some frequently asked questions...

how can chocolate be good for me?

Chocolate is perceived to be bad for health is because of all the refined sugar, hydrogenated vegetable fats and additives that are used to make milk chocolate. These man made ingredients are the key causes of obesity and heart disease. Our recipe is free from refined sugar, dairy, hydrogenated fats and additives, because we respect your health.

ok, but is it actually going to improve my health?

Yes. Raw (undutched) cacao contains up to three times the amount of antioxidant flavanols than the dutched cacao in normal chocolate.  Evidence shows that flavanols may reduce risk of heart disease, reduce effects of aging and guard against chronic degenerative diseases.

Cacao is also an exceptional source of magnesium. The concentration of magnesium In the heart muscle is eighteen times greater than in the bloodstream. If heart problems occur, magnesium is the most likely mineral to be missing in the person's diet.

what is dutching?

Dutching involves defatting, roasting and chemically processing the cacao bean. All regular chocolate is made from dutched cacao, unfortunately, "compared to natural cocoa powder, alkali treatment or Dutching does substantially reduce the level of flavanols in cocoa powders".  We bring you the full flavour and health properties of the bean, by using cacao that has not been dutched.

By not heating any of our ingredients above 40 degrees Celsius we preserve all of the health properties of this amazing food.

won't it make me fat?

Not as part of a balanced diet. Cacao butter is primarily composed of steric acid and this has been shown to have no effect on weight gain or loss. The monounsaturated fatty acids in coconut butter are possibly the healthiest source of essential fats available, and can actually raise your metabolism.

Avoid foods with hydrogenated fats in them. Your body has not evolved to digest them: they have even been banned in Denmark because no safe level of consumption has been detected.

why does chocolate make me happy?

Cacao contains over 300 different compounds that interact with your body and mind. Anandamide is a neurotransmitter which is known as "the bliss chemical" for its effects on mood and Phenylethylamine (PEA) is released when you are in love and also controls the ability to focus attention and stay alert.

Other compounds include:

• Dopamine (a neurotransmitter)
• Serotonin (anti-stress neurotransmitter)
• Tryptophan (anti-depressant amino acid)

are your ingredients organic?

Yes, all our ingredients have been produced using organic farming techniques. We are currently in the process of being certified by the Soil Association.

do all your ingredients improve my health?

Yes. Lucuma, known as the "Gold of the Incas", has many precious qualities. It is high in nutrients such as niacin (B3), beta-carotene, iron and fibre as well as complex carbohydrates. The fruit is honoured spiritually by Peruvians and is still prominent in contemporary celebrations.

The nutrients in Carob help to build strong teeth and bones and healthy red blood cells as it is high in protein and vitamins (A, B B2 B3 and D) as well as calcium, phosphorus, potassium and magnesium.  Minerals that are vital to healthy skin are also present: iron, manganese, barium, copper and nickel.

Mexican agave nectar comes from the tequila cactus and is twice as sweet as refined sugars. This means we use less of it. It is also low on the glycemic index at around 45 and so provides slow release sweetness that avoids the classic sugar rush we see from refined sugar.