Chocolate or Vanilla?
The subject of today’s post is once again chocolate. You didn’t think I’d ignore it two days in a row, did you?
Above, on top of my Voluminous Ice Cream.
The sauce is actually not my recipe; it’s Barleans Essential Woman chocolate-raspberry swirl. I discovered this healthy chocolate sauce while shopping at my local health food store. Don’t ask me why, but they were giving out free samples. Yes, on a spoon. Weird, right?
Or maybe not so weird… I certainly never would’ve bought it on my own. But as soon as I read it was vegan, I was all over those free samples.
Barleans Essential Woman Chocolate-Raspberry Swirl
Oh my chocolate cream pie, this stuff is good. And—bonus—it’s rich in Omega-3s, 6s and 9s! I’m a big believer in only eating foods that taste good, regardless of their health benefits. If it doesn’t taste good, I’m not eating it. (So keep that wheatgrass away from me, thanks.)
This healthy chocolate syrup, while packing a nutritional punch, manages to taste like real chocolate syrup. It’s also sugar free. (Side note: The info on their website is outdated; this sauce is, in fact, vegan.)
Question of the Day:
Chocolate or Vanilla?
You know where my loyalties lie! Just in case, here’s a clue.
Val says
I prefer chocolate, unless it’s ice cream then defs vanilla. As much as I love chocolate I really don’t like chocolate ice cream that much
Balancing Sylvia says
I’m the exact same way. Give me chocolate any day unless it’s cake or ice cream. Then my preference is most definitely vanilla. 🙂
Qi Ting @ Misadventures of Fat free Baking says
CHOCOLATE!!! But I’m beginning to appreciate vanilla too! To me, vanilla used to always be the “plain flavour”, the “default” flavour, but for some odd reason, starting this year, I’ve started to like vanilla too for being unique itself! 😀
Your Chocolate-Rasberry sauce looks perfect as a glaze for a batch of freshly baked cinnamon rolls! MMMmmmm….
Tricia says
I so used to be a vanilla girl, but as i got older, I discovered the great taste of chocolate 😛
VEGirl says
I love both vanilla and chocolate– they both have there respective places to shine 🙂
Katy sparrow says
When given a choice for ice cream, vanilla! but I’m def gonna look for that lovely sauce to top my vanilla ice creams with! I’m still a chocolate fan through and through, esp. the hard stuff and straight up nibs. i’m going to my fav independent movie theater today and i recall that they have endangered species bars and I have no idea wha flava i’ll get but i’m stoked 🙂
The Teenage Taste says
I’m pretty impartial to both vanilla and chocolate. If I eat too much chocolate I crave vanilla and if I eat lots of vanilla flavored foods I crave chocolate.
PS – Congrats on your highest traffic day! I love it when that happens! 😀
Jennifer JCD says
I’m a vanilla girl, but my husband… you read about his favourite ice cream yesterday so you know he’s almost your twin. Don’t worry, I still like chocolate, just in smaller doses. 🙂
Chocolate-Covered Katie says
Could you possibly tell me about your husband’s favorite ice cream again?
Hehe just kidding ;).
Jenny says
Chocolate, all. the. way.
I have to admit, though, I prefer vanilla ice cream to go alongside chocolate cake, or a chocolate chip cookie cake. 😀 I’ve been a chocolate girl since I was little, even though my family is made up of vanilla-lovers.
I first discovered that delicious syrup back in January! It’s pretty delicious, eh? Their other flavours are good too! 🙂
Chocolate-Covered Katie says
I still have to try the berry one… but something tells me I won’t like it as much as the chocolate ;).
Gen says
Yum! Chocolate is my favorite! 😀
That sauce looks/sounds amazing!
Joanna says
Don’t make me pick sides! Seriously, I love vanilla ice cream, frosting and cake, but can’t imagine life without dark chocolate, chocolate chips or brownies.
FYI, I wanted to give you a head’s up that your Faves link appears not to be working. When I click on it, I get a 404 error message.
Chocolate-Covered Katie says
Oh my WORD, thank you for telling me!!! I have apparently had that up wrong for three days, and you’re the first one to tell me this! I cannot thank you enough!
Hopefully I fixed it now.
Charissa says
Chocolate for everything except ice-cream…than vanilla….so delicious girl!
