The Best Taza Chocolate Bars for Dark Chocolate Lovers

If you love dark chocolate, you know that not all bars are created equal. The percentage of cacao, the roasting process, and the ingredients all play a role in the final flavor. At Taza Chocolate, we stone-grind our cacao to preserve the natural complexity of the bean, giving you a truly authentic experience. In this guide, we'll help you find the best Taza chocolate bars for your dark chocolate cravings.

Whether you're new to high-percentage dark chocolate or a seasoned connoisseur, we'll break down the options and offer practical tips for selecting your next favorite bar. From the approachable 70% Deliciously Dark Chocolate Chunks to the intense 87% Seriously Dark, there's a Taza bar for every taste.

Understanding Dark Chocolate Percentages

The percentage on a dark chocolate bar indicates the total amount of cacao (cocoa solids and cocoa butter) in the bar. The remaining percentage is typically sugar and sometimes other ingredients like vanilla or lecithin. A higher percentage means more cacao and less sugar, resulting in a more intense, bitter, and complex flavor.

For beginners, a 70% bar is a great starting point—it offers a balanced sweetness and a rich chocolate flavor. As you move to 80% and above, the bitterness becomes more pronounced, and you'll start to notice fruity, nutty, or earthy notes depending on the origin of the beans. At 90% and beyond, the chocolate is intensely dark and almost savory, appealing to those who truly appreciate the essence of cacao.

• Start with a 70% bar if you're new to dark chocolate.
• Move to 85-90% for a more intense experience.
• Try 95% and above only if you love extreme bitterness.

Top Picks for Dark Chocolate Lovers

Taza offers a range of dark chocolate bars that cater to different preferences. For a versatile everyday dark chocolate, the 70% Deliciously Dark Chocolate Chunks are perfect for snacking or baking. They have a smooth, creamy texture and a balanced flavor that appeals to most palates.

If you're looking for a more intense experience, the 87% Seriously Dark bar delivers a bold, robust flavor with notes of roasted coffee and a hint of fruit. It's a favorite among those who enjoy high-percentage chocolate. For the adventurous, the 95% Wicked Dark (available in the Taza Chocolate Tasting Kit) pushes the boundaries with an almost unsweetened, deeply complex profile that's not for the faint of heart.

• 70% Deliciously Dark Chocolate Chunks: best all-rounder.
• 87% Seriously Dark: for those who want a bold kick.
• 95% Wicked Dark: a challenge for the truly daring.

How to Choose Your Perfect Bar

When selecting a dark chocolate bar, consider your tolerance for bitterness and your intended use. If you plan to eat it straight, you might prefer a lower percentage like 70% to enjoy the sweetness. If you're using it in baking, a higher percentage like 87% can add depth to your recipes without being overly sweet.

Also, think about flavor profiles. Taza's stone-ground process gives their chocolate a distinctive gritty texture that some love. If you're new to this, start with a classic bar like the Mexican Style Chocolate Classic Collection, which includes a variety of percentages and flavors to explore. For a convenient option, the Chocolate Disc Party Pack offers a mix of discs in different cacao percentages, perfect for sharing or tasting.

• Consider your sweetness tolerance when choosing a percentage.
• For baking, higher percentages (85%+) add intense flavor.
• Try a variety pack to discover your favorite.

No matter which Taza dark chocolate bar you choose, you're in for a treat. From the smooth 70% chunks to the intense 87% Seriously Dark, each bar is crafted with care and a commitment to quality. Use this guide to find your perfect match, and don't be afraid to explore new percentages—you might just discover a new favorite.