2026 Winners Announced

Shadow Tiger 63% Drinking Chocolate – The Original Cocoa Traders.

GOLD + EDITOR'S CHOICE
Best Drinking Chocolate / Cacao 2025

$15.00

This ultimate dark drinking chocolate features premium Peruvian cocoa, unrefined coconut blossom sugar, pure chocolate flakes and a hint of Murray River pink salt. It offers a rich, indulgent experience with notes of soft orange, bold cocoa and deep toffee.

Made from excellent, clean, organic Fairtrade ingredients.
The Original Cocoa Traders prioritises ethical practices, ensuring the use of high-welfare cocoa sourced from the Tocache region in Peru, facilitated through FLO-certified channels. The brand emphasises fair and responsible sourcing, with a strict zero-tolerance policy for child labour, while investing in farmers' education and sustainable farming practices. The brand promotes regenerative organic methods to protect both people and the planet and plans to expand direct trade operations in Central and South America to reduce transportation miles and strengthen local economies. Commitment to transparency and accountability is maintained through regular farm visits and adherence to strong business agreements and anti-corruption policies.
The Original Cocoa Traders prioritises sustainability to ensure longevity in a challenging industry, actively working to reduce their carbon footprint since 2019 using the Pangolin assessment tool. Their initiatives include improving air travel efficiency, minimising sea transport miles, optimising container packing and understanding the lifecycle of products and packaging. They have introduced home-compostable packaging for short-use samples and made recyclable packaging standard for wholesale and retail items, while avoiding virgin cardboard shippers and managing ingredient inventory to reduce spoilage. The brand also aims to achieve BCorp certification by 2026.
The Original Cocoa Traders has focused on sourcing cocoa globally and recognises the importance of supporting grassroots initiatives in cocoa-producing countries. The brand believes in the right of every child to have a safe home, quality education and healthcare, which drives their support for organisations like I Am Someone, they aim to contribute to brighter futures for children in need through these efforts.

Product Reviews by Experts


If I was shopping by name alone, “Shadow Tiger” is winning my business every time. I love The Original Cocoa Traders’ fun, playful vibe. It adds to the experience! Shadow Tiger invites you in with a bold chocolate aroma and then delivers on a healthier version of a childhood hot chocolate experience. This is for the kids and the kids at heart; an indulgently sweet drink with blooming bitter end notes. The Original Cocoa Traders have put decades into building the organic, fair trade business they operate today. I am impressed by their support of Rainforest Alliance certified ingredients and the thoughtfulness of seasonal transport to reduce emissions. Their use of Australian salt and recyclable bags furthers their environmental responsibility profile. Particularly salient is the educational component of what they do; creating dialogue around the importance of responsible cocoa production.


The Original Cocoa Traders Shadow Tiger 63% Drinking Chocolate is next-level indulgence- richer and more complex than the 43%, with bold cocoa, soft orange and deep toffee notes that really linger. The premium Peruvian cocoa combined with unrefined coconut blossom sugar and that subtle hint of Murray River pink salt gives it such a smooth yet intense flavour. Plus, the whole experience was made extra special by the beautiful presentation in the box, complete with a cute mug and thoughtful garnishes that made it feel like a real treat from the moment it arrived. Definitely a luxe twist on a classic cozy drink. What really stands out about this brand is how deeply committed they are to ethical sourcing and sustainability. Based in Melbourne, they’ve spent nearly two decades building genuine relationships with cocoa farmers in Peru, even visiting the farms to see the whole process firsthand- which is pretty inspiring. They’re Fair-trade certified and actively support Rainforest Alliance efforts like geo-mapping to protect the Amazon, showing they care about the environment and the people behind their ingredients. On top of that, they thoughtfully ship their products during cooler months to reduce emissions and work with a local co-packer that empowers people with disabilities. Plus, their products are organic, gluten-free, and certified kosher, halal, and vegan- so they really make sure everyone can enjoy their chocolate without worry.


