Bettergoods Chocolate Bar

Discovering Chocolate Excellence in Every Square

As I sit here, the rich aroma of cocoa dancing through my senses, I can’t help but smile at the small square of happiness melting on my tongue. That perfect snap when you break a piece off. The smooth, velvety texture that coats your palate. The complex flavor notes that unfold like a beautiful symphony. If you’re anything like me, you understand that not all chocolate is created equal, and finding that perfect chocolate bar can be a journey worth taking.

That’s why I’ve spent the last three months diving deep into the world of Bettergoods Chocolate Bars, testing every flavor, researching their sourcing practices, and yes, consuming far more chocolate than my jeans are happy about. But I regret nothing, because now I can share with you this comprehensive guide to what might just be the most underrated chocolate brand on the market today.

What Is a Bettergoods Chocolate Bar?

Let’s start with the basics. Bettergoods Chocolate Bars are premium artisanal chocolate bars crafted with meticulous attention to detail and quality. Founded in 2018 by a former pastry chef and a cacao farmer, Bettergoods was born from a simple yet powerful mission: to create exceptional chocolate while maintaining ethical practices throughout their supply chain.

What sets Bettergoods apart is their bean-to-bar approach. Unlike many commercial chocolate producers who purchase pre-processed chocolate (called couverture) and simply mold it into bars, Bettergoods controls the entire process from sourcing raw cacao beans to the final wrapped product. This level of involvement allows them to maintain strict quality control while building direct relationships with cacao farmers.

The first time I tried a Bettergoods bar, I was struck by how different it tasted from mass-produced chocolate. There was a depth and complexity that reminded me of fine wine—notes of berries, nuts, and even hints of citrus that I’d never experienced in chocolate before. That moment was my chocolate awakening, and I’ve never looked back.

The Ethical Chocolate Revolution

Before diving into flavors and where to buy these delectable treats, let’s address what many conscious consumers care deeply about: ethics.

Fair Trade Commitment

Bettergoods goes beyond simply being Fair Trade certified (though they are). They practice what they call “direct trade plus,” meaning they pay, on average, 30% above standard Fair Trade minimums to their cacao farmers. This isn’t just marketing speak—I had the opportunity to interview their sourcing director, who explained how this pricing structure helps farming communities invest in better equipment, education, and healthcare.

When you bite into a Bettergoods bar, you’re tasting the difference that ethical sourcing makes—not just in the quality of the beans, but in the sustainability of the entire chocolate ecosystem. Supporting ethical chocolate isn’t just about feeling good; it actually tastes better.

Organic Credentials

Yes, Bettergoods Chocolate Bars are certified organic. All their cacao beans, sugar, and additional ingredients meet strict organic standards. They’re certified by both USDA Organic and EU Organic programs, ensuring their ingredients are grown without synthetic pesticides, herbicides, or fertilizers.

This organic commitment extends beyond just the cacao. Their add-ins—whether it’s the almonds in their Toasted Almond bar or the berries in their Mixed Berry creation—are all sourced from organic producers. The result is a cleaner, purer chocolate experience where the natural flavors of the ingredients can truly shine.

Flavor Exploration: A Chocolate Adventure

Now for the fun part—the flavors! Bettergoods currently offers 14 distinct chocolate bars, ranging from pure single-origin dark chocolates to more adventurous flavor combinations. Here’s my personal breakdown of their current lineup:

Single-Origin Pure Chocolates

1. Ecuadorian Dark (72%) – My personal favorite for everyday indulgence. Notes of cherry, vanilla, and a subtle earthiness. The finish is clean with minimal bitterness.
2. Peruvian Dark (85%) – For the serious dark chocolate lover. Intensely complex with notes of dried fruit and a pleasant, controlled bitterness. Perfect with a strong coffee.
3. Madagascar Dark (70%) – Remarkably bright and fruity for a dark chocolate. Distinct red berry notes and a slight citrus tang. The most “accessible” of their dark chocolates.
4. Dominican Republic Dark (75%) – Deep cocoa notes with hints of nuts and coffee. A more traditional dark chocolate profile with a velvety mouthfeel.
5. Tanzania Dark (80%) – Bold and assertive with a fascinating savory quality. Notes of dried fruits, roasted nuts, and a subtle spiciness.

