Chocolate Maya — Local services in Santa Barbara

Great selection of chocolate bars from ethical chocolate makers. (5/5 green stars) I wanted to try Chocolate Maya’s chocolate but I only had time for a really quick look before I needed to jump on a train. So I didn’t get to try their own chocolates, but I could see that they have a really good selection of bars – many of which I’ve tried before. Most of the bars that they stock are from good chocolate makers that also rank highly for sustainability and human rights. Some of them are a bit pricier, such as like Bonnat (France) at $11.50 or Dandelion (San Francisco) at $9. But if you're not in SF (Dandelion is normally around $8) or don't want to pay shipping for Bonnat, then it would make sense to pay a dollar or two more. Others, such as Theo and Equal Exchange, are also available in supermarkets like Whole Foods but they are also well selected (EE make some great chocolate bars).

I’m giving Chocolate Maya 5/5 “green stars” for social and environmental impact, based on these reasons: • First off, there’s a big difference between brands of chocolate in terms of impact: child labor and even child slavery are big issues (esp. in West Africa) and there’s also a large difference in impact on rainforest habitats (e.g., some nasty pesticides used on conventional cacao; Shade-grown cacao cultivation helps preserve biodiversity). • Their own chocolate is sourced from fair trade or direct-trade suppliers such as Valrhona and Mesocacao. • The bars available for sale are also at similar (or higher) standards in terms of workers and the environment. • Maya mention that they some organic ingredients and local honey for their own chocolates. • They use paper-based packaging for their own chocolates and for all of the bars they’ve chosen to stock. • They stock bars from established ethical fair trade and/or organic chocolate makers like Theo and newer, smaller direct-trade operations like Dandelion. • They are aware of and promote some good organizations like the Heirloom Cacao Preservation Initiative. • Even their T-Shirts and hoodies are made by decent companies like American Apparel and Alternative Apparel.

Find out more about green-star ratings at Green Stars...

Huge variety of unique chocolates with fantastic and unexpected flavor combinations. Great quality and very beautiful, perfect for a little nibble or gift. They also stock a large selection of chocolate bars from various places. Seems like they cycle their stock so there is always something interesting and new to explore. Occasionally they have some bars discounted which I love to pick up for snacking. For the quality, I would say they are reasonably priced. Definitely a fun place to peek into and pick up a couple chocolates. (Personally, I like to grab 1-3 pieces and head over to SB Roasting a couple stores down for a little coffee and chocolate self-therapy.)

The service here is great! If there are more than 2 other customers, be aware that you'll have to wait a bit (usually only 1-2 people behind the counter), but on the upside, it gives you time to check out the display case! I'm always greeted and helped by someone very sweet and informative, they really go out of their way to make sure you have a good experience here. I get the feeling that they truly want me to enjoy their creations. I cannot recommend this...

Hey Maya! I had such a weird experience here a few years ago I want to make sure you know about it. 3 years ago you tried to gaslight me into thinking your online code redemption malfunction and accounting error causing me to pay twice (2) $50 for one (1) box of chocolates. It was your accounting error and you didn't listed to me. When I tried to explain you said I was incorrect. It's no big deal, but as a business owner, you want to make employees happy. You and your employees made me feel uncomfortable for being inside the store trying to resolve the issue. On Valentines day. A valentines. From my Mom. Lol. Like let me man have some chocolate. I haven't forgotten, not because of the money, but because of the premise. In fact I now tell everyone I've known here for the past 3 decades who mentions the store, to keep a receipt. 3 decades all very pleasant experiences in stores, this was the first unpleasant SB. Chocolate is trivial - premise of 'customer is always right' you should learn. It wasn't very...