100% Cocoa Chocolate

100% cocoa contains only one ingredient - cocoa mass. Texturally, 100% cocoa is the same as dark chocolate; but whilst most people call it chocolate, it cannot legally be called chocolate as it is solely derived from cocoa beans without any additional cocoa butter, sugar or milk. 

Firetree’s 100% cocoa ‘chocolate’ is crafted using single-estate cocoa beans grown in nutrient-rich volcanic soils. Often referred to as 100 chocolate or 100% cacao chocolate, this unsweetened treat appeals to those who savour the intricate and nuanced qualities of pure cocoa.

Firetree Chocolate’s best-selling Solomon Islands, Guadalcanal 100% Cocoa won two stars in the 2024 Great Taste Awards where it was judged to be “a sophisticated and intense chocolate. This is a really lovely example of its kind.”

Cocoa is rich in polyphenols and flavanols both of which have been linked with positive health outcomes. 

The polyphenols in cocoa have been linked to health benefits such as reduced inflammation and improved cholesterol levels, but it’s important to recognise that the roasting, conching and tempering of the cocoa beans substantially decreases the polyphenol content in the finished product.

Flavanols have been linked with helping to improve blood flow and reduce cholesterol. Like most chocolate makers, Firetree is unable to measure and declare the flavanol levels present in its chocolate - they are naturally occurring and tend to fluctuate widely across different cocoa bean varieties, growing locations and even from crop to crop. 

For those following a no-added sugar diet, 100% cocoa is the perfect alternative to milk or dark chocolate. And because it contains no added sugar, it’s perfect for cooking and baking or making hot chocolate for those who prefer to control the level of sweetness of their dishes, bakes and drinks.

Whatever your reasons for choosing 100% cocoa, you can be sure that Firetree’s collection has been recognised as one of the best in the UK.

Earthy, with red and dark fruit notes such as date, and of course, deep cocoa tones, the intense taste profile of 100% pure cocoa sets it apart from sweeter chocolate varieties. One of the challenges that few chocolate makers succeed at is to craft a 100% cocoa without excess bitterness. 

Whilst Firetree’s 100% cocoa will activate your bitter taste receptors, we are careful to ensure that it is smooth and layered with the natural taste notes of the cocoa shining through to create a more complex eating experience. 

The bold and unsweetened cocoa notes of 100% cocoa makes it perfect for use in the kitchen as a versatile ingredient for a range of culinary creations. And many simply love the intense eating experience, enjoying it as an alternative to sweetened dark chocolate.

Firetree’s 100% cocoa is notable for its balance and smooth texture, providing a less bitter taste compared with other brands. While pure cocoa chocolate is typically recognised for its robust flavour profile, Firetree’s careful selection of single origin cocoa beans ensures a richness and complexity without the overpowering bitterness often found in 100% dark chocolate.

Firetree’s 100% cocoas offer earthy notes with subtle hints of fruity undertones, making them the preferred option for those who appreciate sophisticated flavours. The brand's innovative and detailed approach to crafting chocolates has also received recognition from the Great Taste Awards with the Solomon Islands, Guadalcanal 100% Cocoa 70g Bar being awarded two stars in 2024.

The difference between 100% cocoa and regular chocolate is in the ingredients. 100% cocoa ‘chocolate’ is crafted using only cocoa mass without the addition of sugar, milk or other components. As such, it is not legally called chocolate, although we tend to know it by this name as its texture differs little from dark chocolate. Dark chocolate usually includes cocoa butter and unrefined sugar and milk chocolate also includes dairy ingredients.

The absence of added sugar is particularly attractive for those who follow a no-added sugar diet. 100% cocoa is also believed to contain more beneficial antioxidants and polyphenols than its dark or milk chocolate counterparts. 

To craft a 100% cocoa that is complex and smooth, we source the finest rare cocoa beans grown in nutrient-rich volcanic soil on islands in the Pacific, Indian and Caribbean oceans. This terroir - the tropical climate, rich soil and local flora - creates the ideal conditions for cultivating the exceptional cocoa needed to set Firetree Chocolate apart from other craft producers.

Firetree’s 100% cocoa chocolate is completely vegan friendly. Our pure cocoa chocolate is crafted from single origin cocoa beans without any added animal or dairy ingredients making it a great option for vegans. 

As it’s 100% cacao, it does not contain any dairy, sugar or other non-vegan ingredients ensuring it can be enjoyed as a vegan treat or used to create vegan culinary specialities. 

At Firetree, we’ve forged a reputation for creating luxury quality chocolate and 100% cocoa products that are vegan-friendly. Sourcing only the very best cocoa beans directly from the farmer and paying a fair, above-market price, you can be sure that not only is Firetree Chocolate 100% cocoa suitable for vegans but also that it’s a sustainable and ethical choice.

Choosing 100% cocoa over dark or milk chocolate comes down to a matter of preference. In contrast to dark and milk chocolate, 100% cocoa ‘chocolate’ is made without added sugars, milk or additives resulting in a robust and intense flavour that truly captures the essence of the cocoa bean.

100% cocoa is also considered to provide a source of antioxidants, fibre and vital minerals such as magnesium and iron, contributing to a number of health benefits within a balanced diet and is suitable for vegan and no-added sugar diets.

The fact that it is made without added sugar or dairy also makes 100% cocoa a highly versatile ingredient for use in baking and cooking, allowing you to adjust the sweetness levels in your creations. 

Whether you choose a bar, drinking cocoa, thins or Easy Melt, Firetree Chocolate’s Solomon Islands, Guadalcanal and Vanuatu, Malekula Island 100% cocoas are deeply complex with rich cocoa tones and red and dark fruit taste notes.

Firetree’s 100% cocoa range is intense in flavour and is a versatile ingredient for your culinary creations. Many people prefer 100% cocoa as the basis for their hot chocolate as it allows them control their own sweetness levels.

Another favourite is to use 100% cocoa pieces to make brownies or for providing a balanced cocoa flavour for dipping sweet treats such as honeycomb or marshmallow.

For those who appreciate pairing chocolate with spirits you can try infusing 100% cocoa chocolate into a gin cocktail to enhance its complexity and richness.

Any recipe that requires dark chocolate can be made with 100% cocoa pieces. From chocolate cheesecake to chocolate cake, or dipped fruits to chocolate ganache, the benefit of 100% cocoa instead of dark chocolate is to allow you to adjust the sweetness levels accordingly.