Review - Lindt Excellence (chocolate Bar): Extra Dark: 85% Cocoa

Lindt, a Swiss chocolatier which has been in the business since 1845 (and distributes it products from Stratham, New Hampshire) has a wide range of products and creates some very delicious and decadent chocolate treats. Among these are a line of 3.5 oz "Lindt Excellence" chocolate bars which range in intensity and creaminess from "extra creamy milk" to "extra dark". I think there are varying percentages among their dark candy bars. The bar I am reviewing is "Lindt Excellence: Extra Dark: 85% Cocoa."

"Lindt Excellence: Extra Dark: 85% Cocoa" chocolate bars come in a distinctive white and brown package with gold embossed letters and a decorative design of a ship amidst cocoa trees, along with a picture of the chocolate. The package says that "Lindt Excellence: Extra Dark: 85% Cocoa" has full-bodied cocoa flavor. It does not lie.

If the only dark chocolate you've ever had is the "Special Dark" from the Hershey's miniatures bag, then "Lindt Excellence: Extra Dark: 85% Cocoa" chocolate bars may not be what you expect. Dark chocolate bars with this percentage of cocoa are bitter and strong. They are not nearly as sweet as what we've become accustomed to in a chocolate bar. "Lindt Excellence: Extra Dark: 85% Cocoa." is a chocolate bar for what the package calls "true aficionados". I am the only one in my household that likes their chocolate this strong. "Lindt Excellence: Extra Dark: 85% Cocoa" has a dry texture compared to creamier varieties. There is also quite an aftertaste, almost like eating a spoonful of cocoa powder. So, unless you are really into dark chocolate like I am, you probably won't like is "Lindt Excellence: Extra Dark: 85% Cocoa." But for me, "Lindt Excellence: Extra Dark: 85% Cocoa" is one of the better dark chocolate bars I've tried.

If you are interested in dark chocolate for it's health benefits (Studies show that chocolate is good for you! Millions rejoice!) "Lindt Excellence: Extra Dark: 85% Cocoa" may be a good choice. A serving size of four squares has 12 percent of your Fiber, 4 percent of your Calcium, and 15 percent of your Iron, However it also has 210 calories, 28percent of your total fat, and 55 percent of your saturated fat.

However, It's taken me about a week to get through the ten squares in this bar of "Lindt Excellence: Extra Dark: 85% Cocoa". At most I eat two pieces at a sitting. So I get a little boost of antioxidants, and I personally don't take in a ton of fat and calories. For me, this is not a food that calls out to be gobbled down. In my opinion, it is an experience to be savored. As this is somewhat of an acquired taste, I'll let you be the judge.

Enjoy!