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You are here: Home / Archives for chocolate review

chocolate review

ChocZero: Sugar Free Chocolate Squares (Perfect for the Keto Diet)

October 15, 2019 By Joi Sigers

ChocZero Sugar Free Chocolates Review

ChocZero Sugar-Free Chocolate Squares

One of my greatest passions in life is chocolate. If I weren’t so allergic to pain, I’m fairly certain I’d get one tattoo – the word CHOCOHOLIC (all caps, non negotiable) somewhere on my person.  I mean, the world deserves to know what they’re dealing with.

True Story: 10-12 years ago (time flies when you’re eating chocolate), I literally made a couple of New Year’s Resolutions that I knew, beyond a shadow of doubt, that I’d be able to keep. It was half playing-around with my daughters and half let’s see what it feels like to actually keep New Year’s Resolutions throughout the year. What were the things I knew I’d stay loyal to?

  1. Tell my family… including cats, naturally… that I love them everyday (awwwwwww).
  2. Read from an Agatha Christie mystery daily. I read and re-read her mysteries and have been in the midst of reading one for half of my life.
  3. Eat chocolate every single day.

10-12 years later and I’m still going strong. With each. Please don’t ask about learning to speak Italian, drinking more water, never drinking sweet tea, or learning to play the piano. Thank you.

I was recently sent ChocZero Chocolate Squares in exchange for telling you about them. My first thought was, “Yay! Chocolate!” but then I began to worry… after all, I am as big of an expert when it comes to chocolate as is possible. I know chocolate. I breathe chocolate. So, I started to worry that I might not be able to give a raving review of the chocolate!

What worried me? Well, the fact that it is… are you sitting down… sugar free. That concerned me – but, strangely enough, it shouldn’t have. In fact, the fact that these chocolates aren’t overly sweet actually allows you to taste the chocolate better.

That, y’all, is a very positive thing.

ChocZero Sugar Free Chocolates

ChocZero Sugar-Free Chocolate Squares

ChocZero uses a zero-calorie, low carb natural plant called monk fruit to create delectable chocolate that’s low carb and sugar-free. Indulge in some more chocolate minus the sugar crash and extra calories. Whether you’re on the keto diet or simply hoping to reduce your sugar intake, ChocZero has savory options to fit a healthier lifestyle.

Perfect for the Keto Diet or “Lazy Keto” Diet (or anyone cutting back on sugar)

While my family doesn’t strictly follow the Keto Diet, I do incorporate A LOT of Keto recipes and philosophies into our meals. Cutting back on carbs is important to me but cutting back on sugar is far more important. I regularly eat potatoes but am trying very hard to cut as far back on sugar as I possibly can. ChocZero makes it easier to enjoy chocolate, thanks to their monk fruit sweetener.

My favorite way to enjoy these ChocZero Sugar-Free Chocolate Squares is given below the deliciousness….

ChocZero with Ghee and Salt

As I’m sure I’ve mentioned on the food blog before, I am a Ghee FANATIC. I saute’ chicken tenders in it, melt it for popcorn, slather it on toast… it has a flavor that, as far as I’m concerned is nearly as addictive as chocolate.

Soooo, it was just a matter of time before my two worlds collided – with a little salt thrown in for good measure.

Every single day, I take a square of chocolate (dark, usually but medium is just as delicious), add a little ghee on top, then sprinkle the whole shebang with pink Himalayan salt or sea salt. It has to be one of these and the reason is a very technical one… they look cooler.

Very technical.

The absolute best ghee on the market is Ancient Organics Ghee. Trust me on this one – I’ve tried them all and, for whatever reasons, no other ghee even come close.

My beloved Ghee and ChocZero make an unbeatable team and I do believe I’ll get up from here and have one. Oh, heck let’s make it two, want to?

