After speaking to archaeologist Dr Ed Barnhart about the Olmec and Maya, we became slightly obsessed with one question: what did chocolate actually taste like before Europe added sugar and turned it into the version most of us know today?

So we got to work.

Using ingredients the Maya would have known, we experiment with chilli, honey, herbs, flowers, corn, spirulina and cacao to make a series of drinks inspired by ancient Mesoamerican chocolate culture. Some are ceremonial, some are medicinal, some are fiery, and all of them are far more complex than modern hot chocolate.

Along the way we talk about:

How the Maya and Olmec prepared cacao

Why the Spanish changed chocolate so dramatically

The role of women in traditional chocolate making

Why Mayan chocolate was often frothed, spiced and unsweetened

How cacao was tied to ritual, medicine, status and daily life

This is one of the most fun episodes we’ve made and also one of the most eye-opening. Ancient chocolate was not just a drink. It was a craft, a ceremony and a whole different way of thinking about flavour.

If you enjoy chocolate history, food culture, archaeology, hot chocolate, or just watching us attempt to recreate ancient recipes in a modern kitchen, this one is for you.

Let us know in the comments which Mayan chocolate you’d actually try.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On a new season of "We Need To Talk About Chocolate" we go right back to the beginning — long before supermarkets, chocolate bars, or even sugar — to uncover the people who first discovered cacao and turned it into something drinkable (and possibly a little magical).

We’re diving into the world of the Olmec — one of the earliest civilisations in Mesoamerica — and asking a simple question: who really invented chocolate?

Along the way, we explore:

• How cacao was first discovered and consumed
• Whether the first chocolate was actually alcoholic
• Why chocolate was once sacred (and possibly reserved for elites)
• The surprising connection between chocolate, chilli, and ancient rituals
• And how these early civilisations shaped the way we experience chocolate today

We’re also joined by archaeologist Dr. Ed Barnhart, who helps bring this ancient world to life — from jungle cities to the earliest evidence of chocolate ever found.

It’s part history, part mystery, and a completely different way of thinking about something we all thought we knew.

So next time you eat chocolate… you might see it very differently.

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A very normal question.

To which we have given a very abnormal amount of thought.

In this episode of We Need To Talk About Chocolate, we set out to do something deeply sensible and only slightly unhinged: rank the greatest foods of all time and work out whether dark chocolate can genuinely hold its own against the usual health-food royalty.

So yes, kale is involved.

Lentils are involved.

Blueberries make a strong showing.

Walnuts get quite a lot of praise.

And chocolate turns up wearing sunglasses and demanding respect.

We go through the major food groups, pick out the “GOAT” in each category, and compare them on things like:

• antioxidant power
• fibre
• glycaemic impact
• nutrient density
• heart and brain support
• and how well they actually help you function like a healthy human rather than a collapsing Victorian

Along the way we also discuss:

• why your body is basically a UNESCO biosphere
• why your gut is more rainforest than machine
• why chocolate keeps winning categories it has no business winning
• and why Andrew remains deeply suspicious of lentils as a source of joy

This is part nutritional top trumps, part chocolate defence case, and part attempt to answer a question that sounds simple until you actually try.

Is chocolate healthy?

Can it beat kale?

Is there such a thing as one perfect food?

And why does this all end with us talking about the Bristol stool scale?

There is science.

There is chaos.

There is a rainbow flag of fruits, legumes, alliums, greens and seeds.

And there is a suspiciously strong case for dark chocolate.

Watch to the end and then tell us in the comments:

What food would you put up against dark chocolate?

Because at this point, we’re struggling to think of one.

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In this episode of We Need To Talk About Chocolate, we leave the gut behind and head straight into the brain. We’re talking dopamine - the most misunderstood neurotransmitter on the planet.

It’s not the “happiness chemical.”

It’s not about pleasure.

It’s about motivation.

Drugs. S*x. Social media. Fast food. Achievement. Risk. Cold water swimming. They all sit on the same neurological spectrum. So where does dark chocolate fit in? This episode is less about nutrition… and more about how to live well in a world engineered to hijack your brain. If dopamine controls whether you scroll for six hours… or go build something meaningful… then understanding it might be one of the most important things you can do.

Dark chocolate plays a fascinating role in that story. If you’re interested in motivation, addiction, neuroscience, performance, or simply why chocolate feels so powerful… this one goes deep.

Because sometimes the most important thing isn’t chasing happiness. It’s learning how to chase properly!

