tcho chocolate factory tour

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The TCHO factory tour is rich, chocolatey goodness for bean-to-bar nerds

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Before you even arrive at the TCHO Chocolate factory in southwest Berkeley, you should know there is a somewhat long list of rules and requirements to be able to attend. First, guests must be at least eight years old, and all minors must be accompanied by an adult. Fine and good. There will be no Augustus Gloops getting sucked into tubes here. But the rules go on. There’s a checklist of things you cannot wear: No jewelry. No open-toed shoes. No heels. No fragrances. No nail polish. No excessive makeup (including, specifically, no false eyelashes). No shorts, skirts, capri pants or other bottoms where bare legs are exposed. No facial piercings. And, finally, you will want to avoid serious bodily injuries in advance of this tour, as there will be no entry by those wearing body casts of any kind.

All these rules may make you wonder: is this chocolate factory tour worth the $10 ticket price? Will it even be fun? And most importantly, will we get to eat chocolate? Fortunately, the answer to all of these questions is yes. Still, this is a tour best suited for chocolate nerds, or at the very least, people who like to learn a little while getting behind-the-scenes.

It makes perfect sense that a tour at TCHO (pronounced “Cho”) would be an informative one, being that the company was originally founded by some brainy, technically minded people. A one-time NASA scientist, Timothy Childs, and Karl Bittong, a longtime chocolate industry guy from Germany, started the company in 2005 on Pier 17 in San Francisco. As makers of artisan, single-origin chocolate, their mission was to not only create better tasting and better quality chocolate, but to improve working conditions for cacao farmers and lessen the environmental impact of chocolate sourcing — both problems in the world of Big Chocolate.

In 2014, TCHO outgrew its SF facility and moved to Berkeley, into the Marchant Building at 3100 San Pablo Ave. (just south of Ashby), a space about three times bigger than the Pier 17 facility. One of TCHO’s popular attractions at Pier 17 was its guided tours, but for its first three years in Berkeley, the factory was closed to the public. The company used this time to settle in and focus on wholesale and distribution. It wasn’t until this October that it started giving guided tours again.

TCHO’s factory tour and store manager Catherine Liu is one of 35 employees who works at the Berkeley factory. She is the company’s sole tour guide, giving two 90-minute tours a day.

A large part of the Berkeley tour doesn’t even concentrate on what happens inside the factory. Instead, the focus is across the world, on the farms in the four countries from which TCHO sources cacao, or the beans that become chocolate: Peru, Ecuador, Madagascar and Ghana. Guests learn how cacao is grown and processed, and about TCHO’s sourcing programs.

According to Liu, many traditional cocoa farmers never taste the chocolate made from their beans, so they have little control over, or knowledge of, the final product. To help remedy this, TCHO has built flavor labs at each of the co-ops it works with to introduce farmers to the entire process of chocolate making. It provides training, equipment and technology for growing higher quality beans. Farmers take sensory training classes to expand their knowledge and palates. These classes not only improve the taste of the product, but give farmers the tools to work with other markets and hopefully, get paid a better wage for their product.

The processing of cacao beans — harvesting, fermenting, drying, roasting and then transforming it into a mass called cocoa liquor (made of equal parts cocoa solids and cocoa butter) — all happens at the bean’s country of origin. This means more employment for farmers, and a smaller carbon footprint for TCHO, which only imports the processed cocoa liquor to its factory.

The next part of the tour takes visitors on to the production floor, where the pure cocoa liquor is transformed into chocolate bars. Here, a series of machines melt, mix, grind, store, temper, mold and finally wrap each individual bar. Although the heavenly aroma of chocolate is pervasive throughout the factory, the rich fragrance is strongest in the production room.

Fans of shows like “How It’s Made” will get special pleasure out of the walk-through, although this segment of the tour is fairly short and, depending on what day you go, you may or may not see any chocolate on the production line. This is also the part of the tour where all those strict hygiene rules matter most. Disposable hairnets and lab coats must be worn inside. Phones, purses and other belongings are stored away in lockers before entry.

