Taza Chocolate Reviews

Taza Chocolate, the company behind tazachocolate.com, is a Mexican-inspired stoneground, organic chocolate manufacturer based in Somerville, Massachusetts, USA. Here are some key points about the company and its products:

History and Mission

• Founding: Taza Chocolate was founded by Alex Whitmore in 2005 after his trip to Oaxaca, Mexico, where he encountered traditional stone-ground chocolate.
• Mission: The company's mission is to make and share stone ground chocolate that is seriously good and fair for all. They emphasize ethical cacao sourcing and direct trade relationships with small certified organic cacao growers.

Products

• Chocolate Bars: Taza offers a variety of stone ground chocolate bars, including:

  • The Amaze Bars: Flavors like Wicked Dark, Cacao Crunch, Coconut, Espresso Buzz, Maple Pecan, and more.
  • Chocolate Mexicano Discs: Flavors like Cacao Puro, 85% Super Dark, Chipotle Chili, Cinnamon, Coffee, Guajillo Chili, Salted Almond, and Vanilla.
  • Origin Bars: Minimally processed stone ground bars from different origins like the Dominican Republic and Bolivia.

• Chocolate Covered Treats: Almonds, cashews, and hazelnuts covered in stone ground dark chocolate.

Sourcing and Production

• Direct Trade: Taza Chocolate maintains direct trade relationships with small certified organic cacao growers, ensuring fair wages and high-quality ingredients.
• Production Process: The company uses traditional Mexican stone mills to grind cacao beans, resulting in a coarse, rustic texture and bold flavors.

Certifications

• USDA Organic: All products are certified USDA Organic.
• OU Kosher Pareve, Gluten Free, Dairy Free, Soy Free, Vegan: Taza Chocolate products meet these dietary requirements.

Availability

• Retail Stores: Taza Chocolate products can be found in over 2,800 retail stores across the United States.
• Online Presence: The company has an online presence through its website, where customers can purchase products and learn more about their mission and production process.

For more detailed information, you can visit their official website at tazachocolate.com.

Pros of Taza Chocolate:

• Unique Chocolate Making Process: Taza Chocolate is one of the few "bean to bar" chocolate factories in the country, focusing on sustainable and direct-trade practices.
• Variety of Flavors: Offers a range of unique flavors such as salted almond, orange, and various Mexican influences, which are artfully arranged in their gift shop.
• Customer Reviews: Generally well-received by customers, with many praising the intense fruitiness and natural sweetness of their chocolate.
• Organic and Vegan Options: Many of their products are certified organic and vegan, catering to specific dietary preferences.
• Customer Experience: Friendly employees and a relaxed storefront contribute to a positive customer experience.

Cons of Taza Chocolate:

• Texture Issues: Some customers find the texture of Taza's chocolate to be gritty or chalky, which can be an acquired taste.
• Limited Chocolate Making Experience: The actual chocolate making process during the tour is minimal, which may disappoint those expecting a more hands-on experience.
• Cost: While the tour is affordable at $5, the chocolate products themselves can be pricey, with some bars costing up to $6.50.
• Transportation Time: The location in Somerville requires a 45-minute journey from Boston, which can be a significant drawback for busy individuals.