ChocZero Sugar Free Chocolates, Ghee and Pink Himalayan Salt


Filed Under: Candy Reviews, Chocolate!, Gluten Free Food Reviews, Keto, Reviews Tagged With: chocolate review, ChocZero, keto candy, keto chocolate, sugar free chocolate

Merci Goodness! Merci Finest European Chocolates Review

February 10, 2013 By Joi Sigers

Merci Chocolates

Merci Finest European Chocolates

I was recently sent a box of Merci Finest European Chocolates to review and I’ve been in chocolate Heaven ever since.  Now remember, I’m a bona fide chocoholic – in every sense of the word – so I know my chocolates. You could blindfold me and feed me 50 different chocolates (would it help if I begged?). I’d be able to classify them in three categories:

  1. Premium
  2. Next Best Thing
  3. Last resort…. but still chocolate, so keep ’em coming.

After just one bite into a Merci Chocolate, I realized that if it were in the lineup, I’d need a 4th category called, I’ve Now Forgotten Every Chocolate I’ve Ever Met…

Yes, as a matter of fact, Merci Chocolates are that darn good. They’re creamy, delicious, and take you to a whole other world… one covered in chocolate.  A chocolate world where crime, pain, illness, taxes, and pop music don’t exist.  No one gets older, no one gets angry, an no one ever ever ever has a bad hair day.  Say it with me now, Merci Goodness!

Merci Chocolates

  • Finest Assortment of European Chocolates
  • Name that means thank you
  • 20 pieces of rich, indulgent, individually wrapped chocolates
  • A delightful gift especially for expressing gratitude

The box shown above is their 8.8 oz box of heavenly chocolates. You can find this box on Amazon, but the best deal can be found by clicking the following link. For just a small amount more, you get TWO boxes and, trust me, you’ll want at least that many. See Merci European Chocolates, Assortment, 8.8-Ounce Boxes (Pack of 2).

Merci Chocolates are the Finest Assortment of European Chocolates with a brand name that literally means thank you!  I can’t think of a better way to say thank you (or I love you, or happy birthday, or happy anniversary, or Merry Christmas, or Holy Cow You’re the Bee’s Knees….) than with these amazingly delicious chocolates.

I suppose that’s why Merci Chocolates are a top gift-giving chocolates.  The gift giver and the receiver know that Merci chocolates are  made with the finest ingredients available. What’s more, each box is beautifully packaged and features 20 pieces of rich, incredibly delicious, individually wrapped chocolates. With seven flavor varieties, including Dark Mousse, Hazelnut-Almond, Dark Cream, and Praline-Crème, Merci Chocolates will flat blow you away.

Valentine’s Day is less than a week away.  Why not give your Valentine a gift that’ll rock their world?

Also keep Merci Chocolates in mind for Mother’s Day, Father’s Day, Christmas, and any day when you want to show someone how much you care.  They’d also be outrageously appropriate for saying Thank You when someone has a “thank you” coming.

Sure, thank you cards are nice, but thank you chocolates are MUCH better!  Not. Even. Close.

Merci Chocolates Review

Filed Under: Candy Reviews, Chocolate!, Food Blog, Gift Ideas, Happy Holidays! Tagged With: candy review, chocolate candy review, chocolate review, Merci Chocolates review

Dove Chocolates: For a Valentine’s Day You’ll Never Forget

February 13, 2011 By Joi Sigers

Dove Promises

We’ve always been big fans of Dove chocolates in our home.  Dove Chocolates give you the rich, smooth, and creamy flavor of extremely expensive chocolates without costing you a small fortune.  Another big plus?  They’re easier to find than trouble.  No need to “check for a retailer near you,” just run to your favorite grocery or department store and grab reinforcements as soon as you run out.

Or, better yet, do as I do and grab reinforcements before you run out.

A chocolate-y sense of irony just occurred to me.  I’m writing a chocolate candy review while eating a couple of chocolates (Dove’s Raspberry & Dark Chocolate Swirl candies) and drinking a cold mocha frap.   And that’s not all.  As all of this is playing out, it’s doing so as I’m surrounded by the aroma of a chocolate cake in the oven.

Can you even picture how widely I’m smiling right now?

