There's a good reason why Americans consume 11.7 pounds of chocolate each year. Not only is it delicious and indulgent, chocolate releases chemicals in the body such as serotonin and endorphins that put us in a good mood.

Now the confectionary artists at the Ghirardelli Chocolate Company have made the chocolate eating experience even more delectable by creating two new filled chocolate flavors – Mint Cookie and Toffee Crunch – to join the existing lineup of Dark Chocolate and Sea Salt Caramel, Milk Chocolate with Caramel, Dark Chocolate with Raspberry and Dark Chocolate and Caramel.

Plus all seven chocolates have been designed so that the candy squares break cleanly into smaller segments, letting consumers determine just how much delicious chocolate they want to enjoy when the mood strikes.

"We are thrilled to add two new flavors to our growing line of filled bars," said Jinny Lam Director of Marketing for Ghirardelli. "The line delivers the perfect harmony of intense Ghirardelli chocolate with generous, luscious fillings of caramel, mint, raspberry, truffle and toffee bars. With the new innovative new packaging and two new flavors, Ghirardelli filled bars allow for a one-piece craving or reward moment and the rest can be saved for later.  It's that simple, and you never have to worry about feeling guilty again."

About Ghirardelli's Line of Premium Filled Chocolate Bars:

Mint Cookie – Decadent refreshing mint chocolate filling blended with crunchy cookies surrounded by slow-melting milk chocolate.

Toffee Crunch – Slow-melting milk chocolate and decadent chocolate filling blended with crunchy toffee bits.

Dark Chocolate and Sea Salt Caramel – Rich, slow-melting dark chocolate and luscious, buttery caramel filling enhanced by a touch of sea salt.

Dark Chocolate and Raspberry – Rich, slow-melting dark chocolate and sweet tartness of raspberry filling.

Milk Chocolate with Caramel – Luscious, buttery caramel filling surrounded by slow-melting milk chocolate

Dark Chocolate with Caramel – Rich, slow-melting chocolate and luscious, buttery caramel filling.

The new Ghirardelli filled bars will be available in eight-square bars that retail around $2.79 and will go on sale at mass, grocery and specialty retailers nationwide beginning September 2013. For more information, or to share your comments about the new filled bars, become a fan on Facebook at Facebook.com/Ghirardelli to stay posted on special coupon offers and exciting product news or visit: www.ghirardelli.com.