Divine Treasures: Vegan & Gluten-Free European-Style Chocolates in Manchester CT

Happily, eating plant-based is becoming easier and more accessible by the day. However, finding decadent desserts and sweets that fit this category have historically been a bit more of a challenge, given that milk, butter, and gelatin is usually involved when making things of the sweeter persuasion. Another challenge: finding gift-worthy artisan treats that are visual treats to the palate as well the eyes. You know, the type of special giant heart box of chocolates that Linus toted around waiting to give to Miss Othmar. At the end of the day, no one wants to be left out, including sweet and chocolate-indulging plant-eaters.

Well, these sweets do exist, Virginia, and they are located in Manchester so your plant-loving special someones can partake in all the sweet flavors and beautiful treats as the omnivores. Every sweet produced at Divine Treasures chocolate shop, which has been going strong since 2007, is vegan and gluten-free. In addition, Divine Treasures confections are made with health and enjoyment in mind. These European-style chocolates are crafted with high-quality ingredients but also, and here’s the amazing part, without refined sugar and corn syrup. Diane Wagemann, owner and chocolatier, studied the art of chocolate making in Belgium and Switzerland and then decided to adapt her grandmother’s family recipes to suit the goal of healthier eating. Instead of adding an abundance of sugars, Wagemann wants the inherent taste of the cacao to be the shining star. She sources the chocolate from small family-owned Fair-Trade certified businesses, so you can be sure that no fillers have been added to the chocolate, which sometimes can compromise the vegan integrity. 

One of their best sellers, The Big Boy-a very large puck of chocolate enrobing caramel studded with pecans-has, well, caramel as a major portion of it. And caramel is traditionally made with butter and sugar. How is theirs vegan? Wagemann has worked hard to create a vegan caramel using almonds and cashews to create the creamy, gooey amber filling that stands in for the typical butter-laden confection. Her caramels, all sizes and shapes, are a big seller overall, with such flavors as Blueberry Lavender, orange and ginger, red pepper and smoked sea salt, or nougat and peanuts.

A nod to the European handiwork of these chocolates, they come in charming shapes of everything from elephants, mice, and hedgehogs (the Divine Kingdom pack has been endorsed by PETA), to big-bellied Buddhas and duo-toned pyramids. Thick hunks of fudge-like chocolates are studded with fruits and nuts and will define chocolate bliss. Bags of “Poppers”, “panned” chocolate with crispy puffs or nuts that have been tumbled in chocolate, are perfectly addictive. Pop! Pop! Pop ‘em in!

With Valentine’s Day fast approaching, they offer a number of special items for the holiday: Strawberry Champagne truffles (a best seller), a two-pack of Chocolate Strawberry Cupcakes (V/GF) make with organic fresh strawberries, bags of Single-Origin Peruvian Cacao Hot Chocolate, Luv U Lots box assortments of chocolates for kids, and boxes of Fluffernutter Lover peanut butter hearts.Yes, the marshmallow is vegan too. There are also prettily packaged assortment boxes ranging from 4-30 pieces. 

Not into chocolates and sweets but still looking for good vegan eats? They also make their own artisan “cheeze”, artisan soft serve ice cream, Cheezecakes, whoopie pies, and take-away items such as pizza, lasagna, shepherd’s pie, mac and cheese and calzones, all using their vegan cheeses, of course. The fridge and freezer cases are always stocked and ready for an impromptu vegan meal. 

Divine Treasures

404 Middle Turnpike West

Manchester, CT

860-643-2552

www.dtchocolates.com