You still have time to sweeten your Valentine’s Day gift.  Run to your nearest store and stock up on Dove Chocolates.  You MUST, MUST, MUST find their newest delectables:

  • Dove Raspberry & Dark Chocolate Swirl bar – The smooth chocolate combines with the sweet raspberry in a way that delights every cell in your body.
  • Dove White & Milk Chocolate Swirl bar – While I can tell you that this candy bar is outrageously delicious (truly, truly spectacular), I missed the chance to give you the imagery that would have done the flavor justice.  When each of my daughters tasted this candy bar, their expressions summed it up perfectly.  Imagine the look on someone’s face when they’ve just eaten something so delicious they feel a little bit guilty.  Picturing it?  Now you have a fraction of an idea of how wonderful this bar is.
  • Individual sized Dove Raspberry & Dark Chocolate Swirl candies – These stupid good little candies made me vow another New Year’s Resolution:  I resolve to NOT let a day go by without having at least one of these little wonderful treats.  The good news is I’ve finally made a resolution I’ll keep!  Honestly, I intend to eat one of these every day for the rest of my happy chocolate-loving life.
  • Dove Promises are outstandingly smooth and delicious little candies.  The little individual candies have fun, uplifting little messages inside the wrapper – we always get a huge kick out of these.  As though we needed another reason to tear into them.

So there you have it.  A couple of suggestions from the world’s biggest chocolate lover – if you want to really step up your Valentine’s Day efforts this year, head off for the store now and buy each of the suggestions above…

… then watch their face!

Filed Under: Candy, Candy Reviews, Chocolate! Tagged With: Candy, Candy Reviews, chocolate review, Chocolate!, Valentine's Day

Divine Chocolates: Heavenly Chocolate with a Heart

February 10, 2011 By Joi Sigers

Divine White Chocolate with Strawberries

Let it be written, let it be posted, let it be tweeted:  Divine Chocolates are extraordinary!

A few weeks back, I was sent some Divine chocolate candy to review on my food blog. When it comes to something like chocolate, I always pinch myself… “Is this person really asking me if they can send me chocolate?” L-U-C-K-Y! The best I can figure, fate must smile upon those who live right. Fortunately, sometimes it hands you chocolate as its smiling.

LOVE when it does that.

Divine Chocolate mailed me a Dark Chocolate with Raspberries bar, some adorable little heart-shaped candies (dark and milk chocolate), and what will forever go down as one of the most sensational candy bars I’ve ever eaten – their White Chocolate with Strawberries. Not surprisingly, I thought we’d start the review with this one!

The Divine White Chocolate with Strawberries bar (shown in all its glory at the top of the post) is smooth, creamy white chocolate with crunchy pieces of real strawberry crisp. The explosion of wonderful, full strawberry flavor works like a dream with the creamy, delicious white chocolate. It’s a combination that I can’t get out of my mind. It’s just sensational.

Divine Dark Chocolate with Raspberries

Another dream combination is Raspberries and chocolate – in fact, it’s one of the most magical combinations I can think of. Divine’s Dark Chocolate with Raspberries is out of this world, as well. Even people who aren’t wild about dark chocolate (seriously, people?) will love this bar. The raspberry flavor works like a charm.

The adorable and delicious heart candies were also a huge hit in our house. Perfect for throwing in your mouth any time you feel the need for chocolate. You don’t even want to know how often I get in touch with that need.

Each of these remarkable candy bars (including the hearts) are suitable for vegetarians. What’s more, they are free from artificial flavorings, colorings and preservatives. And did I mention they were remarkably delicious?

About Divine Chocolates or What Makes them Truly Divine

Choosing Divine as your chocolate treat is a delicious way of playing your part in a more equitable trading partnership. Divine is the only Fairtrade chocolate company which is 45% owned by the farmers. While Fairtrade ensures farmers receive a better deal for their cocoa and additional income to invest in their community, company ownership gives farmers a share of Divine’s profits and a stronger voice in the cocoa industry. That’s good business! – From Divine Chocolates

You can order Divine Chocolates online, or use their Store Finder to find the store closest to you. If you want to give your Valentine candy they’ll never forget, here’s your chance.  A word of caution, though: You’ll want to buy yourself a few bars as well, they may love you but they aren’t going to want to share!