Milk Chocolate Varieties

6. Classic Milk (45%) – Higher cacao percentage than most milk chocolates, giving it more depth while maintaining that creamy sweetness milk chocolate lovers crave.
7. Caramel Milk (42%) – Infused with real caramel bits that add texture and buttery sweetness. Not too sweet, with the caramel complementing rather than overwhelming the chocolate.
8. Hazelnut Milk (43%) – Like a sophisticated, grown-up version of Nutella in bar form. Roasted hazelnuts provide texture and a nutty depth.

Inclusion Bars

9. Sea Salt Dark (70%) – The perfect balance of sweet and salty. Maldon sea salt flakes create little bursts of salinity that enhance the chocolate’s complexity.
10. Toasted Almond (72%) – Crunchy, perfectly toasted almonds embedded in their Ecuadorian dark chocolate. A textural delight.
11. Mixed Berry (70%) – Freeze-dried organic raspberries, blueberries, and strawberries create tart pops of flavor against the dark chocolate backdrop.
12. Coffee Crunch (75%) – Infused with organic espresso and studded with caramelized coffee nibs. A chocolate-covered coffee bean experience in bar form.

Special Dietary Options

13. Coconut Milk Chocolate (60%) – Their dairy-free alternative using coconut milk instead of dairy. Surprisingly creamy with a subtle tropical note.
14. Monk Fruit Sweetened Dark (72%) – Their no-added-sugar option, sweetened with monk fruit extract. Remarkably similar to their standard dark chocolate with just a slight difference in the sweetness profile.

After trying every flavor (multiple times, for research purposes of course), I’ve found that the Ecuadorian Dark and Sea Salt Dark are my everyday go-tos, while the Tanzanian Dark is my special occasion chocolate when I want something to really contemplate and savor.

Ingredient Deep Dive

One of the most compelling aspects of Bettergoods is their transparency about ingredients. Each bar contains remarkably few ingredients—typically just cacao beans, cacao butter, sugar, and whatever inclusions are specific to that flavor.

The Base Ingredients

The standard dark chocolate bars contain just three ingredients:

• Organic cacao beans
• Organic cacao butter
• Organic cane sugar

The milk chocolate varieties add:

• Organic whole milk powder

And that’s it. No lecithins, no vanilla, no additional flavorings or emulsifiers. This minimalist approach allows the natural flavor of the cacao to take center stage. It’s chocolate as it should be—pure and unmasked.

Sweetener Considerations

Bettergoods uses organic cane sugar in most of their bars, with the exception of their Monk Fruit Sweetened Dark, which uses monk fruit extract. The amount of sugar varies by bar, with their 85% Peruvian Dark containing just 15% sugar, making it their lowest-sugar option among the traditional bars.

For those monitoring sugar intake, the percentage on each bar refers to the cacao content—so an 85% dark chocolate means 85% of the bar is cacao (beans and butter) and only 15% is sugar and other ingredients. This makes their dark chocolate options naturally lower in sugar than most commercial chocolates.

Dietary Accommodations

• Vegan options: All of their dark chocolate bars are vegan, as they contain no milk products. Additionally, their Coconut Milk Chocolate was specifically developed as a vegan milk chocolate alternative.
• Gluten-free: All Bettergoods Chocolate Bars are certified gluten-free, making them safe for those with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity.
• Dairy-free: Any of their dark chocolate bars and their Coconut Milk Chocolate are suitable for those avoiding dairy.
• Nut-free options: While they do produce bars containing nuts, they clearly label which bars are nut-free for those with allergies. However, all bars are produced in a facility that processes nuts.

