100% Chocolate Bars You Might Actually Like
OK, you might not.
But, if you’ve watched my video, you’ll know I think it’s always worth having a bar in the house.
Not only is it incredibly good for you, tasting 100% first makes all other dark chocolate taste amazing!
Worst case, you can use it in savoury cooking, baking or into a hot chocolate and add sugar to get it to a level you can tolerate!
Here are some UK (or Irish)-made 100% cocoa content bars that have high ethics.
Firstly, you should know that, legally, bars made of 100% cocoa beans with no sugar, can’t be called chocolate.
I’m ignoring that for the sake of this article, so you know what I’m talking about.
If you’re game… here are some 100% bars that will either convince you that it can be tolerable - even enjoyable! - to eat chocolate with no sugar.
OR at least trying one of them might make those 70-80% bars you once thought were too much for you, actually taste delicious!
Chocolate Tree
This is one of my favourite 100% bars. The acidity you’ll taste - from these Maya Mountain beans from Belize - is one of my personal preference of chocolate tastes. Especially in a 100% bar, I find it helps distract you (me) from the lack of sugar.
One to get if you’re the kind of person who thinks most meals are improved by a squeeze of citrus or splash of apple cider vinegar. You can buy it here by the bar or here in a bag for cooking (or snacking).
Duffy’s
This is more classically chocolate - tasting a little like an intense chocolate cake , but with a little hint of blackcurrant. At least it did when I tried it late last year.
You might notice liquorice in there too. You can buy it directly, here.
Beancraft
This is another mouth-wateringly acidic bar. I love it. Made with Sierra Nevada Colombian beans.
Table.
This one is slightly olivey, much more savoury. If it ends up not being to your taste you can use it for baking - or a little in a mushroom risotto or bolognese is excellent! I recommend getting the 72% Tanzanian from Table as well if you do buy this 100%.
Gatos
This is quite an intense, slightly earthy bar. If you already know you like 100% chocolate then it’s worth a try! Get it here.
Firetree Chocolate
Firetree make two 100% bars. My favourite is the Solomon Islands one. It’s more acidic and naturally sweeter (or maybe the acidity makes it seem sweeter?), but the Vanuatu bar is also excellent.
Luisa’s Vegan Chocolates
This is a truly excellent bar. Just like Firetree’s. Those Solomon Islands beans make for an excellent 100% bar! The beans are farmed and processed by women.You can stop into Luisa’s Nottingham atelier to try before you buy as well.
Mayoy Chocolate
This Venezuelan bar just won a Silver Award at the International Chocolate Awards. I don’t know if any of the others above were entered, but it’s not a comparison award, each bar is judged on its own merits. It’s made by José, a Venezuelan, in London.
Did I miss any you love?
Do let me know here.
There are 54 craft chocolate makers in the UK and Ireland so do have a look at the full list to see if they might make a 100% you’ll love.