Dar Chocolate Bars: Bean-to-Bar Bliss (Dairy-Free Versions)

Handcrafted in small bean-to-bar batches in Denver, Dar Chocolate Bars are high quality, fair trade, and seriously addicting. A sampling of Dar Chocolate Bars showed up in an adorable package, bundled in a newspaper-like wrap that was all about chocolate. Each of their bars features the cacao percentage, where the beans are from, and flavor notes.

Most of the Dar Chocolate Bars are made with just two ingredients (organic cacao beans & organic sugar), yet still boast full-bodied flavor.

Tasting Notes for Dar Chocolate Bars

I think Dar has turned me into a bit of a chocolate snob. Now I don’t want anything less than this quality goodness! I absolutely fell in love with the smooth finish and incredible flavors that come through in these chocolate bars. Some of the varieties I reviewed go in and out of production, based on the beans they source and what they are currently crafting. But the dairy-free line-up is usually similar to the ones shown here.

68% Coconut Milk

This coconut milk chocolate is seriously dreamy. A big statement, but I think it might be the best chocolate I’ve tried – dairy-free or not! It’s so rich, smooth, and creamy. The coconut milk gives it a sweet milky taste that is so luscious. It melts in your mouth, but also has that essential chocolate snap when you break off a square. This decadent bar is addicting!

72% Tanzania

This bar is described as having flavor notes of plum and cream. I am no chocolate connoisseur, so I’ve never really understood how a simple chocolate bar with no flavors added could have such different flavor notes. Until now… I was wowed by the fruity taste of this bar! This bar has a bit of a rich semi-sweet milky vibe, but the fruity notes shine through for a truly lovely flavor.

Un Petit Cafe

This variety is the 72% Ecuador enhanced with spices and coffee beans for a kick. It had the darkest taste and intensity of the bars that I sampled with numerous flavor dimensions. Overall, it has a slight bitterness from the dark chocolate and espresso, but the sweetness comes through just enough. If you’re a coffee lover, you’ll adore this flavor! And it is so decadent that just a square or two will satisfy. It’s great for a little afternoon pick me up.

72% Ecuador with Coconut Sugar

This variety has a flavor described as dried fig and smokey coconut, yet remarkably has just two simple ingredients! It has so many levels and flavor nuances, but the notes were spot on. It truly tastes like dried fig with a smokey aftertaste.This flavor tastes darker and deeper than the 72% Tanzania, but it still has very little bitterness in the aftertaste.

More Allergen Notes

Dar Chocolate does not have a “may contains” statement, and I could not find any allergen information on their website. However, they do make some varieties with milk. As always, check with the manufacturer if you have severe allergy concerns.

The Facts on Dar Chocolate Bars

Price: $7 per 1.75-ounce bar

Availability: Dar Chocolate Bars are sold in select Whole Foods regions and at other natural food stores. But you can also order them online direct from the company’s website below.

Certifications: We did not note any certifications on Dar Chocolate Bars.

Dietary Notes: By ingredients, Dar Chocolate Bars are dairy-free / non-dairy, egg-free, gluten-free, grain-free, nut-free, peanut-free, soy-free, vegan, and vegetarian. Select varieties are also paleo-friendly.*

For More Product Information: Visit the Dar Chocolate website at www.darchocolate.com.

*Always read the ingredient and nutrition statement prior to consumption. Ingredients, processes, and labeling are subject to change at any time for any company or product. Contact the company to discuss their manufacturing processes if potential allergen cross-contamination is an issue for you. No food product can be guaranteed “safe” for every individual’s needs. You should never rely on ingredient and allergen statements alone if dealing with a severe food allergy. 

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What Others Are Saying ...

Simplest ingredients, yet boasts full-bodied flavor.

Rated 5 out of 5

March 6, 2019

Each perfectly sectioned bar is made with the simplest ingredients, yet boasts full-bodied flavor. To be honest, this is the best chocolate I’ve ever sampled! The quality came through in each luscious bite. They provide flavor notes for each variety and I was amazed at how a two-ingredient bar could embody those nuances so well. The base chocolate is smooth, rich, and melts in your mouth, but the coconut milk variety took top honors for its luscious, creamy finish. These bars are a pricey indulgence, but sometimes you just have to treat yourself!

Leah