Dark Chocolate: What’s new in the marketplace for healthy, ethical dark chocolate? Part 2

The Ashland Oregon company Dagoba, purchased by Hershey late in 2006, recently came out with some new chocolate bars. Like many other chocolate companies, they are looking to further enhance the perceived benefit of dark chocolate with the addition of other nutritious foods.

The Super Fruit chocolate bar has 74% cocoa solids with the added benefit of some of the world’s most antioxidant-rich fruits: acai, currants, and goji berries. Acai is a Brazilian berry with a tart and earthy flavor according to the Dagoba website. They report that Goji berries are from Tibet and have a flavor that is a cross between a cherry and a cranberry with a slight earthiness.

In addition, Dagoba has three other dark chocolate bars with the added ingredients of cacao nibs, lemon, ginger, and seeds containing omega-3 fatty acids (hemp, pumpkin, and sunflower seeds). Each of these dark chocolate blends and infusions has 68% cocoa solids. Do go to the Dagoba website to read more about these tempting dark chocolate bars.

La Siembra, a Fair Trade Certified and certified organic chocolate company produces a line of chocolate products called Cocoa Camino. There are a number of new Cocoa Camino dark chocolate bars that include such additions as peppermint, espresso beans, and cocoa nibs. The cocoa content of these new products ranges from 55 to 67%.

If you’re looking for a higher cocoa content look for the Cocoa Camino intense dark chocolate line called “Los Intensos.” These may not be some of La Siembra’s newest products but they are new to me and they sound delicious! Check out the Chilies and Spice bar, Cranberries and Almonds, and Matcha Green Tea. Each of these bars has 71% cocoa solids.

The Sweetriot chocolate company also has some dark chocolate treats. This company has fair trade chocolate and uses premium, high quality, and all-natural ingredients. The dark chocolate offerings from the past couple of years include dark chocolate covered cocoa nibs as well as straight cocoa beans. These are for the true dark chocolate lover!

I hope I’ve given you some ideas for some delicious new dark chocolate treats produced by socially responsible businesses in an earth-friendly, sustainable way. And small amounts are actually good for your health! Now what could be better than that?