Divine Treasures

I went to what I thought would be a lovely spot to get some chocolate after dinner with a friend. Everyone is entitled to their own opinions, but when you’re the owner of a store and you’re just talking with customers as they’re checking their sweets out, certain topics shouldn’t be discussed. The store owner talked for over half an hour on her political views, as she asked us if we were going to vote this year. I personally didn’t say much but two sentences as I wanted to leave quickly. However, my friend said a couple of words on who she was voting for and why. All of a sudden, religion and race was brought up by the store owner. I would definitely NOT recommend going here if you are someone who is Muslim. Before even asking my friend and I if we were part of the Islam religion, the store owner went on a ramble about her dislike for the religion. Now what if one of us were Muslim? Not only that but the conversation continued. The use of the «n word», black lives matter is stupid because all lives should matter, and that lower income people are abusing government aid is what she lectured us on. Again, I honestly said very little and didn’t even argue with a lot of the ignorant things that came out of this woman’s mouth. The reason being is because you can’t change someone’s views who thinks like this and think’s it’s appropriate to talk about this at work to customers. My friend and I were stunned at how nonchalantly the owner talked to us about everything and felt it was not appropriate to put down a religion so much in front of strangers, that she didn’t even know if they were Muslim. As for the chocolate, it was alright, a little pricey but wasn’t bad. The one star I guess is for the chocolate.

Too much sweet in the mouth has made the lady behind the counter bitter in the heart… my daughter was choosing between 2 Easter candies and she accidentally drop one… It did not break or damage the chocolate or the packaging at all… Naturally my daughter wanted the other one… This lady tells us … «after dropping it 150 times u want to buy the other one»
Really? Really…150 times? Are u crazy?
She’s a child for Christ’s sake… at least on Easter be nice
She could have politely asked us to buy the other one too… We gladly wud have. It’s chocolate u can’t have to much of it nyway rt?
She may sell good chocolates but I’m never buying anything from someone who makes them with a bitter heart … It’s poisoned

Unbelievable place! For someone like me who can’t have gluten and chooses not to eat animal products– simply amazing.
The staff was friendly and knowledgable. Very sweet to my children.
We got some chocolate that was heavenly and a vegan smokey cheddar-​type cheese that is just out of this world.
We will be back! I might actually try to move in…

Oh happy friggin’ day and hallelujah! If you happened upon this review via my Dairy Free Delights list then you will really, really be thanking me shortly (assuming you’re heading out the door right now to Divine Treasures).
Sometimes, a girl just wants to stuff her face with a sweet chocolatey, gooey, caramelly treat. Not always an option when you’re not a lactose tolerating mutant (I’m biased).
I don’t feel that I have much to add to the reviews that are here, but will echo many other’s reviews about how decadent, rich and delicious the chocolates are. I had a seasonal bark that featured cranberry and orange, «Giggles,» «Dorrie’s Nut Bar» and «Caramel with Sea Salt.»
I thought the offerings were delicious, but I cannot say that they are the absolute best dairy free chocolate I’ve ever had. Some of the pieces topped with salt are overpowered by the salt. I had to completely remove the top layer with the salt on it to enjoy one of my chocolates. And let’s be clear here: my current favorite cookie is a soft-​baked salted caramel fudge cookie. So I enjoy the salty-​sweet combo when done well.
That said they were definitely the best absolutely vegan chocolates (i.e., not even trace amounts of dairy from potential cross contamination) I’ve had. I was a little disappointed by the absence of a vegan fudge. Fudge is my probably my greatest weakness in all of the sweet treat world — maybe even over cookies. But, I cannot hold it against the shop for not having it. I have never actually tried vegan fudge so maybe it’s gross and that’s why Divine Treasures doesn’t make it.
A bit pricey, but for the quality and the novelty (dairy free, y’all!) I’d say it’s fair. It’s a real diamond in the rough out in that shopping plaza and in Manchester generally. Recommended.

I’m a vegan. I love chocolate. I like to support vegan enterprises. I really wanted this place to take my money and give me chocolate. But it just ain’t happening.
This place is owned by a miserable human being with zero customer service skills. And there is an overall weird vibe/​dynamic amongst all the employees.
Tried quite a few different types of chocolate over several visits and they pretty much all taste the same — meh — and so not worth their inflated price tag. Kind of like they’re made from the same ingredients but molded into different shapes.
I had the soft serve and was underwhelmed. Kind of flat tasting and texture more like ice milk. There are so many better vegan ice cream options in the freezer section of almost any grocery store. Make those into «soft serve» with a food processor or blender and a bit of almond/​rice/​coconut milk.
A previous reviewer mentioned something about Divine Treasures being the only vegan chocolate option.
Guess what…
Good news!
— out of this world chocolates!
Bad news ! It’s in New Paltz, NY
Good news ! They do mail order.
I am grateful that I don’t live close to Lagusta Luscious because I’d be in the store daily. Hmm… maybe not such a bad idea? Her chocolates are the true divine treasures.

I’m obsessed with their vegan cheese! I went today for the first time after trying some from a friend and they were very helpful in showing me the cheeses and going over them in detail to pick. I also bought a few chocolates and I ate half of them on the way home, so delicious!, I can’t wait until I am in the area again to go back for more. Apparently they have amazing soft serve which I will be sure to get next time as well! It’s so exciting to see a vegan chocolate store that sells cheese as well… I’m obsessed!

