Chapter Fifteen: Coconut Caramel

We obtained the Dark Chocolate Coconut Caramel bar as a part of a chocolate shopping frenzy at Trader Joe’s.  In light of our recent tasting of the Black Salt Caramel bar, we’re excited to try another caramel filled option.  Like all chocolate bars from Trader Joe’s, this is another budget friendly choice.

Tasting No.: 13

Trader Joe's Dark Chocolate Bar: Coconut Caramel

Initial Impressions:

The snap was firmer than the base bar due to the squares not being completely filled with caramel.  The golden brown caramel quickly oozed out and was a thin consistency.   The chocolate was slightly less red than our base bar but the most striking feature was the strong toasted coconut scent.

Flavor Profile:

Initial – burnt molasses, salt

Middle – burnt coconut

After – burnt rose

Texture:

While we found the coconut flavor to be overwhelming, the coconut shavings made for a pleasant textural element.  The packaging mentioned cacao nibs which could be adding to the texture experience, but they were difficult to distinguish. 

Overall:

For being the same percentage as the base bar, it was sweet to the point of being sickly sweet.  Between the amount of corn syrup and sugar and the strong coconut flavor, it was almost too much for us. We finally concluded that this bar is more of a candy bar than a chocolate bar.

Rating: 3/10



*Notes:

Purchased at Trader Joe’s

Price range under $3

This bar isn’t going to satisfy your chocolate craving, dark chocolate lovers should look elsewhere.  It is an adventurous combination to taste if you’re looking for a sugar fix but if it's coconut you're after we highly recommend the Bovetti bar from Chapter 6.

Next week we'll be tucking into another Guittard bar, see you then!

For now savor: “The Duchess set about studying Annette and shortly found her adversary's tragic flaw. Chocolate.”  William Goldman – The Princess Bride

Chapter Ten: The Return of Taza

We decided to try another Taza bar this week to rate some of their other offerings.  Because of the company’s commitment to sustainability and fair trade practices, we felt compelled to give their products another chance.  This week, we picked up their Cacao Nib Crunch.  It is an 80%, organic stone ground chocolate bar.  You can read our first post about Taza's Sea Salt & Almond bar here.

Tasting No.: 8

Taza Organic 80% Cacao Nib Crunch

Initial Impressions:

The bar is much more red than our base bar, surprising because it has a higher cacao content.  There are visible nibs throughout the bar, although they seem to only be sprinkled.  The stone ground process leaves the end product with a lot visible texture and crystallization.  This bar has an earthy smell similar to soil after rain and reminiscent of cocoa powder for baking.  This is far earthier than the base bar’s scent profile.  The snap of this bar is firm and satisfying.

Flavor Profile:

Initial – extremely nutty

Middle – sweet, coffee, acid

After – smoky vanilla

Texture:

The only way to describe this bar is hearty and substantial.  The grittiness and nibs were something we really enjoyed and a totally different tasting experience from the base bar. 

Overall:

The deep earthy smell of this bar evokes a feeling of being in nature.  To us, it is an homage to the roots of chocolate; going back to the source, how chocolate was first eaten.  The base bar is much sweeter and smoother, while this bar’s sweetness builds with every bite.  We thoroughly enjoyed this bar and were pleased that this tasting changed our opinion of this brand's chocolate.

Rating: 8.5/10

*Notes:

Purchased at Central Market

Price range under $5

We imagine this bar pairing well with a steaming cup of black tea.

Next week we’ll be trying another bar from Trader Joe's - be sure to check back!

For now savor: “Chocolate knows no boundaries; speaks all languages; comes in all sizes; is woven through many cultures and disciplines...it impacts mood, health, and economics, and it is a part of our lives from early childhood through the elderly years.” – Herman A. Berliner, Chocolate: Food of the Gods

Remember, fairly traded chocolate is a responsible way to support farmers by ensuring that the chocolate that you consume has been bought for a fair price.  By choosing to purchase fair trade chocolate, you can honor the cocoa tree growers and support their way of life which in turn leads to better chocolate.