Backpacker Magazine – February/March 2013

Backpacker-Friendly Chocolate

Cocoa packs high energy and healthy antioxidants, and our testing revealed the best-tasting, most-meltproof varieties for the trail.

by: Kristy Holland

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Bars

Best for On-the-go snacking; cool weather 

Beta Darker bars with a higher proportion of cocoa solids are healthier and less likely to melt; in testing, some didn’t soften until temps hit the high 80s. Thicker bars (Cadbury’s Royal Dark was the heftiest at 1/3 of an inch) held up to pack abuse best.

Packing Keep bars above freezing and below 75°F. Store in plastic in your pack’s center. 

Buying tip Our testing revealed that gourmet brands showed less chalky-looking “bloom” after extreme temps—the fat and sugar residue looks bad, but is edible. 

Top pick We love Dagoba Organic’s New Moon Bar, with 74 percent cocoa ($3; 2 oz.; dagobachocolate.com; available at Whole Foods). It’s the sturdiest bar we tried, and the least bitter for the high cocoa content.

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