Our Story
Ingredients
FAQ
Blog
Our Story
Good for the growers, good for the planet, good for YOU!
Our Mission
At Zazubean, our mission is to lead the Natural food space by crafting irresistibly delicious, healthier chocolates that are ethically and sustainably sourced. We strive to meet the dietary needs of modern consumers with innovative and clean ingredients while ensuring our products remain accessible, fun, and transparent. We are committed to creating chocolate that not only satisfies your cravings but also supports a healthier lifestyle and a healthier planet.Our Story
Zazubean’s journey began on a pedal-powered adventure along the West Coast of BC, where a group of women cyclists sparked a conversation about creating chocolate that’s as healthy and ethical as it is delicious. Inspired by this idea, co-founder Tiz dove into the world of superfoods and herbs, experimenting with recipes in her kitchen along side a Swiss chocolatier.
Every great story needs a partner, and that’s where Tara enters the scene! With her expertise in social responsibility and business development, Tara joined forces with Tiz to create a powerhouse team. Together, they crafted Zazubean’s line of scrumptious, ethically-sourced, and affordable superfood chocolate bars—a chocolate adventure you don’t want to miss!
Ingredients
Cocoa Beans & Cocoa Butter
Cocoa Beans & Cocoa Butter
Panama, Ecuador, Peru & Dominican Republic
Panama, Ecuador, Peru and Dominican Republic
Our chocolate starts with the finest ground cocoa beans and cocoa butter. These lush ingredients not only give our bars their signature flavor and velvety texture but also deliver essential nutrients and antioxidants, contributing to a balanced diet and enhanced well-being.
Raw Cane Sugar
Raw Cane Sugar
Organic + Fair-trade Certified
Paraguay
Our raw cane sugar is minimally processed to retain its natural nutrients and full-bodied sweetness. This thoughtfully chosen ingredient complements our cocoa's bold flavors, adding just the right touch of sweetness while keeping your health in mind.
Coconut Milk
Coconut Milk
Organic + Fair-trade Certified
Sri Lanka
Coconut milk adds a creamy, tropical twist to our chocolate, creating a rich and smooth texture without dairy. Sourced from fresh coconuts, it’s brimming with healthy fats and essential nutrients, offering a deliciously indulgent experience that’s both nourishing and satisfying.
Gluten Free Oats
Gluten Free Oats
Organic Certified
European Union
These gluten-free certified oats are carefully selected to ensure purity and quality, providing a hearty and wholesome addition to our chocolate. Naturally full of fiber, vitamins, and minerals, they support digestive health and add a delightful, nutty texture, making our bars both tasty and nourishing.
Grass-Fed Whole Milk
Grass-Fed Whole Milk
Organic Certified
Switzerland
Our milk comes from grass-fed cows, ensuring not only a rich, creamy flavor but also enhanced nutritional value. Grass-fed milk is naturally higher in omega-3 fatty acids, vitamins, and antioxidants, contributing to a healthier indulgence. Sourced from farms that prioritize animal welfare, this exceptional ingredient supports ethical farming practices, ensuring the cows enjoy lush pastures and humane care.
Vanilla Pods
Vanilla Pods
Organic + Fair-trade Certified
Madagascar
Our vanilla pods are hand-harvested to capture their full, aromatic essence. Sourced from sustainable farms, these pods infuse our chocolate with deep, natural sweetness and warm, floral notes. Rich in antioxidants, vanilla not only enhances flavor but also contributes to overall wellness, making each bite a truly luxurious experience.
Cocoa Nibs
Cocoa Nibs
Organic + Fair-trade Certified
Peru
Known as the purest form of chocolate, cocoa nibs are made from roasted cocoa beans that are carefully crushed to preserve their bold flavor. Loaded with antioxidants, fiber, and essential minerals, these crunchy nibs add texture and a powerful boost of nutrition, turning every piece into a wholesome indulgence.
Coconut Blossom Sugar
Coconut Blossom Sugar
Organic + Fair-trade Certified
Indonesia
Harvested from the sap of coconut blossoms, our coconut blossom sugar is a natural, unrefined sweetener that brings a subtle caramel-like flavor to our chocolate. Naturally abundant in minerals and boasting a low glycemic index, it’s a mindful alternative that supports balanced nutrition without compromising on taste.
