HOT CHOCOLATE

Almost a decade on from what started as a side hustle, chocolate purveyor Loco Love is continuing to build a brand that’s innovative and delicious but still rooted in its humble beginnings. “Making healthy treats was a hobby of mine,” says founder Emica Penklis. “It wasn’t until we moved to Byron that it really became a proper business.” The model turned naturopath, herbalist and chocolate maker focuses on creating ethically sourced, vegan, soy and refined sugar-free artisanal chocolates. While there’s a long list of things the treats omit, Loco Love chocolates each hinge on both a pleasing mouthfeel and classic flavour combinations, be it truffles with thick almond butter caramel and salty umami tamari toasted almonds; or smooth raspberry ganache with sour cherries. Recently Loco Love introduced chocolate drops into the mix. “People loved our chocolates and were requesting a baking or block replacement,” says Penklis. “As I’ve grown as a chocolate maker, I wanted to share this and introduce a product people can use to make their own chocolates and truffles.” $14.95, locolove.com