It turns out that it's not so complicated. Turbinado sugar simply refers to a less-processed form of cane sugar. It is light brown in color and forms large crystals as opposed to the more finely ground crystals of plain old white sugar. If you've ever had Sugar in the Raw--those brown, industrial looking packets of sugar usually nestled alongside Splenda, Equal and Dixie Crystals--you've had turbinado sugar. There's some speculation that turbinado sugar is better for you than white sugar. The jury is still out on that point, but I can tell you this: it is definitely more flavorful. Like brown sugar, turbinado sugar has a slight molasses bent to it. Yum yum!
The thing about chocolate covered almonds, or chocolate covered anything, for that matter, is that the chocolate is often a mere sugary coating, devoid of real chocolate flavor and complexity. Not so with these almonds. Though the cacao content is not listed on the packaging, I would venture a guess that this chocolate coating has a 60% cacao content at minimum. The flavor is full, deep and slightly fruity with a powdery finish. This chocolate is just as tasty as I would expect it to be if it were a bar unto itself and not simply a coating. In addition to the chocolate coating, the nuts are rolled in large bits of turbinado sugar and sea salt, adding a second layer of crunchiness. I couldn't really taste the sugar, (it lent itself more to the overall texture than the flavor), but ironically, the salt had a distinct sweetness to it. As if all of this weren't enough, the almonds themselves are roasted, leaving you with a smoky, savory aftertaste. Fantastic.
This delicious snack is, of course, a Trader Joe's exclusive. At about $5 for a 10 oz. container of a superior product all around, I'd say this is a steal.