For MOMS & MOMS-TO-BE*
Growing up I was never a huge chocolate fan. But as I’ve gotten older, and especially once I became pregnant with my first child, something switched. I had just been introduced to tons of high quality chocolatiers at Expo West 2011 and realized that the chocolate bars that I had been given as a child failed in comparison to what true chocolate was all about.
Since then, my love of chocolate has only grown. And while I will say that I am somewhat of a “chocolate snob” – mainly due to the fact that I don’t eat dairy and therefore want the purest stuff I can find – I have realized that there are tons of options to choose from, even in the Organic and health-conscious industries.
So what makes a chocolate bar truly stand out?? Well in the case of Love Bean Fudge, the fact that it is not actually a chocolate bar at all.
And I wouldn’t want it any other way…
THE PRODUCT: Love Bean Fudge is in the business of making pure and decadent chocolate treats. Made using 100% Organic ingredients and only sweetening their products with delicious low-glycemic Coconut Nectar, Love Bean Fudge has taken the idea of your traditional chocolate bar and packed it into a jar instead of a wrapper.
With the idea for Lovebean sprouting in the lush landscapes of Costa Rica and spawned by the vast amounts of cacao plantations, “Mr. Lovebean” set out to make Costa Rica’s best chocolate bar. However, he soon discovered that this is a very delicate art that requires lots of fancy machinery (and therefore a large investment), which just wasn’t an option at the time. After a few weeks tinkering with different ideas in the kitchen, the first ‘chocolate bar-in-a-jar’ was born.
Made with delicious dark chocolate, and made spreadable thanks to the addition of Extra Virgin Coconut Oil, this spread was not only versatile but virtually immune to the Costa Rican heat. Response at the local markets was immediately enthusiastic, and has only grown since Mr. Lovebean brought Love Bean Fudge back to the United States.
Available in Original Coconut and Essentially Raw, the Original flavor contains more vanilla notes while the Essentially Raw flavor is never heated (hence the “raw” term), and has a richer taste and thicker consistency than the Original does.
NUTRITION-WISE: Love Bean Fudge takes the highest quality, organic ingredients and mixes them together in a tasty fudge-like spread. Sweetened with coconut nectar and made spreadable thanks to the addition of extra virgin coconut oil, Love Bean Fudge doesn’t use any cane sugar or soy lecithin fillers, just wholesome and delicious ingredients to give you the purest and most delectable chocolate experience.
Love Bean Fudge is also considered Paleo and Vegan, is full of healthy MCT Fats (which burn quickly for energy rather than sticking to your hips), and doesn’t contain any soy, gluten, dairy, agave, or other tree nuts or peanuts.
With no need for refrigeration, unless you prefer it to have more of a chocolate-bar like consistency, Love Bean Fudge has a 1 year shelf-life, and can remain shelf-stable 2-3 months after opening. Moreover, each 280g jar of Love Bean is the equivalent of 3 to 5 standard chocolate bars.
Coming in at around 120-140 calories per serving, 80-100 of which are from healthy fats, you will also find 1 gram of protein, 2 grams of fiber, and 7-8 grams of sugar per serving, depending on the flavor you choose.
*Although Love Bean Fudge is full of Organic ingredients, and actually doesn’t contain a whole heck of a lot of sugar, especially compared to other chocolaty snacks (whether that be a chocolate chip granola bar or traditional bar of chocolate), I still wouldn’t feel comfortable giving Love Bean Fudge to my little ones. The reason for this is because I don’t feel like my young children need to be exposed to sweet treats before they can really grasp the idea of what they are.
I believe that until you (or somebody else) “teaches” your child that there are candy bars and cookies and ice cream, they really won’t know that those are even an option. Regular snacks, drinks, and pre-made foods already have enough added sugars (which is why I tend to avoid these types of foods). So why “add” even more sugar-laden snacks to our kids repertoire?!
At some point, I know that my children will begin to realize that there are “sweets” out there, and at this time, I will be perfectly happy giving my child some Love Bean Fudge over another type of candy bar. But until that day comes, I rather save the Love Bean Fudge for my pregnant self ;).
WHERE TO BUY: Love Bean Fudge sells products a different way than your traditional companies – they sell directly to customers (via the Internet) for the same price that they sell to stores ($8/jar). This has virtually cut out the middleman, allowing prices to remain much more affordable (since brick and mortar stores sell the Fudge for $13/jar). This is like a permanent sale and allows customers to always get the best deal.
With that said, you can purchase the products directly through their Online Store, here.
FINAL THOUGHTS: Love Bean Fudge has literally taken the whole idea of your traditional chocolate bar and “crammed” it into a jar. Having the perfect recipe for a fantastic chocolate bar, but lacking the funds for the equipment to make it happen, the founders of Love Bean Fudge took their idea and brought it to you in the way that many people wish chocolate bars came – with a lid and a spoon. Delicious and convenient, thanks to their on-the-go pouches as well, Love Bean Fudge has changed the way I now look at chocolate bars.
Using Extra Virgin Coconut Oil as the base for their spreads, which is not only a healthier option to your typical chocolate spreads and bars but allows them to have a varying texture depending on how you store it – from thick and creamy when cooler to completely liquid and perfect for dipping when warmer – Love Bean Fudge is almost too versatile!
Great on fresh fruit, on pancakes, waffles, toast, as an addition in your hot coffee to make it like a mocha or in warm milk to make a hot cocoa, in your smoothie, melted and poured over ice cream (it makes a hard shell), used instead of icing, or eaten by the spoonful, once you realize how delicious Love Bean Fudge is, you’ll have a tough time finding something to not eat it on!
Try Love Bean Fudge today and see for yourself how amazingly delicious a chocolate bar in a jar can be.
To learn more about Love Bean Fudge and to try it out for yourself, please visit their website and check them out on Facebook.
And remember, Contact Healthy.Fit.Fab…Moms today to create a personalized plan so you and your family can live a healthy, fit, and fabulous life!
