Be a Chocolate Thinker
Educating since 2008
+ The Science Of Chocolate Difference
Expert level knowledge for all! Helping you learn about chocolate with an objective & evidence-based approach. The ultimate goal here is to offer you the tools and knowledge you need to make wiser and more satisfying chocolate choices be it tasting, working with, or making chocolate.
Make decisions based on what you know, not simply from what you are told.
Here, passion and dedication are unmatched. An overlap of expertise as a chocolatier, chocolate sommelier, chocolate maker, instructor, and a background in biology offers you a very unique and in-depth look into the world of cacao and chocolate.
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Ganache filled figs and classic chocolate truffles class Burnaby, BC by Science Of Chocolate November 22 2026
Chocolate making class from the raw cocoa bean in Burnaby, BC by Science Of Chocolate September 20 2026
Chocolate making class from the raw cocoa bean in Burnaby, BC by Science Of Chocolate September 20 2026
This digital gift card can be used for any products in the Science Of Chocolate online shop such as exquisite premium chocolate bars, drink mixes, books, gift boxes, and much more. This gift card does not apply to services such as private virtual tasting bookings or virtual lesson bookings.
You will have the choice to email this digital gift card to yourself, or right to the recipient. The email you receive will include a notice of the gift card along with a unique code which can be applied to payment during checkout.
Some would say hazelnuts and cocoa are a match made in heaven. The idea of combining hazelnuts and chocolate (gianduja) was invented in Northern Italy in the 19th Century. Today, we don’t need to go to Italy to enjoy premium chocolate hazelnut products. These three are made right here in Canada, and are sublime!
This Gift Box Includes:
Two (2) hazelnut chocolate bars (contain dairy) and 1 delicious hazelnut chocolate spread (dairy-free).
All the gift-set add-ons (tasting guide, flavour wheel poem keepsake, storing guide, paper flowers, tongs, sticker, tissue and stuffing)
Other Notes
If this is a gift for someone, you have the option to add a message (be sure to also include their shipping address if it is going directly to them). A paper invoice will not be included for Canadian and USA destinations.
This is not a subscription. This is a one-time purchase gift set.
Bars are chosen according to your preference, current availability, and may not be the bars shown in the images.
Chocolate Gift Box
I choose from my curated selection of fine chocolate bars. Consider adding on an virtual video chat to your order! Adding an experience makes the gift so much more memorable and educational.
This gift box includes:
7 premium bean to bar craft chocolate bars from our online shop. You will have the option to choose the type of bars you want (dark, milk, flavoured, a mix, no dairy, no nuts, no gluten etc.)
All the gift-set add-ons (tasting guide, flavour wheel poem keepsake, storing guide, paper flowers, tongs, sticker, tissue and stuffing)
You have the option to choose between all dark, all milk, mix of both, all plant-based, no nuts, no gluten, and more. Feel free to customize the types of chocolates you want. You will be prompted to do so when you add this item to your cart.
Buy this for yourself, or as a gift for family & friends. If this is a gift for someone else, you have the option to add a message (be sure to also include their shipping address in the checkout form). A paper invoice will not be included for Canadian and USA destinations.
This is not a subscription. This is a one-time purchase gift set.
Bars are chosen according to your preference, current availability, and may not be the bars shown in the images.
A wonderful gift for someone who wants to cozy up with a mug of drinking chocolate and good book to learn more about chocolate! Gift set includes:
1 Dark or Milk Chocolate Bar
1 Package of Hot Chocolate/Drinking Chocolate (Dairy Free)
The True History of Chocolate by Coe and Coe
All the gift-set add-ons (tasting guide, flavour wheel poem keepsake, storing guide, paper flowers, tongs, sticker, tissue and stuffing)
Optional: Battery operated electric frother. Batteries not included
Other Notes
If this is a gift for someone, you have the option to add a message (be sure to also include their shipping address if it is going directly to them). A paper invoice will not be included for Canadian and USA destinations.
This is not a subscription. This is a one-time purchase gift set.
Bars are chosen according to your preference, current availability, and may not be the bars shown in the images.
Enjoy the beautifully crafted bean-to-bar chocolate by Canadian Makers across the country.
This gift box includes:
Your choice of 3 or 5 chocolate bars made in Canada by Canadian chocolate makers.
All the gift-set add-ons (tasting guide, flavour wheel poem keepsake, storing guide, paper flowers, tongs, sticker, tissue and stuffing)
Ingredients
This gift set defaults to include dark chocolate, milk chocolate, and flavoured chocolate bars. If you have any dietary requests or questions, be sure to leave it in the notes section when you checkout.
Other Notes
Buy this for yourself, or as a gift for family & friends. If this is a gift for someone else, you have the option to add a message (be sure to also include their shipping address in the checkout form). A paper invoice will not be included for Canadian and USA destinations.
This is not a subscription. This is a one-time purchase gift set.
Price is subject to applicable taxes and shipping.
Bars are chosen according to your preference, current availability, and may not be the bars shown in the images.
This Gift Box Includes:
Three (3) high-percentage dark chocolate bars. This means bars will be 75% and higher cocoa bean content up to 100%.
