Sea salt chocolate bars have steadily climbed the ranks of connoisseur favorites in recent years. At first glance, the combination might seem unusual, but one bite reveals the brilliance of melding sweet with a hint of salty. This union not only tantalizes the taste buds but also presents a refined complexity in flavor. In this guide, we venture into a curated list of the top ten sea salt chocolate bars that have captivated both casual consumers and avid chocolate enthusiasts.
Sea Salt Chocolate
The magic of sea salt chocolate lies in the delicate balance of its primary components. Chocolate, inherently sweet and rich, finds an intriguing counterpart in sea salt, which cuts through the sweetness with its sharp, mineral notes. This interplay ensures that neither flavor overpowers the other; instead, they work in harmony, with salt elevating the nuances of the chocolate and the chocolate tempering the intensity of the salt. Such a blend prevents flavor monotony, continuously engaging the palate and leaving one craving the next bite, eager to experience the dance of sweet and salty once more.
Top Sea Salt Chocolate Bars
Amano Milk Chocolate with Japanese Sea Salt & Cocoa Nibs
In the creation of this distinctive chocolate bar, Amano collaborated with their esteemed colleague, Mark Bitterman, widely recognized as one of the country's foremost experts on exotic salts. Together, they selected a pristine Japanese sea salt, meticulously hand-made using ocean water drawn from profound oceanic depths where purity is unmatched. The heart of this milk chocolate is sourced from Ocumare, Venezuela, and is accentuated with cocoa nibs from Ecuador. With tasting notes that are both salty and creamy, this special milk chocolate bar is available for $9.00.
Goodio Sea Salt 77%
Goodio presents a masterful blend that marries cacao beans sourced from the Congo with sea salt, which is delicately hand-harvested from the majestic fjords of Iceland. This combination culminates in a chocolate that truly captures the essence of its origins. With a prominently salty tasting note, this 77% dark chocolate is available for purchase at $7.99.
Dick Taylor Brown Butter with Nibs & Sea Salt 73%
Dick Taylor introduces a chocolate bar that resonates with indulgence and craftsmanship. Utilizing cacao from the renowned Akesson Plantation of Madagascar and Fazenda Camboa of Brazil, along with organic cane sugar from Brazil, they've meticulously crafted their 73% Northerner Blend. But the magic doesn't stop there. The inclusion of browned butter from the local Rumiano Family creamery adds a layer of velvety richness, setting the stage for the crunchy roasted cacao nibs and a hint of delicate sea salt. With tasting notes that evoke sensations of nuttiness, tang, and caramel, this chocolate bar, priced at $10.49, is an experience in every bite.
OmNom Sea Salted Almonds + Milk 45%
OmNom delivers a chocolate sensation that delicately balances a symphony of flavors. With a foundation of gentle maltiness heightened by floral aromatics, it's contrasted by the rich notes of lush red berries. This harmony is then accentuated with roasted almonds, which have been kissed by sea salt. Offering a tasting experience marked by floral, fruity, and nutty notes, this captivating bar is available for $8.49.
Ranger Oregon Sea Salt 75%
Ranger embarks on a sea salt journey that traces its roots to the Pacific Ocean. By joining forces with their neighbors at Jacobsen Salt Co. in Oregon, they've incorporated the exquisite Pure Flake Finishing Salt. This salt harmoniously meshes with their cherished Salitral cacao beans sourced from Peru. Rather than merely seasoning the bar, the sea salt is turned into the chocolate itself, adding a distinctive texture and preserving its genuine taste. The result? A bar where earthy meets salty, available at $9.99.
Taza Chocolate Mexicano Salted Almond 50%
Taza brings forth a distinct chocolate experience, drawing inspiration from traditional Mexican-style preparations. These stoneground, organic dark chocolate discs are enhanced with freshly roasted almonds and sea salt, which are both ground directly into the chocolate. The result is a texture and taste that's authentic and raw, truly capturing the essence of "chocolate with grit." Encased in each package are two discs, making it ideal for sharing or savoring solo. With bold and nutty tasting notes, this treat is available at $5.49.
Manoa Hawaiian Pa'akai Sea Salt Dark Chocolate 72%
Manoa presents a chocolate creation that intertwines with the rich history and traditions of Hawai‘i. In the ancient islands, sea salt held significance not just in cuisine but in ceremonies, medicine, and preservation. Sourced either from the rocky shoreline pools or through the traditional method of man-made clay ponds – a practice that endures today – these Hawaiian salt crystals lend a savory edge to the sumptuous dark chocolate. The interplay between salt and chocolate culminates in tasting notes that are simultaneously salt-forward and bright, making this bar a journey through flavors and history, available for $8.99.
Raaka Pink Sea Salt 71%
Raaka redefines the realm of salted dark chocolates with this masterful concoction. At the heart of this bar lies single-origin cacao from Zorzal Cacao, uniquely situated within a bird sanctuary in the Dominican Republic. The depth of this chocolate is then accentuated with a sprinkle of Peruvian pink salt, courtesy of Salt of The Earth Co. Capturing its essence, New York Magazine aptly described the bar as having a "deep, dark, mysterious flavor with hints of cherry; and a finish reminiscent of a David Foster Wallace footnote." With earthy and cherry tasting notes, this exquisite treat is available for $5.99.
The fusion of sea salt with chocolate has changed the way many perceive the boundaries of taste. From the rich histories of Hawaiian traditions to the innovative pairings from the Dominican Republic, each bar tells a tale of craftsmanship, tradition, and innovation. For those who wish to continually discover these tales and flavors, the Kekao Box stands as a gateway to the wider world of premium chocolates. And for enthusiasts specifically drawn to the savory-meets-sweet allure, the Sea Salt Chocolate Collection is a dedicated trove. Delve into these selections to experience a spectrum of cocoa richness punctuated by the briny notes of sea salt.