Hazelnuts
Hazelnuts
Organic Certified
Turkey
Our hazelnuts are hand-selected for their rich, nutty flavor and smooth consistency. This high-quality ingredient elevates our chocolate with natural sweetness and creamy texture. Brimming with healthy fats, vitamins, and minerals, hazelnut paste adds both indulgence and nourishment to each bar.
Almonds
Almonds
Organic Certified
Spain
Loaded with healthy fats, protein, fiber, and essential vitamins and minerals, almonds add delightful crunch while delivering meaningful nutritional benefits. They help support heart health, aid digestion, and offer a boost of energy, making every bite both tasty and nourishing.
Coconut
Coconut
Organic + Fair-trade Certified
Sri Lanka
Our coconut is sourced from fresh, high-quality coconuts, bringing rich, tropical flavor and creamy texture to our chocolate. Naturally abundant in healthy fats, fiber, and minerals, coconut supports digestive health, boosts energy, and helps maintain a healthy heart, all while adding irresistible sweetness.
Turmeric
Turmeric
Organic + Fair-trade Certified
India
Rich in curcumin, turmeric offers powerful antioxidant and anti-inflammatory benefits that help reduce inflammation, support joint health, and enhance overall wellness. Its warm, earthy flavor adds depth to our chocolate while nourishing the body and mind.
Acai
Acai
Organic Certified
Brazil
Bursting with vitamins, minerals, and healthy fats, acai helps combat oxidative stress, support heart health, and boost energy levels. This superfruit’s rich, berry-like flavor adds a delicious and healthful twist to our chocolate.
Peppermint Oil
Peppermint Oil
Organic Certified
India
Our peppermint oil is extracted from fresh peppermint leaves, known for their refreshing and invigorating properties. It offers a natural cooling effect, supports digestive health, and can help ease headaches and muscle tension. Its crisp, minty flavor adds a lively finish to every piece.
Maca
Maca
Organic Certified
South America
Celebrated for its energizing and adaptogenic properties, maca is naturally rich in vitamins, minerals, and amino acids. It helps support stamina, mental clarity, and hormonal balance, while its subtle, nutty flavor enriches our chocolate with a natural vitality boost.
Acerola Cherries
Acerola Cherries
Organic Certified
Brazil
Our acerola cherries are a powerhouse of nutrition, brimming with vitamin C and antioxidants. This superfruit helps strengthen immunity, combat oxidative stress, and promote healthy skin. Their tangy, refreshing flavor brings natural brightness to each bite.
Yerba Mate
Yerba Mate
Organic Certified
Brazil
Our yerba mate, renowned for its invigorating properties and earthy flavor, comes packed with antioxidants, vitamins, and a gentle caffeine boost. It supports mental clarity and sustained energy, adding a sophisticated twist to your chocolate experience.
Stevia
Stevia
Organic Certified
With zero calories and a low glycemic index, stevia provides a better-for-you alternative to sugar. Rich in antioxidants and gentle on blood glucose, it helps support balanced nutrition while adding clean, natural sweetness.
Erythritol
Erythritol
Organic Certified
This natural, zero-calorie sweetener derived from organic fermented beets offers a clean sweetness without the calories or glycemic spike of traditional sugars. Easy on digestion and naturally loaded with antioxidants, it adds a cooling effect and helps keep your treat mindful and balanced.
Sea Salt
Sea Salt
Organic Certified
France
Renowned for its delicate, flaky texture and exquisite taste, this carefully harvested salt enhances chocolate with a subtle, sophisticated touch of saltiness. Naturally containing trace minerals, it helps support hydration and adds a hint of luxury to every bite.
FAQ
What is a Zazubean?
Zazubean is your source for seriously delicious organic chocolate, crafted with love and a big commitment to doing things right. Think high quality, super yummy treats made from ethically and sustainably sourced ingredients. As for our quirky name? It’s a fun story! One of our co-founders, Tara, used to zip around on a Vespa wearing a helmet that gave everyone flashbacks to the Great Gazoo, that little green alien from The Flintstones. That playful vibe inspired ZAZU, a little nod to Gazoo and a lot of delicious chocolate magic!
How is Zazubean chocolate made?
