I tried and compared the high cacao chocolate (70-72% cacao) available at the supermarket. "Meiji Chocolate Effect Cacao 72%" "Morinaga & Co. Carre de Chocolat [Cacao 70]" "Lotte Cacao Blessing Cacao 72%" "Bourbon Bit Carre Cacao 70" "Naruki Ishii French Couverture Cacao 72%" 5 items. Also check the price per gram.

Meiji chocolate effect cacao 72%

In recent years, "The Choco" has also been developed from the Meiji era to "Meiji chocolate effect cacao 72%". In addition to 72%, there are 86% and 99%, and there are a wide variety of sizes available. There used to be chocolate bars.


The large bag I bought contains 225g (7.94oz), and the purchase price at a drugstore in Tokyo is 578 yen (excluding tax). About 2.6 yen per gram. The bottom price I've seen is 498 yen (excluding tax) at Don Quijote, and if you can get it at this price, it will drop to 2.2 yen per gram.


The individual packaging is paper instead of plastic, but the medium size with 130g (4.59oz) is also sold for around 350 yen. In some cases, this is cheaper per gram, so it is safe to calculate at the sales floor.

I tried to eat

It is a rectangle of 5g (0.18oz) per sheet and has a slit that can be split in two. It is characterized by its rich taste with sweetness while being bitter. It's bitter, but it's not too bitter.

Morinaga & Co., Ltd. Carre de Chocolat [Cacao 70]

"Care de Chocolat [Cacao 70]" from Morinaga & Co., which sells chocolate sweets such as "dozen" and "twigs". In addition to Cacao 70, Cacao 88, French Milk, Madagascar White, etc. are also brands that show a variety of developments.


It contains 101g (3.56oz), and the purchase price at an OK store in Tokyo is 204 yen (excluding tax). About 2 yen per 1g (0.04oz). Although there is no large bag development, the cheapness per gram is the second out of five products. However, 204 yen is quite cheap, so it may be higher depending on the acquisition route.

I tried to eat

4.8g (0.28oz) square per sheet. The taste has a good balance of sweetness, bitterness and aroma, and you can feel the elegance. Since the individual packaging is paper, it is recommended to store it in a freezer bag or tapper that can be sealed after opening the outer package. The scent lasts a long time.

Lotte Cacao Blessing Cacao 72%

"The blessing of cacao 72%" from Lotte, which sells chocolate sweets such as "Koala's March" and "Cranky". It is a newcomer just released in April 2021. Many people may not have seen it yet.


It contains 135g (4.76oz), and the purchase price at an OK store in Tokyo is 348 yen (excluding tax). About 2.6 yen per gram.

I tried to eat

4g (0.14oz) rectangle per sheet. The size is close to the chocolate effect, and there are slits that can be split into four.


A serious taste with a stronger bitterness. I felt the sweetness was the most modest of the 5 products. As the name of the blessing of cacao, the richness of cacao stands out.

Bourbon Bit Carre Cacao 70

"Bit Carre Cacao 70" from Bourbon, which sells chocolate sweets such as "Alfort". This is the first time I've seen it, but it's a product that has been on sale since 2018. Uses cacao beans from Ghana and Ecuador.


It contains 130g (4.59oz), and the purchase price at an OK store in Tokyo is 199 yen (excluding tax). It is about 1.5 yen per gram, which is the lowest price among 5 products.

I tried to eat

Maximum size of 6.5g (0.18oz) per sheet. I feel the sweetness of the impression like the nectar of a flower. The bitterness is suppressed, and the taste is easy to eat even for beginners of high cacao. The scent has a slight habit, and some people may be worried about it.

Seijo Ishii French Couverture cacao 72%

It is mainly handled only by Seijo Ishii, but I personally recommend "Couverture Cacao 72%". Originally chocolate for confectionery, it is available in 72%, 35%, 58%, 80% and so on.


It contains 280g (9.88oz) and the price is 799 yen (excluding tax). It's a little expensive at about 2.9 yen per gram, but 990 yen with 450g (15.87oz) for value is also available, and it will drop to 2.2 yen per gram.

I tried to eat

Unlike other products, it has a thin circular shape like a coin. Because it is thin, it melts quickly and the taste spreads immediately! It has a gorgeous scent and a sweet impression. Although it is for confectionery, there is no problem if you eat it as it is. One of the advantages is that it is easy to adjust the amount because one is small.


Since it is a large-capacity, non-sealable package without individual wrapping, store it in a freezer bag or tapper after opening to keep the scent. Also, as with all products, it is good to store in the vegetable compartment of the refrigerator in the summer and take out as much as you eat. If it melts or is left in a place where the temperature changes drastically, it will deteriorate. The reason for the vegetable room is that if the temperature is too low, it will take a long time to eat. If you have time to return to room temperature, there is no problem in the chilled room or freezer.

Summary

It's not like the boom it had when it first appeared, but it's a high cacao chocolate with a steady fan base. Above all, this time I tried 5 products with 70-72% of the best-selling cacao.


The taste trends are as above, but since it is a simple confectionery, it does not change dramatically. Please refer to it when you want to go on an adventure away from your favorite brand!