I grew up at time when there were still candy houses in the neighborhood, candy stores in the school student center, and ice cream trucks that also sold candy. While I liked the fruity, chewy confections, I savored anything chocolate. That was true then and is still true now.

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There are thousands of chocolate treats and varieties of dark, milk, and white chocolate on the market. Be that as it may, most chocolate fans have their preferred brand. The all natural and organic brands are what I come to prefer and love most. I personally know chocoholics who don’t believe chocolate, natural, and organic belong in the same sentence. To them, those words represent flavorless, unsweet, and just downright not good.

I have learned most of the naysayers are skeptical about trying anything beyond what they are used to or they’ve had a bad product. To that I say, “You just haven’t had the right one yet!” I believe it comes down to what’s in the chocolate recipe. I believe the simpler the better. The pure taste and rich quality of the ingredients speak for themselves.

Here are my top chocolate treat picks.

 

Green & Black’s Chocolate Bars

For the serious chocolate eater who loves rich, intense flavors. Made with organic ingredients. Green & Black’s bars are all about the chocolate! They are my favorite of all. My family buys them for me as gifts because they know I love them so much. SEE PRODUCT on UK website (full product catalog). Check availability and find out where to buy in the USA or visit Amazon.com.

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Justin’s Peanut Butter Cups

The perfect amount of chocolate to peanut butter. Made with organic ingredients. I eat these peanut butter cups as a snack, after meal dessert, or any time treat. (Ok, I admit…I have eaten these after breakfast too. They are just that good!) SEE PRODUCT

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Cocomira Chocolate Confections

All natural crunchy candy bark made with European chocolate, all-butter toffee, roasted nuts, or other candy toppings. Gluten and egg free. No preservatives, artificial flavors, or colors. SEE PRODUCT

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Brookside Chocolate-Covered Snacks with Fruit Flavored Centers

“Confectionary artistry” is one of the phrases Brookside uses to describe these delicious products, and I absolutely agree! The tasty snacks combine dark chocolate with exotic fruits and berries (açai, blueberry, pomegranate, goji and raspberry). SEE PRODUCT

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Chocomaker Belgian Dark Chocolate Dessert Cups

Ready-to-use special dessert cups for parties, gatherings, or entertaining. Packages sold with cups only (12-pack) or with mousse mix (6-pack). Absolutely no fuss dessert making. SEE PRODUCT

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Benefits of dark chocolate

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Dark chocolate happens to be my favorite variety. It has a strong, bittersweet flavor since it contains a lot less sugar than milk chocolate. Because of the high amounts of cocoa solids, dark chocolate is high in antioxidants, the compounds which help the body fight bad chemical processes that damage its cells. Dark chocolate contains vitamins, minerals, and other beneficial compounds for the skin, heart, brain, blood sugar, and tooth enamel.

 Chocolate museums around the world

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Find a chocolate museum near you. Here are a few interesting places I found in my research. Some of them offer hands-on experiences, classes and seminars. I can’t wait to visit one of them!

The World of Chocolate Museum & Cafe (Orlando, FL)

The Chocolate Museum (Cologne, Germany)

The Chocolate Museum (St. Stephen, New Brunswick in Canada)

Chocolate Museum (Brixton, London)

 

 

Sources: All quotes and product images are from the manufacturer’s websites.

 

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