I used to be naive about what was on food labels. I would see “healthy”, “fat-free” , “natural” and think I was doing a body good. Now, I’m on the lookout for all the “bad food words” on labels before I buy them. When I first discovered the organic candy isle at the health market part of our grocery store, I was thrilled to find a way to not feel so guilty to satisfy my sweet tooth. I soon learned that just because it was organic, didn’t mean that I didn’t have to read the label still. Especially chocolate. Most chocolate candy (including organic) contains soy; usually, lecithin. I really try to avoid that if I can. Why? See this article.
Boy, does that make it hard to shop!
I probably stood in that isle for a good twenty minutes (sorry, Hubs! I know you were waiting for me to get done), reading all the labels of the chocolate bars. I was fearing that if I ever wanted chocolate, I would have to put up with eating soy, when I came across Theo Chocolate. I read the label THREE TIMES to make sure I hadn’t missed anything.
Nope-this was a very clean chocolate bar!
In fact, here are all the wonderful things about this chocolate and it’s company:
- Like I said, Theo is soy-free.
- Theo Chocolate is vegan. Yep, no dairy in this chocolate. (Milk has been found to counteract the cocoa’s antioxidant benefits)
- Their chocolate is Fair Trade Certified.
- Theo Chocolate is charitable. Proceeds from the “Jane Goodall” line are donated to “benefit cocoa farmers, promote conservation in the tropical rainforest and directly contribute to the Jane Goodall Institute’s efforts to save chimpanzees, develop community-centered conservation efforts and direct youth education programs around the world.”
- They uses 50% recycled paper wrappers.
- My favorite: it is gluten-free!
The facts:
If you haven’t read on my blog a million times about how cocoa is a super food, I’ll tell ya again. Cocoa contains antioxidant polyphenols known as flavonoids. These antioxidants protect against “free radicals,” that wreak havoc on the body. Like, inflammation and aging. Antioxidants then neutralize these free radicals.
The higher the cocoa content (ideally, 70%+), the more antioxidants you get.
The Fun Stuff
They have many other flavors and styles that you can see on their website. I absolutely love the flavors that our local store carries. I wanted to also let you know these babies are huge! They are a generous 1.5oz and you probably won’t want to eat it all at once, or you might have a chocolate hangover.
Is there such a thing?
Dark Chocolate with Orange
Dark Chocolate with Orange features rich 70% dark chocolate infused with the essence of fresh oranges. This bar has an orange-zesty scent. I could probably just smell it all day. I love putting orange and chocolate together, but don’t like any tart taste. This flavor is very creamy and I love that the orange is not over powering.
Dark Chocolate with Ginger
Ginger has been such a digestive hero to me. 70% dark chocolate and add candied ginger. The result is a sweetly warming and spicy combination that brings out the best in both flavors.
Cherry & Almond
Chopped almonds throughout with a hint of cherries. That bar did not last long!
Dark Chocolate Mint bar
Dark Chocolate with Mint features rich 70% dark chocolate with a unique blend of spearmint and peppermint oils to create a surprisingly smooth bright version of this classic combo.
I love any minty chocolate. It is cool and refreshing, and the scent alone is intoxicating.
Dark Chocolate Chili Bar
Oh my! A chocolate bar for the spicy-eating hubs! I’m not one to go for the spicy things in life, but if you put chocolate on it, I fear I will eat it-and did! 70% dark chocolate, then add the warmth of chili, cinnamon,and a hint of citrus.
Could I pick a favorite? Oh, please do not make me choose! I eat them all equally-no, really. When I want some chocolate, I break off a piece from each and put them together in a bowl.
I will not discriminate!
So, which flavor would you like to try?
How about all of them?!
I’m giving away 5 Theo Chocolate bars!
Win it:
One lucky reader will win 5 Theo Chocolate bars (flavors depend on availability at time of giveaway ending).
US residents only-no P.O. Boxes please.
a Rafflecopter giveaway
If winner does not reply to notification email within 48 hours, a new winner will be chosen.
Visit:
Website: Theo Chocolate
Facebook: Theo Chocolate
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