Cacao Chemistry FAQ

(Direct answer first for search engines, personality woven in.)

Where is your store located?

We’re at 109 N. Tejon St., Colorado Springs, CO 80903, right in the heart of downtown. Look for the science-themed chocolate shop — not the chain store peddling waxy bars.

What are your store hours?

Sunday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday: 11 a.m.–8:30 p.m.
Friday & Saturday: 11 a.m.–9:30 p.m.
Monday: Closed (except for special occasions — call ahead). We keep hours that let you get your fix without us living under the counter.

Do you sell chocolate online?

Yes — shop directly from our online store between October and March, and we’ll ship anywhere in the continental U.S. Your couch + our chocolate = zero regrets.

What is your shipping policy?

We ship to all 50 states using USPS or UPS, depending on the destination. Delivery typically takes 1–5 days, depending on the region. We suspend shipping between April and September due to the heat, but we still hand-deliver to certain zip codes.

Can I pick up an online order in-store?

Yes. Select “In-Store Pickup” at checkout, and we’ll have it ready at our downtown Colorado Springs shop. Great for last-minute gifts or avoiding shipping fees.

Do you offer gift cards?

Yes, both digital and physical gift cards are available — perfect for when you know they like chocolate but not enough to guess their favorite flavor.

Do you make sugar-free chocolate?

We don’t offer anything with sugar substitutes right now, but we have a few low-sugar/unsweetened options for people who want something less sweet.

Do you have seasonal or holiday chocolates?

Yes. We create special collections for major holidays like Valentine’s Day, Easter, and Christmas, and we like to throw in the occasional curveball because predictable is boring.

Do you wholesale your chocolates?

Yes — we supply select retailers, hotels, and gift companies. Contact us for wholesale pricing and terms. We play well with others… if they respect good chocolate.

Do you ship internationally?

Not at this time — we only ship within the U.S. International shipping is like trying to mail a snowman to the equator — heartbreak is inevitable.

What’s special about Cacao Chemistry chocolate?

We use ethically sourced cocoa, lower sugar than most commercial brands, and chef-crafted, small-batch techniques. Most of what we sell is made in-house with a science-meets-flavor approach; the rest is carefully curated from other top-tier chocolatiers we trust. No shortcuts — just chocolate worth your taste buds’ time.

Do you make custom wedding or event favors?

Yes, we take event orders on a case-by-case basis. We are a small team, so all custom orders must fit within the parameters of our production capabilities.

Do you offer chocolate for corporate gifts?

Yes — we take corporate orders on a case-by-case basis, with or without custom branding. It’s the fastest way to become the favorite vendor, boss, or client.

Do you have kid-friendly chocolates?

Yes — we have plenty of treats kids can enjoy, but we recommend keeping them away from our espresso bark unless you’re into chaos.

Do you offer private chocolate tastings in Colorado Springs?

We no longer offer these regularly, but at our discretion.

Are your chocolates dairy-free or vegan?

Many of our chocolates are plant-based (commonly called “vegan”), especially our dark chocolate selections. Some dark chocolate items have no dairy added, although they’re made on the same equipment as our milk chocolate products. Popular vegan-friendly picks include our dark chocolate bark, dark chocolate solid bars, and the dark chocolate toasted coconut bar. Sugar may be processed with bone char, but “plant-based” sounds like we’re selling salad, so “vegan” it is.

Are your chocolates gluten-free?

We are not certified allergen-free, but many products are naturally made without intentional gluten. Unless otherwise specified, all products are made on the same equipment as items that contain wheat (gluten), eggs, milk, soy, peanuts, tree nuts, and sesame, and in the same facility as fish and shellfish. If you have a serious allergy, ask before you eat — it’s chocolate, not Russian roulette.

What is a chocolate truffle?

In our shop, “truffle” and “bonbon” mean the same thing — a bite-sized chocolate shell (about ¾–1 inch) with something decadent inside: ganache, caramel, marzipan, or gianduja. The name comes from the original French creations — hand-rolled ganache balls dusted in cocoa powder to resemble rare truffle mushrooms. Today, truffles can be rustic cocoa-dusted rounds, glossy molded domes, or anything in between. As long as it’s chocolate-coated and worth savoring in one or two bites, it counts. If you were expecting mushrooms, you’re in the wrong store.

What does “cacao” mean?

“Cacao” is the Latin name (Theobroma cacao) for the tree that produces cocoa beans, the source of all chocolate. It literally means “food of the gods” — not the influencer powder, but still divine.

How should I store your chocolates?

Store in a cool, dry place under 70 °F and out of direct sunlight. Avoid the fridge unless you enjoy condensation and bloom. Chocolate bloom is harmless, just less Instagram-worthy.

How long do your chocolates stay fresh?

Truffles and other filled chocolates are best within 2-3 weeks. Solid bars and molded items last several months when stored properly. Sure, they last longer — but “I was saving it” is a sad excuse for stale chocolate.

Do you ship chocolate in hot weather?

No. Chocolate is many things, but heat-resistant is not one of them. After watching summer temperatures turn delivery trucks and mailboxes into tiny ovens, we’ve decided to pause shipping during the hottest months rather than gamble with the quality of what we make. Every box should arrive glossy, intact, and tasting exactly as intended, not as an expensive cocoa puddle with an ice pack nearby. Shipping will return when the weather becomes civilized again.

What does the cocoa percentage mean?

The percentage shows how much of the bar is made from cocoa solids and cocoa butter. Higher percentages mean more intense chocolate flavor and less sweetness. 70% is the sweet spot for most people — bold but not bitter.

Do you make chocolate cake?

Yes — and not just any chocolate cake. Our Devil’s Food Cake is rich, moist, and unapologetically chocolatey. It’s our only cake flavor at the moment, but we can make it in custom sizes for special orders. Only In Your State once called it the best Devil’s Food Cake they’d had in Colorado — after trying 20 or 30 others. The cake is still here, and it still slaps. No fondant, no gimmicks — just straight-up chocolate bliss, portioned anywhere from “personal treat” to “wedding-level commitment.”