Finally, after viewing the machines, visitors are led back to the presentation room, where the best part — the tasting — happens.

There’s a method to tasting single-origin chocolate bars, Liu told us. Chocolates should always be sampled in the order of darkest to lightest, otherwise bitterness will overwhelm any subtler flavors. Before you place a piece of chocolate in your mouth, first break it in half; you should hear a good snap. If a single-origin chocolate bar doesn’t make a sound when broken, Liu said, it probably wasn’t tempered correctly, which gives it its strength and glossy appearance. Then, give the chocolate a whiff, appreciating the aroma before finally eating it. Rather than chewing chocolate, let it melt on our tongue, to best detect its notes and flavor profiles.

During our tasting, we tried three single-origin dark chocolates: TCHO’s most popular, a 70% dark chocolate from Ghana with a rich chocolatey profile. It has a little vanilla added, which actually enhances the deep flavor of chocolate. Then, we had a 68% dark chocolate from Peru with a fruity profile. I immediately tasted raisins, but Liu said some detect notes of cherry, raspberry and even orange. This chocolate goes well with red wines. And last, we sampled TCHO’s lightest single origin, a 65% dark chocolate from Ecuador with a nutty, roasted flavor.

Like with wine, a chocolate’s tasting notes are often subjective to the taster, but inclement weather, or other environmental factors, can determine flavor. Liu said that flavor consistency is not easy when producing single-origin chocolate.

“When you’re dealing with nature and the ingredients are not genetically modified, flavors can differ from harvest to harvest,” she said.

Although TCHO’s specialty is single-origin chocolate, it does offer a few other types of blends and flavored bars. It makes two milk chocolate bars made from a blend of chocolate from Ecuador and Peru, one at 53% and another at 39%. (To compare, the average milk chocolate bar is 20% to 25% chocolate.) It also makes eight flavored bars, including its most popular and bestselling Mokaccino, featuring Blue Bottle coffee beans. And it recently started a special Maker’s Series. Every two months TCHO chocolate makers create a new, limited edition bar for this micro-batch series, where they can get a little bolder and weirder with ingredients. I took home the Umami bar, featuring black garlic, seaweed, shiitake and sea salt.

The tour ends with time in the TCHO retail store. The tour costs $10, but guests are given $10 credit to spend here, so, as long as you buy something, you’ve essentially gotten a free tour, a whole lot of chocolate knowledge, and, most probably, a bounty of chocolates for the road, too.

90-minutes factory tours take place two times a day at 10:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. at TCHO Chocolate , 3100 San Pablo Ave., Suite 170 (enter on Folger St.). Go to Eventbrite for available dates and to purchase tickets.

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Sarah Han was the editor of Nosh from 2017 to 2021. Previously, she worked as an editor at The Bold Italic, the San Francisco Chronicle and the San Francisco Bay Guardian. In 2020, Sarah won SPJ NorCal's... More by Sarah Han

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Contact Information

• 3100 San Pablo Ave.
• Berkeley, California 94702
• Phone: (844) 877-8246

TCHO Chocolate

Berkeley Bucks Accepted Here!

Welcome to the Berkeley's Chocolate Factory! TCHO is a Berkeley-based, artisan chocolate manufacturer obsessed with creating amazing chocolate, innovating in everything we do, and making a better world by making better chocolates. Designed for foodies and professionals, TCHO's New American Chocolate explores the pure flavors inherent in cacao itself.

Walk-ins are not accepted for TCHO chocolate factory tours, please click here to book a tour .

TCHO: Chocolate Factory Tour & Tasting 3100 San Pablo Ave Berkeley, CA 94702 U.S. Details   Open in Google Maps

TCHO: Chocolate Factory Tour & Tasting

TCHO Chocolate

Review Highlights

“ The only downside is that this store was only open to the tour groups and not to the public so make sure to stock up if you get the chance to go! ” in 2 reviews

“ I love the bar they make for Blue Bottle Coffee that has their coffee in it. ” in 3 reviews

“ There was also a lot of discussion about transparency in practices, what Fair Trade is, and what it means to be a Certified B corporation. ” in 3 reviews

Location & Hours

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3100 San Pablo Ave

Berkeley, CA 94702

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When did TCHO get acquired by a Japanese company?

