Organic Fair Trade Chocolate Mint Mill Box

admin — Wed, 17 Feb 2010 09:00:00 +0000

I don’t consider myself a chocolate connoisseur just because I love chocolate. Although as an unabashed chocolate lover, I was only too happy to review Sjaaks’ Organic Fair Trade Chocolate Mint Mill Box. I admit to being a little late to the party when it comes to all things organic, but I thought, how can one go wrong with chocolate?

My goodies arrived in a half-green, half-transparent box with a gold bow tied around it, which attractively displayed the chocolates. A USDA organic seal proclaiming Sjaaks' chocolates are 100% certified organic (which means no pesticides, herbicides, or other toxic chemicals are used in the growing process) and the additional fair trade label reassures customers that this product not only tastes good, but makes you feel good to purchase it. Unlike some of my favorite chocolates, the Mint Mills didn't taste as creamy or chocolaty as I am used to, and the strong mint flavor seemed to overpower the chocolate itself. So I gave the rest of the chocolates to my mother, who pronounced them “very good.”

Sjaaks Organic Chocolates has a nice back story. After meeting and falling in love in Southern Spain, founders Jacques and Pam Holten returned to the U.S. and started a traditional chocolate business in Pam’s hometown of Eureka, California. Eventually their vegetarian-inspired consciousness persuaded them to produce organic chocolates that reflect their passion for healthy eating and living. Thus, love + vacation = a chocolaty happily ever after.

Written by: Gita Tewari, February 17th 2010

Winter Wonderfuls: Dark Chocolate Crunchy Peanut Butter Snowmen

admin — Tue, 02 Feb 2010 01:00:00 +0000

By Sjaaks Organic Chocolates

I finished the last Dark Chocolate Crunchy Peanut Butter Snowman on the wintriest day in Atlanta. Anyone who is familiar with the city and its weather knows that snow covered roofs, cars, trees, and streets meant a snow day for hundreds of thousands of adults and kids alike. So it was one of those rare and perfect days to stay in and enjoy a chocolate-y treat!

Originally, I was a bit perplexed to find a box of nine little, white, individually wrapped, peanut butter snowmen waiting to be consumed. Crunchy peanut butter chocolate didn’t strike me as festive, and the snowmen looked like they were in costume for Halloween, but the box's homemade graphic appeal and the ease with which the snowmen could be shared won me over.

More importantly, and always exciting when it comes to edible indulgences, is that Sjaak’s chocolates are certified organic and fair trade. They also have a great selection of vegan products that would make anyone’s mouth water. It’s worth visiting Sjaak’s website, not only for its visual delight but also for its history and socially responsible mission.

As for the chocolate itself, I had mixed feelings. While the crunchy peanut butter filling delivered on the crunchiness, it wasn’t as flavorful as I’d hoped. It was also kind of slim because of the thick chocolate coating. Then again, the chocolate was the real winner, with a somewhat fudge-y, smooth taste and feel.

While the Winter Wonderfuls wouldn’t be at the top of my holiday wish list, they were a great introduction to Sjaak’s Organic Chocolates. Anyone who has a taste for organic, vegan-friendly chocolate should exploring the rest of their products. (They even have dark chocolate lavender truffles!)

Written by: Irene Wazgowska, February 1st 2010