Cocoa beans have some of the highest antioxidant levels of all our foods. High-percentage dark chocolate has a higher concentration of these. If your recipient enjoys darker chocolates and not much sugar, these bars will be perfect for them. Packed full of nutrients as well as deep complex flavour beyond just “cocoa”.
Ingredients
This gift set includes chocolate bars that contain cocoa bean and a small amount of sugar or none at all. No bars will contain nuts, dairy, or gluten. If you have other dietary requests or questions, be sure to leave it in the “notes” section when at the checkout.
Other Notes
If this is a gift for someone, you have the option to add a message (be sure to also include their shipping address if it is going directly to them). A paper invoice will not be included for Canadian and USA destinations.
This is not a subscription. This is a one-time purchase gift set.
Bars are chosen according to your preference, current availability, and may not be the bars shown in the images.
This Gift Box Includes:
Three bars which will included spiced (warm spices like cinnamon) and spicy (hot) flavoured chocolate bars. These bars are dairy-free.
All the gift-set add-ons (tasting guide, flavour wheel poem keepsake, storing guide, paper flowers, tongs, sticker, tissue and stuffing)
Other Notes
If this is a gift for someone, you have the option to add a message (be sure to also include their shipping address if it is going directly to them). A paper invoice will not be included for Canadian and USA destinations.
This is not a subscription. This is a one-time purchase gift set.
Bars are chosen according to your preference, current availability, and may not be the bars shown in the images.
This Gift Box Includes:
Three (3) or five (5) single-origin dark chocolate bars with cacao of Caribbean origin. Selection will include single-origin darks and some dark and/or milk flavoured bars. You have the option to specify dietary requests.
All the gift-set add-ons (tasting guide, flavour wheel poem keepsake, storing guide, paper flowers, tongs, sticker, tissue and stuffing)
Other Notes
If this is a gift for someone, you have the option to add a message (be sure to also include their shipping address if it is going directly to them). A paper invoice will not be included for Canadian and USA destinations.
This is not a subscription. This is a one-time purchase gift set.
Bars are chosen according to your preference, current availability, and may not be the bars shown in the images.
This Gift Box Includes:
Three (3) or five (5) single-origin dark chocolate bars with cacao of Asian and Oceania origin. Selection will include single-origin darks and some dark and/or milk flavoured bars. You have the option to specify dietary requests.
All the gift-set add-ons (tasting guide, flavour wheel poem keepsake, storing guide, paper flowers, tongs, sticker, tissue and stuffing)
Other Notes
If this is a gift for someone, you have the option to add a message (be sure to also include their shipping address if it is going directly to them). A paper invoice will not be included for Canadian and USA destinations.
This is not a subscription. This is a one-time purchase gift set.
Bars are chosen according to your preference, current availability, and may not be the bars shown in the images.
Maker: Allo Simonne based in Montreal, QC, Canada.
Cacao Origin: Cota Bato, Philippines grown by the Pantua family.
Ingredients: Organic Cocoa Beans, Organic Cane Sugar, Cocoa Butter.
Suggested Flavour Notes: Mango, Spiced Rum, Floral. Other suggested notes include pie crust, leche flan, fig newtons.
The Pantua family grow cacao varieties on their biodynamic organic farm in the Philippines.
56 g
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Looking for better deals on chocolate bars? Check out the Gift Boxes! A random selection of bars, as well as other helpful chocolate tools & products.
Maker: Cacaosuyo based in Peru.
Made with Chuncho cacao from Cuzco, Peru.
Ingredients: Cocoa Paste, Sugar.
Suggested Flavour Notes From Mother: Sweet fruit flavour that slowly makes way for a light herbal freshness.
Other Suggested Flavour Notes: Many tend to get notes of cream, herbs, light woody, and molasses.
70 g
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Maker: Cacaosuyo based in Peru.
Made with cacao from various regions in Peru. Includes: Pura 70% Dark, Chuncho-Cuzco 70% Dark, Lakuna 70% Dark, Piura Milk, Quinoa Crunch Milk.
Ingredients: Cocoa Paste, Sugar.
An array of individually wrapped Cacaosuyo mini bars in a beautiful gold tube. Perfect for gifting.
100 g (20 mini bars)
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Looking for better deals on chocolate bars? Check out the Gift Boxes! A random selection of bars, as well as other helpful chocolate tools & products.
Maker Origin: Harvest Chocolate is a bean-to-bar maker from Michigan, USA. Watch this interview with owners Matt and Elizabeth.
Made with cacao from India.
Ingredients: Cocoa Beans, Cane Sugar, Cocoa Butter.
Suggested Flavour Notes: Dried Fruit, Toasty.
Snacking chocolate is a way of enjoying fine chocolate that is casual and approachable yet still respecting the craft of well made bean-to-bar chocolate.
56g (2 oz)
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Maker: Meltdown Artisan based in New South Wales of Australia.
Cacao: Honiara on the island of Guadalcanal, Solomon Islands.
Ingredients: Cocoa Bean Organic Raw Sugar, Organic Cocoa Butter.
Suggested Flavour Notes: Sour Cherry, Cocoa, Sarsparilla
80 grams (2.8 oz)
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Maker: Qantu Chocolate based in Montreal, QC, Canada. Watch this interview with owners Elfi and Maxime.
