Goodnow Farms - Hot Chocolate, El Carmen, Nicaragua
Ranked in the Best Chocolate of 2025
Origin & Craftsmanship
Made with freshly roasted, ground, and pressed single-origin cacao beans sourced from Nicaragua’s El Carmen region, this hot chocolate mix embraces bean-to-cup integrity. It’s non-alkalized (unlike many commercial mixes), which means the rich caramel essence of the cacao shines through naturally. Goodnow’s unique process—as one of the few chocolate makers that press their own cocoa butter—enhances both flavor and nutrition.
Flavor Profile
This hot chocolate delivers a deep, dark, earthy sensation with creamy caramel undertones. Its authentic chocolate character reveals itself gradually, offering a richly satisfying sip each time.
Accolades & Awards
A proud Gold Winner in the Coffee & Hot Cocoa (Non-Ready-to-Drink) category at the 2021 sofi Awards, this mix is recognized for elevating simplicity into a premium artisan experience.
Tasting & Pairing Guide
Whisk or stir the mix vigorously into hot milk or water to unlock the full-bodied, caramel-rich chocolate flavor. For an indulgent twist, blend it with a splash of bourbon or aged rum to bring out deeper caramel and earthy notes. If you prefer a non-alcoholic option, a dash of vanilla or nutmeg elevates the warmth and sweetness. Accompany with lightly toasted croissants or biscotti for a delightful contrast of creamy drink and crisp pastry.
Summary
The El Carmen Hot Chocolate captures the essence of single-origin chocolate in a cozy mug. With its rich flavor, clean ingredients, and artisanal production, it offers a premium hot chocolate experience—and its sofi Gold distinction underscores its quality and appeal.
We ship award-winning craft chocolate from our warehouse in Saint John, New Brunswick to more than fifty countries. Rates, transit times and free-shipping thresholds for every destination are below.
How We Protect Chocolate in Transit
Fine chocolate is temperature-sensitive by nature. We pack according to the forecast along the actual route, not the season on the calendar.
25–30°C (77–86°F) — insulated packaging
30–35°C (86–95°F) — double insulation with an ice pack
35–40°C (95–104°F) — double insulation with ice packs
Above 40°C (104°F) — the shipment may be held until conditions improve
We ship Monday to Thursday so nothing sits in a weekend warehouse, and a business delivery address gives chocolate a better chance than a doorstep in August. These measures reduce risk substantially. They do not eliminate it — in sustained heat, softening can still occur in transit.
Estimated Delivery Times
Every timeframe shown in the table, at checkout, or in a shipping confirmation is an estimate. Actual transit varies with destination, customs clearance and carrier operations, and peak periods and public holidays in either country affect it further. We dispatch promptly, but once a parcel is with the carrier we have little control over its progress, and we can't guarantee a delivery date.
Customs and Duties
Duties, import taxes and local handling fees are set by the destination country and are the responsibility of the recipient. They are not included in our shipping charge. Where a destination has a specific requirement, it's noted alongside that destination's rate.
If a carrier asks you for information to complete clearance, respond promptly. Parcels held for unanswered customs queries are usually returned or destroyed, and we can't recover them.
Orders With Pre-Order Items
An order that mixes in-stock and pre-order items ships complete, once every item has arrived. This avoids a second shipping charge. The expected date for a pre-order item appears on its product page and in your order confirmation, and you'll be emailed when the full order ships.
If you want the in-stock items sooner, place two separate orders. Pre-order items can't be expedited.
Damage, Melting and Delays
We don't refund or replace orders for melting, carrier delays, or customs-related outcomes. Our pricing reflects the protective packaging included in every order rather than a margin held back to cover weather.
If something arrives genuinely damaged, write to us within seven days with photographs of the parcel and its contents and we'll look at it.
Delivery to Specific Countries
For country-specific details on customs, transit and local requirements, see our pages for chocolate delivery to Canada, the United States, the United Kingdom and Singapore.
Don't See Your Destination?
Write to hello@hellochocolate.com and we'll quote it.
Our chocolate makers proudly refrain from using any artificial stabilizers or preservatives in their products, making their creations more temperature-sensitive compared to other premium chocolates.
To ensure the optimal taste experience, it's advisable to store our chocolates in a cool, dry place where the temperature hovers between 16°C and 18°C. Please refrain from refrigerating our chocolates, as this may cause sugar crystallization due to increased humidity, altering their texture and flavor.
On the contrary, if stored in excessively high temperatures, cocoa butter may separate and form a white film on the chocolate's surface. This loss of cocoa butter can lead to the chocolate drying out and, consequently, a potential alteration in flavor. Your mindful storage practices will help preserve the integrity of our delectable chocolates.
