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.