Hi Eddie, Thanks for reaching out with your question. Please reference this article to learn more about TCHO's acquisition by Ezaki Glico:… more

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Overall rating

TCHO Chocolate is a premium chocolate manufacturer located in Berkeley, California. I love that TCHO is all Organic and Fair Trade, but my absolute favorite flavor is the Toffee Time, which has bits of vegan toffee, flakes of sea salt and is perfectly caramelly. I came here for an after hours event to celebrate Women's History Month. A real highlight was getting to take a chocolate factory tour, so we geared up with hairnet and robe to learn more about the chocolate-making process. The tour provided a unique opportunity to witness the production from start to finish, and to taste some of the finest chocolates available. It was such a unique experience! Going on their tour was like living out my childhood Willy Wonka Fantasy!

Best vegan chocolate ever!!!!! Seriously and tbh I can't believe it's vegan. After every bite I find myself looking at the ingredients lol. The tours are a great time too!!! There's so many random cool facts that you prob don't necessarily need to know but you'll be so happy that you do. 10/10 recommend!

TCHO recently went 100% vegan and they have a factory tour! Make sure you get reservations at least a month in advance, though! My 11-year-old vegan-from-birth son was thrilled to get to try all of the different samples. They even had an incredible seasonal eggnog white chocolate, pumpkin spice chocolate, and toffee "oat milk" chocolate. This is a rare treat for a vegan family; most tours involve some sort of animal cruelty (like come on Jelly Belly Factory- make vegan options already!). There was also a lot of discussion about transparency in practices, what Fair Trade is, and what it means to be a Certified B corporation. Shockingly my son even said his favourite sample were the cacao nibs, instead of the sugary sweet "milk" chocolates. Although the tour was not free like other tours I've been on (15$ per person), you do get a discount on chocolate at the end (you better bet I took advantage). It also comes with a new sturdy chart that my son and I did a little more study on- he's homeschooled so he read the book "The Bitter Side of Sweet" by Tara Sullivan, and we learned a lot about the ethics of chocolate. So... if you live in the Bay Area of CA, check out the TCHO chocolate factory in Berkeley!

Here and chocolate tasting like real connoisseurs.

Great, chill, informative tour and fun tasting. Amazing Berkeley gem! The chocolate is delicious and varied -- their dark chocolates highlight single and multi origins, and they have decadent (plant) milk chocolates as well. Newer standouts include the Hazel Nuts (reminds you of a more sophisticated and not overly sweet Nutella) and Perfect Matcha (a play on a strawberry matcha latte we didn't think we'd like but ended up loving). Dark Duo is a good mix of fruity and fudgy dark chocolate and a good intro to dark chocolate. They are bean to bar but, more than that, care about their farmers. They are a B Corp and made the switch to plant-based to lower allergens and lower their carbon footprint. Super awesome.

We were most interested in attending this tour to see a live production of the chocolate making and was disappointed when we were told there was no production and we would be shown the machines. The host was gracious and informative, but the main point for us to come was to see chocolates being produced :( Tour = $15/person = would have been worth it to see the actual chocolates being produced.

This review is based on the incorrect website information that the Berkeley location is open. It's clearly under construction and cannot be accessed, whether for tours or the retail store. Would have been nice if their website would be updated with that information so people don't waste time trying to shop a local business.

I had an amazing time on the TCHO Chocolate factory tour! Kids loved hearing how chocolate is made and then tasting chocolate, of course. Highly encourage you to check it out.