FOLLOW our channel to hear more amazing facts about chocolate and learn something new about your favourite treat every day.

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That’s right. Fibre. The Cinderella of nutrition. The thing everyone knows they “should” care about… and then immediately ignores in favour of basically anything else.

But here’s the twist: dark chocolate is genuinely one of the most fibre-rich foods you can eat.

And somehow, even after 20 years in chocolate, Andrew only properly clocked this recently - so we’re making it everyone’s problem.

In this episode we cover:

What fibre actually is (and why it only comes from plants… yes, chocolate is a plant, calm down)

Why you’re meant to eat roughly two full trees worth of fibre in your lifetime (and why most of us are currently operating on “sad bonsai” levels)

Soluble vs insoluble fibre, aka “helps your gut garden thrive” vs “helps you actually… move things along”

Why your gut microbiome is basically an Amazon rainforest you’re responsible for

Why fibre is linked to everything (digestion, cravings, sugar spikes, immune system, mood… the list gets rude)

And why milk chocolate is delicious… but not invited to this particular nutrition chat

Yes, we do end up talking about poo.

Yes, Mozart makes an appearance (unfortunately).

And yes, Ed tries to defend pizza like it’s a human right.

The takeaway is simple:

If you want better energy, fewer cravings, a happier gut, and a body that isn’t running on chaos… you need more fibre.

And if you want the easiest, most enjoyable way to start?

You already know what we’re going to say.

Grab a square of dark chocolate. Your gut rainforest will thank you.

(And if you can name a single food that’s more of a nutritional all-rounder than dark chocolate… tell us. We’ll wait.)

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Instead of cutting things out, restricting ourselves, or chasing the latest diet trend… we decided to build the perfect lifestyle around one question:

If chocolate is one of the most nutrient-dense foods on the planet… what would a chocolate-inspired life actually look like?

In this episode, we take everything we’ve uncovered about dark chocolate — healthy fats, polyphenols, fermentation, bitterness, satiety — and use it as a blueprint for designing an optimal way to eat and live.

We talk about:

– Why 70–90% dark chocolate might deserve a place in your daily routine

– The role of healthy fats (and why fat doesn’t make you fat)

– Eating the rainbow and the power of bitter foods

– Fermented foods and gut health

– Fasting, adversity, and whether your body actually needs challenge

– Why most “diet culture” gets it wrong

– And yes… why Ed may need medical supervision

This isn’t about deprivation. It isn’t about guilt. And it definitely isn’t about surviving on lettuce.

It’s about building a lifestyle that is sustainable, enjoyable, and grounded in science — with chocolate at the centre.

Over the next few weeks, we’re putting this into practice ourselves. Sleep, movement, cold plunges, dark chocolate, fermented foods — the lot.

Will it work? We’re about to find out.

Welcome back to We Need to Talk About Chocolate.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week, join hosts Ed Easton and Andrew Nason in the chocolate yurt as they dive into the fascinating world of polyphenols - mysterious compounds frequently associated with the health benefits of dark chocolate.

Discover what polyphenols are, how they work to protect both plants and humans, and why dark chocolate is deemed the king of polyphenol-rich foods.

Learn how to incorporate these powerful antioxidants into your daily diet and explore their myriad benefits, from heart and brain health to insulin control and skin protection. Buckle in for an episode packed with science, fun, and the delightful taste of chocolate.

FOLLOW and turn your notifications on for more chocolate adventures and fun facts about food. 👆🍫

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Join us as we delve into the essential skills and secrets of melting chocolate to perfection. Hosted by chocolate aficionado Ed Easton, and featuring the expertise of renowned chocolatier Paul from Melt Chocolates, this episode covers everything you need to know to avoid common pitfalls and achieve that luxurious, mouth-watering melt.

Discover the best techniques for both home and professional settings, understand the intricacies of chocolate's crystalline structure, and witness real-time demonstrations of seed tempering and table tempering. Whether you're a seasoned chocolatier or a curious beginner, our experts will guide you through every step, ensuring your next chocolate creation is nothing short of exquisite. Don't miss out on this educational and tantalizing journey into the world of chocolate!

FOLLOW and turn your notifications on for more chocolate adventures and fun facts about food. 👆🍫

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From the low-fat craze of the 90s to today’s ultra-processed “health” swaps, we’ve been taught to fear fat - while quietly eating more sugar than ever.

We discuss what the secret tasty ingredient inside chocolate is - cacao butter - the naturally occurring fat inside the cacao bean which gives real chocolate its signature melt, snap, and satisfaction.