We're a proud Canadian, women-owned company calling Vancouver, BC home. While Zazubean started in our kitchen, for that truly exceptional chocolate experience, we partnered with master chocolatiers in Switzerland, often called the world leader in chocolate craftsmanship. Think of it as the Silicon Valley of chocolate! Once you taste Swiss-made chocolate, it’s pretty hard to enjoy anything else!
I just placed my order, now what?
Hooray! Your chocolate adventure begins! Our shipping team will process and ship your order within 1-2 business days. Once it’s on the move, you’ll receive a tracking number via email. Here’s how to keep your chocolate happy: Keep a close eye on that tracking number, as packages can arrive faster than you think! Most importantly, avoid letting your chocolate take a "sunbath"; even brief exposure to direct sunlight can affect its quality.
We strongly recommend shipping to an address where someone can bring it inside promptly. If we hit any snags like address hiccups or sudden stock changes, we’ll contact you directly with updates. Otherwise, relax knowing we’re hustling to get your fresh, perfect chocolate to you ASAP!
We strongly recommend shipping to an address where someone can bring it inside promptly. If we hit any snags like address hiccups or sudden stock changes, we’ll contact you directly with updates. Otherwise, relax knowing we’re hustling to get your fresh, perfect chocolate to you ASAP!
How do I store your chocolate bars?
Our chocolate bars are pantry stable superstars! To keep them tasting their absolute best, find them a cozy spot; cool, dry, away from direct sunlight and strong smells is ideal. Aim for a temperature around 15 to 18 degrees Celsius (that's 59 to 65 Fahrenheit). For peak freshness, enjoy them by the "best before" date printed right on the packaging. Happy indulging!
What are Zazubean's delivery times within Canada?
Shipping our precious chocolate safely is a priority that changes with the seasons! When the weather is cool (think fall, winter, and most of spring), we ship via expedited mail. This usually means your chocolate arrives in 2 days if you're in BC or AB, and within about 5 days if you're ordering from the East Coast.
But once things heat up and temperatures hit 20 °C or higher, we kick into summer mode; to keep your chocolate perfectly fresh and happy during transit, we add ice packs and switch exclusively to a speedy 2-day max delivery service for all locations. That’s why during this time of the year, we only ship orders Mondays, Tuesdays, and Wednesdays, to avoid packages waiting in warehouses that are not temperature controlled. This extra care does mean higher shipping costs for us during warmer months, but it's all worth it to ensure you enjoy our chocolate exactly as it's meant to be tasted – fresh, delicious, and high quality!
But once things heat up and temperatures hit 20 °C or higher, we kick into summer mode; to keep your chocolate perfectly fresh and happy during transit, we add ice packs and switch exclusively to a speedy 2-day max delivery service for all locations. That’s why during this time of the year, we only ship orders Mondays, Tuesdays, and Wednesdays, to avoid packages waiting in warehouses that are not temperature controlled. This extra care does mean higher shipping costs for us during warmer months, but it's all worth it to ensure you enjoy our chocolate exactly as it's meant to be tasted – fresh, delicious, and high quality!
Do you ship internationally?
Currently, we ship internationally only to the United States. Shipping costs and delivery times vary by location; to see your exact rate, simply add products to your cart and enter your U.S. address at checkout, our system calculates it instantly!
Need a quote first? Contact our friendly support team. Rest assured, all our seasonal shipping care (ice packs, Mon-Wed summer shipping, etc.) applies equally to all orders.
Need a quote first? Contact our friendly support team. Rest assured, all our seasonal shipping care (ice packs, Mon-Wed summer shipping, etc.) applies equally to all orders.
What is Zazubean's return or refund policy?
We pour our hearts (and the best organic, ethically sourced ingredients!) into every Zazubean bar, and we truly hope you love them. Because chocolate is perishable and we want you to enjoy it at its absolute peak freshness, we generally can't accept returns once it's been shipped. But we know things happen!
If your order arrives damaged or if you received the wrong item, please let us know within 7 days of delivery. Just contact our friendly customer service team with your order number and a photo showing the issue. We'll be quick to make it right, either by sending a replacement or issuing a refund; whichever suits the situation best. Approved refunds go back to your original payment method within 3 to 5 business days.
Have any questions or concerns? We're always here to help! Just reach out. (Psst: If you bought Zazubean from one of our lovely retail partners, their specific return policy will apply, so it’s best to check with them directly).