Made with cacao from Piura, Peru.
Ingredients: Cocoa Beans, Cane Sugar, Cocoa Butter.
Suggested Flavour Notes: Black Raspberry, Lime, Pollen
50 grams
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Maker: Qantu Chocolate based in Montreal, QC, Canada. Watch this interview with owners Elfi and Maxime.
Made with cacao from Amazonas, Peru.
Ingredients: Cocoa Beans, Cane Sugar, Cocoa Butter.
Suggested Flavour Notes: Toffee & Orange Blossom. Others suggest herbs, botanicals, floral, slight fruity.
Pairing Suggestions: Yogurt (room temperature), rum, savory herbs.
50 g
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Looking for better deals on chocolate bars? Check out the Gift Boxes! A random selection of bars, as well as other helpful chocolate tools & products.
Maker: Soma is based in Toronto, Canada.
Cacao is grown on a small farm called Hacienda Las Bromelias in Ocumare, Venezeula. The cacao is Criollo Merida, a type of cacao from this region.
A crunchy comfort. Ingredient wise, this bar is a milk chocolate, although it may not feel like it. The grinding time is very short, so the nibs, sugar, and milk powder are not ground until smooth. It feels as though you’re eating a delicious chocolate cookie, but it’s chocolate. Those Venezuelan cocoa beans give it the right amount of comforting cookie, molasses, and nutty flavour notes.
Ingredients: Organic Cane Sugar, Cacao Nibs, Milk Powder, Cacao Butter.
Suggested Flavour Notes: Cookie, Molasses, Nutty, Yogurt.
90g
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Maker Origin: Ruvido is based in Trezzo sull’Adda, Italy just East of Milano. They have a unique and unorthodox method and approach which pushes the boundaries of fine chocolate today.
Made with a Trinitario (ICS 95) and CCN51 hybrid cacao. CCN51 is notorious in the cacao world for poor flavour - but like any chocolate nerd knows - a poor cacao just requires better fermentation. Definitely a bar that will make the snobs weep, but the connoisseurs smile.
The cacao is grown in the Ucayali valley and is composed of nearly 500 farmers in the region, supporting their livelihoods and the growth of many other flora including banana, coconut, dala dala, and bijao.
Ingredients: Cacao Beans, Raw Cane Sugar.
Suggested Flavour Notes: Cinnamon. Ginger.
Texture: Ruvido has a unique approach resulting in a texture that is rough and wild, so don’t expect a traditional silky smooth chocolate. It truly is an experience.
50g (1.76 Oz)
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Looking for better deals on chocolate bars? Check out the Gift Boxes! A random selection of bars, as well as other helpful chocolate tools & products.
Maker Origin: Ruvido is based in Trezzo sull’Adda, Italy just East of Milano. They have a unique and unorthodox method and approach which pushes the boundaries of fine chocolate today.
Made with local native and hybrid cacao in the highlands of Junin, Peru where over 700 farmers have been growing cacao for generations. These farms also grow other trees such as banana, yuca, and citrus. This is a farmer-owned cooperative born in the town of Pangoa known as La Cooperativa Agraria Cafetalera Pangoa.
Ingredients: Cacao Beans, Raw Cane Sugar.
Suggested Flavour Notes: White Flower, Grapefruit.
Texture: Ruvido has a unique approach resulting in a texture that is rough and wild, so don’t expect a traditional silky smooth chocolate. It truly is an experience.
50g (1.76 Oz)
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Looking for better deals on chocolate bars? Check out the Gift Boxes! A random selection of bars, as well as other helpful chocolate tools & products.
Maker Origin: A-Typica Chocolate is a bean-to-bar maker from France with ties to Martinique.
Made with cacao from the Caribbean.
Ingredients: Cacao Beans, Cane Sugar, Cinnamon, Vanilla, Nutmeg, Tonka Bean.
Suggested Flavour Notes: A very warm and spiced profile that is not too sweet either.
200g (7.05 oz)
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Looking for better deals on chocolate bars? Check out the Gift Boxes! A random selection of bars, as well as other helpful chocolate tools & products.
Maker Origin: A-Typica Chocolate is a bean-to-bar maker from France with ties to Martinique.
Made with cacao from the John Crow Mountains region in Jamaica.
Ingredients: Cacao Beans, Cane Sugar, Habanero Pepper Powder, Red Chili Flakes, Sea Salt.
Suggested Flavour Notes: A beautiful arrangement of aromatic Jamaican cacao and spicy habanero creating an exciting dance on the palate.
60g (2.12 oz)
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Looking for better deals on chocolate bars? Check out the Gift Boxes! A random selection of bars, as well as other helpful chocolate tools & products.
Maker Origin: A-Typica Chocolate is a bean-to-bar maker from France with ties to Martinique.
Made with cacao from the L’Esterre plantation in the North East side of Grenada.
Ingredients: Cacao Beans, Cane Sugar from Martinique, Ginger and turmeric caramelized with cane sugar.
Suggested Flavour Notes: Pieces of the caramelized ginger and turmeric are spread across the back of the bar. The more earthy profile of the Grenada cacao balances well with the sharper brighter ginger and turmeric flavours.