Tasty tasty tasty I thought it was local and almost positive all plant-based I really like the 95% and I think there's a 100% period kind of hard to find but I think Dean's produce and draeger carry... yummmmmmmmmmmmm

I use to love this chocolate, the dark 85% cacao was awesome. After they were acquired by a Japanese company, they came out with some interestingly filled candy bars like the double fudge, which I kind of liked, but I wouldn't eat it all the time. Then I started to see vegan on the packaging. I thought chocolate was always vegan. Vegan has become such a marketing tool, surprised I haven't seen vegan on bottled water, I went to their website recently, packaging has had a make over and everything has a catchy name and they no longer make basic pure chocolate. Well that's what happens when you sell out to a foreign conglomerate. On the search for a new favorite. Ritual Chocolate is looking like a winner, we'll see.

TCHO chocolate is one of my favorites. When I learned I would be making a trip to San Francisco, this was number one on my list of must-do items (honestly, one of the few things I really insisted on). Tours are available only certain days of the week, however as of May they are on hold while the factory is revamped. Fear not, as TCHO expects to offer them again later on this year. Tickets for tours are available on their website, and must be ordered in advance as they sell out. We reserved ours three or four weeks prior and had no problem. You should expect to plan at minimum a week ahead to ensure availability. They only allow for 10 guests (this is a good thing!). The tour is $10 per person, and at the end you use the entry fee toward your purchase of chocolate, so basically it is free (don't try to kid yourself, you're going to buy chocolate). Though we walked, I noticed a few parking spots along the side of the building. We were met at a door along that same street, and brought into a large open room with artwork and photographs involving chocolate, plus a cute seating area, and the chocolate shop off to the side. You are provided with a locker to hold your belongings, along with a disposable lab coat, hair net, and beard net for the guys (Note: There were A LOT of rules about what to wear: closed toe shoes, pants, no jewelry, etc. Just make sure to read the directions prior). We started with a video and introduction to chocolate making. TCHO sources their chocolate direct from the grower, processing of the cacao is performed at the farm, then the resulting cacao liquor is sent to TCHO, and they complete the chocolate, adding inclusions to some bars, and then packaging. This allows farmers to make more money off their crop, and less waste is shipped. Win-win! Next, we toured the factory, which was very loud, and while difficult to hear our guide, it was still interesting. Last, we had the chocolate tasting which, let's be frank, is 92% the reason for doing this tour. We tried several varieties, and even those uninitiated in the joys of finer chocolate were able to taste a difference. Finally, we were released to pick out our goodies, and they have ALL of their bars out to sample in the shop (!!!!!!). Prices were about the same as they are at my local grocery stores and World Market, although they had some quantity specials. They also offer fill-your-own containers, and some special packaging for holidays. A few limited edition bars are only available through their shop or online (as if I needed another reason to stock up). The store is not open to the public, only those who do the tour. You should get one of each flavor, but if you need some direction, my personal favorites are coffee + almond, cinnamon spice, mokaccino, triple berry, coconut crisp, and dark chocolate. I already knew I liked TCHO. Learning more about their philosophy and tasting every single bar they produce made me a true fan. Do not miss out on the opportunity to experience this tour. As a bonus, it is also in a really cool part of Berkeley, and the mile or so walk from our hotel was an excellent way to get a taste of the area. Don't miss that, either.

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TCHO Chocolate: Factory Tour and Tasting

Take a guided tour and get a behind the scenes look at how the award-winning chocolate is made from raw ingredients to finished products. You’ll learn loads about the chocolate making process, the responsible sourcing methods, the unique production facility, and walk through the bean-to-bar flavor laboratory.

After the tour, you’ll get to nosh on some of the single-origin dark chocolates, pure milk chocolates, and a featured Flavor of the Day in a guided tasting. At the end of the tasting, the TCHO retail store will be open for business.

The tour includes $10 off an in-store purchase.

Hurry and purchase your ticket today as this will sell out! Tickets are limited and only available to active Chronicle members and their guests.

Monday, Feb. 26

10:20 a.m.: Check-in*

10:30 a.m.-12 p.m.: Factory tour and tasting

*Please arrive at the check-in time, the tour will start promptly at 10:30 a.m. You will be given hairnets, smocks, etc.

TCHO Chocolate

3100 San Pablo Avenue

Berkeley, CA 94702

*You are responsible for your own transportation and any parking fees.

For any questions or inquiries, do not contact the venue, please the email membership team.