If your order arrives damaged or if you received the wrong item, please let us know within 7 days of delivery. Just contact our friendly customer service team with your order number and a photo showing the issue. We'll be quick to make it right, either by sending a replacement or issuing a refund; whichever suits the situation best. Approved refunds go back to your original payment method within 3 to 5 business days.
Have any questions or concerns? We're always here to help! Just reach out. (Psst: If you bought Zazubean from one of our lovely retail partners, their specific return policy will apply, so it’s best to check with them directly).
How can I stock Zazubean in my store?
Thinking of adding some Zazubean joy to your shelves? We'd love to chat! Send us an email at orders@zazubean.com and tell us a bit about your store and which of our treats catch your eye. Our team is excited to share our wholesale options and explore how we can work together to spread delicious, ethical chocolate.
How can I join the Zazubean team?
Thanks for wanting to join our chocolate adventure! While we don’t have a formal careers page just yet, the best way to catch opportunities is to follow us on social media. We post updates there and are always thrilled to connect with passionate folks who share our love for quality, sustainability, and making people happy with chocolate. Let’s connect!
Digestive FAQ Question
Digestive FAQ Answer
Shipping FAQ Question
Shipping FAQ Answer
What is Zazubean sweetened with?
We like to offer choices! Our delicious sweetness comes from different organic sources depending on the bar.
- Superfoods & Holiday chocolate bars: Our classic OG bars get their just right sweetness from raw cane sugar, organic and fair-trade certified from Paraguay.
- Coconut Sugar chocolate bars: Craving our popular Nudie, Saltry, or Fixie bars? Those are sweetened with Coconut Sugar, organic and fair-trade from Indonesia.
- SLINKY chocolate bars: Looking for zero added sugar? Our SLINKY line uses a blend of organic certified erythritol and stevia, perfect for those watching sugar or carbs, like keto friends.
For the exact sweetener in your favorite bar, peek at the ingredients list on the product page or packaging, or ask us, we're happy to help!
- Superfoods & Holiday chocolate bars: Our classic OG bars get their just right sweetness from raw cane sugar, organic and fair-trade certified from Paraguay.
- Coconut Sugar chocolate bars: Craving our popular Nudie, Saltry, or Fixie bars? Those are sweetened with Coconut Sugar, organic and fair-trade from Indonesia.
- SLINKY chocolate bars: Looking for zero added sugar? Our SLINKY line uses a blend of organic certified erythritol and stevia, perfect for those watching sugar or carbs, like keto friends.
For the exact sweetener in your favorite bar, peek at the ingredients list on the product page or packaging, or ask us, we're happy to help!
What is Grass-fed milk?
Our grass-fed milk is something special! It comes from happy cows grazing on natural grasses in open pastures and Alpine meadows across Switzerland. The Swiss are famous for having the highest quality milk and the world's strictest animal welfare rules. This incredible milk makes our Swiss chocolate taste exceptionally better.
Beyond taste, grass-feeding lowers the carbon hoofprint, and the milk itself is naturally richer in Omega 3s, and free from antibiotics and pesticides. It's better for the cows, the planet, and your taste buds!
Beyond taste, grass-feeding lowers the carbon hoofprint, and the milk itself is naturally richer in Omega 3s, and free from antibiotics and pesticides. It's better for the cows, the planet, and your taste buds!
Can diabetics eat Zazubean chocolate?
We offer chocolates that might fit into a diabetic diet, particularly those sweetened with Coconut Sugar (lower glycemic index) and our zero added sugar SLINKY line.
However, managing diabetes is highly individual; it is absolutely essential for anyone with diabetes to consult their healthcare provider or dietitian, as carefully monitoring carbohydrate intake and blood sugar levels is crucial. We strongly recommend reviewing the specific nutritional information for each product to make informed choices that suit your personal health needs.
However, managing diabetes is highly individual; it is absolutely essential for anyone with diabetes to consult their healthcare provider or dietitian, as carefully monitoring carbohydrate intake and blood sugar levels is crucial. We strongly recommend reviewing the specific nutritional information for each product to make informed choices that suit your personal health needs.
Is Zazubean tested for heavy metals?
Absolutely. Taking the quality and safety of our chocolate seriously is non-negotiable for us. That includes rigorous third-party lab testing for heavy metals to ensure every bar meets stringent safety standards. We're committed to providing you with not just delicious, but also trustworthy, high quality chocolate. If you have more questions, please don't hesitate to reach out.