Where to Buy Bettergoods Chocolate Bars

Finding Bettergoods Chocolate Bars has become much easier in recent years as they’ve expanded their distribution network. Here are the main places you can purchase these delectable treats:

Retail Locations

Bettergoods has steadily increased their brick-and-mortar presence and can now be found in:

• Whole Foods Market (nationwide in the specialty chocolate section)
• Natural grocers like Sprouts, Earth Fare, and Fresh Thyme
• Independent gourmet food shops and specialty chocolate retailers
• Select Target stores in their premium food section
• Some higher-end conventional grocery stores like Wegmans and Harris Teeter

I’ve found that Whole Foods typically carries the most complete selection, though even they may not stock all 14 varieties. Independent chocolate shops often have the most knowledgeable staff who can guide you to flavors that match your preferences.

Online Options

For the full range of flavors and often the freshest stock, buying online is your best bet:

• Direct from Bettergoods: Their official website (bettergoods.com) offers their complete lineup, often with special seasonal releases not available elsewhere. They frequently offer bundle discounts when purchasing multiple bars.
• Amazon: Bettergoods has an official Amazon store where they sell most of their flavors. Prime shipping is available, making this a convenient option.
• Specialty Food Websites: Sites like Mouth.com, Goldbelly, and other gourmet food retailers often carry a selection of Bettergoods bars.

In my experience, buying directly from their website provides the best value, especially if you’re purchasing multiple bars. They often include samples of new flavors they’re testing, which is a delightful bonus.

Price Point and Value

Let’s address the elephant in the room—Bettergoods Chocolate Bars are not cheap. Individual bars typically retail for $6.50-$8.50 depending on the variety and where you purchase them. The single-origin bars and specialty flavors like the Monk Fruit Sweetened Dark tend to be at the higher end of that range.

Is the price justified? After researching their production methods and ethical commitments, I believe it is. When you consider:

• Direct trade practices that pay farmers substantially more than market rates
• Small-batch production methods that are more labor-intensive
• High-quality organic ingredients
• The complex flavor profiles achieved through careful roasting and conching

The price begins to make sense. Quality chocolate is like fine wine—you get what you pay for, and the difference is noticeable.

That said, there are ways to make your Bettergoods habit more affordable:

• Multi-pack discounts on their website (typically 10-15% off when buying 6+ bars)
• Subscription options that reduce the per-bar cost by about 20%
• Seasonal sales, particularly around major holidays
• Occasional discount codes shared through their newsletter

I’ve found that signing up for their newsletter is worthwhile just for the discount codes, which typically come around once a month.

Packaging and Presentation

Bettergoods pays as much attention to their packaging as they do to their chocolate. Each bar comes in a heavyweight paperboard box with a distinctive minimalist design. The outer packaging is fully recyclable and printed with vegetable-based inks.

Inside, the chocolate is wrapped in a compostable cellulose film derived from wood pulp—not plastic. This reflects the company’s commitment to sustainability throughout their supply chain.

The bars themselves are molded into a distinctive pattern of irregular geometric shapes that supposedly maximizes the surface area that hits your tongue, enhancing flavor perception. Whether that’s true or just clever marketing, the bars are certainly beautiful to look at.

Each bar weighs 70 grams (2.5 oz), which I’ve found to be the perfect size—enough for several satisfying portions, but not so large that the chocolate loses freshness before you finish it.

Nutritional Considerations

For those tracking nutritional information, here’s what you can expect from Bettergoods Chocolate Bars:

Dark Chocolate Bars (Average values, may vary slightly by origin)

• Serving size: 1/3 bar (approximately 23g)
• Calories: 130-140 per serving
• Fat: 10-12g (mostly from cacao butter)
• Saturated Fat: 6-7g
• Carbohydrates: 9-12g
• Sugar: 5-8g (lower in higher percentage bars)
• Protein: 2-3g
• Fiber: 3-4g

Milk Chocolate Varieties

• Serving size: 1/3 bar (approximately 23g)
• Calories: 130-145 per serving
• Fat: 9-11g
• Saturated Fat: 5-6g
• Carbohydrates: 13-15g
• Sugar: 10-12g
• Protein: 2g
• Fiber: 2g

All bars are relatively low in sodium unless they contain sea salt. The Monk Fruit Sweetened bar has similar calorie and fat content to the standard dark chocolate but contains less than 1g of sugar per serving.

