Why Choose Organic Chocolate? The last two years have brought chocolate lovers much good news about its positive health effects. First there was the discovery that cocoa contains high amounts of anti-oxidants, even more than red wine or black tea! Then the news that the antibacterial agents in cocoa beans offset its high sugar level, making chocolate a better choice than other candies in not promoting tooth decay. For an earth-friendly alternative, choose organic chocolate, which is made from only the highest quality organic ingredients, and must meet or exceed all organic standards of qualification. As a certified organic food, none of the ingredients in organic chocolate can be genetically modified. Organic certification also ensures that if milk powder is used, that it be free of rBGH (recombinant Bovine Growth Hormone), an artificial hormone that is often given to cows to increase their milk production. Organic cocoa is cultivated on small plots under a shade canopy that preserves critical elements of the native tropical forests. Biologists have determined that this environmentally sound method of farming helps to maintain bio-diversity and protect the winter habitat of millions of migratory songbirds. Conversely, conventional cocoa is second only to conventional cotton in its use of pesticides, according to the Pesticide Awareness Network (www.panna.org) The following companies offer organic chocolate directly to consumers from their web sites: Endangered Species Chocolate Company - www.chocolatebar.com Equal Exchange - http://store.yahoo.com/eeretail/ Long Grove Confectionary - www.longgrove.com Morley Candy Makers - www.morleycandy.com Rapunzel Pure Organics, Inc. - www.rapunzel.com In addition, your favorite store may offer organic chocolate products from these companies: Country Choice Naturals - www.countrychoicenaturals.com The Fertile Hand - www.thefertilehand.com Green & Black's - www.greenandblacks.com K.F.M. Foods International - www.venussweets.com Newman's Own Organics - www.newmansownorganics.com Tiara Chocolate - e-mail only at: tiarachocolate@aol.com Wax Orchards - www.waxorchards.net Thanks to the O'Mamma Report, www.theorganicreport.com Some other sources we located: http://www.chocosphere.com/Html/Products/cocoa-camino.html (LINK directly to the organic product they offer) http://www.neuchatelchocolates.com/Organic.html (LINK to their organic product) http://www.veganvillage.co.uk/plamil/organic.htm (LINK to UK source for DAIRY-FREE) http://www.soyfreechocolateco.com/index.html (LINK to UK source) http://www.dolphinnatural.com/order.html (LINK to sugar-free, not organic, using malitol and dark chocolate only) Remember we are NOT Doctors and have NO medical training. This site is like an Encyclopedia - there are many pages, many links on many topics. Support our work with any size DONATION - see left side of any page - for how to donate. You can help raise awareness of CAM.