Discover the Art and Science of D.I.Y Chocolate
A Comprehensive resource for bean to bar chocolate making
Where to Start:
We have a simple but lofty goal
Teach the world to make Chocolate.
We provide Education, Training, Ingredients, Equipment, Mythbusting, and a science based approach to small batch, bean to bar chocolate making. We want to spread the messy joy of making your own chocolate, solving your own problems and learning how to be a maker.
Find out who we are and why we’ve become a trusted resource in the Chocolate world
“[John Nanci].. whom many consider the godfather of kitchen-counter chocolatiering.”
How to:
Many of you are here to learn how to make chocolate. We have a number of guides and are working on a new nib to bar guide right now. You may also want to learn How to use Cocoa Butter Silk, or how to brew beer with cocoa. Maybe you come from the coffee world and want to dip your toe into chocolate? Dive into our resources section for all the guides.
Beans, Equipment and Supplies
It all starts with a tiny bean but quickly you realize you need a melanger, molds, cocoa butter and more. We have it all and we’re constantly sourcing new and interesting beans with our traditionally deep flavor profiles and roasting notes. We offer Retail and Wholesale options for the best selection of cocoa beans specially vetted for chocolate anywhere.
Science, Mythbusting and the joy of FAFO
We’re called Chocolate Alchemy because our founder is a chemist who decided to bring his considerable skills (and 20 years of experiments, hacks, mods, and insights) to bear on the problem of home made chocolate. Most weeks he tackles a new reader question, getting into the science, and the philosophy (and sometimes ranting uncontrollably). If you want to get to the next level start reading at Ask The Alchemist #1 and let us know when you get into the 300s.
Our Most Recent Updates
Some stories start in the dark. This one just ends there.
Chocolat Noir is a limited edition brewing cocoa,
our richest, smoothest, most full-bodied yet.
Featured & New
Coffee Chocolate
Chocolate Making Kit of the Month I went wild with a coffee chocolate. So many people have asked for it after the fact I'm offering it asa stand alone kit. I'm not sure what else there is to say. It is COFFEE CHOCOLATE forgoodness sake!
Tanzania Kokoo Kamili
Organic 2025 The new crop is in and is both the same favors you love and infused with different balances of flavors that make it exciting. Silky apricot, thick fudge and present but balanced top acidity. Justdelightful.
3 TRIBES WILD HARVEST
BOLIVIA 2024 Here we go with another mighty giant. The aroma bold chocolate and sweet, rich dried brown fruits. Just the smell had my mouth watering. It puts me in mind of a gooey, dense fudge cake.
Check out the official Chocolate Alchemy Bean Archive
Our new bean archive serves both as a practical reference and historical documentation. While these specific beans are no longer available for purchase, we will maintain this archive to help you find information about beans you may have in storage, particularly for roasting instructions and processing guidelines. You'll find detailed flavor profiles, photos and all the normal Chocolate Alchemy notes that remain valuable whether you're looking up specifics about a bean you purchased or researching historical cacao varieties and their characteristics.
We will be adding older beans (perhaps even back to our original crops 20 years ago) as time permits. If the bean you’re looking for isn’t already there, let us know.
About Chocolate Alchemy
Alchemist John aka John Nanci
Founding Alchemist
Chocolate Alchemy is world renowned resource for craft chocolate makers.
Founded in 2004, we focus on the technical aspects of small-batch bean to bar chocolate making.
We’re geared toward hobbyists, professionals, and those looking to start a chocolate-making business, emphasizing the science behind chocolate production, sourcing quality ingredients, and mastering essential techniques.
We don’t just sell beans, supplies and equipment; we aim to teach the world the joy of making their own chocolate while contributing to the advancement of craft chocolate by sharing knowledge and fostering experimentation.
It gets messy, but that’s half the fun.
Usually 1 email per week
Exclusive offers and first crack and new beans, equipment and supplies
Occasionally we may only offer something through the mailing lists
Join Our Community
Retail mailing list
Making Chocolate at Home? This list is for you!
Bean and stock notifications
Ask The Alchemist
Find out about new CA videos first!
Get discounts and early notice on sales, and special happenings
We aim for once a week
Wholesale Mailing List
A mailing list for wholesale buyers to stay up to date
Wholesale product updates and announcements (find out when things are in or out of stock)
We aim for 1 per month
Ask The Alchemist
Stay up to date with all the Ask the Alchemist Questions and Answers.