All items are non-refundable, all sales are final.

All items are non-refundable under any circumstances.

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Tour TCHO Chocolate Factory in Berkeley

• May 2, 2023
• by Heather Flett
• No Comments

See how the chocolate is made! For dark chocolate-loving tweens, teens, and adults, the interactive TCHO (Pronounced with a long ‘O’, like Cho ) Chocolate Factory Tour in Berkeley could only be more delightful if there were real Oompa Loompas singing songs. This experience was very close to my personal idea of heaven, but it is not for everyone.

See more of Violet’s experience at the TCHO Factory @theTasteBud >

Take a guided tour and get a behind-the-scenes look at how TCHO’s award-winning chocolate is made from raw ingredients to finished products. You’ll learn loads about TCHO’s chocolate-making process, responsible sourcing methods (TCHO Source), the unique production facility, and walk through the bean-to-bar flavor laboratory.

All components of the tour are guided by a knowledgeable representative of TCHO. Our tour guide told us all about the process and various machines as we walked through the small factory workstations. I got the impression that people further away from her couldn’t hear all her remarks because it was noisy inside. The smell is amazing.

Pro tip: Younger kids who really think “chocolate factory” means Oompa Loompas will be disappointed and fidgety. The TCHO staff invites children as young as eight, but as always, you know best if your kid would be interested in a manufacturing lesson!

  View this post on Instagram   A post shared by Vince Vasquez (@thetastebud)

Make advance reservations  to  tour the chocolate factory because walk-ins are not welcome. As of this writing, tours are only offered on Wednesday and Thursday; however, that may change over time.

Pricing and logistics:

• Tours are offered most Tuesdays and Thursdays at various times.
• Reservations are required; Book your tour online .
• Admission is $15 for all humans over age 8; parking is free or metered. There is also a paid lot off 67th ($3/hour)
• Visit TCHO online.
• Make sure to note restrictions before you show up, including NO jewelry, close-toed shoes, and long pants. Masks are required at this time. Lockers are available for no additional charge.
• Address: 3100 San Pablo Ave in Berkeley . Plan to arrive 10 minutes ahead of time. From San Pablo Ave., head west onto Folger Ave. and look for a glass door with “3100” on the wall above and “TCHO” on the glass door.

Bottom line:  a ton of fun for chocolate and factory lovers (me times two!). Recommended for ten and up; plan to bring children with the attention span for a chocolate lesson and a curiosity about machines.

Did you have a great time? Let us know in the comments.

[Photos by the 510families team and TCHO as noted]

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• Filed Under: Berkeley , Foodie , Teens , Tweens

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TCHO Chocolate Free Factory Tour & Tasting | SF

Event details.

Submitted by the Event Organizer

Ghirardelli gets all the hype but there’s a new(ish) chocolate maker in San Francisco that’s also making waves. And now TCHO is inviting you for daily tours of their factory, free for a limited time.

Take the TCHO tour: 7 days a week. One-hour tours at 10:30 am and 2 pm. This TCHO Factory experience includes a presentation and factory tour with the most knowledgeable and entertaining tour guides in town, as well as an in-depth guided tasting of our flavor-driven, artisan chocolate. The tour lasts about an hour long. [ Get Free tickets to the TCHO factory tour ]

Some rules: This is a food production facility so there are some rules. Do not wear open-toed shoes (incl: sandals & flip-flops). Kids under the age of 8 are not allowed (this is not Willy Wonka’s factory). You must put away jewelry, watches, loose objects, cameras and cellphones. You do have to wear the provided hair net, beard guard (that goes for you too, Brian Wilson) and earplugs.

Disclaimer: Please double check event information with the event organizer as events can be canceled, details can change after they are added to our calendar, and errors do occur.

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We strive to innovate, to explore new flavors, to create delicious chocolate, and to be socially responsible without any preconceived notions about how things should be done. we value hard work, creative thinkers, and that can-do attitude sound like your kind of team, tcho factory tours.