Kim says
As much as I LOVE good chocolate, good vanilla is hard to beat, and since vanilla is often an essential ingredient in chocolate I have to say I love both and usually at the same time! See? No need to choose!
I checked out Barlean’s site and they have a distributor in Vancouver! That’s pretty close to me so there’s a chance that it’s available here. If I had seen it at the store without first reading your rave review I would have thought, “yeah right,” and passed it by. Will definitely have to look for it now 🙂
Lisa says
i LOVE that barleans stuff! I eat it every morning with my breakfast! I think it tastes just like chocolate syrup, and the people in my house wont touch it bc I tell them its fish oil. HA! I love being sneaky 😉
QOTD- chocolate for lifeeeeeeee. I remember hating vanilla ice cream when I was younger because I said it tasted “blumpy”. aka, it had the vanilla beans in it! hahaha dont get me wrong, I love vanilla ice ceam now, but ill always be a chocolate person!
Chocolate-Covered Katie says
LOL that’s too funny!
When I was younger, I’d tell my little cousin that my snacks were medicine so she wouldn’t want any and I could have them all for myself!
Lisa says
hahahha were so sneaky 😉 all in the name of tasty food!
Liz @ Tip Top Shape says
I’m a vanilla girl in terms of ice cream and cake. BUT, I do like a good fudge swirl. Or just plain chocolate. So…I guess I am both!
Mellie says
I like vanilla and chocolate equally, except for ice cream-it’s the only thing i hate in chocolate..
Steph - VegFortWorth says
CHOCOLATE!!!!!!!!
I don’t usually like things that are just vanilla, unless they are covered in chocolate!!!
Lo says
Even when I have vanilla things covered in chocolate, I’m wishing it were something CHOCOLATE covered in chocolate ;).
Cait @ Beyond Bananas says
I liek (dark) chocolate candy.. but for ice cream, fro yo, and cake.. I am a vanilla girl!
Alexandra (Veggin' Out in the Kitchen) says
Omg that sauce looks AMAZING!! I hope they have it at my Whole Foods! 🙂
Chocolate. Definitely chocolate. Although I do very much enjoy a good vanilla treat (as long as it’s VERY vanilla-y… or french vanilla ice cream, LOVE that stuff! 😀 ) But if it comes down to chocolate or vanilla, I always end up with chocolate 😉 I think I get that from my grandma. She always says, “I never met a chocolate that I didn’t like.” I have had a few chocolates that just don’t taste good to me, but for the most part, my grandma and I are on the same page. 😀
Have a wonderful rest of the week, Katie!
<3 <3
Emily @ Glitz Glam Granola says
Ohh that vanilla ice cream yesterday looked fantastic! But unfortunately I don’t have a vitamix, so I don’t know if mine will turn out as creamy as yours! And I’m a total chocolate girl- all the way. Vanilla I can take or leave, but chocolate always sounds appealing! And that sauce is cool! How random that they would give samples on a spoon? They should have put it on a little ice cream and I bet even more people would have bought it!
Maria @ runningcupcake says
Oh chocolate all the way for me please!
Hannah says
chocolate, hands down. although your vanilla ice cream from yesterday does look delicious…especially on top of the CHOCOLATE chip cookie pie! 😉
Katherine says
I’m totally a vanilla girl. I add vanilla to everything! Though I also like wheatgrass, so maybe I’m just weird like that.
Abby says
Chocolate all the way! 🙂
Melissa says
The expression is, “that’s so vanilla” for a reason! Cho-co-late, baby!
katie @KatieDid says
such a toss up for me honestly. I love vanilla based ice creams so much better than chocolate. But dark chocolate bars are my absolute favorite treat, and I even like unsweetened chocolate a lot too. So both!
Jackie @ Baking Charms says
I really need to attempt the ice cream from yesterday… it doesn’t get much healthier or easier than your recipe! Amazing
PS: Your skin is gorgeous you don’t need makeup 🙂
Emma (Sweet Tooth Runner) says
CHOCOLATE ALL THE WAY BABY!! I think you knew that too 😉
That sauce sounds AMAZING!! And it’s vegan?! I’m definitely looking out for it when go to the States in a month! 😀
P.S. “Oh my chocolate cream pies”?! WAY better than Oh My Muppets if you ask me 😛
Lo says
Haha I like both sayings! And how come the US has such yummy things?!?
Lauren says
I love CHOCOLATE! Katie – That Chocolate Raspberry Sauce looks amazing! Will there be a future Copy-Cat Recipe?!
