9 incredible chocolates (that may or may not save your life)

I could set my clock by my stomach's 3pm pang for chocolate, and that pang just got some great news. A new study proves that chocolate can save lives (as I've always suspected). Although the research concludes that it is small doses of chocolate every day that decreases risk of heart attack and stroke, it still seems like a win for all chocolates big and small. In celebration, I'm sharing these distinguished and exciting chocolate finds with Y! Shiners. These picks aren't necessarily cheap but magical-tasting treats rarely are.


Teuscher Champagne Truffles. Teuscher is a fine Swiss chocolate company that makes these delicate sweets in Zurich and then immediately flies them out to their 22 international stores. The pilot has to move quickly because they've got zero additives or preservatives. These Champagne Truffles have attracted a lot of attention over the years, and unlike so much hype, these cocoa-dusted bonbons with Champagne cream inside deserve every word. $41.50 for 16. Yikes. Well, find a store and buy at least one.




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The '80s may have been the last time that I saw mousse served in a chocolate cup but I've wished and wished and wished it would come back. Now at least we can make our own desserts in chocolate dishes with these French Chocolate Mousse Dessert Kit. On sale for $9.99







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This isn't necessarily about the chocolate, though I'm sure it's quite nice. Dig the art they're wrapped up in! Each flavor in the Artist Bar line has a cover designed by some well-known artist. This flavor is Dark Caffetto and the art is by Nathan Jurevicius. $3.50 for a bar.






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When tippity-top-notch chocolatiers make ice cream, it's a beautiful and usually expensive thing. Here Green & Black's goes up against other favorite dark-chocolate ice cream and gelato purveyors, such as Ciao Bella and the Cold Stone/Ghirardelli fusion. About $4.69.








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The recipe for Cadbury's Flake bar is so secret that no other company has been able to replicate anything like it. The airy texture is somewhat related to other aerated chocolate bars (chocolate infused with air bubbles which drastically change the texture), such as Aero and Wispa. Except, it's even more delicate feeling on the tongue. As with most of Cadbury's more whimsical bars, the Flake is primarily distributed on the east side of the Pond. This is sad. This is very very sad, because biting into one for the first time isn't like anything else. Try buying one on the worldwide web.



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White chocolate is a love or hate deal but if you love it, you'll probably double love this bar from The Tea Room. This dainty hunk of white chocolate is infused with chamomile tea and honey, and all three flavors are subtle yet identifiable. Looks like it won all sorts of chocolate awards, including silver for best flavored chocolate at the San Francisco International Chocolate Salon just a couple weeks ago. It's a very good way to spend $3.85.










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Open your mind to Greek-inspired chocolates made by Zoe's Chocolate Co. Imagine carefully crafted chocolates in flavors such as Dionysus Baklava, Persephone's Pomegranate, and Golden Honeycomb. Interesting. Strange. Delicious. Box of 4 for $5.75.








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It's Nutella except with the highest quality ingredients and none of the extraneous ones. This tube of chocolate-hazlenut creme is made by 'zee' French chocolate pros at Pralus. Use it as icing, put it on toast, or squeeze it right into your mouth. Like so many imported gourmet products it runs a bit over $11.











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Le Whif is an inhaler packed with organic chocolate powder in particles sized to avoid any kind of choking. Of course. They suggest using it between meals or with coffee. Seems like a strange cafe companion but I'm so curious to try it! Comes in pure chocolate, raspberry chocolate, mint chocolate, and coffee flavors. 1.80 Euros.





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