Elements Truffles

Elements Truffles makes 70% organic dark chocolate bars, drinking chocolate, ceremonial cacao powder and pea protein powders, each built around Ayurvedic herbs and spices like rose, cardamom, turmeric and ashwagandha. Their cacao comes from small farms and co-ops in Ecuador and is kept unroasted, and everything is made in the brand's own kitchen in Union City, New Jersey. The company was started by Alak Vasa and Kushal M. Choksi, two former Wall Street traders, after Alak began blending Ayurvedic principles into Kushal's favorite hot chocolate.

• Are the chocolates organic?

  Most ingredients are organic; the exceptions are salts and the edible essential oils used for some flavors.

• Are all products vegan?

  The drinking chocolate mixes, protein powders and snack bars are vegan. The brand's FAQ notes its chocolate bars use locally sourced honey.

• Do the products contain nuts?

  Products contain almonds and coconut, and no other nuts are used in the kitchen. Equipment is cleaned between batches, but those with allergies are advised to avoid them.

• Where are the products made?

  In the brand's own commercial kitchen in Union City, New Jersey.

• Where do the ingredients come from?

  Cacao comes from small farms and co-ops in Ecuador and honey from an apiary in central New Jersey. Other ingredients include lavender from southern France, turmeric from India and sea salt from Greece.

• Is the chocolate tested for heavy metals?

  Yes. The chocolate is tested and has been found to have safe levels of heavy metals.

• Is the cacao raw?

  The cacao is unroasted and never exposed to high temperatures, though it goes through a natural open fermentation.

• How should I store the products, and how long do they last?

  No refrigeration is needed; keep them somewhere cool and dry. Bars keep about 8 months, drinking chocolate and protein powder about 18 months, and truffle boxes about 2 months.