Welcome to Raízes Chocolate Makers

Bean to bar refers to the process of making chocolate directly from cacao beans, allowing chocolate makers to control every step of production, from sourcing the beans to crafting the final product. This method ensures high quality and allows for unique flavour profiles that reflect the origin of the beans.

Our chocolate stands out because we source our cacao directly from the Amazon Rainforest, using rare native cacao genetics that were among the first to spread through South American rainforest countries. Our cacao varietal, 'Purus,' flourishes in the biodiverse Purus River basin, benefiting from its unique climate and soil conditions. Submerged under the river waters for months, these trees develop a distinctive flavour profile—characterized by earthy richness, floral undertones, and fruity sweetness. By working directly with communities that harvest cacao, as well as other native fruits and nuts, we prioritize sustainability and respect for every life in our supply chain. This approach ensures fair trade practices and minimal environmental impact. Each bar of Raizes Chocolate is a testament to our dedication to quality, flavour, and ethical production.

Direct trade cacao means we purchase our cacao beans directly from farmers and cooperatives, eliminating distributors, especially companies that are not part of those communities. This practice ensures that farmers receive fair compensation for their work and allows us to maintain high-quality standards. At Raízes, we believe in building strong, transparent relationships with our cacao suppliers to promote sustainable and ethical farming practices. Working with specialty cacao allows farmers and cooperatives to charge 5 to 6 times more than the price of commodity cacao. This price is not influenced by the commodity market but can be affected by climate and challenges that may arise from harvest to harvest, such as floods or dryness.

Yes, our chocolate is made from cacao that follows organic practices, although our cacao suppliers do not have formal certification. We prioritize natural and sustainable methods in every step of our production process, ensuring that our chocolate is free from harmful chemicals and pesticides. While many of our bars use organic cacao, pursuing formal certification would not only increase costs but also restrict the incredible cacao sources we wish to use. Similar to fairtrade, organic certification is often funded by investors, which small, privately-owned chocolate makers like us typically don't have. It's important to note that organic certification is not synonymous with quality. Many certified organic chocolates are made from mediocre cacao, resulting in standard flavors similar to mass-produced commercial chocolate. Certification does not always guarantee that the cacao was grown without pest control, although less harmful chemicals may be used. On the other hand, we use high-quality organic cacao that results in more profound and exceptional flavors, even without formal certification. The true essence of organic and sustainable practices lies in the quality and care taken in production, which we uphold in every creation of Raízes Chocolate.

Yes, we offer plenty of options for vegan chocolate. All our dark chocolate is 100% plant-based and does not contain any dairy. We also have a variety of flavoured bars that are entirely plant-based. You can explore our selection of vegan chocolates https://www.raizeschocolatemakers.com/products/ Please note, when you proceed to checkout, our website will notify you if an item contains dairy or any other allergens. It's important to keep in mind that while we strive to maintain strict separation, some of our bars may have been produced in small-scale kitchens that handle ingredients containing dairy. Therefore, we cannot guarantee that our ingredients have not come into contact with dairy or other allergens.

Yes, all of our chocolate is gluten-free. We meticulously prevent cross-contamination and ensure that our products are safe for individuals with gluten sensitivities or celiac disease. However, please note that while we take every precaution to maintain gluten-free standards in our chocolate production, some of our ingredients may have been manufactured in small-scale kitchens where ingredients containing gluten are present. Therefore, we cannot guarantee that our products have not come into contact with gluten or other allergens. When you check out an item, our site will prompt you if it contains gluten or any other allergens, ensuring transparency about ingredients and potential allergen risks.

Dark chocolate typically contains a higher percentage of cacao and less sugar, resulting in a richer, more intense flavor profile. It is also characterized by its omission of milk solids, making it suitable for those avoiding dairy. On the other hand, milk chocolate boasts a creamier texture and sweeter taste due to the inclusion of milk solids or plant-based milk, and a higher sugar content. It's important to note that while dark chocolate should not contain any milk or dairy ingredients, lower quality options may include traces of dairy components like whey. Therefore, it's advisable to carefully review the ingredients when purchasing dark chocolate, especially from grocery stores. For our Milk Chocolate creations, we use gluten free oats, nuts and other plant-based ingredients.

Our chocolate has a higher price due to several key factors. Firstly, we prioritize using specialty cacao beans that come at a significantly higher cost compared to those used in mass-produced chocolates, which typically use cheaper beans, known as commodity cacao, priced around €2-3 per kilo. In contrast, our beans, costing approximately €12-€15 per kilo, are sourced for their sustainability, exceptional quality, and distinct flavour profile. This directly influences the taste and complexity of our chocolate, while also positively impacting the environment and the lives of families in the communities where the cacao is harvested and processed. Moreover, we are committed to ethical sourcing practices. We pay well above market prices to our farmers and support small-scale producers or cooperatives, ensuring they receive equitable compensation for their efforts. This commitment not only supports sustainable farming practices but also fosters long-term partnerships that enhance both the livelihoods of farmers and the quality of our chocolate. Additionally, our chocolate is meticulously handcrafted in small batches. This artisanal approach allows us to maintain rigorous quality control and deliver a superior product that reflects our dedication to craftsmanship. While this method increases production costs, it ensures that every bar meets our exacting standards for taste and texture. In essence, the higher price of our chocolate reflects our strong commitment to using the best ingredients, supporting ethical sourcing, and producing a truly exceptional chocolate experience.