Together, we break down:

• Why fat isn’t automatically “fattening” (and why body fat ≠ dietary fat)
• The difference between saturated, unsaturated, and trans fats — and which ones actually harm you
• How good fats support hormones, the brain, and nutrient absorption
• Why cheap chocolate strips out cacao butter and replaces it with industrial oils
• What makes cacao butter uniquely “made for humans” (including its famous melt-at-body-temperature magic)

This episode is part amaetuer science lesson, part chocolate confession - and a full rethink of what “healthy” really means.

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We explore the nature of bitterness, how it affects our bodies, and why we have developed a preference for these flavours over time. We also conduct taste tests and scientific experiments to understand bitterness better and end the episode on the note of appreciating the health benefits of bitter foods like dark chocolate.

Join us as we peel back the layers of flavour and discover the intricate relationship between taste and health.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

You’re not.

This week, writer and journalist Ed Easton and Melt Chocolates founder Andrew Nason pull apart a “normal” shopping basket — crisps, chocolate bars, cereal, sauces… even dog treats — and reveal the illusion of choice behind ultra-processed food.

We trace how a small group of mega-brands quietly covers every aisle, why modern food is designed to be cheap, addictive, and endlessly snackable, and how that connects to the modern health crisis - from obesity and diabetes to heart disease and more.

Because once you see what’s really in your “everyday” food… you can’t unsee it.

And the episode ends on a challenge: the Pringle test.

Can Ed eat one pringle— and stop?

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In this episode of We Need to Talk About Chocolate, writer and journalist Ed Easton and Melt Chocolates founder Andrew Nason attempt a fast - and immediately discover how differently the human body (and mind) can respond.

Andrew completes a six-day water fast.

Ed… doesn’t make it past a missed meal.

But this isn’t about willpower, weight loss, or internet “biohacks.” It’s a deep dive into why fasting has existed for thousands of years - from cavemen and philosophers to monks, prophets, and modern scientists.

We explore feast-and-famine biology, ketosis, brain fuel, and why the modern habit of eating constantly may be more unnatural than we realise. Along the way, they uncover the astonishing true story of the man who fasted for 382 days, and ask why nearly every religion built fasting into its rituals - not for health, but for clarity.

The fast is finally broken with hot chocolate - not as a treat, but as a reminder that cacao has always been a bridge between nourishment, stimulation, and ritual.

Because food isn’t just fuel.

And sometimes, not eating tells us more than eating ever could.

And yes - once again…

We really do need to talk about chocolate.

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In this episode of We Need to Talk About Chocolate, journalist and writer Ed Easton and Melt Chocolates founder Andrew Nason leave the yurt and enter the kitchen - to stage a full-scale showdown between two of humanity’s oldest and most beloved drugs.

Ed is promoted to Bacchus, god of wine.

Andrew becomes the Chocolate God.

And together, they run a carefully (and questionably) scientific experiment. Matching calories, exploring ancient rituals, and testing the effects on brain, blood, sleep, mood, and the dreaded next morning, they ask:

Why do we celebrate alcohol but feel guilty about chocolate?

Is booze really the better party fuel? And could chocolate deliver the joy without the fallout? From Aztec cacao ceremonies to modern cocktails, from dopamine to antioxidants and hangovers, this episode goes far beyond taste - into culture, chemistry, and the stories we tell ourselves about pleasure.

Because chocolate was never just a treat.

And alcohol was never just a drink.

And yes…

We really do need to talk about chocolate.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, Ed undergoes a challenging experiment to understand the real impact of a sugar crash. Guided by Andrew, Ed consumes the maximum daily sugar limit in an hour to explore how sugar affects the body and debunk the myth that sugar equals energy. They talk Red Bull, Monster Energy and Coca-cola, and how these drinks are encouraged to make you "high-performing" - when in fact they do the complete opposite.

Through personal experience and scientific analysis, they discuss the role of insulin, mitochondria, and the food industry's deceptive marketing. Join them for a dynamic and informative dive into the effects of sugar and the importance of understanding its impact on our health.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Join us, host Ed Easton and chocolatier Andrew Nason in part two of our fermentation special.

Andrew explains why his homemade cacao experiment failed, discussing the complexities of chocolate fermentation and the impact of temperature on bacterial growth. We also explore the intricate world of taste, engaging in fascinating experiments with miracle berries that alter flavour perception.

