What is a chocolate maker?
Simply put, chocolate makers turn dried cocoa beans into chocolate. They are different from chocolatiers, who use chocolate to make bonbons and confections. The difference is similar to the fashion industry - some companies only make fabric, and other companies only make clothing from that fabric. In this two month, 100% online program, you will learn how to make your own chocolate from dried cocoa beans. The curriculum covers the entire chocolate making and manufacturing process from bean to bar. How do we teach chocolate making online?
Next program: September 17 - November 19, 2021.
$525.00 US funds for US and International Residents
$525.00 CAD funds for Canadian Residents plus GST
Note: The registration fee does not include chocolate, you will need to complete the Understanding Chocolate Flavor and Sourcing Cocoa Beans Modules. This chocolate could cost approximately $200.00 US. But this will be the most delicious homework you've ever had, we promise.
Ready to explore making chocolate from scratch, but not as a business? Within the Program we offer the Cacao to Chocolate Stream for home chocolate artisans.
Simply register for the regular Chocolate Making from the Bean Program (not Plus with Business Plan) and then opt for this stream by only completing only the required tasting assignments during the program. There is no difference in the depth and quality of the education you receive when it comes to making chocolate.
When is the chocolate making program offered during the year?
We offer sessions of the program starting in March and September each year.
Is there a restriction on the number of students you take each session?
Even though the curriculum is online, we do cut off registrations when we reach the maximum number of students our instructor and online tutor feel they have adequate time to be able to work with properly.
TO ENSURE A SEAT IN THE PROGRAM, check the program date above to see if the current session is still open. When the program is full, we change the program date to the future session.
What Will I Learn?
Understanding chocolate
- Make resource lists for chocolate making equipment and suppliers.
- Research current chocolate manufacturers to learn who's who in the industry.
- Understand the issues around cocoa sustainability and social justice in order to make cocoa sourcing choices that align with your values.
Understanding chocolate flavor
- Understand chocolate chemistry and flavor, as well as the ingredients and processes that make it taste so delicious.
- Guided tastings to develop your chocolate tasting palate happen all through the program.
Sourcing cocoa beans – your most important ingredient
- Learn all about cocoa beans - where they come from and how to find the best beans.
- Understand best practices for processing cacao beans after harvest, and steps to ensuring quality.
Chocolate manufacturing process
- Understand the processes and machinery needed to turn dried cocoa beans into beautiful chocolate.
- Gain the knowledge you need on chocolate crystallization and tempering.
- Have fun with Optional Exercises that have you roasting, cracking and grinding your cocoa beans into chocolate.
Your Learning Experience
Committed to making your own organic chocolate bars, vegan chocolate bars and incorporating good for you choices such as keto chocolate or no sugar chocolate?
If you have made ethical or dietary choices in your life, we welcome you into our programs. The knowledge and skills you learn can be applied to any type of good for you chocolate bar. Information on making vegan chocolate bars and more....
How do we teach chocolate making online?
Click here for a more information about our learning experience.
Our faculty
Click here to read more about our instructors and tutors.
Class assessment
Students will be assessed by completion of assignments throughout the program.
Certificate
Students completing the program with a score of 70% or more will receive an Ecole Chocolat Certificate of Achievement in Cacao to Chocolate.
Graduate reviews
“Yes, the history of chocolate and origins of chocolate definitely has been eye opening and am grateful to have that knowledge. It will make me a better chocolate maker. I also needed packaging and equipment info so I’m grateful for that as well, I had been hitting brick walls on my own before the class.”
Shayla, Feb. ‘23 Graduate
“Yes, it was very informative and in depth. Information was in-depth already. Modules are great. All reading materials needed are there, and discussion is easy. Research is up to date as well. The program is flexible enough even with people who have full time work."
Caith, Feb. ‘23 Graduate
“The course more than exceeded my expectations of what not just an online course on making chocolate from bean to bar but really any course on making chocolate from bean to bar could be like. Strengths of the program include: breadth of information and resources; recency of information and resources; diverse perspectives and experiences featured among chocolate makers featured in materials; pacing of opening of modules; and opportunity to get feedback from an instructor along the way.”
Camela, Feb ‘23 Graduate
Questions?
We hope that our programs will help you start your journey into the world of chocolate. If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact us – we’d love to hear from you.
Get reminders about upcoming classes! To receive program updates and news, click the link below.
Photography by Jessica Washburn, Bliss Chocolatier and Ecole Chocolat
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Contact Us
Email: info@ecolechocolat.com
Visits by appointment only:
505 Montgomery
San Francisco, CA U.S.
1-213-291-8309
Canadian or International
1666 West 2nd Ave
Vancouver, B.C. Canada
1-604-484-1872
Ecole Chocolat is a woman-owned and operated chocolate education organization. Founded by chocolatier, Pam Williams, we are the professional school of chocolate arts for both chocolatiers and chocolate makers. We also donate our time, leadership, expertise and funds to preserve the fine chocolate industry and save fine cacao.
