Got Cocoa!

Thomas Jefferson said, “The superiority of chocolate, both for health and nourishment, will soon give it the same preference over tea and coffee in American which it has in Spain.” Although we have yet to truly reach that point with modern day hot chocolate surpassing tea and/or coffee. However, the tide may be changing? According to the International Business Times, the demand for cocoa for a March delivery increased “3 pounds, or 0.3 percent, to 1,120 pounds ($2,187) a ton after posting 17 percent gain last year.” On the other hand, coffee delivery for “March declined $23, or 1.1 percent, to $2,024 a metric ton.”

The value of the dollar vs. the euro plays a role in this equation as well…but I really don’t understand all of that extra stuff. All I care about is… Got Cocoa!

Expensive Cocoa Beans

Chocoholics beware! The price of cocoa beans and milk has gone up substantially, therefore so has the price of our hot chocolates and chocolate bars. One of the big boys, Hershey’s lead the price increase race on wholesale prices on their chocolate products and other companies have followed suit. This is the second price increase in a year which means customers will be paying much more for chocolate products. Hershey chocolate doesn’t have a high enough cocoa content for me (except for their Special Dark Chocolate and Cacao Reserve; but other companies already have my loyalty) . However, they own Scharffen Berger and Dagoba Organic chocolates. Both make are absolutely wonderful cocoa powder, hot chocolates and baking chocolates. The two companies were acquired a few years back and are being folded into the “Hershey” way.

Although I am going to age myself, I remember when candy bars were 25 cents! You can probably get something from McDonald’s $1 menu for the same price of a candy bar is now. At least you can justify that cocoa is good for you and that is why you MUST have a candy bar. But everyone knows you have to buy the dark chocolate to receive the true benefits of cocoa.

I personally was a little shocked that the increase was so swift. I went to purchase inventory of a very popular hot chocolate and it went up by $15.00 a case and the selling price by $3.00. Geez!

Entry Maltodextrin, Gum Arabic and Cocoa????

During my last visit to Trader Joe’s, I was trying to replenish my supply of their Organic Cocoa Powder that is non-alkalized, gluten-free and Kosher certified. Unfortunately, they stopped carrying the product which made me very unhappy. So, I had to see what other alternatives they had on their shelves. After visiting two different stores, I came home with Trader Joe’s Conacado Organic Fair Trade Cocoa, a Natural Mint Cocoa and a Sipping Chocolate.

Last night I decided to try the Conacado Cocoa. The beans are purchased from the Conacado grower’s cooperative of the Dominican Republic and the product has every single certification on the market plastered all over the can. USDA Organic, Quality Assurance International Certified Organic, Fair Trade Certified and one certification/label I’ve never heard of (COR183D).

It is interesting that this is an organic product with an organic maltodextrin [corn] and organic gum Arabic in the ingredients. What those two have to do with cocoa is beyond me but….

Nonetheless, I was used my Archer Farms Organic Milk to keep in theme with the “organic” experience to make the hot cocoa. At first I was a little concerned that it would be too thin. However, I noticed the consistency appeared to thicken over a period of time. Which is excellent for me since I love thick and creamy beverages.

Overall, I must say the Conacado Cocoa was fine, but I truly miss the Organic Cocoa Powder and it’s easy to read ingredients. Bring it back!!!!!

Farewell My Friend...

I just received notification that one of my favorite hot chocolates has been discontinued...Mandarin a la Taza. This Spanish hot chocolate was extremely thick and one of our household favorites. As a I was trying to source a new importer, I received an order for 6 Mandarin a la Tazas. However, I was down to my last 4. If I would have known that this would be the last time I would set my eyes on that delicious hot chocolate, I would have saved a box for myself. But, customers come first!


I remember the first time we sat down to enjoy this hot chocolate when my husband said "It's like drinking a candy bar!" Which was so true! The Spanish enjoy very thick hot chocolate with their Churros. The churros are dipped in their hot chocolate and eaten. Unlike the churros we eat here in the USA, the Spanish do not roll their churro pastry in Cinnamon and Sugar because the sweetness comes from the hot chocolate.

Dunkin’ Donuts New Hot Chocolate

Dunkin’ Donuts just announced their new relationship with Mars, Inc. that resulted in the development of Milky Way® Hot Chocolate. My husband, who is working in NY and MA right now, said he has heard the commercials on TV up there were Dunkin’ Donuts is HUGE! Dunkin’ it is like Starbucks on the West Coast…it’s on every single corner of the neighborhood.

Nonetheless, has anyone tried it yet? I’am thinking major sugar rush?

Lego Hot Chocolate Mixer

Gotta love it! This is taking hot chocolate frothing to a whole other level. Look at this Lego creation!

"Lego Hot Chocolate Mixer"