The Sweet, Locally Made Chocolate Treats You Can Order Online

Victoria’s producers range far beyond the popular image of meat, dairy, fruit and veggies. Case in point: the state’s artisanal chocolate business is booming, with chocolate makers of all stripes putting their own spin on the time-honoured delivery of satisfying sweetness. Whether that means vegan and diabetic options, single-origin beans, or delicious wine and gin pairings, these independents are expanding what chocolate can be – while appealing to kids and adults alike.

In partnership with the Click for Vic campaign, which encourages Victorians to buy from local producers, we highlight five chocolatiers making artisanal chocolate worth the trip. If you can’t make it there right now, you can also order their wares online.

Hunted and Gathered, Cremorne
True to its name, the focus of Hunted and Gathered chocolate is on the origin of its beans – sometimes from Belize, Peru, Dominican Republic or beyond. Every bar of its all-organic chocolate takes nearly a week to make. That’s thanks to a passion for experimentation, whether that’s introducing fennel, sesame seeds, or ethically sourced hazelnut and almond spreads to its range. H & G also regularly posts recipes online, so you can use its top-shelf chocolate to make your own buckwheat brownies, baked tart or mousse cake.

huntedandgathered.com.au

Cabosse and Feve Chocolates, Castlemaine
Husband and wife operation Cabosse and Feve Chocolates opened at the end of 2019, pairing the French words for “cocoa pod” and “cocoa bean” for its memorable name. Located at The Mill Castlemaine, the business produces more than a dozen vegan products, from white and dark chocolate to coated ginger and popcorn. A vegan hamper packages together the very best of that selection, but also check out the Bean to Bar range, which showcases how different beans from the Solomon Islands, Mexico and Peru can taste in a finished product – all while ensuring that farmers are paid proper wages.

cabosseandfeve.com.au

Yarra Valley Chocolaterie, multiple locations
This bustling temple of chocolate may have made its name with family-friendly free tastings and its “Great Wall of Chocolate” (a piled-high selection of boxed chocolates), but it’s adapted well to online shopping. Browse a hearty cross-section of its 250-plus products, plus DIY kits to bake your own brownies (in seven different varieties) or make chocolate fondue at home. Also see the specially curated lockdown boxes, ranging from an elaborate high-tea kit, to chocolate pairing sets complete with local gins, wines and craft beers. Founded in Yarra Glenn, YVC also has locations on the Great Ocean Road and the Mornington Peninsula.

yvci.com.au

The Ministry of Chocolate, Croydon
With a strong focus on sustainability and local ingredients, The Ministry’s prodigious range offers all the favourites you remember from childhood (including Star Wars-themed chocolate lollipops) as well as modern touches like wine-infused chocolate tablets and vegan options. Ordering online from this family-owned small business means you can also dive into wine-pairing hampers and praline gift boxes, or a birthday box pairing of a chocolate cake with a personalised bar. Or simply indulge with a mixed “survival kit” that includes highlights from the core range.

ministryofchocolate.com.au

The Chocolate Mill, Mount Franklin
Between the traditionally inspired Aztec chilli bar and the dark chilli hot chocolate to make at home, heat is the hero here. Founded near Daylesford in 2003 by a husband and wife team, The Chocolate Mill is committed to using only Belgian fair trade chocolate. They make everything from handmade truffles to diabetic-friendly milk chocolate. While the adjacent Hot Chocolate Cafe is a popular addition, you can also order and sample the Mill’s best picks from their online store (and comfort of your couch).

chocmill.com.au

This article is produced by Broadsheet in partnership with Visit Victoria. Support Victorian producers by buying online through Click for Vic.