60g (2.12 oz)
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Looking for better deals on chocolate bars? Check out the Gift Boxes! A random selection of bars, as well as other helpful chocolate tools & products.
Maker Origin: A-Typica Chocolate is a bean-to-bar maker from France with ties to Martinique.
Made with cacao from the Dominican Republic (Zorzal).
Ingredients: Cacao Beans, Pompona vanilla.
Suggested Flavour Notes: A fantastic choice for those who want a sugar-free bar that is also aromatic and intense without the bitterness. Simply 99% cocoa beans and a touch of Pompona vanilla from Martinique.
60g (2.12 oz)
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Looking for better deals on chocolate bars? Check out the Gift Boxes! A random selection of bars, as well as other helpful chocolate tools & products.
Maker: Allo Simonne based in Montreal, QC, Canada.
Inspired by the boreal forest, our white chocolate bar combines the freshness of apple with the warmth of candy cap mushrooms, a small wild mushroom harvested in Quebec, known for its natural maple aroma. From the very first bite, the apple offers an explosion of refreshing flavours. Then, as the chocolate melts, subtle notes of maple slowly emerge. A natural, soothing and almost nostalgic combination, a delicate nod to our northern terroir.
Ingredients: Cocoa butter, Organic oat powder (99.7% gluten-free oats, 0.1% amylase enzyme, 0.1% non-GMO tocopherols, 0.1% calcium chloride), Freeze-dried apples, Jaguar beans (Theobroma bicolor), Organic cane sugar, Date powder, Pecans, Dried candy cap (Lactarius rubidus), Vanilla powder.
56 g
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Looking for better deals on chocolate bars? Check out the Gift Boxes! A random selection of bars, as well as other helpful chocolate tools & products.
Maker: Allo Simonne based in Montreal, QC, Canada.
The Cacao: Arriba Nacional from Ecuador
Ingredients: Cocoa Mass, Cane Sugar, Cocoa Butter, Rum.
A lovely floral and fruity Ecuadorian cocoa bean held in a French oak barrel from Tonnellerie Moreaux for 3 months to infuse the Canadian rum flavour. The result is a fragrant rich aroma that is to be enjoyed with attention.
Suggested Flavour Notes: Woody, Rum,
56 g
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Looking for better deals on chocolate bars? Check out the Gift Boxes! A random selection of bars, as well as other helpful chocolate tools & products.
Maker: Allo Simonne based in Montreal, QC, Canada.
Ingredients: Hazelnuts, Organic Cane Sugar, Jaguar Dark Chocolate (70% theobroma bicolor, Organic Cane Sugar, Cocoa Mass, Organic Cocoa Butter, Vanilla Beans), Cocoa Powder, Vanilla Beans, Sea Salt.
The best chocolate hazelnut spread I’ve ever tasted. Tastes like a creamy milky hazelnut spread, but there is absolutely no dairy, so this product is 100% plant-based. The addition of cacao’s cousin, Jaguar beans (Theobroma bicolor) adds that extra creamy and nutty flavour. If you love gianduja, you will need to sit down while eating this. Spread it on toast, crackers, cookies, add it to your fruit or oatmeal bowl, blend it in a smoothie or even hot chocolate. The possibilities are endless. Impeccable. Puts all other chocolate hazelnut spreads you find at grocery stores to shame.
And if you don’t like it? Well, we likely can’t be friends.
220 g
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Maker: Cacaoworks based in Calgary, Alberta, Canada.
A beautifully balanced blonde white chocolate with the floral fragrance of bergamot, orange, and osmanthus (sweet olive). Not overly “perfumey” as some floral bars, but just enough for a bright, delicate, and comforting.
Ingredients: Cacao Butter, Raw Cane Sugar, Whole Milk Powder, Earl Grey Tea, Osmanthus (Sweet Olive) Flower, Cacao Nibs, Vanilla Pod, Orange Oil.
60g
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Maker: Cacaoworks based in Calgary, Alberta, Canada.
Cacao from Ecuador.
Wine and chocolate captured in this exquisite bar. Rich red wine aroma infused into the naturally fruity and woody Ecuadorian cocoa beans. An ideal match for a very satisfying juicy flavour in each bite.
Ingredients: Cacao Nibs, Cane Sugar, Cacao Butter, Trivento Reserve Argentinian Malbec Red Wine.
60g
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Maker: Cacaoworks based in Calgary, Alberta, Canada.
Cacao is from the Madagascar Sambriano Valley.
Cacaoworks makes their own black garlic from whole Alberta-grown Russian Red organic garlic. Black garlic originated in Korea, and is made by very slowly “cooking” the garlic over weeks at a low heat until the cloves turn soft and black and taste like a balsamic reduction with garlic. It’s sweet, tart, and one-of-a-kind. Cacaoworks takes their black garlic and pairs it with their Madagascar Origin cacao which is also sweet and tart/fruity. It’s a beautiful and unique balance of aromas and ingredients. Goes wonderfully on a charcuterie or cheese board, and pairs very well with a bright fruity red wine.
Ingredients: Cocoa Mass, Cane Sugar, Cocoa Butter, Black Garlic.
Suggested Flavour Notes: Garlic, Balsamic, Sweet, Fruity, Tart.
