Chocolat Essentiel: Belgian chocolates, well-being chocolate

What's the story behind Chocolat Essentiel?

When dr. Ir. Katarine Verhaegen's daughter was prescribed aromatherapy, she was challenged to make her daughter's daily intake of essential oil as flavourful and efficient as possible. For centuries, essential oils have been used as a natural remedy without side effects. They are usually taken with honey as a vehicle.

Katarina, who is also a beekeeper and herbalist, mixed the essential oil with organic acacia honey to achieve a delicious flavour. She then covered this mixture with a cacao liquor. The result was a tiny delicacy, chock-full of vitamins, minerals, fibres and bioactive ingredients. Katarina perfected her recipe to achieve well-being pralines: 'Chocolat Essentiel'. These unique chocolates are more than pralines. They are a tasty food supplement and an essential and healthy pleasure.

Why should you try Chocolat Essentiel's Belgian pralines?

✔ Exclusive pralines, handmade following Belgian tradition
✔ Simple, naturally powerful 3-ingredient recipe
✔ Produced locally in Geldenaken (Jodoigne, Belgium)
✔ Energy for production is provided by private, restored watermill
✔ The packaging, made from discarded cocoa bean shells, is recyclable, compostable, or reusable
✔ Clean label and organic where possible

What is well-being chocolate?

The power of chocolate

Chocolate was discovered by the Mayans and Aztecs over 1,000 years ago. They used roasted cocoa beans, honey and herbs to brew a drink that they thought could boost their energy levels up to 4 times.

In the late 18th century, cocoa was recognised as a medicinal product and sold only in pharmacies. The story goes that the first pralines were made by a Belgian pharmacist, who mixed his medicinal ingredients with chocolate to make them taste better. Unfortunately, over time, large amounts of sugar, butter and cream were added to the recipe, making today's pralines more of a guilty pleasure.

bottle of essential oil with slices of lemon orange

Chocolat Essentiel wants to go back to the praline that the pharmacist made, with an innovative range of well-being chocolate.

Read our blog: How to take essential oils?

What are the ingredients of a Chocolat Essentiel praline?

A praline (or 'bonbon') made by Chocolat Essentiel contains only a few ingredients: pure cocoa, acacia honey and essential oil. No sugar, cream, dye, preservatives or lecithin have been added. You can eat them as a natural food supplement, but also as a tasty snack.

Take 1 to 2 pralines per day for 21 days for a gradual treatment
Take 3 to 4 chocolates per day for 7 days for a boost treatment

Pure cacao 72%

Thanks to cocoa and honey, ingredients that have been sought after for centuries for their good nutrients, Chocolat Essentiel pralines are a natural and delicious source of iron (38%), copper (136%) and chromium (53%). They stimulate the brain, combat fatigue and naturally support the immune system.

1 drop of essential oil

The essential oils used in the pralines have been carefully selected to improve the taste sensation and enhance the healthy benefits of cocoa and honey. Chocolat Essentiel uses peppermint, Scots pine, mandarin, lemon, ginger and jasmine essential oils.

Acacia honey

This honey is soft and floral, and according to scientific studies, the best honey for diabetics. It contains many properties that are positive for the general well-being.