A number of reviews have remarked that the bag smelled fermented or like vinegar when opened. I experienced the same thing, and being a first time consumer of cacao nibs, specifically this brand, I was concerned that I received a bad batch. Upon further research, I learned that fermentation is a necessary part of cacao processing, used to reduce astringency and develop the flavor we associate with chocolate. Fresh cacao seeds have no chocolatey flavor at all. So, much like my first real piece of Roquefort cheese, I learned that this can be surprising in smell and taste to those of us who have only ever had the overly processed derivatives. While it is possible that some really did receive a compromised product, I found no detectable rancidity or otherwise off flavors in mine. I do pour the nibs into a bowl so they breath a little and this helps to dissipate the fermented aroma when I am eating some plain.
This is an item you do not want to buy in quantity until you have a chance to sample first (like that case of vegetarian canned chili I once ordered.)
I enjoy the product and plan to incorporate into a trail-mix type bar for some extra flavor.
I was pleasantly surprised with the taste of this product because of the bad reviews on it. I like bittersweet chocolate though so, maybe that's why. I also mix it with yogurt as it says on the bag. The "nibs" are more like crumbles however, that is inconsequential to me as I mix them. These have helped greatly with curbing my chocolate addiction and keeping me on track with my diet.
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Now I can eat chocolate everyday! These are really good in yogurt and I know I'll find more uses. I will definitely buy this product again, most likely in bulk. I'm a health food junkie and nibs will probably be a new staple in my diet. In case you're wondering, I thought these were bite-size (from the picture) but they're actually little flakes. You shouldn't compare the taste to "normal" chocolate because all you really taste is the tons of added sugar. There is no sugar in these, think bitter cocoa powder.
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I saw this recommended on Dr Oz for energy and stabilizing blood sugar and energy instead of the highs and lows that occur with sweets. It arrived very fast, it was sold out in my local health food store, probably because of the show.
What is it like? If you have ever had Starbucks Chocolate Covered Coffee beans, think of no chocolate covering and crush the bean into small, no tiny bits. I was expecting something the size and uniformity of a mini-chocolate chip. But these are little tiny irregular shaped pieces of what looks like crushed or milled cocoa beans.
Mouth feel and crunch, very crunchy which is satisfying, takes a lot of chewing and it has a natural slight oiliness, reminds me of nuts in that way.
I like it and I am not a chocolate person. it seems to help with my cravings and full of antioxidants. Give it a try. just by one bag first though. I suspect you'll either love it or ..... not love it! LOL
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When I first got these, I tasted them out of the bag and found them so horribly bitter. People that say they eat these out of the bag are crazy!
However, once you put them in something sweetened, like yogurt or candies or cookie dough, etc....you will never go back to "chocolate chips" again.
These look like little pieces of the cacao pod. They are crunchy. And they STAY crunchy when you mix them in foods. I haven't cooked them yet, but I have mixed them in with my peanut butter, coconut oil, coconut shreds refrigerator candy and they give them a little crunch! As long as your recipe is slightly sweetened, you will love these.
I actually didn't use mine for almost a year as I was put off by the taste. Now that I figured out how to use them, I will put them in anything sweet I make! Love them. They keep forever just about also. Don't need to be refrigerated, but I had mine in the freezer since I wasn't using them at first.
The store where I usually get Fever Tree Ginger Beer was out of it, and FT's ginger ale isn't as good. I noticed Q Ginger, a brand I hadn't seen before, was "on sale" -though it's cheeky to say that about a $7 bottle of ginger ale. But then I never thought I'd get used to paying Fever Tree's prices, either.