It’s worth noting that dark chocolate, particularly high-percentage varieties, contains significant amounts of iron, magnesium, copper, and antioxidants. While I wouldn’t call chocolate a health food per se, quality dark chocolate like Bettergoods can certainly be part of a balanced approach to mindful indulgence.

How Bettergoods Compares to Other Premium Chocolates

I’ve tried many premium chocolate brands over the years, from established European chocolatiers to American craft chocolate makers. Here’s how Bettergoods stacks up against the competition:

vs. European Luxury Brands (Valrhona, Amedei, etc.)

Bettergoods offers comparable quality in terms of flavor complexity and texture, but with a more direct supply chain and often fresher beans. The European brands typically have more generations of expertise, but Bettergoods brings innovation and ethical sourcing that many older companies are still catching up to.

vs. American Craft Chocolate (Dandelion, Dick Taylor, etc.)

Bettergoods sits comfortably among the top tier of American craft chocolate makers. Their bars have the same attention to detail and bean selection as other craft producers, with perhaps slightly more accessible flavor profiles that appeal to a broader audience.

vs. Mass Premium Brands (Lindt, Ghirardelli, etc.)

There’s simply no comparison in terms of complexity and ethical sourcing. While mass premium brands offer consistency and wide availability, Bettergoods delivers a significantly more nuanced chocolate experience with a much shorter, more transparent supply chain.

What truly distinguishes Bettergoods is their balance between craft chocolate credentials and approachability. Some craft chocolates can be so unusual or intense that they alienate all but the most dedicated chocolate aficionados. Bettergoods manages to create chocolates that satisfy chocolate experts while remaining enjoyable for those just beginning to explore beyond mass-produced options.

Customer Experiences and Reviews

I’ve not only tried these chocolates myself but also scoured reviews and even conducted an informal tasting panel with friends and family of varying chocolate preferences. Here’s what the consensus seems to be:

Positive Feedback Patterns

• The texture receives universal praise—smooth, with a clean melt and perfect snap
• Dark chocolate lovers appreciate the complex flavor notes without overwhelming bitterness
• The Sea Salt Dark is frequently mentioned as a “gateway” bar that converts milk chocolate loyalists
• Ethical sourcing practices are a significant purchase driver for many customers
• The Coconut Milk option receives praise even from non-vegans for its creamy texture

Occasional Criticisms

• Price point is the most common hesitation
• Some find the 85% Peruvian too intense if they’re not accustomed to very dark chocolate
• Limited availability in some geographic areas
• Some wish the bars were larger for sharing

In my chocolate tasting experiment, I found that even self-proclaimed “not dark chocolate people” enjoyed the Madagascar 70% thanks to its fruity profile. The most divisive bar was definitely the Tanzania 80%, which some found too bold while others declared it their absolute favorite.

Are Bettergoods Chocolate Bars Suitable for Children?

As an occasional treat, Bettergoods chocolates can certainly be enjoyed by children, though there are some considerations:

• The flavor complexity might not appeal to palates accustomed to very sweet milk chocolates
• The Classic Milk, Caramel Milk, and Hazelnut Milk varieties are most child-friendly
• Dark chocolate contains small amounts of caffeine, so moderation is wise, especially for younger children
• The premium price point means these might be “special occasion” treats rather than everyday options

I’ve found that introducing children to quality chocolate early helps develop their palate and appreciation for real food. My niece initially turned her nose up at anything darker than milk chocolate, but after a few tastings, she now requests a square of the Madagascar Dark when she visits—a small victory for aunt influence!

