From truffle-infused ice cream to gold-plated sandwiches, the world is full of expensive sweets and treats. While most of them are gimmicky creations designed to attract attention, a few do more than simply add outrageously expensive ingredients that hardly affect the experience of eating them. Ecuadorian chocolate brand To’ak claims that its products are among these few, although judging whether the price of its most expensive offerings is actually justified is ultimately up to the consumer. To’ak is most often referred to as "the most expensive chocolate in the world," which is technically true, as its small chocolate bars can sell for up to $490 per 1.5-oz bar. So, what makes To’ak so special that you would even consider spending hundreds of dollars on a small piece of chocolate? Well, it’s not just one thing, but rather a collection of factors. First of all, the company only uses the finest Nacional 100% cacao. Then there's the chocolate-making process. The cacao beans are selected by hand, to ensure that only the best ones make it into the processing stage. To’ak is most famous for pioneering chocolate aging, a process inspired by the aging of spirits like whisky and cognac. The company also mixes its chocolate with aromatic compounds like Cambodian Kampot pepper, Ecuadorian Palo Santo wood, or Galapagos orange, and is constantly experimenting with new ways of enhancing the flavor of its chocolate. It’s worth noting that the artistic packaging and the hand-made wood containers that most To’ak products are shipped in also factor into the price of the chocolate. The Ecuadorian company likes to say that it's selling a complex experience, and judging by the international success of the brand, some people don’t mind paying hundreds of dollars for that.