The episode delves into the evolutionary roots of taste, the role of industrialization in our diet, and the universal human fascination with fermented foods. Despite our cacao setback, Ed and Andrew's journey to uncover the secrets behind the perfect chocolate continues.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

While debunking myths like the 'Mars bar being made on Mars,' they explore the concept of panspermia and the idea that yeast may be an alien species.

They also initiate a live fermentation experiment with cacao pods, highlighting the complexity and unpredictability of the process, influenced by environmental factors and microorganisms. This journey into the microscopic world of chocolate promises to reveal the hidden layers of flavor development and the intricate dance that transforms cacao into chocolate.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Broadcasting from the Melt Chocolate Yurt, they compare the plain, often unappetizing diet of the 16th-century Spanish conquistadors to the vibrant and varied foods of the Aztecs, including avocado, maize, chili peppers, and chocolate straight from the cacao pod.

The episode offers an entertaining experiment where Ed tries these traditional foods, providing a humorous and insightful commentary on his reactions.

They conclude with a discussion on the influence of ancient foods on modern diets and hint at the conspiracy between big food and big oil industries in shaping contemporary eating habits.

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Join hosts Ed Easton and Andrew Nason in this eye-opening episode of the 'We Need to Talk about Chocolate Podcast' as they delve into the surprising parallels between modern human diets and the eating habits of cows.

Ed tries to convince Andrew that he's ready to embark on a journey towards enjoying dark chocolate, while Andrew challenges Ed's dietary choices by pointing out the high consumption of 'grasses' like bread, pasta, and rice.

They also discuss the historical significance of these foods and their impact on civilizations. Andrew introduces the concept of cutting out ultraprocessed foods and embracing a diet closer to what our ancestors might have eaten, focusing on fruits, nuts, and unprocessed foods. Will Ed take the leap? Tune in to find out!

Brought to you by Melt Chocolates.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Welcome to the latest episode of the 'We Need to Talk About Chocolate' podcast where host Ed Easton and co-host Andrew Nason delve into the world of chocolate.

In a special blind taste test, they compare cheap supermarket chocolates with high-end brands like Montezuma and Melt.

Along the way, they discuss the origins of chocolate, the impact of sugar, and the ethical considerations of chocolate production. Discover the surprising results of their taste test and learn about the science and ethics behind your favourite sweet treat.

Share with a friend who would find this interesting! 🍫

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of 'We Need to Talk About Chocolate,' host Ed Easton and chocolatier Andrew Nason discuss the grim history of slavery linked to sugar and chocolate production. From the Portuguese and Spanish slave trades to the brutal conditions on sugar and cacao plantations, the hosts delve into the atrocities committed in the name of profit. They emphasize the importance of consumer awareness and responsible choices in combating modern exploitation in the chocolate industry. Listeners are taken on a journey through historical and present-day issues, aiming to shed light on the dark side of this beloved treat.

00:00 Welcome to the Chocolate Podcast

00:17 Living in the Yurt: A Year in the Tent

00:59 The Chocolate and Nature Connection

01:48 The Snickers Debate: Chocolate or Not?

04:20 Unwrapping the Story of Sugar

04:55 The Dark History of Chocolate and Slavery

05:30 The Triangle Trade: A Triple Horror

12:47 The Industrialization of Slavery

20:12 The Horrors of Sugar Plantations

23:12 The First Consumer Boycott in History

24:38 The Role of Portugal in the Slave Trade

25:54 The Dark History of Sugar and Chocolate

35:13 The British Role in Abolishing Slavery

43:20 Modern Slavery and Consumer Responsibility

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Discover why consuming high levels of sugar can lead to lethargy, aging, and bodily inflammation while the benefits of dark chocolate could be the healthier alternative you're looking for. Learn how the food industry disguises sugar and the impact of excess glucose on your body. Tune in to understand the chemistry behind sugar and its substitutes, and why reducing sugar could benefit your overall well-being.

Next week, we will uncover the industrial chocolate world in Africa and the true story behind your supermarket Snickers bar.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Welcome to We Need to Talk About Chocolate, the podcast where we unwrap the rich, sticky, and sometimes bittersweet history of the world’s most beloved treat.

From sacred rituals performed by the Mayans and Aztecs to the industrial empires that flood supermarket shelves today, chocolate has never been just a confection. It’s been a symbol of power, a sacred offering, a global obsession, and a billion-dollar industry with a dark side.

