Name: Maya Gold
Brand: Green & Black’s (Organic)
Place Purchased: gift
Price: unknown
Size: 3.5 oz
Calories per ounce: 164
Type: Chocolate
It’s strange, but I got this bar (two different sizes) as a gift from two different people the same week. They’ve got good taste (thanks Ruth & Jay)! I’d first tried Green & Black’s last Thanksgiving when my sister-in-law brought a box of the little medallions to dinner. They were super, and not at all grainy like some other organic chocolates I’d tried.
Green & Black also uses Fair Trade suppliers for their cocoa and also organic. Green & Black was purchased by Cadbury Schweppes earlier this year.
This bar is a little different because it’s flavored. Maya Gold is dark chocolate with orange and spices. Think of that orange spice tea. The chocolate is smooth, rather sweet but doesn’t overpower the chocolate flavors. The main spicy flavor note that I detect is clove, which I don’t normally like, but it works well with orange. There’s a little hint of vanilla and perhaps some nutmeg.
Overall, it’s not my favorite flavor of chocolate, but the consistency of the chocolate itself is very good. Not quite as buttery as the Chocovic last week, but sweeter and I can see myself eating more of this in one sitting.
Other reading - here’s more about G&B’s Fair Trade Maya Gold bar.
Rating - 8 out of 10
I always found the organic stuff had a “gamey” taste to it. I think the Dagoba dark bar was the best I ever had from the organic chocolates. And I know I’ve had Green and Black’s but I can’t remember if I liked it or not. Time for another review!
Have you review Korkunov chocolate yet? Nice packaging, very bad flavor. But you have to experience it to know for sure. :D
I like the Maya Gold, too, but you’re incorrect to suggest that G&B uses only Fair Trade cocoa. (I realize that is not specifically what you wrote, but that’s how most everyone will read it.) In fact, the Maya Gold is the only one of their many chocolates that uses Fair Trade cocoa. However, they still get some points in my book for taste, and using organic ingredients, especially given the dubious conditions on West African cocoa farms.
Thanks for the tip on Korkunov, Jon. At least if I dislike it too, I can tell everyone and it’ll be a great public service.
John, thanks for the clarification on the Green & Black’s ... I did some more reading after posting this and I understand the company better ... that their stuff is organic but not all is fair trade. I’m hoping that not only will Cadbury allow G&B to continue their work on Fair Trade, but maybe some of those practices will seep into Cadbury’s business practices. And then the rest of the chocolate industry. I know that it’s a long road to go, but I think we’re making great gains in the coffee area too.
Thanks for reading!
I like the orange flavoring, but I have to say dark chocolate, as a whole, isn’t my fave. I think I OD’d on it when I was a kid. The upside—I really love the first few pieces, but then it gets too rich, so I stop. Chocolate enjoyment without overindulgence Plus, it’s fair trade!
I just tried this today, and I’m enjoying it. I think it’s a nice change from your ordinary chocolate. It was between this one and the 70% (or was it 72%?) dark, and MusicalDad and I decided on this one. I’m not disappointed.
I tired this today and as bizzar as it is, my first thought was, why does this taste like burnt bacon!? :o/ lol. After a second try i got a better taste for it but on the whole its not that impressive. It wouldnt satisfy a chocolate craving or leave you wanting more.
I am concerned that if they were bought out by Cadbury it will no longer be fair trade chocolate. Also, I like the idea of buying fair trade chocolate from Africa, so the children there can go to school instead of becoming slaves to the chocolate industry.
I am keen to try G&B’s Butterscotch Bar, but they are not selling it in the states yet. Any idea as to when they might?
Jon—You thought A. Korkunov has bad flavor?! Perhaps you tried the wrong variety. I love dark chocolate (72% is just perfect for me, but I’ve eaten and enjoyed some >80% too) and theirs is the best I’ve had (although I’ve yet to try Green and Black’s). My only gripe is that it’s so hard to get in the States. I buy mine in Russia.
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