Chocolate...how we love thee! Unfortunately, conventional chocolate production isn't good for the earth, fueling wars in Africa, engulfing rain forests, spreading toxic pesticides and paying out meager wages (especially to child workers). But luckily for chocoholics there is a sweet story as well, with organic and fair trade chocolate becoming much more widely available.When choosing chocolate, opt for the dark varieties that contain 65 percent or more cocoa solids. These chocolate varieties possess a richer flavor with more complex notes without the cloying sweetness of milk added to it. Plus, you will get all the health benefits of the cocoa bean because dark chocolate has had little of the nutrient-robbing mass production manufacturing process applied to it.
Expecting or shopping for chocolate for Valentine's Day? Here are a few of the best organic and fair trade chocolates out there that you can find at any health food store, Whole Foods or even your local supermarket!
Endangered Species Chocolate
Endangered Species Chocolate donates 10% of its net profits to help support at-risk species, habitat and humanity. These delicious chocolates are made with ethically traded, shade-grown cacao and are certified organic. Indulge your sweet tooth and know that your money is going toward the greater good. Plus, there are cute animals on the package. ;) The one with the toucan is my favorite one!
Dagoba Organic Chocolate
If variety is the spice of life, the Dagoba Organic Chocolate Sampler is a must. This selection is deliciously Twilight-themed, with "Eclipse" and "New Moon" bars. The fine organic chocolate bars also come in flavors like lavender and roseberry, and each bar is wrapped in 100% recycled paper, with biodegradable labels.
Green & Black's Organic Chocolate
A bar of organic chocolate and champagne for two. Sounds pretty romantic to us! Green & Black's controls every step of the chocolate-making process from "the bean to the bar," paying Belize cocoa farmers fair trade prices and supporting their cooperative. And earlier this year, they announced their commitment to move their entire line to Fair Trade Certified in the U.S.
Their dark chocolate ginger bar is straight from the heavens...it's my favorite!
Expecting or shopping for chocolate for Valentine's Day? Here are a few of the best organic and fair trade chocolates out there that you can find at any health food store, Whole Foods or even your local supermarket!
Endangered Species Chocolate
Endangered Species Chocolate donates 10% of its net profits to help support at-risk species, habitat and humanity. These delicious chocolates are made with ethically traded, shade-grown cacao and are certified organic. Indulge your sweet tooth and know that your money is going toward the greater good. Plus, there are cute animals on the package. ;) The one with the toucan is my favorite one!
Dagoba Organic Chocolate
If variety is the spice of life, the Dagoba Organic Chocolate Sampler is a must. This selection is deliciously Twilight-themed, with "Eclipse" and "New Moon" bars. The fine organic chocolate bars also come in flavors like lavender and roseberry, and each bar is wrapped in 100% recycled paper, with biodegradable labels.
A bar of organic chocolate and champagne for two. Sounds pretty romantic to us! Green & Black's controls every step of the chocolate-making process from "the bean to the bar," paying Belize cocoa farmers fair trade prices and supporting their cooperative. And earlier this year, they announced their commitment to move their entire line to Fair Trade Certified in the U.S.
Their dark chocolate ginger bar is straight from the heavens...it's my favorite!
Happy Valentine's Day!
Keep it fresh!
- Lauren
Keep it fresh!
- Lauren