60g
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Looking for better deals on chocolate bars? Check out the Gift Boxes! A random selection of bars, as well as other helpful chocolate tools & products.
Gianduja (Chocolate and hazelnut paste) is a childhood favourite of mine. This is more than simply coating hazelnuts in dark chocolate.
My last hazelnut pralines were a success, so I wanted to make them again. However, this time I removed any dairy (I feel the hazelnuts and almonds added enough creaminess) and added a touch of pure lemon oil from Sicily. My family still has some land in Sicily, and on it grows many lemon trees. I love adding lemon zest to many chocolates and desserts, and I feel it adds a brightness to an already delicious confection.
The hazelnuts are well roasted and candied for an extra crunch. Then they are hand coated with two layers. The first layer is a hazelnut almond gianduja, and the second coat is a 75% dark chocolate made with a blend of origins. Finally, they are lightly tossed in natural non-alkalized cocoa powder. Rustic but divine.
Ingredients: Hazelnuts, Sugar, Almonds, Dark Chocolate (Cocoa Beans, Cane Sugar, Cocoa Butter), Spices, Lemon Oil, Cocoa Powder.
Contains tree nuts (hazelnuts and almonds).
150 grams (5.29 oz)
The SOC Test Kitchen are small-batch chocolate experiments for you to enjoy. Some products may be reoccurring, slightly altered in proceeding batches, or a one-off.
It was summer and I visited a blueberry farm here in BC. They also had a shop and sold various freeze-dried fruits. I decided to make some buttermilk white chocolate with strawberries and peaches. Although the peaches were masked by the buttermilk and strawberry, it still turned out tasty. Almost like a fruity cheesecake flavour. I decided to use it to coat some roasted candied almonds, and this is the result!
Ingredients: Almonds, Sugar, Chocolate (Cocoa Butter, Sugar, Buttermilk Powder, Freeze-dried Peach, Freeze-dried Strawberry), Icing Sugar (Sugar, Corn Starch).
Contains dairy, nuts, cornstarch.
150 grams (5.29 oz)
The SOC Test Kitchen are small-batch chocolate experiments for you to enjoy. Some products may be reoccurring, slightly altered in proceeding batches, or a one-off.
When in Rome, do as the Romans do. A saying that encourages visitors to be considerate of local customs and culture. Well, did you know that in Roman times, walnut stuffed dates seasoned with black pepper were a popular treat. Camels were also present in Italy during the Roman Empire but also long before, even in Sicily.
These dragee are an homage to the sweet and savoury roman dates, and blanketed in a 63% camel milk chocolate I made using Colombian cocoa beans. There is no salt added, but the salty touch comes from the camel milk itself.
A sweet and salty treat with a little warm spicy ending.
Ingredients: Dates, Walnuts, Sugar, Black Pepper, Camel Milk Chocolate (Cocoa Beans, Sugar, Cocoa Butter, Camel Milk Powder), Cocoa Powder.
Contains tree nuts.
150 grams (5.29 oz)
The SOC Test Kitchen are small-batch chocolate experiments for you to enjoy. Some products may be reoccurring, slightly altered in proceeding batches, or a one-off.
I came across Durian at a Chinese restaurant in Richmond Hill nearly 20 years ago. When I asked what it was, my friend said I wouldn’t like it, so naturally I had to try it. I fell in love. Deep roasted almonds are common in Italian sweets, and so these chocolate palets are my take on a fusion of Chinese and Italian sweets.
For this I made a lovely durian white chocolate and combined it with a deep roasted almond praline that I ground just before the nuts began to liquify. I pipped them into crunchy little dollops. They are very buttery, and the durian is a background flavour to the intense roasted almond. Quickly melts while contrasted with a nice crunch.
Ingredients: Durian Chocolate (Cocoa Butter, Milk Powder, Sugar, Freeze-Dried Durian), Roasted Almonds, Sugar.
Contains tree nuts.
130 grams (4.58 oz)
The SOC Test Kitchen are small-batch chocolate experiments for you to enjoy. Some products may be reoccurring, slightly altered in proceeding batches, or a one-off.
I’m not sure why some people hate raisins. I could eat a bag full of just raisins. As a kid, chocolate covered raisins were a favorite of mine. This is simply raisins coated in a 75% dark chocolate I made from a blend of origins, and lightly dusted them in natural non-alkalized cocoa powder.
Ingredients: Raisins, Dark Chocolate (Cocoa Beans, Sugar, Cocoa Butter), Cocoa Powder.
May contain traces of nuts.
150 grams (5.29 oz)
The SOC Test Kitchen are small-batch chocolate experiments for you to enjoy. Some products may be reoccurring, slightly altered in proceeding batches, or a one-off.
These are delicious, and I wasn’t even planning to make them. Sometimes I love just seeing what I have and creating something from it. I had a spiced milk chocolate I wasn’t sure what to do with. So I gently ground together roasted pistachio, dried coconut, and dried cranberry. Maybe a reflection of the Italian flag? Maybe the colours of Christmas! Either way, they turned out just as good as I had hoped.
Ingredients: Toasted Pistachio, Dried Cranberry, Dried Coconut, Milk Chocolate (Cocoa Beans, Sugar, Cocoa Butter, Milk Powder, Spices), Non-Alkalized Cocoa Powder.
