We are pleased to offer nut-free, gluten-free, and soy-free chocolate to our customers in the Buffalo area. All our chocolate is made right in our workshop, from bean-to-bar:
What's so special about small batch chocolate making? We use the finest cacao beans in the world. Each variety has it's own unique flavors which vary year to year, like wine grapes. Through experience, we have developed roasting profiles and ingredient proportions to enhance the desirable flavors and to subdue others - something the large producers simply cannot do.
After roasting, the beans are winnowed to remove the shells.
The resulting product, nibs, are put into stone grinders with sugar and a touch of cocoa butter, or milk powder in the case of milk chocolates. The chocolate continues to grind for two to three days.
Dark chocolates are aged between one to four months to soften the flavor. Chocolates are then melted, tempered, and molded into bars.
In addition to chocolate bars, we offer a variety of other chocolate-related products for sale in our shop.
Shipping Policies:
We ship to any location in the United States.
During the summer months (May through September), we charge a $15.00 handling fee for shipping to warm-weather regions in the Southern/Western part of the country. The fee is for ice, insulation, and 2-day express shipping service.
For shipping everywhere in the U.S. during the summer months, we include ice and insulation but someone must be there to receive the package. If it sits on your doorstep or mailbox in the direct heat, then we are not responsible for replacing it.
Once we send you the tracking information, it is your responsibility to have someone there to receive the package.
If your chocolate arrives in an unsatisfactory condition, please let us know and include a photo so that we can deem whether it warrants further action.
Estimated delivery time on standard orders is 2-7 business days from date of shipment. Delivery time not guaranteed (unless USPS Express Priority is the shipping option used) and we are not responsible for post office errors or delays. We typically ship Monday through Wednesday.
NEW: Shipping to Warm-Weather States
From May through September, chocolate orders from customers living in Southern/Warm Weather states only will be shipped using the USPS Express (a guaranteed 2-day service).
For orders over $30, shipping is free but will include a $15 handling fee.
For orders under $30, a $23 shipping charge will be included.
These changes have become necessary due to the unreliability of the USPS Priority and Ground services.
As you know, chocolate is susceptible to melting in temperatures over 80 degrees. Dark Forest Chocolate wishes to ensure that your order will arrive is good condition.
Thank you for your understanding. For more information, click on the Shipping Policy button below.