Hosted by writer and lifelong chocoholic Ed Easton, and world-renowned chocolatier Andrew Nason of Melt Chocolates, this series digs deep beneath the foil to uncover the untold truths behind the cacao bean.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Welcome to We Need to Talk About Chocolate, the podcast where we unwrap the rich, sticky, and sometimes bittersweet history of the world’s most beloved treat.

From sacred rituals performed by the Mayans and Aztecs to the industrial empires that flood supermarket shelves today, chocolate has never been just a confection. It’s been a symbol of power, a sacred offering, a global obsession, and a billion-dollar industry with a dark side.

Hosted by writer and lifelong chocoholic Ed Easton, and world-renowned chocolatier Andrew Nason of Melt Chocolates, this series digs deep beneath the foil to uncover the untold truths behind the cacao bean.

Today's episode we talk about Belgian chocolate, uncovering the not so sweet side to the country's chocolate empires.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Welcome to We Need to Talk About Chocolate, the podcast where we unwrap the rich, sticky, and sometimes bittersweet history of the world’s most beloved treat.

From sacred rituals performed by the Mayans and Aztecs to the industrial empires that flood supermarket shelves today, chocolate has never been just a confection. It’s been a symbol of power, a sacred offering, a global obsession, and a billion-dollar industry with a dark side.

Hosted by writer and lifelong chocoholic Ed Easton, and world-renowned chocolatier Andrew Nason of Melt Chocolates, this series digs deep beneath the foil to uncover the untold truths behind the cacao bean.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Welcome to We Need to Talk About Chocolate, the podcast where we unwrap the rich, sticky, and sometimes bittersweet history of the world’s most beloved treat.

From sacred rituals performed by the Mayans and Aztecs to the industrial empires that flood supermarket shelves today, chocolate has never been just a confection. It’s been a symbol of power, a sacred offering, a global obsession, and a billion-dollar industry with a dark side.

Hosted by writer and lifelong chocoholic Ed Easton, and world-renowned chocolatier Andrew Nason of Melt Chocolates, this series digs deep beneath the foil to uncover the untold truths behind the cacao bean.

Today's episode we talk about Swiss chocolate. and find out how a small alpine country became coco world leaders.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Welcome to We Need to Talk About Chocolate, the podcast where we unwrap the rich, sticky, and sometimes bittersweet history of the world’s most beloved treat.

From sacred rituals performed by the Mayans and Aztecs to the industrial empires that flood supermarket shelves today, chocolate has never been just a confection. It’s been a symbol of power, a sacred offering, a global obsession, and a billion-dollar industry with a dark side.

Hosted by writer and lifelong chocoholic Ed Easton, and world-renowned chocolatier Andrew Nason of Melt Chocolates, this series digs deep beneath the foil to uncover the untold truths behind the cacao bean.

On this episode Andrew and Ed look at France's relationship with chocolate, and the part it had to play in many of the nation's most important moments

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Welcome to We Need to Talk About Chocolate, the podcast where we unwrap the rich, sticky, and sometimes bittersweet history of the world’s most beloved treat.

From sacred rituals performed by the Mayans and Aztecs to the industrial empires that flood supermarket shelves today, chocolate has never been just a confection. It’s been a symbol of power, a sacred offering, a global obsession, and a billion-dollar industry with a dark side.

Hosted by writer and lifelong chocoholic Ed Easton, and world-renowned chocolatier Andrew Nason of Melt Chocolates, this series digs deep beneath the foil to uncover the untold truths behind the cacao bean.

On this episode Andrew and Ed look at Italy's rich history of chocolate, from the coco-revolutionaries in Turin to the marketing mistake that nearly saw Nutella shelved for good, our trepidatious chocolate duo continue their chocolate tour of the world.

Note from Ed : During the episode, we incorrectly said that is made with Ice Cream instead of cream (the brilliant chocolatiers at melt made no such mistake so what we were drinking was entirely authentic!)

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The story the big corporations don’t want you to know.

Welcome to We Need to Talk About Chocolate, the podcast where we unwrap the rich, sticky, and sometimes bittersweet history of the world’s most beloved treat.

From sacred rituals performed by the Mayans and Aztecs to the industrial empires that flood supermarket shelves today, chocolate has never been just a confection. It’s been a symbol of power, a sacred offering, a global obsession, and a billion-dollar industry with a dark side.

Hosted by writer and lifelong chocoholic Ed Easton, and world-renowned chocolatier Andrew Nason of Melt Chocolates, this series digs deep beneath the foil to uncover the untold truths behind the cacao bean.

