Why Does a Chocolate Bar Cost More Than 12 Million Vietnamese Dong, Weighing as Much as a Chicken Egg?

To’ak chocolate is the famous brand of chocolate from Ecuador. In fact, the world is not lacking in expensive food and sweets, such as truffle-infused ice cream or gold-coated sandwiches. Most of these are extravagant creations designed to attract attention. However, there are some special foods that truly offer more value, containing expensive ingredients without compromising the eating experience. To’ak chocolate is evidence of this.

To’ak claims that its products are among the few that can justify their high price tag, although the final decision lies with the consumer. The reality is that To’ak is considered the most expensive chocolate in the world. Even a small bar weighing around 50 grams can be sold for $490 USD (over 12 million Vietnamese Dong). However, the company believes that the price doesn’t fully explain the entire story of To’ak.

According to Jerry Toth, co-founder of To’ak, “The price is merely a means to an end. What we are truly trying to do is create something entirely unique and beautiful for the world. It goes beyond being an expensive chocolate bar and becomes an experiential aspect.”

So, what makes To’ak so special that people are willing to spend hundreds of dollars on a chocolate bar weighing as much as a chicken egg?

The Ingredients and Process Behind To’ak Chocolate

The secret to To’ak’s status as the most expensive chocolate in the world lies in its use of the finest cacao Nacional. This is an ancient cocoa variety that was once extinct, but luckily, the people behind To’ak discovered some of the oldest cacao trees in the Piedra de Plata valley. Some of these trees were later DNA analyzed and confirmed to be 100% cacao Nacional.

But it doesn’t stop there. According to Galavante, To’ak is willing to pay the highest prices in the world to the cacao farmers, which also affects the price of the final product. After harvesting, To’ak’s artisans meticulously hand-select the cocoa beans to ensure only the best ones are used. In addition to the price, To’ak is also renowned for being a pioneer in chocolate aging. It is a process inspired by the aging of strong spirits like whisky and cognac.

As explained in a blog post by To’ak, when whisky is stored in oak barrels, it extracts chemical compounds from the wood and incorporates them into the whisky, enhancing its taste and color. Similarly, when chocolate is aged in wooden barrels, a similar process occurs. Even in its solid form, chocolate has an interesting advantage in extracting flavors and aromas from wood, especially the oils present in cocoa.

To’ak has also experimented with various ancient techniques, such as aging chocolate in different types of barrels (whisky, cognac, etc.) and for various durations, ranging from a few months to eight years. Furthermore, To’ak has blended its chocolate with aromatic compounds such as Ecuador’s Palo Santo wood and Kampot pepper from Cambodia, constantly exploring new ways to enhance the flavor of its chocolate.

Even the handmade wooden packaging and boxes contribute to the cost of the chocolate bars when they hit the market.

From rare ingredients to meticulous processing techniques, it’s not surprising that some people are willing to spend hundreds of dollars to experience To’ak chocolate.

Cacao Nacional is also known as the native Criollo variety of Ecuador and has been found in ancient artifacts, ceramics, and relics dating back 5,000 years. The beans of this cacao have a bright yellow color with deep wrinkles.

Cacao Nacional can come in various shapes and sizes, but they all have a long and tapering form. This cocoa variety has a floral and herbaceous aroma, with hints of tropical fruit. Therefore, Cacao Nacional is considered the best raw material for specialty chocolate, as it offers complex flavors.

However, due to challenges in terms of soil conditions, climate change, diseases, and the difficulties in cultivation, this cocoa variety has become increasingly expensive.

References: Odditycentral, Spicejungle, To’ak chocolate