Contains nuts and dairy.
150 grams (5.29 oz)
The SOC Test Kitchen are small-batch chocolate experiments for you to enjoy. Some products may be reoccurring, slightly altered in proceeding batches, or a one-off.
Pumpkin seeds may sound a bit boring, but toast them up and lightly coat them in caramelized sugar, and you have a delightful tasty crunch. These candied pumpkin seeds were coated in a deep flavoured matcha chocolate, and tossed in an even deeper matcha coating to balance off the sweet matcha white chocolate.
Ingredients: Pumpkin Seeds, Cane Sugar, Matcha White Chocolate (Cocoa Butter, Sugar, Milk Powder, Matcha Tea Powder, Green Tea), Coconut Oil, Matcha, Maca Root, Tapioca.
Contains dairy.
150 grams (5.29 oz)
The SOC Test Kitchen are small-batch chocolate experiments for you to enjoy. Some products may be reoccurring, slightly altered in proceeding batches, or a one-off.
Ingredients*: Whole Roasted Colombian Cocoa Beans
About the cocoa beans: These cocoa beans are grown in Hacienda Morumbi, a single-estate plantation. This is a single-estate plantation within the Puerto Lleras del Meta province of Colombia. The area encompasses 150 hectares, 50 of which are dedicated to cocoa, and the other 100 hectares conserve native forests.
Flavour: Many find these cocoa beans to have a familiar cocoa aroma with some toasted nutty flavour as well. Some may also find it has a general baked, bread crust taste. Although cocoa beans are not sweet, these beans are not particularly bitter, especially for those who enjoy less sweet foods and drinks.
How to use: These whole cocoa beans still have the testa (AKA husk or “shell”) around the kernel. The kernel is also referred to as cocoa nibs (this is the part you eat). Crack and peel away the paper-like shell before eating the nibs. You can compost the testa.
Ideas: Peel the beans and use the nibs on salads, baked in or sprinkled on cookies/coffee cake, with red wine, black tea, or enjoy on their own! Can generally be used where you would normally used chopped nuts (like walnuts or almonds).
Did you know? Cocoa beans (sometimes called cacao beans or simply “cacao”) contain some of the highest levels of flavanols (antioxidants) of all our foods, even compared to high antioxidant fruit and vegetables. The flavanols in cocoa beans and dark chocolate are associated with heart and cardiovascular health, and improving short-term memory and cognition. They are also a good source of minerals such as manganese, magnesium, zinc, copper, and iron. As well as containing phenylethylamine helping to regulate mood.
Weight: 150 grams (5.30 oz)
*Cocoa beans are gluten-free, nut-free, dairy-free, but this product was roasted in a kitchen which contains these ingredients and may contain trace amounts.
Store in a cool dark place and keep air-tight and sealed.
Ingredients*: Whole Roasted Peruvian Cocoa Beans
About the cocoa beans: These cocoa beans are from Pangoa in Junin province, Peru. They are fermented in Tornillo hardwood boxes, which doesn’t add any aromas to the cacao allowing for the true aroma of the bean. This cocoa (along with coffee) offer locals an alternative crop to grow other than coca leaf production, which helps disrupt the supply chain for cocaine.
Flavour: Many find these beans sharp with some acidity, earthiness, and deep cocoa flavour. Although cocoa beans are not sweet, these beans are not particularly bitter, but definitely more intense than some others. Perfect for those who like very high percentage dark chocolate or espresso.
How to use: These whole cocoa beans still have the testa (AKA husk or “shell”) around the kernel. The kernel is also referred to as cocoa nibs (this is the part you eat). Crack and peel away the paper-like shell before eating the nibs. You can compost the testa.
Ideas: Peel the beans and use the nibs on salads, baked in or sprinkled on cookies/coffee cake, with red wine, black tea, or enjoy on their own! Can generally be used where you would normally used chopped nuts (like walnuts or almonds).
Did you know? Cocoa beans (sometimes called cacao beans or simply “cacao”) contain some of the highest levels of flavanols (antioxidants) of all our foods, even compared to high antioxidant fruit and vegetables. The flavanols in cocoa beans and dark chocolate are associated with heart and cardiovascular health, and improving short-term memory and cognition. They are also a good source of minerals such as manganese, magnesium, zinc, copper, and iron. As well as containing phenylethylamine helping to regulate mood.
Weight: 150 grams (5.30 oz)
*Cocoa beans are gluten-free, nut-free, dairy-free, but this product was roasted in a kitchen which contains these ingredients and may contain trace amounts.
Store in a cool dark place and keep air-tight and sealed.
Think outside the chocolate box!
There’s nothing that gets me more excited in the chocolate kitchen than using chocolate in a more savoury way. I first tried cheese and chocolate in truffle form back in 2015 at a shop I worked at as a chocolatier. It was odd, but oddly satisfying. Since then I loved hosting cheese and chocolate pairings.
Hence, here we have a truly savoury dragee. Freeze dried cheddar and smoked gouda coated in a black pepper dark chocolate. Goes well as a snack to your sandwich or with a glass of wine or fresh tomato juice.