On today's episode Andrew and Ed discuss all things English - from the plundering pirates to the coco-clubs of St James' - and make the case that their own country's influence of chocolate is somewhat underrated.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The story the big corporations don’t want you to know.

Welcome to We Need to Talk About Chocolate, the podcast where we unwrap the rich, sticky, and sometimes bittersweet history of the world’s most beloved treat.

From sacred rituals performed by the Mayans and Aztecs to the industrial empires that flood supermarket shelves today, chocolate has never been just a confection. It’s been a symbol of power, a sacred offering, a global obsession, and a billion-dollar industry with a dark side.

Hosted by writer and lifelong chocoholic Ed Easton, and world-renowned chocolatier Andrew Nason of Melt Chocolates, this series digs deep beneath the foil to uncover the untold truths behind the cacao bean.

You’ll meet ancient chocolatiers, explore the ruins of a “chocolate Pompeii,” and follow the journey of chocolate through colonisation, exploitation, innovation, and indulgence.

Because trust us, we really do need to talk about chocolate.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The story the big corporations don’t want you to know.

Welcome to We Need to Talk About Chocolate, the podcast where we unwrap the rich, sticky, and sometimes bittersweet history of the world’s most beloved treat.

From sacred rituals performed by the Mayans and Aztecs to the industrial empires that flood supermarket shelves today, chocolate has never been just a confection. It’s been a symbol of power, a sacred offering, a global obsession, and a billion-dollar industry with a dark side.

Hosted by writer and lifelong chocoholic Ed Easton, and world-renowned chocolatier Andrew Nason of Melt Chocolates, this series digs deep beneath the foil to uncover the untold truths behind the cacao bean.

You’ll meet ancient chocolatiers, explore the ruins of a “chocolate Pompeii,” and follow the journey of chocolate through colonisation, exploitation, innovation, and indulgence.

Because trust us, we really do need to talk about chocolate.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The story the big corporations don’t want you to know.

Welcome to We Need to Talk About Chocolate, the podcast where we unwrap the rich, sticky, and sometimes bittersweet history of the world’s most beloved treat.

From sacred rituals performed by the Mayans and Aztecs to the industrial empires that flood supermarket shelves today, chocolate has never been just a confection. It’s been a symbol of power, a sacred offering, a global obsession, and a billion-dollar industry with a dark side.

Hosted by writer and lifelong chocoholic Ed Easton, and world-renowned chocolatier Andrew Nason of Melt Chocolates, this series digs deep beneath the foil to uncover the untold truths behind the cacao bean.

You’ll meet ancient chocolatiers, explore the ruins of a “chocolate Pompeii,” and follow the journey of chocolate through colonisation, exploitation, innovation, and indulgence.

Because trust us, we really do need to talk about chocolate.

On this episode, Andrew and Ed meet arguably History's most chocolate obsessed people - the Aztecs. From using it as currency, to drinking 20 cups a day, discover the world of these coco-loco central Americans.

Chilcacahuatl (Cacao with Chili Peppers)

• Melt 70% dark chocolate.
• Stir in a pinch of ground chili pepper.
• Mix with hot water or milk.
• Tip: Start with little chili, add more to taste.

Xochinacatl (Cacao with Spices)

• Melt dark chocolate.
• Stir in ground black pepper, nutmeg, and allspice (tiny pinches).
• Mix with hot water or milk.
• Tip: Warm spices slightly first for richer flavor.

Tlilxochitl (Cacao with Vanilla)

• Melt dark chocolate.
• Stir in a splash of real vanilla extract.
• Mix with hot water or milk.
• Tip: Use pure vanilla, not imitation.

With special thanks to Alex Rooz, Oli Ortega as well as Kitty Nason!

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The story the big corporations don’t want you to know.

Welcome to We Need to Talk About Chocolate, the podcast where we unwrap the rich, sticky, and sometimes bittersweet history of the world’s most beloved treat.

From sacred rituals performed by the Mayans and Aztecs to the industrial empires that flood supermarket shelves today, chocolate has never been just a confection. It’s been a symbol of power, a sacred offering, a global obsession, and a billion-dollar industry with a dark side.

Hosted by writer and lifelong chocoholic Ed Easton, and world-renowned chocolatier Andrew Nason of Melt Chocolates, this series digs deep beneath the foil to uncover the untold truths behind the cacao bean.

You’ll meet ancient chocolatiers, explore the ruins of a “chocolate Pompeii,” and follow the journey of chocolate through colonisation, exploitation, innovation, and indulgence.

Because trust us, we really do need to talk about chocolate.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.