The Cheap Milk Chocolate Bar That Makes A Whole Foods Trip Worth It

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Though Whole Foods has been nicknamed "Whole Paycheck" by shoppers who have noted high numbers on grocery receipts, one of its store-brand sweets could be an exception to its reputation. When ranking milk chocolate bars to add to your cart (and others to leave on the shelves), our Tasting Table writer noted that Whole Foods' 365 Milk Chocolate bar is one to consider. The bar is fair trade and gluten-free, contains 34% cacao, and is made with milk from cows that haven't been treated with rBST, a hormone that is meant to increase milk production. Whole Foods' 365 Milk Chocolate bar also appeared on our list of cheap chocolate bars you actually want to buy. 

One 2.8-ounce bar costs just over $3 at Whole Foods, and a three-pack of the bars with two Fun Size Skittles is sold at Walmart for under $20. Though our writer noted that the bar is not "a perfect product," it was described as enjoyable and a good value with a bright flavor, floral and vanilla notes, a creamy texture, and a clean aftertaste. The writer's major complaint was that the bar could have been thicker. 

Other chocolate lovers like not only the value of the 365 Milk Chocolate bar but also the clean ingredient list used to make the chocolate. "It's not European level but made with real ingredients and beats most Made in USA Chocolate," wrote one customer on Amazon. Others on the site conceded that while the blend to make the chocolate may not be exotic and the cacao content isn't high, the bar is a "perfectly lovely everyday chocolate bar."

Some samplers on YouTube describe the bar as semi-sweet but say they enjoy the mouthfeel and that the chocolate melts nicely. Others appreciate that the chocolate doesn't have any extra ingredients mixed in, but for those looking for a bit more crunch, the 365 Milk Chocolate with Crispy Rice sells at a similar price. Whether you're using the chocolate for baking projects or as an after-dinner treat, the cost is nearly as sweet as the taste.