What Is Craft Chocolate?

What Is Craft Chocolate?

Describing a food as “craft" implies an elevation, a longevity and dedication to perfection— or as close as you can get to it. Recently this term has been applied to a variety of emerging premium markets, including beer, coffee, and chocolate. In the case of the latter, what distinguishes a craft chocolate from a mass-market chocolate is the human touch & transformation present in its every element.

Compared to single origin chocolate, which only addresses where the ingredients come from, the term “craft” applies to each step of creation.

Craftspeople, or artisans, have been around for millennia. Back when everybody had a single role in their society, being an artisan meant that you'd been perfecting your family's craft since childhood. But as societies became larger and roles more specialized, cooks became pastry chefs, and then chocolatiers, and eventually, some of them became chocolate makers. Now many of these chocolate makers are crafting bars which are savored and shared just like bottles of wine.

Yet we still don’t think of wine and chocolate as being in the same category of fine food. To most people, the idea of a craft wine is redundant. Wine is already an elevated beverage, largely savored on special occasions and in specific settings. Chocolate entered the wider market as a mass-produced product, so we’ve been taught to think of it as a cheap snack. To differentiate craft chocolate, the language used to describe it must be elevated accordingly.

The term “craft” is a relatively new addition to the chocolate industry’s vocabulary. Many people started using it around 2013 and 2014, when a few large chocolate manufacturers started co-opting the term “bean to bar chocolate.” In the intervening years, chocolate makers, educators, and observers alike have tried to define the term “craft chocolate.” You can read some such examples here, here, and here. But the main tenets of craft chocolate are these: quality and traceability.

Chocolate makers who identify with the craft chocolate movement value using high quality cacao, carefully harvested and processed from the world’s most flavorful varietals. But they also want to make sure that the high quality cacao they use is sourced from people, not places. The ideal of craft chocolate is not just knowing your chocolate maker, but also the farmers and processes behind the cacao beans going into that chocolate bar or bonbon.

Then again, just like “natural” or “premium,” the term “craft chocolate” currently has no legal definition; anyone who wants to can call their chocolate “craft.” That’s why it’s important to get to know the chocolate makers behind the chocolates you buy. Because unlike the stakeholders at industrial chocolate companies, your local chocolate maker is excited to meet you.

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  • Award Winning Chocolate Makers

    Bar & Cocoa is the premier purveyor of exceptional craft chocolates from award winning chocolate makers. We hand pick exceptional makers.

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    Ethics is a key ingredient to the world’s best chocolate. Our selection supports a supply chain that is more transparent than fair trade — and tastier!

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It “WOWED “ a true chocolate lover

We gave this gift to a chocolate connoisseur friend for Christmas. WOW was his response! He loved it and promises to stay current on international offerings in the future. We are thrilled that he was thrilled.

Pamela T.
Chocolate Bars of the World Gift Box
Perfect 10!

I wouldn't consider myself a chocolate fan, but I'm addicted to Domori chocolate! All the brands on Bar & Cocoa can't even be compared to what you would find at the grocery store, but even then Domori stands out. For me, it's uniquely gentle, creamy flavor is absolutely perfect - a must try for everyone, chocolate lover or not.

Kiki N.
Domori Gianduja Chocolate w/ Piedmont Hazelnuts
Good variety. I'll do it again.

Turns out I am enjoying trying out new varieties.
The chocolates selected are always very good.

Douglas H.
Keep It 100% Chocolate Bundle
My husband is picky and LOVES it

I first got this for my parents as a gift and they raved about it. My husband is a snob related to many foods including chocolate and he loves them. Plan to sign up for more

Christine M.
Discover Chocolate Club 3 Months
Great Company

Bar & Cocoa is one of my favorite companies. Their chocolate is top notch, prices are generally the best around, and shipping is fast. I’ve never had an issue with an order and purchase from B&C 2-3 times per year.

Rebecca R.
Bar & Cocoa
Exceeded my very high expectations

This was so wonderful, it is such a luxury to be able to rely on someone else to select chocolate for me. It is how I learn about chocolate that I have never had before. There is only one other chocolate company that comes close to Bar & Cocoa. This is an excellent value, I have a small serving almost daily and I could see this lasting several months or more.

David H.
Chocolate Bars of the World Gift Box
Best Gift Ever!

My husband got this subscription as a gift from his kids. I don't even care for chocolate but this has been so much fun and the chocolate has been amazing. We are going to extend our subscription because we love it so much.

Angela R.
Chocolate Bars of the World Gift Box
FIRST CLASS ALL THE WAY!!

Their customer service was fantastic. Their packaging of their chocolates is unbelievable. And the chocolates them selves are really really really delicious. Great gift for the chocolate lovers.

John P.
Chocolate Bars of the World Gift Box
Great chocolate always 💜

Bar & Cocoa always have a great variety of chocolates. Great customer service and shipping in plenty of time for Christmas. They are always are go to in purchasing good chocolate.

Stephanie L.
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Perfect

Packaging was perfect and quick delivery.

Ruben T.
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FAQS

What makes Bar & Cocoa different?

At Bar & Cocoa, we're not just another chocolate shop; we're a chocolate experience. We meticulously curate a selection of the finest chocolates from artisanal makers around the globe. Our focus is on quality, ethical sourcing, and sustainability. We go the extra mile to educate our customers about the complexities of cacao cultivation and chocolate making through detailed product descriptions, flavor profiles, and origin stories. When you shop with us, you're not just indulging in a treat; you're becoming part of a community that values the art and science of chocolate making.

What is bean to bar chocolate?

Bean to bar chocolate is chocolate that is made from scratch by the same producer, starting from the raw cacao beans and ending with the finished chocolate bars and treats. This process allows the chocolate maker to control every aspect of the chocolate making, such as roasting, grinding, conching, tempering, and molding. Bean to bar chocolate is often more flavorful, nuanced, and ethical than mass-produced chocolate. It reflects the artistry and craftsmanship of the maker and the quality and origin of the cacao.

How do you source your chocolate? Is it ethical and sustainable?

We source our chocolate from award winning craft makers who use high-quality cacao beans and go beyond fair trade. We work with over 50 fine chocolate makers from around the world who share our values and passion for real chocolate. Some of the countries we source our chocolate from include Peru, Vietnam, Brazil, Colombia, Nicaragua,, Philippines, India, and many more. We are always on the lookout for new and exciting origins and makers to add to our collection.

Do you have vegan, or keto-friendly or soy free chocolate?

Yes, we do! We have a variety of chocolate options that cater to different dietary preferences and needs. You can browse our collections of organic chocolate, vegan chocolate, keto-friendly chocolate, sugar-free chocolate, dairy-free chocolate, gluten-free chocolate, soy-free chocolate, nut-free chocolate, and more on our website. We also provide detailed information on each product page about the ingredients and allergens of each product.

How do you pick your chocolate makers?

When it comes to selecting our chocolate offerings, we're basically the chocolate sommeliers you never knew you needed. Our process starts with rigorous research and tastings. Yeah, it's a tough job, but someone's gotta do it. We scour the globe for artisanal and craft chocolate makers who share our commitment to quality, ethical sourcing, and innovation in flavor.

We scrutinize everything from cacao origin to production methods and flavor profiles. Only the best of the best make it into our curated collection, offering you a world-class chocolate experience in every bite. Each bar has a story, a unique flavor profile, and the power to transport you to a different part of the globe. We're not just selling chocolate; we're offering an edible journey.