🍫 Dark Chocolates from Chikamagalur: A Hidden Treasure of the Western Ghats
When you hear “cocoa” you probably think of faraway tropical lands or Africa or Latin America. But nestled in the mist-covered hills of Chikamagalur, Karnataka, grows a rare and remarkable version of this beloved bean. Here, cocoa grows under the canopy of native trees, beside coffee and cardamom, nurtured by nature and tradition.
Under the Change2 initiative, Chikamagalur’s cocoa is getting the spotlight it deserves. And the intent of this movement is promote cocoa cultivation as one of the complimentary crop along with coffee, enhance farmers income while bring clean food and good food to the plates of the consumer. Raw Cafe is an experience centre where pure, locally sourced cocoa is turned into soulful chocolates, hot drinks, and mindful desserts.
🌿 Why Chikamagalur Cocoa and Chocolates Stands Out
- Grown in mountain shade and along with the coffee, spices and other diverse crops the cocoa naturally absorbs the biodiversity into itself. Rich and smooth flavors with notes of fruit and nuts is something full of character comes naturally in the chocolates. This experience is a kind of delight in itself. No chemical sprays for the cocoa plants. The agri practices used for the main cash crops is enough for the cocoa plants to sustain. These plants Intercropped with coffee & arecanut on small family farms makes them a diverse and sustainable agriculture practice for the farmers.
🍫 The Dark Chocolate Experience – Rich, Real & Rewarding
At the heart of Chikamagalur cocoa’s revival is the dark chocolate revolution. Made from high-percentage cocoa and minimally processed, dark chocolate offers not just a treat—but an experience. This initiative still being very experimental the associates at the change2 initiative are experimenting with lot of different blends and flavours in chocolate making process. For instance we did a customised deep dark chocolate with 80% pure cocoa and 20% neera sugar for a corporate client. The outcome was really exciting to make a diabetic friendly dark chocolate for the masses who are conscious about their sugar intake. The Sensory Journey was a deep, intense aroma that awakens the senses. Slow-melting texture that soothens on the palate. A naturally satisfying finish that doesn’t rely on processed sugar.
Health Benefits of Dark Chocolate:
As the medical fraternity has to say the dark chocolates have immense health benefits to makintain gut health, control inflammation and light up the mood towards a fresh and happy morning. Unlike sugar-loaded commercial chocolates, Chikamagalur dark chocolate—crafted at Raw Cafe—contains no preservatives, no dairy, and no guilt. Just honest indulgence.
- 🧠 Boosts brain function and mood with natural compounds like theobromine & flavonoids
- ❤️ Supports heart health by improving blood flow and reducing inflammation
- 💪 Rich in antioxidants, fighting oxidative stress
- 🍬 Lowers sugar cravings by offering natural satiety
🍴 Raw Cafe – Experience Real Cocoa, Grown Locally
Located in Chikamagalur, Raw Cafe is more than just a cafe—it’s an experience center for real, natural foods.
Here’s how we use local cocoa:
- 🍫 Stone-ground Dark Chocolate Bars – just cocoa, Sugar/Jaggery/Neera sugar & love
- ☕ Hot Chocolate Elixir – a comforting and low sugar indulgance.
- 🍰 Cocoa Millet Brownies – gluten-free and high-fiber
- 🧃 Cocoa Smoothies & Bites – clean snacks for guilt-free indulgence
Every item is made using locally grown cocoa, harvested by farmers who care for the soil and the environment.
🌍 Join the Cocoa Revolution – Local, Clean & Delicious
Chikamagalur cocoa is not just a product—it’s a movement. With Change2 enabling natural farming and Raw Cafe showcasing the culinary potential of this bean, cocoa is becoming a symbol of sustainable, mindful living.
When you taste a cocoa drink or dessert at Raw Cafe, you’re not just indulging—you’re supporting local farmers, biodiversity, and real food culture.
