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What is bean-to-bar?

Unlike mass-produced chocolates, bean-to-bar is a meticulous process where every step, from sourcing beans to final packaging, is controlled by an artisan chocolate maker. This dedication ensures an exceptional product, both in quality and taste.

Just as these aren't your average candy bars, they're also not to be confused with fancy bonbons or truffles. Odd as it may sound, most chocolatiers do not actually make chocolate. Instead, they use pre-made, typically industrially produced bulk chocolate, which they mold and/or combine with ingredients like nuts and caramel. These creations often look impressive, sound decadent or even taste good, but they lack the rich, authentic flavour of true chocolate and reflect nothing of the cocoa's origins.

In contrast, bean-to-bar chocolate begins with raw beans sourced specifically for their unique flavour profiles that reflect the terroir of their origin, much like fine wine. The chocolate maker roasts, grinds, and refines the beans from scratch, typically in small batches, to bring out their distinctive characteristics. This hands-on approach results in chocolate that is expressive, complex, and deeply satisfying.

Why Bean-to-Bar?

There's lots of ways in which bean to bar is superior to typical chocolate...

Flavour

Bean-to-bar offers richer, more distinctive, varied, and complex flavours. Plus you can find unique "inclusion" bars that use rare regionally-specific and often adventurous ingredients.

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Ethics

Our makers prioritize ethical and transparent sourcing practices, meaning respectful treatment for farmers, paying fair wages, and supporting local communities by buying direct.

Shop Direct Source

Environment

We can all agree smaller, more sustainable farming practices and eco-friendly packaging are good things. "Made at Origin" bars reduce the environmental footprint even further by processing chocolate where it's farmed.

Shop Made at Origin

Health

Who wants to eat hydrogenated palm oil or high fructose corn syrup? These bars are made without additives, preservatives, less sugar, and most are also vegan, soy- and GMO-free, and organic.

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Distinction

Handmade, micro-lot bars crafted from single estate and/or single vintage beans result in distinguished, truly one-of-a-kind characteristics that are impossible to replicate.

Shop Single Estate
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