Frequently Asked Questions
What is Bean-to-Bar?
Bean-to-Bar means that every stage of the chocolate making process is done by the chocolate maker in-house using traditional techniques and minimal ingredients (no additives, preservatives or chemicals) This means our beans have to be exceptional quality. We hand select our single origin beans from the Solomon Islands and once the beans have fermented and dried we ship them to our bespoke factory in NZ. It is here that our beans are roasted, cracked, winnowed, conched and tempered in small batches, using traditional artisan techniques.
Why is Single-Origin so important?
Single-origin chocolate is made using cacao beans from one specific region or terrior. Cacao beans from different regions have distinctive flavour profiles and similar to wine, the environment where cacao grows from can determine a chocolate’s taste. We source all our cacao from the Solomons Islands and in doing so we are supporting our farmers with full time employment opportunities and making a difference to the economic growth of their communities. Agriculture is the main source of income for Solomon Islanders and we are very proud to support our growers and local landowners and to see how their plantations and cacao harvest processes have improved over the last decade.
Are your products Allergen Free?
Solomons Gold chocolate and cacao products are 100% dairy free, gluten free, nut free and soy free. As one of the few vertically operated chocolate companies in the world we manage every process of the supply chain. Our equipment in the Solomon Islands all the way through to our bespoke factory in NZ is owned and operated by us and handles only our cacao and chocolate products.
Are your products Kosher?
All Solomons Gold chocolate and cacao products are certified Kosher. Our Dark Nib, Dark Mint, Dark Orange, Smooth Dark, Dark Velvet and Velvet Nib bars are even Kosher for Passover certified.
What makes your chocolate & cacao products so healthy & pure?
We use the highest quality ingredients and only traditional techniques without compromise. Our Smooth Dark 70% & Dark NIB 75% chocolate are made using just 2 ingredients (cacao and organic coconut sap sugar), and we add natural flavour oil to Dark Berry, Dark Caramel, Dark Orange and Dark Mint (Just 3 ingredients). We believe that good food equals good health and that the origin of our food source is significant. Our meticulous Artisan roasting techniques help to ensure maximum antioxidant (flavanol) levels in our cacao and our nibs contain approximately 20 times more antioxidants than spinach. Our pure chocolate is also dairy free, gluten free, nut free and soy free so it can be enjoyed by anyone.
Are your products Organic?
Our cacao is organically grown and organic farming practices have always been used by the Solomon Island people from traditional times to today. The Solomon Islands close location to the equator means our cacao flourish in perfect natural conditions, and the natural growing methods and pristine ecosystem speaks for itself in terms of the flavour and quality of our beans.
We are currently in the process of implementing an organic certification program with NASAA and Biogro.
How should Solomons Gold chocolate be stored?
Our chocolate is best stored in a cool, dry place between 10 & 20 degrees.
How can I use Cacao Nibs?
Cacao Nibs are the roasted and then crushed cacao bean and they are the primary ingredient for making fine quality chocolate. The roasted earthy flavour and crunch factor also make them the perfect additive to baking, cereals and muesli, and they're also delicious in, smoothies, yoghurt and ice cream. Not limited only to use in sweet treats and dessert recipes, we've seen them used in a variety of savoury dishes including roasted vegetables and even salads!
Do you deliver worldwide?
We currently deliver across New Zealand and Australia. If you live outside of these areas then please get in touch with us. You might notice our shipping takes a little longer in Summer and the hot weather as a lot of logistical planning goes into making sure you get your chocolate delivered in perfect condition.