Ingredients: Freeze Dried Cheese, Pepper Dark Chocolate (Cocoa Beans, Cane Sugar, Cocoa Butter, Black Pepper), Cocoa Powder.
Contains dairy.
The SOC Test Kitchen are small-batch chocolate experiments for you to enjoy. Some products may be reoccurring, slightly altered in proceeding batches, or a one-off.
Utopia Tropical is a newer chocolate maker based in Brazil. I love the work they do, and love sharing it with you in my online shop and in my tastings. Their single-origin bars are packed with unique profiles and their flavoured bars are always fantastic.
Enjoy a bundle of 5 Utopia Tropical Bars including a random selection of single-origin and flavoured dark, milk, or white chocolate.
Some bars contain nuts and dairy.
Bundles are not gift sets, and include bars only, no gift box or accessories.
Choose your value amount, and receive a surprise. Since bars and chocolate products range quite a bit in value, there is no definite number of bars/products you’ll receive.
Not for the picky eaters. You may receive something you normally wouldn’t choose. Be open to new bars and flavours.
What you will receive is a set of bars that is higher in value than what you pay. For instance, if you choose $40, you will receive 1, 2, or 3 bars that normally retail for above $40. Some bars may be close to Best Before Dates (but still enjoyable for months after).
You may request to have the bars dairy-free, nut-free, gluten-free, and alcohol-free, or free of any other potential allergens (make note of others at checkout).* *Although I cannot guarantee no traces of any allergens.
You may not request specific flavours, brands, or types.
All products may include bars, drinking chocolate, spreads, or other cacao/chocolate items.
Bundles are not gift sets, and include bars only, no gift box or accessories.
Choose your value amount, and receive a surprise. Since bars and chocolate products range quite a bit in value, there is no definite number of bars/products you’ll receive.
Not for the picky eaters. You may receive something you normally wouldn’t choose. Be open to new bars and flavours.
What you will receive is a set of bars that is higher in value than what you pay. For instance, if you choose $40, you will receive 1, 2, or 3 bars that normally retail for above $40. Some bars may be close to Best Before Dates (but still enjoyable for months after).
You may request to have the bars dairy-free, nut-free, gluten-free, and alcohol-free, or free of any other potential allergens (make note of others at checkout).* *Although I cannot guarantee no traces of any allergens.
You may not request specific flavours, brands, or types.
All products may include bars, drinking chocolate, spreads, or other cacao/chocolate items.
Bundles are not gift sets, and include bars only, no gift box or accessories.
I love VAICacao. Not only is their chocolate made with such care, but their approach, their transparency, and the way they educate is all to be admired. A couple with a passion for cacao which began with growing and selling cacao in El Salvador turned into a contentious chocolate making business in Sardinia, Italy.
Enjoy a bar bundle of 6 VAICacao bars. All bars are free of nuts, gluten, and dairy, but may contain traces of these.
Bundles are not gift sets, and include bars only, no gift box or accessories.
Kairi is a Trinidadian-based chocolate maker who not only make their own chocolate from the bean, but also own and grow their own cacao as well! What a labour of love. Their single-origin bars have packed with character, and their flavoured bars are unique and interesting. I love the chickpea ginger bar.
Enjoy 5 Kairi bars in this bundle. Some bars will contain dairy. No bars will contain nuts or gluten.
Bundles are not gift sets, and include bars only, no gift box or accessories.
Ruvido is a new brand by Mattia, a new maker from Italy. Mattia combines passion for flavour, a skillful palate from coffee, and a new approach to chocolate. Their slogan is “rough fine chocolate” pointing to the rough texture of the chocolate due to a lower refining time. The flavour is forward and on-point. A great range to challenge and improve your palate, especially for those not afraid of some texture.
Enjoy 5 Ruvido bars in this bundle. Make sure to go back and forth to compare and contrast them as you taste.
All bars are free of dairy, gluten, and nuts.
Bundles are not gift sets, and include bars only, no gift box or accessories.
Cacaoworks is a new maker executing some incredible bars. The flavoured bars are jam packed with unique flavour: Three Chili, Garlic, Whiskey - are all sublime. Along with unique darks such as mycelium (fungi) inoculated with a deep earthy flavour.
Enjoy a bundle of 5 Schoki bars including a random selection of single-origin and flavoured dark or milk chocolate.
Some bars will contain dairy. May contain hazelnuts unless requested otherwise at checkout. None will contain gluten.
Bundles are not gift sets, and include bars only, no gift box or accessories.
Cacaoworks is a new maker executing some incredible bars. The flavoured bars are jam packed with unique flavour: Three Chili, Garlic, Whiskey - are all sublime. Along with unique darks such as mycelium (fungi) inoculated with a deep earthy flavour.
Enjoy a bundle of 5 Cacaoworks bars including a random selection of single-origin and flavoured dark, milk, or white chocolate.
Some bars will contain dairy. None will contain nuts or gluten.
Bundles are not gift sets, and include bars only, no gift box or accessories.
Feitoria is a lovely brand from Portugal by Sue and Tomoko producing a range of unique bars including sheep milk, matcha/senche, Portuguse tart, and more. Silky chocolate beautifully designed to resemble the blue and white tiles that cover the shops and streets in Portugal.
