It’s February, which means we have one thing on our minds — chocolate, chocolate, and more chocolate. In honor of Valentine’s Day (and the unofficial month of chocolate), we’re rounding up some of our favorite chocolate brands doing things the right way: ethically sourced, thoughtfully crafted, and genuinely delicious.

From bean-to-bar pioneers to regenerative cacao and unexpected chocolate vessels, these are the brands we’re loving right now.

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Gnakoury Cacao

First up is a new-to-us brand we’re very excited about: **Gnakoury Cacao**. Founded by Victoria Koudou, Gnakoury Cacao sources all of its raw cacao ethically and sustainably from farmers in Ivory Coast.

Their mission is to shift how Western consumers view African cacao — positioning it as a premium chocolate destination on par with Western Europe. By centering quality, transparency, and artisanal craftsmanship, Gnakoury Cacao works to uplift Ivorian cacao farmers while telling a richer story about where great chocolate comes from.

They’re launching soon, so stay tuned for more details on where you’ll be able to find their bars.

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Slow Cocoa

**Slow Cocoa** is a Bronx-based chocolate brand that walks the talk when it comes to sustainability. All of their chocolate is vegan, single-origin, and sourced as close to New York City as possible. Production happens in a facility powered by 100% renewable energy — proving that ethical chocolate can be both local and scalable.

Their bars strike that rare balance of being principled *and* indulgent, with flavors that are clean, bold, and deeply satisfying. You can shop Slow Cocoa online at https://slowcocoa.com/ or find them at farmers markets around NYC.

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Sol Cacao

You’ve heard us mention them before, and we couldn’t put together a chocolate roundup without including **Sol Cacao**. Founded by three brothers from Trinidad and based in the Bronx, Sol Cacao is a bean-to-bar manufacturer focused on heritage, education, and community.

Beyond making excellent chocolate, they’re committed to inspiring the next generation of chocolate makers and eaters through storytelling and cultural connection. Their bars are rich, complex, and made with intention. Find their full lineup at https://www.solcacao.com/.

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Color Cacao

Next up is **Color Cacao**, a brand we proudly partner with and deeply admire. Rooted in Colombian cacao heritage, Color Cacao focuses on regenerative agriculture, working directly with smallholder farmers to restore ecosystems and support long-term soil health.

Their chocolate is organic, fair trade, and handcrafted with an emphasis on both flavor and impact. Each bar reflects a commitment to biodiversity, transparency, and honoring cacao at its source. We have some of their delicious bars available on our product page — but we encourage you to dig deeper into their regenerative approach on their site.

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Kacaou

Kacaou brings us to Guatemala, where cacao has deep cultural and ecological roots. The brand is closely tied to the founder’s family history, with origins connected to Izabal — a region long associated with cacao cultivation.

Kacaou focuses on single-origin Guatemalan cacao, crafting chocolate and cacao products that highlight natural flavor and minimal processing. Their work is as much about preserving heritage as it is about producing high-quality cacao, making them a brand we’re excited to keep an eye on. Learn more at https://kacaou.com/.

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Gato Dates

Last but definitely not least is Gato Dates — a brand we’ve been trying to get on the radar for a while. They reimagine chocolate through an unexpected (and delightful) vessel: dates.

By pairing premium dates with nut butters and rich dark chocolate, Gato Dates creates treats that feel indulgent while staying health-conscious. Vegan, thoughtfully sourced, and undeniably decadent, they’re proof that chocolate doesn’t have to come in bar form to be satisfying. Follow along at https://www.instagram.com/gato_dates/ to catch their next drops.

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Happy eating, friends. 🍫

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