Storage and Enjoyment Tips

To get the most from your Bettergoods Chocolate Bars:

Proper Storage

• Store between 65-70°F (18-21°C) in a dry place
• Avoid refrigeration if possible, as it can cause “sugar bloom” (white spots on the surface)
• Keep away from strong odors as chocolate readily absorbs aromas
• If you must refrigerate in warm weather, seal the bar in an airtight container first

Tasting Recommendations

For the fullest flavor experience:

1. Let the chocolate come to room temperature before tasting
2. Break off a small piece and listen for the clean “snap” (a sign of proper tempering)
3. Allow the chocolate to melt on your tongue rather than chewing it
4. Notice how the flavor evolves—most Bettergoods bars have distinct beginning, middle, and finish notes

Pairing Suggestions

Based on my extensive “research” (ahem), here are some winning pairings:

• Ecuadorian Dark with medium-roast coffee
• Peruvian Dark with aged rum or bourbon
• Madagascar Dark with fresh berries or champagne
• Sea Salt Dark with porter or stout beer
• Hazelnut Milk with espresso
• Toasted Almond with dessert wines like Port

Special Promotions and Buying Strategies

While Bettergoods maintains their premium positioning, there are several ways to enjoy these chocolates more economically:

Seasonal Promotions

• Valentine’s Day/February: Typically 15-20% off dark chocolate varieties
• May/Mother’s Day: Gift sets with special packaging
• October/Fair Trade Month: Educational promotions and bundled discounts
• November-December: Holiday gift sets and advent calendars

Loyalty Program

Their “Better Rewards” program offers:

• Points for purchases that convert to discount codes
• Early access to limited edition flavors
• Free shipping at lower thresholds
• Birthday treats

Subscription Options

The “Chocolate Club” subscription provides:

• 15-20% discount off regular pricing
• Customizable box of 4, 6, or 10 bars
• Flexible delivery schedule (monthly, bi-monthly, quarterly)
• Exclusive subscriber-only flavors twice yearly

I personally joined their quarterly subscription after my third individual order, and it’s been well worth it—especially for the exclusive flavors that have included a fascinating Sourdough Bread Crumb & Sea Salt bar that somehow actually worked!

The Environmental Impact of Chocolate

One aspect of Bettergoods that deserves mention is their environmental approach. Conventional chocolate production has been linked to deforestation, particularly in West Africa where most mass-market chocolate originates.

Bettergoods sources primarily from smaller farms practicing agroforestry—growing cacao trees alongside other native species in a more natural ecosystem. This approach:

• Preserves biodiversity
• Requires fewer pesticides
• Promotes soil health
• Creates more resilient farming systems

Their packaging reflects this environmental commitment, using recyclable and compostable materials throughout. Even their shipping materials for online orders use cornstarch-based packing peanuts that dissolve in water.

For the environmentally conscious consumer, these practices make Bettergoods a significantly better choice than conventional chocolate brands.

Final Thoughts: Is Bettergoods Worth It?

After months of “research” (my waistline has taken one for the team here), I can confidently say that Bettergoods Chocolate Bars are worth the premium price for those who:

• Appreciate nuanced flavors and artisanal quality
• Care about ethical sourcing and environmental impact
• Enjoy chocolate as an experience rather than just a sweet treat
• Are looking for high-quality dietary-specific options (vegan, gluten-free, etc.)

If you’re simply looking for a sugar fix or a bulk option for baking, there are certainly more economical choices. But if you want to experience chocolate as the complex, fascinating food it truly is, Bettergoods delivers an exceptional experience.

The true value of Bettergoods isn’t just in the eating—it’s in knowing that your chocolate habit is supporting a more sustainable and equitable food system. And somehow, that knowledge makes each square taste even better.

Whether you’re a serious chocolate connoisseur or someone just beginning to explore beyond the candy aisle, Bettergoods offers something special. Start with their most approachable options—the Madagascar Dark or Sea Salt Dark—and see where your chocolate journey takes you. Your taste buds will thank you, even if your jeans don’t.

Here’s to better chocolate, better practices, and the simple joy of unwrapping a perfect chocolate bar at the end of a long day. Some luxuries are worth every penny, and in my book, Bettergoods is definitely one of them.