While all chocolate is technically bean to bar. We use the term to describe someone who buys raw cocoa beans and makes it into finished chocolate products themselves.
PRODUCT FAQ
What does Bean-to-Bar mean?
What does the percentage mean? (example 72% Belize)
For us since there are just two ingredients it’s a simple ratio by weight of cocoa nibs to sugar.The percentage refers to the amount of cocoa in a given product.
What is Single Origin Chocolate?
Basically it means that all the cocoa in a particular bar comes from a SINGLE estate or a SINGLE coop from a particular region, geographically defining where the cocoa comes from.
Does my chocolate contain any of the following? Soy, Gluten, Dairy or Nuts?
We take great care in trying to provide allergen isolation and go to great pains to minimize allergen contamination each step of the chocolate making process. Being a small batch producer, it allows us to really isolate machinery used for particular products and thoroughly clean between uses.
What kind of Cacao Beans do you use?
Typically cacao has been classified into three main varietals; Trinitario, Forestario, Criollo. Current research in cacao genetics actually indicate that there is vastly more diversity in the types of genetic varietals of cacao, not just limited to three and possibly more than ten. For us the bottom line is always flavor, we don’t purchase cacao based on genetic claims. We let the flavor of the cacao dictate what we buy.
What kind of sugar do you use?
We use the highest quality (vegan) organic cane sugar in all our products.
Can you please explain “Tasting Notes”?
The ‘Tasting Notes’ are flavors you may find while tasting that chocolate, these flavors are coming from the bean itself. No additional flavors have been added. They are listed as AROMA/FLAVOR/FINISH. Give it a try and see what you taste.
Is your chocolate certified organic?
We are not a certified organic facility. We do buy certified organic cacao where we can, and only use certified organic cane sugar. We make every effort to buy and use organic ingredients where we can, but flavor is the main thing that we are after.
Is your chocolate certified fair trade?
We are not certified fair trade. We do, however, pay tremendous premiums for the cacao that we buy. The most important thing for us is a high level of transparency throughout the supply web. Close relationships with all our suppliers helps to insure a high level of equity to all involved parties from cocoa growers to finished chocolate consumers.
Why is your chocolate and other craft chocolate so much more expensive than the chocolate commonly found in grocery stores?
There are many factors that affect the price of our chocolate bars. One of the main reasons is the cost of the raw ingredients are very high, as well as the labor that goes into making chocolate on such a small scale. The only way to make it sustainable, is that the bar has to cost more. In order to adequately pay farmers a reasonable living wage, as well as the craftspeople that make the chocolate, the finished bar price must reflect the cost of production.
What is the difference between a Chocolate Maker vs a Chocolatier?
A chocolate maker is somebody that is buying cocoa beans and then performing all the steps to make finished chocolate themselves. A Chocolatier buys and re-melts already produced chocolate to make into confections and flavored bars etc.
What is Prop 65?
California’s Proposition 65 requires companies that sell products in California to include warnings if products could expose consumers to certain chemicals linked to cancer or reproductive harm. These warnings are required even at extremely low levels and do not mean a product is unsafe or illegal.
Trace minerals occur naturally in many foods including cacao, and organizations like the FDA and WHO note these small amounts are common in a normal diet. Regardless, our chocolate is regularly tested and heavy metal levels consistently fall well below established international safety limits.
Prop 65 Warning: Information for CA Residents
Shipping & Returns
How much does shipping cost?
Your order may qualify for free shipping if it meets requirements. See our Seasonal Shipping notice for details.
When will you ship my order?
- During the Spring and Summer months, your order will be shipped in 2-3 business days. Orders placed Wed-Fri will ship Mon-Tues
- During the Fall and Winter months, your order will be shipped in 3-5 business days.
How long will it take to receive my order?
- West Coast takes 2-3 business days
- Central States & East Coast takes 3-5 business days
Can you expedite my order?
Yes, at shipping you may select an expedited option when available.
Do you accept returns?
Each situation is different but we are happy to discuss any issues with you to find a resolution