Enjoy 5 Feitoria bars in this bundle. Some bars will contain dairy. One bar contains gluten unless you request to swap it at checkout.
Bundles are not gift sets, and include bars only, no gift box or accessories.
From the Mokaya to the Olmecs, To the Mayans and the Aztecs, Mexico has a long history with cacao and chocolate. Back then it was all about the drink, but today we see an emergence of bean-to-bar makers in Mexico using the incredible cacao Mexico has grown for millennia.
This bundle includes a chocolate bar from 3 Mexican-origin makers: Kakoa, Metiche, and Levelez.
Enjoy 3 Mexican-origin bars in this bundle. Make sure to go back and forth to compare and contrast them as you taste.
All bars are free of dairy, gluten, and nuts.
Bundles are not gift sets, and include bars only, no gift box or accessories.
Public and private chocolate and bean-to-bar tastings and kitchen classes in Vancouver, Burnaby and greater Vancouver area in the lower mainland with The Science Of Chocolate.
Visit the Science Of Chocolate retail den in Chinatown Vancouver, BC, Canada book by appointment.
Soma Chocolatemaker is based in Toronto, Ontario, Canada and produces a line of craft bean-to-bar chocolate made with ethically sourced cacao.
cocoa bean chocolate making from scratch classes and professional chocolate tastings in Vancouver Burnaby Science Of Chocolate 2026
9th & Larkin bean-to-bar chocolate maker based in San Francisco, California creating quality single-origin chocolate with ethically sourced cacao from around the world.
In anticipation of world chocolate day July 7 2026, The Source News in Vancouver did a lovely write up of Geoseph’s thoughts on chocolate.
Cocoa butter fatty acid content and profile from Peruvian cocoa beans and impact of genetics, growing conditions, and altitude on fatty acid profile
Antioxidant flavanol polyphenol levels in cocoa and dark chocolate blends and single-origin
Cocoa bean fermentation impacting aroma compound formation and concentration based on fermentation location
Impact of fermentation on total polyphenol content and antioxidant capacity of Nigerian Amelonado cocoa beans.
Sugar profile and volatile aroma composition in cocoa nibs from 6 Cameroonian fine-flavor cocoa hybrids and their concentrations of fruity, floral, chocolate/nutty, and buttery/creamy aromas and their correlation to levels of reducing sugars glucose and fructose.
Dynamics of volatile and non volatile compounds in cocoa during fermentation and drying processes
The Impact of grinding intensity on particle properties and rheology of dark chocolate based on roller refined and ball-mill refined chocolate impacting particle size and shape.
Craft bean-to-bar chocolate tasting myths and chocolate tasting tips. Chocolate education.
Effect of Cocoa Roasting on Chocolate Polyphenols Evolution. A look at epicatechin levels in cacao and chocolate at different points of processing, with a focus on Chocolate Modica from Italy.
Best before dates, expiration dates, and chocolate. Is it okay to eat chocolate past the expiration or best before date?
General myths about chocolate cacao versus cocoa, bitter dark chocolate, sweet milk chocolate, white chocolate, ruby chocolate, chocolate is unhealthy, chocolate is dessert, chocolate terroir,
Who makes the best high quality chocolate in the world? Many makers you likely never heard of. Learn qualities make for fine chocolate, and which do not. You may be surprised!
Chocolate is being pushed into the “superfoods” category. However, it’s important to keep in mind that although dark chocolate has its benefits in regards to health and nutrition, it is also high in fat, calorie dense, and contains significant levels of oxalate. Oxalates are tied to kidney stones, and those who suffer from kidney stones are often suggested to limit or reduce their intake of chocolate and cocoa products.
Chocolate Maker versus Chocolatier. What's the difference? Don't they both make chocolate? Not quite. Learn the differences, the grey area, and why it matters to you.
Elevate your satisfaction with chocolate!
Enjoy on your own, or for up to 12 people (depending on how much chocolate you’re willing to share!). Makes a wonderful gift as well!
Choose between 4 or 6 full bars.
Choose number of extra handouts and flavour wheels (optional)
In the form, choose the type of chocolate (all dark, dark and milk, or a mix of dark/milk/flavoured) and leave any notes for dietary requests (all vegan, no gluten, etc.)
Kit includes:
A selection of fine craft chocolate from artisan bean-to-bar chocolate makers
Informative tasting guide (with optional link to watch guided video)
Flavour wheel keepsake
Petite paper flowers
Comes in beautiful black box with golden yellow sleeve and tissue paper
Each bar can be divided for up to 12 people, which works out to about 4-5 grams per person at 12 people. If you are sharing with less people, you will have more chocolate per person.
Each kit automatically comes with one handout and one flavour wheel. If this is enough, then choose “no extra handout/flavour wheel”. If you wish to have more, select the number of extra handouts/flavour wheels you wish to have.
For example, if you choose “4 bars” and “3 more of each” for the handouts/flavour wheels, your box will include 4 chocolate bars, 4 handouts, and 4 flavour wheels. If you wish to share handouts/flavour wheels to save money, you can!
Everything is included in one box.
The handout includes some links/QR codes if you wish to watch some instructional video, but this is not required if you wish to use it in areas you have no access to internet.