SHE’S GREEN, HE’S GREEN

HEALTHY CHOCOLATE Product reviews from our eco-conscious couple John & Jennifer Burkhart We think it's only natural to talk (dream?) about chocolate when February rolls around, but maybe that's just us. How do you choose your preferred way to devour it when it's in everything from yogurt to popcorn? Well, you might find a new way right here—we certainly did. Healthy chocolate? What's a cacao nib? We got ya (chocolate) covered! JENNIFER BURKHART JOHN BURKHART

EATING EVOLVED SIGNATURE DARK PRIMAL CHOCOLATE BAR

HE SAID: Calling something your signature product is like saying, “Look, we know this is good 'cause this is what we do.” If I made this I would call it my signature chocolate, too. It was sweet and smoky, but still had those nice tart fruit notes. I also really liked that it was paleo/ vegan and only had three ingredients.

SHE SAID: Normally, I prefer milk chocolate, but the healthy hippie in me is managing to convince “eat-allthe-things” me to go to the “dark side.” Less sugar and antioxidants galore, it's hard to ignore the cacao. Especially this bar, with just enough sweetness from coconut sugar, and rich smooth chocolate to please your taste buds. And a cute monkey mascot on the wrapper to boot.

SWEETLEAF CHOCOLATE FLAVORED STEVIA SWEETENER

HE SAID: I honestly had no idea how to use this product. I first thought to try it in my coffee, you know mocha-style. But hot drinks accentuate that licorice flavor that Stevia has, so... strike one. I tried it in milk for the chocolate milk quick fix, but it didn't mix well so the top had no flavor and the last sip was all chocolate... strike two. It is zero calories and ultra-convenient, but if you're like me and don't dig Stevia in hot drinks, it's a waste.

SHE SAID: So, I'm still getting used to the flavor of Stevia. My coffee just doesn't taste the same. However, this one hardly had any aftertaste, so, progress! I thought the flavor was more of a vanilla-chocolate blend, which was ok, but don't expect the familiar velvety chocolate taste. Mixing it with plain yogurt was a hit with our kiddos!

FUN FRESH FOODS WORLD BERRIES BREWING CACAO

HE SAID: They market this as a replacement for coffee. But the world would have to run out of coffee for me to even entertain the idea of drinking this instead. It was very watery with a light cacao flavor. You might be able to switch to this if you like your sugar with coffee and cream because it is naturally sweet with no sugar added. The only way I'm getting through this bag is if I mix it in my coffee grounds mocha-style.

CAPPELLO'S DOUBLE CHOCOLATE CHIP COOKIE DOUGH

HE SAID: So the instructions said to slice half-inch rounds off the cookie dough tube, which was challenging to do because it was so packed with chocolate chips (first world problems, I know). We cooked these for the recommended time and they came out a bit dry, but the gooey chocolate chips helped to pull it through. They weren't as good the next day, so you should definitely eat these warm out of the oven (twist your arm right?)

SHE SAID: There's a faint hint of chocolate, but it's pretty much watery, bitter, chocolate tea. I much preferred adding a scoop to my pour-over filter or French press coffee to get those health benefits. You can also add the used cacao grounds to a smoothie or dessert. How's that for re-use and zero waste!

SHE SAID: With all that's not in this cookie I was shocked at how good these baked up! Warm and soft in the middle, and lightly crispy on the outside. I loved how chocolatey they were. The almond flour is definitely noticeable—a bit grainy, but I personally love almonds and chocolate together. I would say the only negative is the price—about $2 per cookie!

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