Taza Chocolate's Most Popular Bars: A Taste Test

Quick Answer

If you want a classic Taza experience, start with 70% Deliciously Dark—it's the perfect balance of sweet and bitter. For a textural twist, Raspberry Crunch adds puffed quinoa crunch and fruit essence, while Peppermint Stick Dark Bark offers a seasonal, minty crunch at a higher 80% dark. Your choice depends on whether you prefer pure, unadulterated chocolate or flavor-packed crunch.

When you're staring at Taza's lineup of stone-ground organic bars, it's hard to know which one to toss in your cart. We've tasted through the most popular bars to break down what each brings to the table—literally. From the straightforward 70% Deliciously Dark to the festive Peppermint Stick Dark Bark, here's how they compare.

What sets these bars apart isn't just the percentage of cacao—it's the texture and flavor add-ins. Taza grinds its Direct Trade cacao on hand-carved granite millstones, which gives the chocolate a distinct, slightly gritty texture that chocolate lovers either adore or need a moment to get used to. Keep that in mind as you read on.

70% Deliciously Dark: The Classic

70% Deliciously Dark is Taza's flagship bar, and for good reason. It's made with just three ingredients: organic cacao beans, organic cane sugar, and organic cocoa butter. The 70% cacao content hits a sweet spot—bold enough to taste the cacao's true flavors, but with enough sugar to keep it approachable. The stone grinding brings out fruity, earthy notes that you don't get from mass-produced chocolate.

If you're new to stone-ground chocolate, this bar is a great introduction. It's unrefined, so you'll notice a slightly grainy texture that melts slowly on the tongue. Some people find this rustic feel charming; others prefer a smoother melt. There are no add-ins here, just pure chocolate, which makes it a versatile choice for snacking or baking.

• Try it if you want a straightforward, high-quality dark chocolate without distractions.

Raspberry Crunch: Flavor and Texture Combined

Raspberry Crunch takes the same 70% dark base and adds raspberry essence and puffed quinoa. The quinoa gives a light, crispy crunch that contrasts nicely with the dense chocolate. The raspberry flavor is fruity but not overly sweet, and it complements the cacao's natural notes. This bar is part of Taza's Amaze Bars line, which aims to pair bold chocolate with exciting flavor experiences.

The addition of puffed quinoa means more protein than puffed rice, but it also changes the mouthfeel. If you like a bit of texture in your chocolate, this is a winner. However, if you're a purist who wants to taste only the cacao, the raspberry and crunch might distract. It's a trade-off between purity and playful flavor.

• Great for those who enjoy fruit-and-chocolate combos with a satisfying crunch.

Peppermint Stick Dark Bark: A Seasonal Treat

Peppermint Stick Dark Bark is a holiday favorite, and it's easy to see why. It starts with an 80% dark chocolate—even bolder than the 70% bars—and mixes in puffed quinoa and peppermint stick pieces. The peppermint provides a cool, refreshing contrast to the intense dark chocolate, while the quinoa adds a crispy texture. This bark comes in a 4.2 oz bag of broken pieces, perfect for sharing or snacking.

The higher cacao percentage means less sugar, so the bitterness is more pronounced. If you're not used to 80% dark chocolate, the peppermint helps balance it, but it's still a bold choice. This is a seasonal product, so if you love it, stock up when it's available. The trade-off? You can't get it year-round, and the minty flavor might not appeal to everyone.

• Ideal for peppermint lovers who enjoy a high-percentage dark chocolate with a festive twist.

The Trade-Offs

• 70% Deliciously Dark vs. Raspberry Crunch: Both are 70% dark, but Deliciously Dark is pure and unadorned, while Raspberry Crunch adds fruit and crunch. The trade-off is simplicity versus excitement. Choose Deliciously Dark for a classic taste; choose Raspberry Crunch when you want texture and flavor.
• 70% Deliciously Dark vs. Peppermint Stick Dark Bark: Deliciously Dark is 70% and straightforward; Peppermint Bark is 80% and minty with a crunchy texture. The trade-off is mellower sweetness versus bolder intensity and seasonal flavor. If you're new to high-percentage chocolate, start with Deliciously Dark; if you're adventurous and love peppermint, go for the bark.
• Raspberry Crunch vs. Peppermint Stick Dark Bark: Raspberry Crunch is fruity and 70%, while Peppermint Bark is minty and 80%. The trade-off is a lighter, fruit-forward profile versus a deeper, more intense chocolate with a cooling finish. Raspberry Crunch suits those who prefer fruit flavors; Peppermint Bark is for mint lovers who don't mind extra bitterness.

Product Facts at a Glance

• 70% Deliciously Dark: 2.5 oz Dark Chocolate Bar. 70% Dark. Ingredients: Organic Cacao Beans, Organic Cane Sugar, Organic Cocoa Butter. May contain traces of tree nuts. This is the purest expression of Taza's stone-ground process, with no added flavors or textures. It's a reliable choice for those who want to taste the cacao itself.
• Raspberry Crunch: 2.5 oz Dark Chocolate Bar. 70% Dark. Ingredients: Organic Cacao Beans, Organic Cane Sugar, Organic Puffed Quinoa, Organic Cocoa... The puffed quinoa adds a crispy texture and a protein boost, while raspberry essence brings a fruity note. This bar is for those who like a multi-sensory chocolate experience.
• Peppermint Stick Dark Bark: 80% Dark Chocolate. 4.2 oz Bag. Ingredients include stone ground 80% dark chocolate, puffed quinoa, and peppermint sticks. At 80% cacao, this bark is more intense and less sweet than the 70% bars. The peppermint and quinoa provide a festive crunch, making it a seasonal treat you'll want to stock up on.

Which Bar Should You Choose?

Best for

• 70% Deliciously Dark: purists who want to taste the cacao and those new to stone-ground chocolate.
• Raspberry Crunch: adventurous eaters who enjoy fruit-and-chocolate pairings with a crispy texture.
• Peppermint Stick Dark Bark: peppermint enthusiasts and fans of high-percentage dark chocolate looking for a seasonal treat.

Not for

• 70% Deliciously Dark: those who prefer flavored or textured chocolate bars.
• Raspberry Crunch: purists who dislike fruit flavors or added crunch in their chocolate.
• Peppermint Stick Dark Bark: anyone who avoids mint or is sensitive to bitterness (80% cacao).

No matter which bar you pick, you're getting organic, stone-ground chocolate made with Direct Trade cacao. Start with 70% Deliciously Dark if you're unsure, then branch out to Raspberry Crunch or Peppermint Stick Dark Bark once you've acquired a taste for Taza's rustic texture. Happy tasting!