This one’s perfect if you’re after a simple, no-fuss hot chocolate without all the ‘fancy’ extras or adaptogens (which not everyone wants or may not know about). I also love that they use fair trade and organic ingredients, it makes it feel like an even better choice. This option is a ‘dark’ hot chocolate, so it’s great if you like it richer and not as sweet as their 43% option. TOCT really stands out for their honest, thoughtful approach. They go beyond just sourcing good cocoa- they’ve built close connections with their farmers and visit the farms in Peru to make sure everything’s done fairly and ethically. I also love how seriously they take sustainability, from their packaging choices to how they reduce waste. It’s clear they care about doing better at every step.

Shadow Tiger 63% Drinking Chocolate – The Original Cocoa Traders.
$15.00
Review If I was shopping by name alone, “Shadow Tiger” is winning my business every time. I love The Original Cocoa Traders’ fun, playful vibe. It adds to the experience! Shadow Tiger invites you in with a bold chocolate aroma and then delivers on a healthier version of a childhood hot chocolate experience. This is for the kids and the kids at heart; an indulgently sweet drink with blooming bitter end notes. The Original Cocoa Traders have put decades into building the organic, fair trade business they operate today. I am impressed by their support of Rainforest Alliance certified ingredients and the thoughtfulness of seasonal transport to reduce emissions. Their use of Australian salt and recyclable bags furthers their environmental responsibility profile. Particularly salient is the educational component of what they do; creating dialogue around the importance of responsible cocoa production.

–Lauren L. Hill

Review The Original Cocoa Traders Shadow Tiger 63% Drinking Chocolate is next-level indulgence- richer and more complex than the 43%, with bold cocoa, soft orange and deep toffee notes that really linger. The premium Peruvian cocoa combined with unrefined coconut blossom sugar and that subtle hint of Murray River pink salt gives it such a smooth yet intense flavour. Plus, the whole experience was made extra special by the beautiful presentation in the box, complete with a cute mug and thoughtful garnishes that made it feel like a real treat from the moment it arrived. Definitely a luxe twist on a classic cozy drink. What really stands out about this brand is how deeply committed they are to ethical sourcing and sustainability. Based in Melbourne, they’ve spent nearly two decades building genuine relationships with cocoa farmers in Peru, even visiting the farms to see the whole process firsthand- which is pretty inspiring. They’re Fair-trade certified and actively support Rainforest Alliance efforts like geo-mapping to protect the Amazon, showing they care about the environment and the people behind their ingredients. On top of that, they thoughtfully ship their products during cooler months to reduce emissions and work with a local co-packer that empowers people with disabilities. Plus, their products are organic, gluten-free, and certified kosher, halal, and vegan- so they really make sure everyone can enjoy their chocolate without worry.

–Amy Campbell

Review This one’s perfect if you’re after a simple, no-fuss hot chocolate without all the ‘fancy’ extras or adaptogens (which not everyone wants or may not know about). I also love that they use fair trade and organic ingredients, it makes it feel like an even better choice. This option is a ‘dark’ hot chocolate, so it’s great if you like it richer and not as sweet as their 43% option. TOCT really stands out for their honest, thoughtful approach. They go beyond just sourcing good cocoa- they’ve built close connections with their farmers and visit the farms in Peru to make sure everything’s done fairly and ethically. I also love how seriously they take sustainability, from their packaging choices to how they reduce waste. It’s clear they care about doing better at every step.

–Jordan Pie

This ultimate dark drinking chocolate features premium Peruvian cocoa, unrefined coconut blossom sugar, pure chocolate flakes and a hint of Murray River pink salt. It offers a rich, indulgent experience with notes of soft orange, bold cocoa and deep toffee.
$15.00
Review If I was shopping by name alone, “Shadow Tiger” is winning my business every time. I love The Original Cocoa Traders’ fun, playful vibe. It adds to the experience! Shadow Tiger invites you in with a bold chocolate aroma and then delivers on a healthier version of a childhood hot chocolate experience. This is for the kids and the kids at heart; an indulgently sweet drink with blooming bitter end notes. The Original Cocoa Traders have put decades into building the organic, fair trade business they operate today. I am impressed by their support of Rainforest Alliance certified ingredients and the thoughtfulness of seasonal transport to reduce emissions. Their use of Australian salt and recyclable bags furthers their environmental responsibility profile. Particularly salient is the educational component of what they do; creating dialogue around the importance of responsible cocoa production.

