You know how people ask if you could only eat one thing for the rest of your life what would it be? Mine would be chocolate. Chocolate. I love it. And I love it in all its forms—chocolate cake, brownies, frosting, chocolate sauce, ice cream, cookies, and of course, chocolate bars. It’s a good day when I have some chocolate tucked away at home for when the craving strikes. It’s an even better day when you discover a vegan-friendly chocolate company whose headquarters resides practically in your backyard.
I was shopping in my local health food store and made it a point, as I usually do, to peruse the chocolate section in the off-chance they had some new products on the shelf. No, I didn’t need chocolate; I had plenty at home. No, chocolate wasn’t on my grocery list. I just regularly check out what’s on the shelves because…well, that’s what I do. I’ve designated myself the local chocolate-checker. If there’s something new and it’s vegan-friendly, I gotta try it.
It was during one of my routine “chocolate checks” that I discovered Charm School Chocolate bars. There they were. These chicly-wrapped bars with the word “Vegan” neatly stamped on the front. And then I saw it: the phrase “Vanilla Bean White… Our charming non-dairy alternative to white chocolate.” It was like the heavens parted and a voice said, “Here’s what you’ve been waiting for.” (We vegans know how elusive white chocolate can be!) So I grabbed the white chocolate bar and headed home to see if Charm School’s chocolate would live up to its name.
Let me tell you, this chocolate will charm you.
I immediately went to the website to learn more about the company. As it turns out Charm School Chocolate prides itself on being a non-dairy (and certified vegan) chocolate company. They specialize in transforming fair trade cocoa beans and organic ingredients into sweet, sophisticated flavors which are refined into polished, delicious sweets.
Heading the production of Charm School’s amazing chocolate is Joshua Rosen, winner of The Food Network’s “Sweet Genius” competition, who has an impressive culinary background and a passion for the health-conscious lifestyle. As a result, all Charm School Chocolate products are 100% dairy-free, egg-free, cholesterol-free, soy free, lactose-free, gelatin-free and are made without high fructose corn syrup, or refined sugar.
I couldn’t get enough of this chocolate. I researched where I could find a tasting. I drove to a local Whole Foods where I was greeted by a lovely woman from the Charm School family who was elated to hear how I had come to the store expressly to try more of their samples. This time, not only did they have their bars on display, but I got my hands on their award-winning Coconut Milk Chocolate bar, a 2015 Gold Seal Winner for the Good Food Awards, as well as the toffee-covered almonds, vanilla-enrobed roasted coffee beans, and strawberry-coated duchilly hazelnuts. (Good Lawd!)
Everything, every single product, is delicious. Chic Vegan readers, I would not lie to you. Every delectable product from Charm School Chocolates is outstanding. And here’s some sweet news: you can order their products online! With Easter just around the corner, there’s no doubt these chocolates would make a fabulous addition to any chocolate lover’s basket, especially if that chocolate lover is you. Check out their website here: http://www.charmschoolchocolate.com/