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TCHO Chocolate Factory Tour

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TCHO Chocolate Factory Tour - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (2024)

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21 Best Sustainable and Ethical Chocolate Brands

Chocolate is delicious, but making ethical and sustainable choices enhances the experience. By opting for brands that prioritize fair trade, ethical procurement, and environmental consciousness, you can indulge in chocolate bliss without any guilt. Come let us enter the sweet world of the best sustainable chocolate brands available.

Sustainable Chocolate Brands

Climate change poses a significant threat to West Africa, home to approximately 70% of the world’s cocoa beans . Despite these concerns, there’s an opportunity to make a positive impact through conscious consumption.

Sustainable chocolate production minimizes chemicals and exploitative labour while encouraging biodiversity and farmer well-being. Key considerations include ethical sourcing, agroforestry, environmental responsibility, direct trading partnerships, and certifications such as Fairtrade.

Indulge in guilt-free chocolate bliss by exploring the following best sustainable and ethical chocolate brands in the world:

1. Askinosie

Crafted in small batches at the bean-to-bar micro-factory in Missouri, this artisanal chocolate brand emphasizes sustainability. Askinosie brand utilizes a direct trade strategy to source single-origin chocolate, promoting fair-wage employment and ethical supply chains through close collaboration with farmers worldwide.

The Transparency Report facilitates easy verification of sustainable claims by consumers, complemented by factory visits in Missouri. Their product range includes chocolate bars, baking chocolate, sipping chocolate, gift sets, and snacks.

2. Beyond Good

The company procures premium cocoa and employs local individuals at its chocolate factory in Madagascar. Beyond Good specializes in producing single-origin chocolate operating a small local factory for chocolate production.

They offer individual bars, variety packs, and sustainably sourced vanilla. Their chocolate selection boasts distinctive flavours including salted caramel, pure dark, crispy rice, orange zest, hazelnut, coconut, and vanilla.

They also offer gift boxes for customers to explore the unique tastes of each region.

3. Taza Chocolate

It is one of the sustainable chocolate brands that specializes in crafting organic, fair-trade chocolate using a stone ground method that amplifies the natural flavours of the cocoa bean. Taza acquires its chocolate from Haitian farmers through ethical cacao sourcing .

Their diverse array of chocolate products, including bars, discs, snacks, and gifts, is available for purchase online. Its chocolate-making process aims to highlight the complexity of cacao flavours without excessive refinement, allowing the natural qualities of the cacao to shine through.

4. Hu Kitchen

The brand’s commitment shines through its certified organic chocolate bars made from pure, natural ingredients and sweetened with unrefined coconut sugar. For those craving refined sugar-free, vegan, and gluten-free chocolate treats, Hu Kitchen offers a delightful range of organic dark and milk chocolate bars. Additionally, they provide baking chocolate for culinary creations and a selection of gifts perfect for any occasion.

They ensure that all cocoa and cocoa butter used are Fair-Trade certified and non-GMO.

5. Alter Eco

It is an organic chocolate brand available both in stores and online, focusing on environmentally sustainable production practices. Alter Eco ensures fair-trade wages for farmers and actively assists them in transitioning to regenerative agriculture practices.

Their product line includes

• dark chocolate bars, truffle thins,
• blackout bars, chocolate truffles,
• organic granola, and grass-fed milk chocolate bars.

Their products are organic and free from GMOs, additives, gluten, or soy ingredients, packaged in compostable and recyclable materials.

You can also take a look at our blog – How to Recycle Rice Pellets to Make Waterproof Wood

The company specializes in crafting organic , fair-trade chocolate treats sourced directly from farmers, initiating investments in local cocoa farmers to establish sustainable cooperatives. Theo prioritizes transparency by listing suppliers for each additional ingredient in their chocolate bars.

Product categories include chocolate bars, cups and candy, baking chocolate and gifts. Varieties range from dark chocolate to vegan and gluten-free options, with popular chocolate flavours like raspberry cocoa nib, salted black liquorice, and orange.

Ranked among the best sustainable chocolate brands, TCHO is a B Corp-certified company from California that emphasises transparency through its sourcing program.