Chocolate-Covered Katie says
LOL probably not… I’ll just keep buying this one. I could try to make something homemade for cheaper, but if I wanted to keep it high in omega 3s, I’d have to buy flax oil anyway.
Holly @ The Runny Egg says
I love that it is called “essential woman” — it should be “essential FOR women” 🙂
I love chocolate and vanilla, although I probably prefer vanilla a little more.
Chocolate-Covered Katie says
Haha chocolate, itself, is essential for women!! 🙂
Hannah says
I much prefer chocolate in general, but I usually prefer vanilla ice cream to go with other things. Actually, probably one of the best things is something rich and chocolatey with vanilla ice cream.
Elle says
That sauce looks delicious! I go through phases with chocolate and vanilla. Right now, I love vanilla. I’m sure it won’t be too long until I’m back to chocolate though 🙂
Jessy says
Chocolate. No doubt there.
Tori (Fresh Fruition) says
Chocolate yes yes yes! I love it. I’ve seen that swirl stuff in stores, but never tried it!
Lauren W says
In answer to your question: chocolate!!
Lauren @ What Lauren Likes says
I cannot pick!! they both just taste amazing together!!! add a little strawberry in their too and I am one happyhappy camper!! ( or peanut butter or mint…) haha so many flavour loves to choose from 🙂
Ann Claire says
Chocolate AND vanilla! I don’t pick favorite 🙂
Ann Claire says
favorites*
kaila @ healthy helper! says
I am totally a vanilla lover so that post yesterday was one of my faves for sure! I actually have mine in
kaila @ healthy helper! says
oops got cut off…..i have mine in the freezer right now, ready for blending later!!!
Lindsay @ In Sweetness and In Health says
Totally gotta go with the chocolate..vanilla is awesome sometimes, but chocolate is just soo much better 🙂 I will be posting pics of myself later without makeup on and in a bikini (we were at the beach today)…yikes!
Lo says
CHOCOLATE!
But like Averie, I also like vanilla lattes. Maybe with some chocolate syrup?
Jemma @ Celery and Cupcakes says
Oooo! That’s a toughie! Can I have both please?!??
Sarahishealthy says
You could be their spokesmodel. You’re so gorgeous! 🙂
And I think you convinced me to buy some!
Nathalie says
I actually have never been the biggest fan of many fruit + chocolate combos. I tend to find the natural tart-sweetness of fruit clashes with the natural bitterness of chocolate. Of course, that’s not the case with bananas, and I will admit I tend to like many combos more when I actually TASTE them than I think I will when I’m considering them.
Anywho, I completely get you on liking it when people challenge your point of view. My sister and I would often debate topics with each other with great vigor. So much so that our parents or our friends would try to “break up the fight.” The minute they started trying to “defuse” us, we’d look at them like they were off their rockers and say, “We’re not *fighting*, we’re *debating*.” There was never any malice in it X3.
And my vote…. uh… man that’s a hard choice. I love chocolate, but I also love vanilla’s versatility. For example, I always buy vanilla flavored protein powder because then I can use in everything, and if I want chocolate I only need to add cocoa powder =D. So I guess I’m on the fence! Hahah.
Chocolate-Covered Katie says
That sounds just like my mom! She’s always uncomfortable when I get into debates with people (especially political debates!). But some of those debates have completely changed my views on things!
Ragnhild says
Beautiful photoes!
For me, nothing beats chocolate! I love vanilla, but Chocolate and I have a really special relationship- and nothing can tear us apart!!
M. says
Ha! Me too! Vanilla and I are friends, but chocolate is my boyfriend 😉
Mary @ Bites and Bliss says
I definitely want to try making my own ice cream this summer..and better with that sauce, too! Between chocolate and vanilla, I honestly like the swirl haha. That way you don’t have to choose!
Chocolate-Covered Katie says
Ooh I like your thinking 🙂
Katherine says
Ummm, strawberry…or well any fruit.
Nah, probably vanilla.
O, I forgot to tell you. I got some amazing chocolate in Guatemala. It is 100%, and then a 78%. One more than is 100% but has like added cinnamon and something else to put in hot water/milk as a drink. Soooo good.
Alex@Spoonful of Sugar Free says
I used to like vanilla everything, but strangely, I started loving chocolate so much more after I gave up sugar!!! Weird, huh? Yet, I LOVE it dark, bitter, and unsweetened!
