Zokoko Almond & Raisin 70%: Balanced Take on Dark Chocolate Comfort
This bar arrives in Zokoko’s familiar white envelope-style box, the grapevine illustration subtly signalling fruit rather than indulgence. At 70% cocoa, expectations shift away from sweetness-led chocolate and toward something more composed, where any lift comes from the inclusions rather than sugar.
Almond and raisin suggest a classic pairing, but the higher cocoa percentage sets a restrained tone. Going in, this feels less like a dessert bar and more like a considered everyday option, built for repeat eating, not spectacle.
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Origin: |
Australia |
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Cacao %: |
70% minimum |
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Weight: |
70g |
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RRP: |
$12 AUD |
Appearance
The bar sits in deep brown territory, rich but not inky. The top surface is glossy and finished with Zokoko’s geometric pattern, while the underside is generously studded with almond slivers and raisins.
Despite the inclusions, the snap is clean, pointing to good tempering. Because of the uneven shape created by the almond and raisin, the break isn’t always predictable, but it still feels deliberate rather than rustic.
Aroma
The aroma is led by cocoa alone. There’s no immediate fruitiness or nut warmth, and no suggestion of added sweetness. It reads dry, focused, and serious, more about depth than confection.
Taste & Texture
As the chocolate melts, the cocoa profile stays firmly in front. It’s rich and gently fruity without tipping into bitterness, and sweetness never announces itself directly. Instead, balance does the work.
The inclusions emerge gradually. Raisins add small bursts of tang and sweetness as you move through the bar, while the almond brings light crunch and warmth without adding saltiness or pulling focus from the chocolate itself.
Once chewed, texture becomes a clear strength. There’s enough variation through the bar to keep it engaging, yet the base chocolate remains in control throughout.
Aftertaste & Finish
The finish is clean and led by cocoa richness. Occasional echoes of raisin add contrast, while the almond leaves a quiet, lingering crunch. It closes without dryness or sugar-driven pull, leaving the impression of completeness rather than excess.
ATC Verdict: Is It Worth the Splurge?
At its price point, this feels like a thoughtful dark chocolate rather than an indulgent one. The cocoa is handled with restraint, and the almond and raisin add interest without steering the bar away from its core.
We’d come back to this not as a dessert substitute, but as a reliable, composed chocolate, one that rewards slow eating and doesn’t demand attention.
Restrained, balanced, and easy to return to.
Editor’s Note
Almond and raisin can easily tip into sweetness or nostalgia, but this bar doesn’t lean on either. What stood out was how quietly it handled the pairing, letting cocoa lead and using the inclusions for texture and contrast rather than flavour dominance. It’s the kind of chocolate that doesn’t ask for attention, but earns it over time.
–Adrian – Editor at All That Is Cool
