, roasted nuts and delicious dark chocolate”. (You can get a 12-pack here.)
That sounds really good, but I’ve fallen for well-written marketing fluff before. What I really want to know is, does it taste good?
Rural Salvadorans Reviving Chocolate Production
August 24, 2015
In an effort to revive cacao production in El Salvador, the Alianza Cacao Alliance took shape late last year.
The alliance brought together cooperatives and farmers from different regions, including rural townsfolk who have been struggling to make a living.
Theo Chocolate Is Expanding
August 28, 2012
Theo Chocolate is a prominent organic chocolate manufacturer based in the Fremont area of Seattle. They have recently been able to raise some funds in order to upgrade their equipment and expand factories. This is in an effort to increase production to cope up with the ever increasing demands from loyal clients and customers.
Theo boasts chocolates that are dubbed "amazing, delicious, mind-bendingly wonderful." But it transcends more than just chocolate to include multitudes of people, lands, dedication, as well as the interrelated relationships.
The Securities and Exchange Commission has openly stated that Theo Chocolate has so far been able to gather up to $500,000 out of its $2 million targeted amount.
Read more
About Organic Chocolate
April 12, 2012
Organic chocolates are made of cacao beans that are cultivated without using any synthetic pesticides, herbicides, or fertilizers. Authentic organic chocolates also utilize organically grown sugar.
In America, specific standards of qualification (set by the USDA) need to be met in order for a product to be called organic. That said, when you eat organic chocolate, you can rest assured that you are consuming those ingredients that have been farmed in an environmentally-suitable manner.
One primary reason why it is best that you opt for organic chocolate, instead of its non-organic version, is the fact that you decrease your chances of ingesting harsh pesticide residues. Non-organic chocolate, especially dark ones, are fine to eat all their own. However, the drawback there is the possibility of also eating the pesticide residue, if any, in the cocoa used. In great enough quantity, this could lead to certain health problems.
Read more