–Lauren L. Hill

Review The Original Cocoa Traders Shadow Tiger 63% Drinking Chocolate is next-level indulgence- richer and more complex than the 43%, with bold cocoa, soft orange and deep toffee notes that really linger. The premium Peruvian cocoa combined with unrefined coconut blossom sugar and that subtle hint of Murray River pink salt gives it such a smooth yet intense flavour. Plus, the whole experience was made extra special by the beautiful presentation in the box, complete with a cute mug and thoughtful garnishes that made it feel like a real treat from the moment it arrived. Definitely a luxe twist on a classic cozy drink. What really stands out about this brand is how deeply committed they are to ethical sourcing and sustainability. Based in Melbourne, they’ve spent nearly two decades building genuine relationships with cocoa farmers in Peru, even visiting the farms to see the whole process firsthand- which is pretty inspiring. They’re Fair-trade certified and actively support Rainforest Alliance efforts like geo-mapping to protect the Amazon, showing they care about the environment and the people behind their ingredients. On top of that, they thoughtfully ship their products during cooler months to reduce emissions and work with a local co-packer that empowers people with disabilities. Plus, their products are organic, gluten-free, and certified kosher, halal, and vegan- so they really make sure everyone can enjoy their chocolate without worry.

–Amy Campbell

Review This one’s perfect if you’re after a simple, no-fuss hot chocolate without all the ‘fancy’ extras or adaptogens (which not everyone wants or may not know about). I also love that they use fair trade and organic ingredients, it makes it feel like an even better choice. This option is a ‘dark’ hot chocolate, so it’s great if you like it richer and not as sweet as their 43% option. TOCT really stands out for their honest, thoughtful approach. They go beyond just sourcing good cocoa- they’ve built close connections with their farmers and visit the farms in Peru to make sure everything’s done fairly and ethically. I also love how seriously they take sustainability, from their packaging choices to how they reduce waste. It’s clear they care about doing better at every step.

–Jordan Pie

This ultimate dark drinking chocolate features premium Peruvian cocoa, unrefined coconut blossom sugar, pure chocolate flakes and a hint of Murray River pink salt. It offers a rich, indulgent experience with notes of soft orange, bold cocoa and deep toffee.
Review If I was shopping by name alone, “Shadow Tiger” is winning my business every time. I love The Original Cocoa Traders’ fun, playful vibe. It adds to the experience! Shadow Tiger invites you in with a bold chocolate aroma and then delivers on a healthier version of a childhood hot chocolate experience. This is for the kids and the kids at heart; an indulgently sweet drink with blooming bitter end notes. The Original Cocoa Traders have put decades into building the organic, fair trade business they operate today. I am impressed by their support of Rainforest Alliance certified ingredients and the thoughtfulness of seasonal transport to reduce emissions. Their use of Australian salt and recyclable bags furthers their environmental responsibility profile. Particularly salient is the educational component of what they do; creating dialogue around the importance of responsible cocoa production.

–Lauren L. Hill

Review The Original Cocoa Traders Shadow Tiger 63% Drinking Chocolate is next-level indulgence- richer and more complex than the 43%, with bold cocoa, soft orange and deep toffee notes that really linger. The premium Peruvian cocoa combined with unrefined coconut blossom sugar and that subtle hint of Murray River pink salt gives it such a smooth yet intense flavour. Plus, the whole experience was made extra special by the beautiful presentation in the box, complete with a cute mug and thoughtful garnishes that made it feel like a real treat from the moment it arrived. Definitely a luxe twist on a classic cozy drink. What really stands out about this brand is how deeply committed they are to ethical sourcing and sustainability. Based in Melbourne, they’ve spent nearly two decades building genuine relationships with cocoa farmers in Peru, even visiting the farms to see the whole process firsthand- which is pretty inspiring. They’re Fair-trade certified and actively support Rainforest Alliance efforts like geo-mapping to protect the Amazon, showing they care about the environment and the people behind their ingredients. On top of that, they thoughtfully ship their products during cooler months to reduce emissions and work with a local co-packer that empowers people with disabilities. Plus, their products are organic, gluten-free, and certified kosher, halal, and vegan- so they really make sure everyone can enjoy their chocolate without worry.

