The Chocolate Culturalist

Welcome to our stories and thought on chocolate culture

This blog is brought to you by Sophie, our founder, as she shares more about York's chocolate history and culture of chocolate consumption.

THE CHOCOLATE CULTURALIST

Chocolate Maker vs Chocolatier: What’s the Difference and Why Does It Matter?
Jun 01, 2026
Chocolate maker and chocolatier are not the same thing — and understanding the difference changes how you think about every bar you eat. Here's what sets them apart, and why it matters.

COCOA AND CHOCOLATE NEWS FROM AROUND THE WORLD

Some of our thoughts and observations of the latest industry happenings
Is there such a thing as the "perfect" chocolate bar?
Aug 30, 2025
Did you see this news about the quest for “perfect” chocolate? For the thousands of...
Catch us on The Food Program
May 17, 2025
This Easter we were delighted to welcome BBC Masterchef personality Leyla Kazim exploring, unsurprisingly chocolate!  Leyla explored our chocolate making process at York Cocoa Works as well as the many chocolate celebrations taking place as part of York Chocolate Festival before heading on up the road to discover a chocolate brand that's been fully embracing the "Dubai" Chocolate bar craze! 
Building A Meaningful Business
Feb 25, 2025
Our journey has been everything but a straight road! Looking back on it makes a...

YORK COCOA WORKS NEWS

Explore more news from the York Cocoa Works
Jun 04, 2026
Our Bean to Bar Chocolate Making Workshop invites you to make real chocolate — from roasting and winnowing to tempering and moulding your own finished bar. Here's what to expect.
Welcome to The Chocolate Culturalist — and Our Chocolate Lovers Club
May 29, 2026
Introducing The Chocolate Culturalist — our new blog dedicated to the stories, craft, and culture of chocolate — and the Chocolate Lovers Club, our way of rewarding everyone who shares our passion for better chocolate.
Most Sustainable Beverage in Yorkshire?
Feb 20, 2026
Last year we were finalists in the Deliciously Yorkshire Most Sustainable Product awards sponsored by...

FOLLOW MORE OF OUR YORK COCOA WORKS NEWS

NEWS FROM YORK COCOA WORKS
THE CHOCOLATE CULTURALIST
THE WORLD OF COCOA & CHOCOLATE