Their product line, including baking chocolate, individual bars, and variety packs, presents a diverse selection of flavours with detailed origin information. Their product line has tempting flavours like

• holy fudge, born fruity,
• dark duo, toffee time,
• choco latte, and Aww nuts (plant-based and Non-GMO options).

These chocolates transform Ghana’s premium cocoa into artisanal delights, prioritizing fair wages and sustainability. Crafted in micro batches, Dapaah’s dairy-free chocolates are made with coconut milk to cater to vegans and lactose-intolerant individuals.

Meticulously processed organic cocoa beans yield a velvety-smooth texture. They offer a diverse array of artisanal flavours such as

• cognac and smoked almonds,
• rose and raspberry,
• champagne and strawberry,
• Pina colada, and Moroccan dates.

9. Dandelion Chocolate

By meticulously sourcing the highest-quality cocoa and crafting small batches, Dandelion Chocolate crafts their chocolate with only cocoa beans and organic cane sugar, avoiding additives like vanilla, lecithin, preservatives, flavourings, or cocoa butter. Their commitment to ethical sourcing is evident through their bean-to-bar process and direct trade relationships. Their soy-free and vegan-friendly products ranging from classic fudge to tangy fruit include a variety of treats like truffles, candies, hot cocoa, honeycombs, granola, and assorted chocolate boxes.

Also Read: How Cities Are Building Local & Sustainable Food Systems

10. Endangered Species

Renowned for its contribution towards wildlife conservation, Endangered Species Chocolate sources cacao from fair-trade farmers in West Africa.

They offer a diverse array of options and feature responsibly sourced ingredients including vegan choices and baking chips , all sweetened with 100% Non-GMO Project verified cane sugar. Their chocolate includes flavours like raspberries, oats, cherries, caramel apple spice, orange fudge, and peanut butter.

11. Divine Chocolate

Established in 1998, Divine Chocolate is a renowned sustainable chocolate brand, accredited as a B Corp. It is known for its partnerships with cocoa farmers in Ghana, dedicated to producing high-quality cocoa for their diverse collections. Their product line includes a variety of chocolate bars, baking chocolate, drinking chocolate, and crispy thins in flavours like white, dark, mint, and salted caramel, as well as vegan and organic options.

12. Loving Earth

Maintaining a consistent focus on plant-based, organic, gluten-free, and refined sugar-free ingredients , Loving Earth specializes in crafting healthy and sustainable chocolate.

Their diverse range includes various chocolate bars, drinking chocolate, and candies, alongside pantry staples like coconut oil and coconut sugar.

Chocolate flavours include milk, dark, salted caramel, cookie and cream, blueberry, macadamia, lemongrass and Turkish rose. They use vegetable inks for printing and their inner wrapper is home compostable.

13. Fruition Chocolate Works

Based in New York, Fruition Chocolate Works is an ethical, small-batch chocolate company. By carefully selecting ethically sourced cocoa beans, they partner with farms employing organic, fair trade, or direct trade practices. They meticulously handcraft a line of bean-to-bar chocolate and confections, boasting unique flavours like

• passion fruit, cherry white chocolate pistachios,
• brown butter bourbon caramels, drinking chocolate,
• chocolate-covered almonds, malt balls, and chocolate bars.

Also See: Plastic-Free, Sustainable, Eco Friendly Skincare Cosmetic Packaging

14. Ritual Chocolate

Established in 2010, Ritual Chocolate creates velvety and smooth chocolate using traditional and contemporary methods, preserving the nuanced flavours of carefully sourced cacao. They collaborate with farmers and cooperative farms, adhering to rigorous environmental standards.

Their diverse range includes single-origin, limited edition collaborations , and locally sourced bars, alongside drinking chocolate and granola. Explore flavours like honeycomb, toffee bonbon, s’mores, lavender, and vanilla.

15. The Raw Chocolate Company

Known for ethically sourced organic cacao, The Raw Chocolate Company operates in eco-powered, zero-waste kitchens, utilizing recyclable packaging.

