Just when you think, “we have so many wonderful chocolate-y treats here at the co-op, how can it possibly get any better than this?” Well, we introduce you to some new mind-blowing chocolate.

Raaka Chocolate

From the creative hotbed of Brooklyn, NY comes some very unique chocolate bars showcasing the wilder side of cacao. Raaka Chocolate features single-sourced cacao in most of the bars and sources everything in a way that is as environmentally and socially responsible as possible. It is certified organic, kosher and non-GMO, as well as gluten and soy free. Our co-op is currently carrying four of their bars and they are all worth trying:

Bourbon Cask Aged (82% cacao—origin Kokoa Kamili, Tanzania)

This is probably the very first chocolate featuring cask-aged cocoa beans. To make this bar, they crack Tanzanian cacao beans into cacao nibs, then age the nibs in empty Berkshire Mountain Distilling bourbon barrels for four weeks. During the aging process, the nibs soak up the essence of bourbon stored in the oak. After four weeks, the nibs are ground, mixed with their house blend of cane and maple sugar, and made into a deliciously deep dark chocolate with notes of caramel, vanilla, and oak.

Smoked Chai (66% cacao—origin Alto Beni Cacao Co., Bolivia)

Lapsang Souchong, a smoked black tea from the Lapu Mountain region of south-east China, adds smoky mystery to the pinewood flavor of Bolivian cacao, while their own house blend of chai spice leaves an aromatic finish. This one tastes like curling up to a warm campfire.

Maple & Nibs (75% cacao‑ origin blend: ESCO Kivu, Eastern Congo & Öko Caribe Cooperative, Dominican Republic)

Here they combine a perfect combination of maple sugar and unroasted cacao for a rich, warm duo with deep fudge flavor. Toasted nibs add an addictive crunch. This bar reminds us of a pecan brownie. Pair it with a cup of your favorite coffee or milk.

Coconut Milk (60 % cacao— origin Zorzal Cacao, Dominican Republic)

They grind shredded coconut with cacao for a creamy, full-bodied “milk” chocolate with a velvet melt and a fruity, strawberry note on the finish. One bite and you’ll find yourself sitting on a beach somewhere, with all memories of traditional milk chocolate melting away.

Frisky Cow Gelato—Belgian Chocolate

This super-rich, cool, creamy chocolate goodness is half the fat of ice cream! Plus it supports the local economy, is good for the planet, AND helps to sustain one of Keene’s treasured places—Stonewall Farm. So, it’s a win, win, win, win, win.

Thank Linda Rubin, former Stonewall Farm educator and board member, who came up with this yummy treat. She found a way to combine two things she’s truly passionate about and we are smiling because of it! (P.S. There are other flavors to discover like Sweet Maple Cream, Strawberry and Coffeehouse Chip.)

Primal Chocolate—Midnight Coconut 100% Cacao

You will find absolutely zero sugar in this nutritional powerhouse. The Midnight Coconut Bar from Primal Chocolate combines unsweetened organic cacao and organic cacao butter with organic shredded coconut to deliver nutritious fats in abundance. Consider yourself warned, this bar is for those who like to venture on the dark side:)

(Also please note: Their chocolate bars are made in a facility where they use coconuts, almonds, and cashews. All of their products are made on shared equipment so there is a risk of cross contamination, which is why all of their products are labeled “Contains Tree Nuts.” Get more facts about Primal Chocolate.)