Are your products Vegan?
Great question! Yes, the vast majority of our bars proudly wear the Vegan Certified badge, including our special holiday white chocolate DASHER, made with almond milk. The only exceptions enjoying a little dairy are our SMOOCH and SLINKY Grass-fed Swiss Milk & Hazelnuts bars.
We meticulously clean all our equipment between batches. While we strive for perfection and test our vegan bars to ensure they contain less than 30 parts per million of dairy (meeting strict vegan standards), we operate in a facility that also handles dairy. So, to be fully transparent and follow CFIA guidelines, we include a statement about the potential for trace amounts. But rest assured, that VEGAN badge means it's officially certified for your plant-based enjoyment!
We meticulously clean all our equipment between batches. While we strive for perfection and test our vegan bars to ensure they contain less than 30 parts per million of dairy (meeting strict vegan standards), we operate in a facility that also handles dairy. So, to be fully transparent and follow CFIA guidelines, we include a statement about the potential for trace amounts. But rest assured, that VEGAN badge means it's officially certified for your plant-based enjoyment!
Are your products Dairy-free?
Most of our bars are naturally dairy-free, except for the SMOOCH and SLINKY Grass-fed Swiss Milk & Hazelnuts which contain grass-fed Swiss milk. For our dairy-free offerings, we take cleaning incredibly seriously to prevent any mix-ups. However, because we also make those milk-containing bars in the same place, the CFIA requires us to state that trace dairy could potentially be present, even though we test to confirm levels stay very low (under 30 ppm) for our Vegan Certified products.
Are your products Gluten-free?
Absolutely! Every single Zazubean chocolate bar is gluten-free and safe for friends with gluten intolerance or Celiac disease.
We don't just take our word for it, we get them lab-tested. Each tests below 20 parts per million, meeting Health Canada’s strict standard for gluten-free products.
We don't just take our word for it, we get them lab-tested. Each tests below 20 parts per million, meeting Health Canada’s strict standard for gluten-free products.
Are your products Soy-free?
Yes, indeed! You won't find any soy in Zazubean chocolate. While some chocolates use soy lecithin as an emulsifier, we choose to skip it entirely across all our bars. Pure, simple, soy-free goodness.
Are your products made in a Peanut-free facility?
Peanuts? Nope, we don't use them here. However, we do work with wonderful tree nuts like almonds and hazelnuts. We have strict cleaning protocols. The important thing to know is that these tree nuts arrive at our factory from suppliers, and there's always a chance they could have encountered peanuts somewhere earlier in their journey. Because of this possibility, the CFIA requires us to include a "May contain peanuts" advisory on our packaging. We also work carefully to minimize cross-contact between different nut products within our facility.
Are your products Kosher?
Absolutely! Every single Zazubean chocolate bar is proudly certified Kosher. Our dairy-free bars are labeled Kosher Parve (containing neither meat nor dairy), while our delicious milk chocolate bars like SMOOCH and SLINKY carry the Kosher Dairy (KD) certification. All of this certification magic happens right where our chocolate is crafted, in Switzerland, under the watchful eye of Rabbi Marcel Yair Ebel. Look for the Kosher symbols on the packaging!
Are your products GMO-free?
You bet! Every ingredient we source for our chocolate bars is certified Organic, which guarantees they come from non-genetically modified sources. We work closely with our partners every step of the way to ensure pure, GMO-free goodness makes it into your hands.
Why does Zazubean only offer Fair-trade products?
Choosing Fair-trade certified chocolate is core to who we are. It's so much more than just a label; it's a promise. This certification guarantees the cocoa was grown without child or forced labor, ensures farmers receive fair treatment and prices, and supports sustainable farming practices that nurture the planet.
Plus, part of the Fair-trade premium funds vital community projects; think better schools, healthcare, and infrastructure. For us, it's about making chocolate that's truly good: good for the hardworking farmers, good for our beautiful planet, and of course, irresistibly good for you!
Plus, part of the Fair-trade premium funds vital community projects; think better schools, healthcare, and infrastructure. For us, it's about making chocolate that's truly good: good for the hardworking farmers, good for our beautiful planet, and of course, irresistibly good for you!
