Not only were they the first Certified Organic and Fair Trade Fair for Life bean-to-bar chocolate factory in North America, Theo was also one of the first of its quality to become broadly distributed! First throughout the U.S. and then in Canada. They do produce some milk chocolate products (with dairy), but the soy-free and vegan line up of Theo Dark Chocolate Bars is quite extensive.
Tasting Notes for Theo Dark Chocolate:
At last count, the dairy-free collection of Theo Dark Chocolate Bars included sixteen flavors. But that number will ebb up and down with the seasons. Sadly, some flavors come and go with Theo Chocolate (goodbye my favorite Congo Vanilla Nib), because they like to rotate in unique new varieties often.
But we have tried a few of their staple bars, and I’ve included our tasting notes below. It’s followed by a list of the other Theo Dark Chocolate Bars currently available. If you buy and try any of the following, feel free to leave your own rating and review below.
Pure 70% Dark
This is the base chocolate used in most Theo Dark Chocolate Bars. It’s smooth, cacao-rich, and pleasantly bitter-sweet. It’s a nice simple chocolate that I would pick up if I saw it more often. But usually when they’re on sale, this bar runs out of stock.
Ingredients: cocoa beans*+, cane sugar*+, cocoa butter*+. *organic +fair trade
Nutrition (per 1 ounce): 170 calories, 11g fat, 14g carbs, 3g fiber, 9g sugars (includes 9g added sugars), 2g protein.*
Ginger 70% Dark
I love the way they contrast their bittersweet chocolate with sweet crystallized ginger crumbs. The tiny bits are finely minced and interspersed throughout the bar for a somewhat infused taste. It’s good, and I love the ginger contrast, but I would love it if the chocolate was just a smidgen less bitter – maybe 65%. In some bites the cacao overpowered the ginger.
Ingredients: cocoa beans*+, cane sugar*+, crystallized ginger* (ginger*, cane sugar*), cocoa butter*+. *organic +fair trade
Nutrition (per 1 ounce): 160 calories, 10g fat, 15g carbs, 3g fiber, 10g sugars (includes 10g added sugars), 2g protein.*
Raspberry 70% Dark
Though it’s the same cacao level as the Ginger Dark Chocolate Bar, the tiny bits of sweet-tart raspberry seem to better complement the chocolate for a better infusion of sweetness. Overall, it’s a scrumptious treat, and one that I’ve bought on several occasions.
Ingredients: cocoa beans*+, cane sugar*+, cocoa butter*+, freeze-dried raspberries*. *organic +fair trade
Nutrition (per 1 ounce): 160 calories, 11g fat, 14g carbs, 3g fiber, 9g sugars (includes 9g added sugars), 2g protein.*
Pure 85% Dark
I expected this bar to be too dark for straight up nibbling, but it is surprisingly edible on its own. It’s smooth without too much bitterness, but it still has a strong bite. I highly recommend it for those who are sensitive to sugars, or who want enjoy chocolate in moderation. A little bit is enough!
Ingredients: cocoa beans*+, cane sugar*+, cocoa butter*+, ground vanilla bean*+. *organic +fair trade
Nutrition (per 1 ounce): 180 calories, 13g fat, 11g carbs, 4g fiber, 4g sugars (includes 4g added sugars), 3g protein.*
More Flavors of Theo Dark Chocolate Bars
- Black Rice Quinoa Crunch 85% Dark
- Cherry Almond 70% Dark
- Coconut 70% Dark
- Coconut Almond 70% Dark
- Ghost Chili 70% Dark
- Grapefruit Ginger 55% Dark
- Mint 70% Dark
- Orange 70% Dark
- Root Beer Barrel 55% Dark
- Salted Almond 70% Dark
- Sea Salt 70% Dark
- Turmeric Spice 70% Dark
The Facts on Theo Dark Chocolate Bars (Vegan Varieties)
Price: $3.99 per 3-ounce bar
Availability: Theo Dark Chocolate is available at natural food and some conventional retailers throughout the U.S. and Canada. Their factory and direct retail shop is located in Seattle, where you can also get factory tours. And if you can’t find the flavor you want in store, you can order direct from them online or via Amazon.
Certifications: These Theo Dark Chocolate Bars are Certified Organic, Fair Trade Certified, and Certified Kosher D (for dairy equipment, not ingredients; see our Understanding Kosher Guide).
Dietary Notes: By ingredients, most Theo dark chocolate bars are dairy-free / non-dairy, egg-free, gluten-free, peanut-free, soy-free, vegan, and vegetarian. They do have several flavors that are also made without nuts.*
For More Product Information: Visit the Theo website at www.theochocolate.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.
Extensive dark chocolate bar line-up
From a certified organic and fair trade factory to perfectly formulated soy-free and dairy-free flavor infusions, Theo chocolate certainly does justice to the humble cacao bean. The Raspberry and Vanilla Nib are currently at the top of my favorites list, but that could easily change as I nibble my way through their extensive dark chocolate bar line-up.
4 Comments
My Favorite is the FIg Fenel and Almond! So addicting. I would love to bake a cake that mimics these flavors! YUMM
That’s a brilliant idea Rachel – it would make a great cake or quick bread.
One of my favorite chocolate companies, their Salted Almond Bar always rocks! Every holiday I give their Fantasy Bars as gifts and they’re always a huge hit but I see they have new Dark Chocolate Peanut Butter Cups so I think these will be the gift of choice this year. Thanks for the review! 🙂
I haven’t tried the Salted version yet, but adore salted chocolate – thanks for the recommendation Peace Patch!