Their diverse product range includes

• Easter eggs, breakfast toppers, snack packs,
• chocolate bars, buttons, hot chocolate flakes, and assorted gifts.

They feature flavours like orange and tangerine, cherry, dark side, peppermint, nuts, chocolate goji, and coconut. Additionally, they offer a conscious chocolate range free from gluten, soya, dairy, and refined sugars, ensuring a smooth and luxurious palate experience.

16. Tony’s Chocolonely

Striving for 100% slave-free chocolate Tony’s Chocolonely is dedicated to emphasizing ethical sourcing. Their chocolate bars include various flavours such as milk hazelnut, extra dark, milk chocolate almond honey nougat, dark almond sea salt, milk caramel sea salt, and milk chocolate. They prioritize environmental protection and promote widespread support to accelerate change in the chocolate industry.

17. Conscious Chocolate

Listed under the best sustainable chocolate brands, Conscious Chocolate has been producing raw vegan chocolate since 2004. They offer a diverse range of ethically sourced products, including chocolate bars, covered fruit nibbles, cocoa powder, and drinking chocolate.

Their ingredients are organic and GMO-free, and all products are manufactured in an eco-friendly factory powered by renewable energy. With plastic-free, recyclable, and compostable packaging, they prioritize fair trade principles in ingredient procurement, with cacao sourced from Peru.

Also, check out Innovative and Sustainable Toys to Gift Your Kids this Christmas

18. Montezuma’s

Established in 2000, Montezuma’s is renowned for its innovative chocolate flavours and sustainability efforts. Their packaging is fully recyclable, compostable, or biodegradable. They offer a diverse range of chocolate bars, including popular options like

• Absolute Black chocolate, dark chocolate with orange and geranium,
• cherry dark chocolate, mint dark chocolate,
• lime and sea salt dark chocolate, and chilli dark chocolate.

These bars are available in both mini and giant sizes, featuring a smooth vegan milk chocolate alternative and organic varieties.

19. Unreal Snacks

The company offers chocolate snacks with reduced sugar content, utilizing fair trade chocolate and organic, non-GMO ingredients. Committed to sustainability, Unreal Snacks features fair trade ingredients, and no artificial additives , soy, or sugar alcohols. Their offerings include almond buttercups, crispy quinoa gems, peanut gems, milk chocolate gems, caramel peanut butter nought bars, and coconut bars all made with real, simple ingredients.

20. Seed & Bean

Established in 2005, Seed & Bean is one of the best ethical chocolate brands that prioritize organic ingredients and ethical sourcing. They proudly adhere to an organic ethos, ensuring that all their products are ethically procured with their adoption of compostable foil packaging.

They offer a diverse range of chocolate bars with unique combinations like

• coffee espresso dark chocolate, lemon cardamom dark chocolate,
• cornish sea salt and lime milk chocolate, and
• coconut and raspberry extra dark bar.

Their selection includes dark, milk, and vegan chocolate, along with minibars and a plant-based milk collection.

21. Love Cocoa

The company is committed to ethically sourcing cocoa from fair farming practices to ensure high-quality cocoa and uphold worker welfare. Love Cocoa features bars, truffles, hampers, ethical cocoa powder, alcoholic chocolate, biscuits, and vegan options, all crafted with meticulous care using sustainable materials. Packaged in sustainable materials, their offerings span various chocolate grades and feature flavours such as salted caramel, hazelnut, sea salt, honeycomb, and gingerbread dark chocolate bars.

Ultimately, these sustainable chocolate brands are redefining the industry’s standards with their commitment to direct trade relationships, organic ingredients, and eco-friendly packaging. Several brands offer vegan and dairy-free options along with unique flavours like honeycomb, gingerbread dark chocolate, and brown butter bourbon caramels to satisfy your taste buds with a unique twist. To access more such sustainable topics, stay tuned to our website.

Recommended: Sustainable Photography: 16 Tips to Make Photography Environmentally Friendly

Olivia is committed to green energy and works to help ensure our planet's long-term habitability. She takes part in environmental conservation by recycling and avoiding single-use plastic.

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