Cacao Stories with Viva Cacao — Chocolate

Chocolate lovers, have you ever wondered what sets craft chocolate apart from mass-produced chocolate? While all chocolate may seem similar at first glance, there’s a world of difference in ingredients, sourcing, flavour, and ethics. If you’re passionate about high-quality, ethically sourced chocolate, here’s what you need to know. 1. Ingredients: What’s Really in Your Chocolate? The best bean-to-bar chocolate starts with two simple ingredients: fine-flavor cacao and a natural sweetener like coconut sugar or honey. Small-batch chocolate makers prioritize:✅ Single-origin cacao beans for a richer, more complex flavor✅ Minimal ingredients—no artificial flavors, emulsifiers, or preservatives✅ Healthier alternatives to refined sugar,...

A Love Story as Old as Time: The History of Chocolate & Valentine’s Day Valentine’s Day and chocolate are the perfect pair—but have you ever wondered why? The connection between love and chocolate isn’t just a modern marketing trick. It’s a tradition that dates back thousands of years and spans multiple cultures, from the ancient Maya and Aztecs to the grand romantic gestures of the Victorian era. Chocolate: The Ancient Love Potion The origins of chocolate as a symbol of love and passion begin with the Maya and Aztecs, who revered cacao as a sacred gift from the gods. The...

Meet Beth Campbell: The Heart & Soul Behind Viva Cacao Nestled in the stunning mountains of southeastern British Columbia, Beth Campbell is crafting chocolate that not only delights the taste buds but nourishes the soul. From her home in the Kootenays, surrounded by towering cedar trees, majestic elk, and graceful white swans, she creates each batch of Viva Cacao’s exquisite treats with passion and care. Beth's journey into the world of artisan chocolate began with a simple yet profound desire: to offer healthier, more wholesome options to her community. Though she had no formal experience in chocolate-making, her passion for...

At Viva Cacao, we believe chocolate is more than just a treat. It’s an opportunity to nourish your body and soul. That’s why we go beyond traditional recipes, blending premium cacao with carefully chosen superfoods to create chocolate that’s as wholesome as it is delicious. Let’s take a closer look at the superfoods that make our chocolate so special. The Superfood Base: Cacao It all starts with our ethically sourced Arriba Nacional cacao from Ecuador and fine aromatic cacao from Peru. Packed with antioxidants, magnesium, and flavonoids, cacao is a superfood in its own right. It supports heart health, boosts...