Averie @ Love Veggies and Yoga says
Chocolate or Vanilla?
That is so hard
Vanilla lattes, vanilla frosting on choc cake, vanilla extract infused anything
Chocolate brownies, chocolate chips in cookies, chocolate just to eat
They both have their place. I cannot choose. B/c the *right* vanilla thing can be just as good as chocolate 🙂
Lo says
Mmm vanilla lattes. So good!
Jamie aka "Sometimes Healthy" Girl says
I’m with you girlfriend! Gotta go with the chocolate 🙂
Jessica @ Dishin' About Nutrition says
Chocolate – forever and always.
Carey @ Positively Blonde says
Chocolate, chocolate, chocolate! Without a doubt!
Veronica says
That sauce sounds killer! And yeah. Chocolate all the way.
Kat @ Cupcake Kat says
Chocolate! Add some cocoa powder to your ice cream (or use chocolate almond milk) and I think you’ll get even more traffic.
Chocolate-Covered Katie says
LOL that’s my fro-co recipe 😉
But it didn’t get nearly as much as the vanilla one! (In its defense, I posted that recipe a few months ago… so maybe it was just a timing thing. Or maybe people just like vanilla better because it’s so much more versatile!)
Kate (What Kate is Cooking) says
Chocolate for sure! I just made the ice cream recipe you posted yesterday and added cocoa powder 🙂
Serena says
Chocolate all the way. 🙂 Actually, I really only like chocolate when it’s very rich and very dark (ie. molten lava cakes, dark chocolate bars, thick “tsokolate” with ground peanuts). I love to eat vanilla ice cream (especially with real vanilla beans!) on the side of/ on top of warm apple pies, other warm baked goods, etc.
M. says
Oh I think we need a healthy lava cake recipe, Katie!
Sarah says
I’m honestly more of a vanilla girl!! However.. chocolate on top of any vanilla recipe makes for a completely balanced meal 😉
Alina says
Vanilla by far. It’s my # 1 on my list, coconut is # 2, chocolate… not sure if it is within the first 10 most yummiest :). but i do dig on the cacao beans in the raw- in all their bitter glory
Adam says
have to go with vanilla..
don’t get me wrong, i loveee chocolate, but more so as an accent.. like as a sauce, or a mix-in or add-in, as opposed to the main flavor.. unless of course we’re talking brownies, that’s an exception 😉
Rachel @ Eat, Learn, Discover! says
chocolate. could not live without it!
BroccoliHut says
I’m a chocolate girl too! I have to say that it bugs me that both my dad and my boyfriend are plain Jane vanilla people–whenever we get frozen yogurt, they never add any toppings! Just straight up vanilla. Harumph.
tina @ vanillandspice says
Chocolate, of course!
Anna says
I love quality chocolate but when it comes to ice cream I usually stick with a vanilla base and add to that depending on my mood 🙂
Vogelstar says
It’s incredible what they come up with in the health food world. Back when i first became vegetarian, there were so few items to choose from, there was basically a bad veggie burger or a bad veggie hot dog and only one company made them. Now here we are with healthy chocolate sauce. It’s almost overwhelming with all the products but so very exciting. Ps, chocolate all the way
Chocolate-Covered Katie says
Oh my gosh, I know! We are SO spoiled! My friends ask me how I can be vegan and give up things like ice cream… I answer that I really don’t have to! They even make vegan mozarella sticks now. Probably not the healthiest thing lol… but hey, they exist!
Marissa says
My nutritionist gave me a sample of that stuff! It was pretty good. I was expecting it to taste all oily and nasty… but it was really just like chocolate sauce (which I’ve never been that big of a fan of anyways–gets kinda sickly after a while!)
Kathleen @ KatsHealthCorner says
CHOCOLATE!! 😀
Dina S says
How do you manage to take such gorgeous pictures especially mid-pouring? Also, how do you always have different bowls and layout materials, where do you keep them? Who takes the pictures of you?
Chocolate Covered Katie says
It’s hard! I usually use a tripod for pouring photos, but even still I take a lot before getting one good shot. Right now I don’t have a lot of bowls/plates, as I just moved. In my old home, I had them all in a closet with shelves. And usually my friends take the photos, but now that I have an iphone I sometimes try and be coordinated enough to take my own. It doesn’t always work ;).