A {Fair} Guide to Chocolate at Whole Foods

You are in luck, my fair friends, because I'm pretty sure my husband has discovered THE GREATEST CHOCOLATE IN THE WORLD.

And you can buy it at Whole Foods.

Made in Eldersburg, Maryland, Salazon chocolate is fair trade, organic, and Rainforest Alliance certified. Its makers have created the ultimate chocolate trifecta of sea salt, organic coffee, and dark chocolate.

Since discovering this chocolate, we have become addicted to the stuff. And so far, everyone I have shared it with (friends, colleagues, family), have agreed it is The Bomb.

And as you know, chocolate is the perfect gift because it works for those you know, those you're not sure of, women and men, young and old. It's perfect for stockings and makes a great hostess gift, and with Salazon, you can't lose.  

Now, all of that raving is not to take away from the delicious chocolate being made by another local hero, Theo. Their chocolate is also organic, fair trade and made in the USA, but I think this excerpt from their mission says it all:

"We think about every choice we make, every action we take and how it will impact our interconnected world."

They've got the goods to back up all of that kindness and fairness, too. All of their chocolates are smooth and creamy, their salted almond bar is delish, and they've got a lovely Nutcracker-themed bar available right now at Whole Foods and at Teaism.

They've also partnered with Ben Affleck and the Eastern Congo Initiative (ECI) to launch a new chocolate bar series that’s helping Congolese farmers cultivate a brighter future. Theo ECI bars are rolling out at Whole Foods stores nationwide and are available in their online shop now. A portion of proceeds will be donated to ECI, with the potential to positively impact more than 20,000 people living in Eastern Congo.





Sweet Riot dark chocolate-covered cocoa nibs are another great treat. I munch the ones with espresso all day long at work (because dark chocolate is the healthiest way to get caffeine, obviously). They're also fair trade and come in a reusable tin. I keep bobby pins and laundry quarters in one of my old tins.

Last but not least, we have Justin's Organic Peanut Butter cups. Made from organic, fair trade dark chocolate and peanut butter, these babies are sooooo gooood. And yes, milk chocolate lovers, they come in mil-- or as I call it, "watered down"--chocolate as well. What's more, Justin's is a thoughtful, conscientious company that considers not just its ingredients, but its environmental footprint as well.

There are plenty more fair trade and organic chocolates available at Whole Foods, but these are my favorites in taste, texture, and good intentions. Hope you like!