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How to Choose Chocolate That’s Good for You (And the Planet)
1. Sourcing with Love and Purpose
When it comes to the cacao that goes into our chocolate, we prioritise sustainability and ethical sourcing. In fact, 98% of our ingredients are organically sourced. Why is that important? Organic farming methods focus on the health of the soil, biodiversity, and avoiding harmful pesticides—ensuring that we’re not only protecting the planet, but also the people who grow the ingredients we love.
But here’s the thing: many small cocoa farmers already use organic farming methods but don’t have the certification due to the expensive and complicated administrative process. That’s why we work closely with specialist cocoa importers who have direct relationships with smallholder farms around the world. Radek also directly sources cacao from Idukki, Kerala, India—a place that holds a special place in his heart after visiting the farm himself.
We’re all about building strong relationships with the farmers who grow the cacao. It’s vital—especially with how volatile the cacao market is at the moment. The more we can support these farmers and their communities, the more we can continue to create the high-quality chocolate you love.
2. Biodiversity at the Heart of It All
One of the things that sets our cacao apart is the commitment to biodiversity and agroforestry. This means that, when we source our cacao, it’s grown alongside other plants and trees, promoting healthy ecosystems and helping to preserve local wildlife.
A perfect example of this is our cacao from Zorzal in the Dominican Republic. This farm isn’t just about cacao—it’s part of a larger conservation project dedicated to protecting the migratory Bicknell’s Thrush, a bird that flies all the way from Vermont to the Dominican Republic. The sale of the cacao directly funds the conservation of the rainforest habitat that’s home to this precious bird. Now, that’s a chocolate bar with a cause!
Aren’t impressed by that? Well our the only way for farmers to transport our Solomon Islands, Guadalcanal cacao over to the mainland is by wading through crocodile infested waters while carrying 70kg bags of cacao on their heads as the only bridge was swept away.
3. What to Look for When Buying Chocolate
Not all chocolate is created equal, and with so many options out there, it can be tricky to know what’s really good for you and the planet. Here are a few key things to check when you’re choosing your next chocolate bar:
Cocoa Percentage
The higher the percentage of cocoa, the better the bar is likely to be for you. Chocolate with a higher cocoa content is not only richer in flavour, but also packed with antioxidants and beneficial nutrients. Plus, you’ll find it’s lower in sugar, making it a healthier choice overall.
Emulsifiers
Some chocolate bars may contain emulsifiers like soya lecithin (E-322), sunflower lecithin, or even more synthetic options like monoglycerides and diglycerides (E-471). These additives help blend the ingredients but aren’t necessarily ideal if you’re looking for clean, pure chocolate. When possible, look for bars that avoid these emulsifiers, as they can mask the purity of the cocoa.
Also, keep an eye out for vegetable fats like palm oil or shea butter—these are often used in lower-quality chocolate to keep costs down, but they aren’t great for either your health or the environment.
Where Are the Beans From?
Check where the beans are sourced from—whether it’s a specific farm, region, or cooperative. Look for chocolate that has traceable origins and clear relationships with the farms where the cacao is grown. This may not always be on the bar so always worth checking the makers website.
Price: Why Is It So Cheap?
Good chocolate doesn’t come cheap. If you come across a chocolate bar that’s too affordable, ask yourself why. Are corners being cut? Are the farmers being paid fairly? High-quality chocolate bars are a direct result of fair wages, sustainable practices, and careful craftsmanship—so if the price seems too good to be true, it probably is.
How Has It Been Made?
From fermentation to roasting to grinding and conching, the process of making chocolate matters. Great chocolate is carefully crafted, and the quality of each step in the process plays a huge role in the flavor and texture. If the label doesn’t mention any of these processes, it’s a good idea to do a little more research on the brand and their methods.
4. Final Thoughts: Choose Wisely, Indulge Fully
At the end of the day, chocolate is meant to be a treat, but when you choose carefully, it can also be a source of joy for you, the environment, and the farmers who grow the cacao. The more we support sustainable and ethical practices, the more we help create a healthier world—for ourselves and the planet. So the next time you reach for that chocolate bar, make sure you’re choosing one that reflects the values you care about.
And if you’re looking for a delicious and ethically sourced chocolate that’s as good for you as it is for the planet, Radek’s Chocolate is here for you. We’ve poured love, care, and purpose into every bar—and we think you’ll taste the difference!
P.S. Have you already tried our ethically sourced chocolate? We’d love to see how you enjoy it! Tag us on Instagram @radekschocolate and share your chocolate moments with us.
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