Divine Dark and Milk Chocolate Hearts

Filed Under: Candy, Candy Reviews, Chocolate!, Happy Holidays!, Valentine's Day Tagged With: candy review, chocolate candy, chocolate review, Valentine's Day Candy

Green & Black’s Organic Chocolate Review

April 17, 2008 By Joi Sigers

Green & Black's Organic Chocolates, Chocolate candy review Green & Black's Organic Chocolates, Chocolate candy review

When I read “As Chocolate as Humanly Possible” on Green & Black’s Organic Chocolate’s website, I KNEW it would be the sweetest of relationships. If there’s one thing I can truly, truly appreciate it’s getting the most out of Chocolate!

You know the episode of Andy Griffith where the cute little boy, Leon, part of a peanut butter sandwich in his hand and the rest on his face? He holds up the sandwich to Barney, offering him a sample of the good stuff?

That’s so me right now. And you? Well, your Barney for the moment. The only difference is, it’s not peanut butter sandwich on my face, in my hand, or on my mind – it’s some of the creamiest, most delicious chocolate I’ve ever tasted! Oh, and, hopefully you don’t have a bullet in your pocket.

Green & Black's Organic Chocolates, Chocolate candy review Green & Black's Organic Chocolates, Chocolate candy review
ABOUT GREEN & BLACK’S ORGANIC CHOCOLATE

In 1991, Green & Black’s co-founder Craig Sams (founder of the UK’s pioneering organic food company, Whole Earth) was sent a sample of dark 70 percent chocolate made from organic cocoa beans. His wife and co-founder Jo Fairley (an environmental columnist for The London Times), a self-proclaimed chocoholic ….a kindred spirit…. found it on his desk. Like any self-respecting chocoholic, she tasted it.

She realized that it was unlike anything she’d ever tasted and was overwhelmed by the intense flavor. She convinced Sams that they owed it to the world to create the world’s first organic chocolate.

The world was, and is, grateful!

Sams and Fairley name their new company Green & Black’s to symbolize their new product – green for organic and black for the rich, intense, dark brown (almost black) color of the chocolate.

Green & Black's Organic Chocolates, Chocolate candy review Green & Black's Organic Chocolates, Chocolate candy review
A few Did You Knows?

* Green & Black’s Fair Trade Policy: In 1994, Green & Black’s launched Maya Gold, the first UK product to be awarded the Fair Trade Mark by the UK Fair Trade Foundation. The first batch of Maya Gold chocolate, and every batch since, has been made with cocoa sourced directly from Mayan farmers, giving them a fair price for their crop. Green & Black has a long-term contract with these farmers, guaranteeing to buy all the cocoa they can produce.

This has, of course, helped the farmers improve the quality of their lives as well as those in their community.

* Green & Black’s cocoa powder also proudly carries the fair trade mark.

* Chocolate is a source of antioxidants. So, our addiction is actually good for us. Of course, I would have eaten it anyway, but that’s good to know.

Green & Black's Organic Chocolates, Chocolate candy review

My Rants and Raves and More Raves:

I’m not one to half-do anything, especially if that “anything” involves chocolate or coffee, so I took it upon myself to try each and every bar Green & Black’s makes. I know, I know – it was a gnarly job, but someone had to do it.

The White Chocolate: I have a weakness for white chocolate, so this was the first bar I opened. That brings me to something about the packaging – as soon as you have one of these big fat bars in your hand, you know you’re in for something special. The packaging is very classy and elegant-looking. I love the gold foil that the bars are wrapped in – printed with Green & Black’s logo. I don’t know why, but I’m ALL ABOUT little details like this. They show that someone cares greatly about what they’re doing and want every step of the way to be something special.

It is.

You’re struck, first of all, by the gorgeous packaging. Then, when you open the gold foil, the aroma sends you to chocolate heaven! It’s as though your eyes, nose and brain are running naked through a beautiful field of flowers calling for your taste buds to join them…

….and then they do just that. Oh. My. Goodness. These bars are amazing! The white chocolate was so creamy and rich – the flavor was absolutely flawless.

