Why is To'ak Chocolate expensive and what makes it unique?
We purchase cacao directly from the cacao growers we work with in Piedra de Plata, and we pay the highest price per pound of freshly-harvested cacao in the country. As far as we know, we also pay the highest price per pound in the entire world. This is just part of our commitment to elevating dark chocolate onto the levels of the finest wines and in doing so having a positive impact on the environment and cacao farming communities in Ecuador.
Does your chocolate contain nuts or other allergens?
Our chocolate is produced at a factory that also handles nuts, peanuts, soy, and milk, but we do not intentionally add any of these ingredients to our chocolate.
Does your chocolate contain alcohol?
We do not add alcohol to any of our products. Some of our Aged editions have been aged in empty casks or barrels that previously stored alcohol.
Can you ship my gift without the price?
For orders within the USA we do not include the price as standard. For orders to all other countries we are required to include a shipping invoice for the purpose of customs import process.
How should I store my chocolate?
Dark chocolate likes to be stored within the temperature range of 12-22° C (53-72° F). Temperatures as high as 25° C (77° F) are usually fine. The official melting point of dark chocolate is around 30° C (86° F).
Does your chocolate have an expiration date?
Officially, the shelf life of dark chocolate is two years. Unofficially, it should last much longer than that - there are documented reports of dark chocolate still being edible after 100 years of storage. As part of our own experiment, we have chocolate bars that have been stored in our office for up to six years, and they are still in excellent condition. But we don’t recommend trying that at home. Why wait?
Do you offer gift wrapping?
Yes! We offer gift wrapping and we can also include a message on a hand written card. You will find the option as a check-box on the product page. You can also leave a note in the special instructions field in your shopping cart.
Do you have a media kit? Can I request samples or an interview?
Yes, we have a media kit with high resolution photos, press releases and other product related information. Please submit some basic information to receive the access details, to request an interview, or to request samples.
Do you offer tastings or tours in Ecuador?
Yes! We have a Chocolate & Art Experience which is a 2-hour privately-guided tour in Quito. We can also arrange private tastings in Ecuador or abroad depending on your timeframe and budget.
Do you offer shipping insurance? And how do I make a claim?
To'ak Chocolate offers complimentary worldwide shipping insurance on all orders via a partnership with Route+ (underwritten by Lloyds of London), which covers loss, theft or damage of your chocolate order. Read on below for full details on coverage and claims process.