The most expensive chocolate

The most expensive pure chocolate bar in the world is on sale for £169.

Only fine grade cacao from 14 farmers on the coast of Ecuador is used.

And it takes 36 steps to create a 1.5oz To’ak bar.

Co-founder Jerry Toth said: “We make chocolate with the same care and precision

as we know it from fine wine and premium small-batch whiskey.”

To’ak chocolate is translated to “earth” and “tree” in ancient Ecuadorian dialects.

It is eaten using wooden tongs, or tasting utensils, so that it is easier to perceive the chocolate’s aroma on the nose.

PA

Chocs away: The treat is £169 a bar

One reason for To’ak’s price tag is that 95% of chocolate is made using mass-produced beans, whereas their chocolate comes remaining 5%, known as fine grade cacao.

Each step towards making the bar - which is 81% cacao mass and the rest sugar - is meticulous, requiring 36 steps to make the bar.

Rare cacao seeds are first harvested from the coast of Ecuador, before they are fermented and turned into liquid chocolate.

This liquid chocolate is then hand-moulded and a single, hand-selected, hand-measured and shelled cacao bean is placed in the centre - this must fit perfectly and measure between 7mm and 8mm.