Some people will pass up a gourmet candy bar because they typically run between 2 and 4 dollars. They’ll grab one by the cashier’s register instead, for anywhere between 50 cents and a dollar. The error of their decision is this: For one thing, grabbing one of those bars instead of a gourmet one is like having instant coffee instead of a full-bodied, bold cup that has just gone from beans to grinds to cup. There’s just no comparison.

PLUS, a fast and nearly free candy bar is gone inside of 10 minutes – usually 5! Whereas a gourmet candy bar (weighing around 3.5 oz) can be enjoyed for hours. The intensity and goodness of the flavor begs to be savored – so you’ll find yourself tearing off a little square here….then a little square there…. piece by glorious piece.

The Mint Chocolate: Another of my favorites is the Mint Chocolate. I absolutely love the combination of mint and chocolate – the mint chocolate cookies that the Girl Scouts sell are one of my favorite things on earth. So, I was overjoyed to discover that Green & Black’s Mint Chocolate Candy Bar tasted dead on like the Girl Scout cookies I adore so much but can only get once a year. I can get Green & Black’s heavenly Mint Chocolate anytime I want. And, I will surely do just that! I love the Mint Chocolate as much as the White Chocolate bar.

The Almond Chocolate, Caramel Chocolate, and Cherry Chocolate: I honestly can’t remember which order I tasted these in. One of my daughters opened the Caramel Chocolate one and offered me a bite before she and said bar disappeared to the living room. (It was amazing!!!) Another daughter opened the Almond Chocolate bar – to be honest, she didn’t offer a bite, I had to chase her down. But I’m good at what I do, so I caught her, grabbed a nibble and floated on air. Delicious!

I was anxious to taste the Cherry Chocolate one because I was intrigued by it. The very second I opened it, the aroma took me to one of my favorite places: Christmas! The smell is reminiscent of high quality chocolate covered cherries that you make (and/or buy) at Christmas. The taste, however, is even more agreeable to a chocoholic, though, because the emphasis is much more geared toward the chocolate than it is the cherry flavor. You can taste the cherry flavor, of course, and it’s amazing – but it doesn’t overwhelm the star of the show!

Like all of the “flavors” used with these chocolate bars, they know they are a co-star and they fill their role beautifully. They compliment the chocolate but never, ever make the cardinal sin of upstaging it. Unforgivable, that.

The Espresso Chocolate: Are you kidding me? A combination of coffee flavor and chocolate – I’m SO THERE! This bar is very intense – deliciously so. I actually ate half of the bar (over the course of two days!) and then waxed brilliant with the rest. I filled up a few waffle cone bowls with Vanilla Breyer’s Ice Cream, shaved the Espresso Chocolate on top, dolloped a little homemade whipped topping on top…shaved some more Espresso Chocolate on that – and we had a happy, happy little party gathered around the kitchen bar!

The Hazelnut & Currant was amazingly good, too. I love hazelnuts, and this bar didn’t disappoint me one bit! The intense chocolate flavor of these bars just keeps blowing me away.

They’re available online at Greens & Black’s Organic Chocolate, at health food stores, and at most Target and Kroger stores (two of my homes away from home). On their website, they have a search function where you can enter your zip code or state and they’ll tell you where you can find their products nearby.

Look in your local Target, Whole Foods, or Kroger (or whatever store you shop in!) – if they have this line of candies, grab a couple of bars and try them for yourself.

Green & Black's Organic Chocolates, Chocolate candy review

Something I just saw on the website which has my mouth watering is the image above. They make Ice Cream! On today’s trip to Kroger and Target, I’m checking the frozen foods aisle for these babies. The mind shakes in anticipating wonder at what will happen when Green and Black’s get their chocolate hands on ice cream!

That’s it, I’m going to the store right now. After I grab another chunk of Mint Chocolate.

Filed Under: Candy, Candy Reviews, Chocolate!, Oh, Nuts!, Reviews, Table Talk Tagged With: candy review, chocolate review, Chocolate!

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My name is Joi (“Joy”) and Get Cooking is where I celebrate some of my greatest passions: Recipes, kitchen gadgets, gluten free food reviews, gluten free recipes, pig collectibles, chocolate, cookbooks, and coffee.

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