Fair Trade Chocolate Love

Happy New Year everyone!

Our first official event of the year will be our annual chili cook off, on Saturday March 16th. Stay tuned for more details.

So, whether you're looking to surprise your "sweet' with some amazing treats or planning on spoiling yourself a bit(and what's wrong with that?)  here are some great suggestions on how to fill the bill..

As many of your know, the chocolate industry is rife with stories of child slavery and misery.  Who wants that in their chocolate? Who wants to contribute to that?  I know I don't.

Below are some great local chocolate suppliers right here in Humboldt County.

 Venlo Chocolates and their sister company, Sjaak's Organic Chocolates
Founded by Jacques, who opened his chocolate shop and factory in Eureka over 20 years ago.
They have many delicious vegan options available like their nondairy Turtles and my personal favorite, organic Chocolate Caramel Bites.  
You can find their products at the Northcoast Co-op, Eureka Natural Foods, and the Venlo line at their shop at 425 Snug Alley #B, Eureka.

Dick Taylor Craft Chocolate
Founded by Adam Dick and Dustin Taylor, these guys pride themselves on their handcrafted chocolate, starting with the best raw cacao from such exotic locals as Belize and Ecuador, and roasting it themselves. I love the Black Fig myself.  Dark, rich and decadent.
You can find these amazing bars at Eureka Natural Foods, NorthCoast Co-op, Humboldt Healthy Foods in Fortuna, and many other locations around town.

If you want to explore other chocolate makers for your Valentines gift giving, but need to know for sure you're supporting vegan, fair trade products, the Food Empowerment Project has put together a frequently updated list of companies providing chocolate free of slavery. The list is comprehensive in that you will also learn which companies are not forthcoming of the origins of their cacao.

Happy Valentines Day, and we'll see you next month!