–Amy Campbell

Review This one’s perfect if you’re after a simple, no-fuss hot chocolate without all the ‘fancy’ extras or adaptogens (which not everyone wants or may not know about). I also love that they use fair trade and organic ingredients, it makes it feel like an even better choice. This option is a ‘dark’ hot chocolate, so it’s great if you like it richer and not as sweet as their 43% option. TOCT really stands out for their honest, thoughtful approach. They go beyond just sourcing good cocoa- they’ve built close connections with their farmers and visit the farms in Peru to make sure everything’s done fairly and ethically. I also love how seriously they take sustainability, from their packaging choices to how they reduce waste. It’s clear they care about doing better at every step.

–Jordan Pie

Shadow Tiger 63% Drinking Chocolate – The Original Cocoa Traders.
This ultimate dark drinking chocolate features premium Peruvian cocoa, unrefined coconut blossom sugar, pure chocolate flakes and a hint of Murray River pink salt. It offers a rich, indulgent experience with notes of soft orange, bold cocoa and deep toffee.
Review If I was shopping by name alone, “Shadow Tiger” is winning my business every time. I love The Original Cocoa Traders’ fun, playful vibe. It adds to the experience! Shadow Tiger invites you in with a bold chocolate aroma and then delivers on a healthier version of a childhood hot chocolate experience. This is for the kids and the kids at heart; an indulgently sweet drink with blooming bitter end notes. The Original Cocoa Traders have put decades into building the organic, fair trade business they operate today. I am impressed by their support of Rainforest Alliance certified ingredients and the thoughtfulness of seasonal transport to reduce emissions. Their use of Australian salt and recyclable bags furthers their environmental responsibility profile. Particularly salient is the educational component of what they do; creating dialogue around the importance of responsible cocoa production.

–Lauren L. Hill

Review The Original Cocoa Traders Shadow Tiger 63% Drinking Chocolate is next-level indulgence- richer and more complex than the 43%, with bold cocoa, soft orange and deep toffee notes that really linger. The premium Peruvian cocoa combined with unrefined coconut blossom sugar and that subtle hint of Murray River pink salt gives it such a smooth yet intense flavour. Plus, the whole experience was made extra special by the beautiful presentation in the box, complete with a cute mug and thoughtful garnishes that made it feel like a real treat from the moment it arrived. Definitely a luxe twist on a classic cozy drink. What really stands out about this brand is how deeply committed they are to ethical sourcing and sustainability. Based in Melbourne, they’ve spent nearly two decades building genuine relationships with cocoa farmers in Peru, even visiting the farms to see the whole process firsthand- which is pretty inspiring. They’re Fair-trade certified and actively support Rainforest Alliance efforts like geo-mapping to protect the Amazon, showing they care about the environment and the people behind their ingredients. On top of that, they thoughtfully ship their products during cooler months to reduce emissions and work with a local co-packer that empowers people with disabilities. Plus, their products are organic, gluten-free, and certified kosher, halal, and vegan- so they really make sure everyone can enjoy their chocolate without worry.

–Amy Campbell

Review This one’s perfect if you’re after a simple, no-fuss hot chocolate without all the ‘fancy’ extras or adaptogens (which not everyone wants or may not know about). I also love that they use fair trade and organic ingredients, it makes it feel like an even better choice. This option is a ‘dark’ hot chocolate, so it’s great if you like it richer and not as sweet as their 43% option. TOCT really stands out for their honest, thoughtful approach. They go beyond just sourcing good cocoa- they’ve built close connections with their farmers and visit the farms in Peru to make sure everything’s done fairly and ethically. I also love how seriously they take sustainability, from their packaging choices to how they reduce waste. It’s clear they care about doing better at every step.

–Jordan Pie

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