Whilst browsing the Goodness Direct website I was drawn by this raw chocolate bar described as “Unique ‘white’ raw cacao confectionery, an indulgent fusion of algarobba & real vanilla”. Wow just reading about this bar which oddly contains no cocoa solids, sugar, dairy or gluten.
The Raw Chocolate Company
The Raw Chocolate Company was founded in 2006 and is a relatively small company with ten people (and expanding). Founder Linus has a fascinating job history from tree-surgeon to childcare worker and became a raw chocolate expert after numerous experimentation with raw cacao. Linus is supported by Sara (a designer and artist) who helps get the chocolate out of the kitchen and get it out to shops.
All of the companies printed material is printed with vegetable based inks on either 100% recycled or a mix of recycled fibres and pulp from FSC managed forests. I was surprised that the bar had a plastic wrapper inside the paper label (is it biodegradable as neither the website nor wrapper mention it?!).
The Raw Chocolate Bar
This is my first taste of a ready-made raw chocolate bar as I don’t really like eating processed ready-made foods and much prefer making food from scratch. I figure as it isn’t a ‘cooked’ item I am allowed, and I am very intrigued by this bar that is made in Sussex.
The chocolate is made using raw cacao butter which is a good source of essential fatty acids and is less likely to cause weight gain compared to hydrogenated fats. A look at the ingredients reveals Algarroba (South American carob) which is rich in minerals and protein. The bar I received states “improved recipe” on the label and doesn’t have mulberries in the ingredients unlike the website description. Vanilla and sea salt add a little flavour to the chocolate though it is a shame that they switched away from Himalayan rock salt (which apparently contains all minerals and trace elements found in the human body).
The Taste
My first rather greedy bite into the bar reveals that the texture is pretty similar to non-raw chocolate and it provides a satisfying bite. The first flavour that hit my taste buds is a slightly bitter and salty taste. I regret that there is too much salt for my palate, though I have always disliked salt and much prefer none in food than too much. The odd thing is I still like the chocolate and I actually cannot explain why. I suspect it is the nutrients that make me go back for more.
Speaking solely in terms of taste I cannot recommend the bar if you are not a fan of salt and it also has a rather hefty price of £2.98. If you are intrigued go to The Raw Chocolate Company and check out the explorer bars in the shop priced at a more sensible 99p each (grab them while you can!).
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