If you’re into chocolate that doesn’t have any of the ingredients that make chocolate, this is the place for you. I’m a huge fan of European chocolate and thought I’d have a go here. It’s a nice shop and a wonderfully lovely lady but I’ll stick to non-​vegan chocolate.

I first discovered Divine Treasures chocolates in Thorne’s Market in Northampton, MA, years ago and was thrilled (and surprised, since CT isn’t exactly teeming with vegan-​friendly establishments) to learn that the company is based in Manchester, CT. My mom shared my love of the uniquely flavored truffles and has been treating me to mail-​ordered boxes of Divine Treasures chocolates on special occasions for a couple of years now (she wanted me to mention that orders always ship right away).
The hour-​long drive to Manchester had kept us from venturing to the store until I learned about the expanded selection of pastries and even savory fare like cheeses and calzones. After making two trips there in one month I can’t believe I waited this long. This tiny store is paradise for vegans and anyone else who enjoys delicious, high-​quality food.
First, for anyone is equally hesitant about the drive, I’ll say that it’s a pretty straightforward route off of 84, the shopping plaza is easy to spot (just look for the Stop & Shop sign) and offers plentiful parking. The storefront’s sign is a little faded but just look for «Chocolates» and you’ll be all set.
More importantly, the store itself does not disappoint (suffice to say I brought a cooler and a large insulated bag on the second trip!). There is so much variety packed into the small space that I seriously could have spent an hour browsing. The staff is very friendly and helpful, especially for overwhelmed first– (and then second-​) timers.
The first time I went Chef Shawn was offering samples of the various cashew– and soy-​based cheeses (the nut-​encrusted cheddar and the chèvre are indeed divine; there’s also a sampler for the particularly indecisive among us). He and some of the staff who helped me during both visits were incredibly patient and informative, taking the time to explain not only ingredients but how the food is made.
In addition to the cheeses, I’ve tried the Mexican calzone (so much more delicious than just the sum of its ingredients) and various croissants (chocolate, raspberry– and blueberry-​cream cheese, and my favorite, plain). This time around we also picked up an alfredo pizza (sounded scrumptious enough to make me overcome a mushroom aversion) and some bissants (biscuit/​croissant hybrid, because why not?).
And of course, the chocolates… Somehow we narrowed our choices down to a spicy ginger bark, sea salt caramels (traditional but oh so good) and cookie dough truffles (which I’ve yet to try since I’m afraid I’ll eat the whole bunch in one go!). I’ll be bringing a large sampler into work tomorrow and spreading the word about this fabulous treasure of a compassionate company!

BEST CHOCOLATE EVER. Seriously!
The vegan soft-​serve is an awesome treat on a hot summer (or even cold, cold winter) day. The pumpkin is my favorite, but, really, all the flavors are amazing.

If you are looking for dairy-​free gourmet chocolate, this is the place to be. We too got several pieces of chocolate deliciousness (I won’t say how many) and finished them in one day. The shop also has a freezer filled with vegan calzones and pizzas, gourmet dairy-​free cheeses, and plenty of other options.
Parking is great as it is in a plaza. There is no seating though, that’s a bummer. But your car has seats. So you’re all set to go!

I got a box of 12 truffles that I hoped would last me a week.
They lasted a day.
Darn it.
No regrets.

In a little insignificant strip mall in Manchester is a little treasure where I discovered what real chocolate tastes like!!!
Amazing selection of sugar free chocolates I’ve ever had. No difference in taste.
I was introduced to her store while visiting from Montréal and will now go out of my way to bring some back home every time.
Cashew cheese is out if this world.
It was wonderful to talk to Diane and her passion for her products.

–Review from a chocoholic who has tried a LOT of chocolate (and still does!) —
I have been going to Diane at Divine Treasures for years. I am not vegan but do mostly eat veggies and some meat with extremely limited (if no) dairy, sugar, and to some extent bread due to what my body and stomach can handle. In many cases buying food items can be a minefield, but at Divine Treasures I can go to town!
Over the years Diane’s chocolates have only gotten better and better, each chocolate more able to fully distinguish itself as unique from her other offerings. I used to be die-​hard for just a few selections but now I have a hard time deciding and get quite a mix! Diane has always been sweet, helpful, and kind. She has a constant presence and pride in her shop as well as her product, in which she values quality and taste. Her shop is small but packed and offers a selection of vegan food in addition to her chocolates and ice cream.
On to my favorites! There is a new ‘cookie dough’ one that is A-​MAZING, packed with caramel, nuts, faux dough and the works. Such great texture and flavor in that one, just bought one for my fiancée and he thinks it’s her best one yet. My personal favorites are currently the spiced English toffee (great to get a chunk and just break off a bit to crunch on), Dorrie’s nut bar (nuts, spices and chewy), chambord de France (melt-​away raspberry goodness), peppermint patsy, mello (crispies in it), haystack (generous mound of chocolate packed with shaved coconut), Turona (chocolate-​topped chewy coconut confection), and the caramel cashew (caramel w whole cashews covered in chocolate with sea salt on top). Of course I also love the bags of chocolate ‘nibs’ which are just little discs of chocolate perfect for a chocolate fix. There are special chocolates like ‘s’mores’ (another favorite of my fiancée’s) and caramel frogs in convenient little packages perfect for gift giving (I sent a frog to a friend in Paris and she said it’s one of the best chocolates she’s ever had).
Divine Treasure’s chocolates aren’t super super dark bitter chocolates, but are dark and rich and melt beautifully with lasting flavor. If you are looking for a very high cacao percentage (I’d say higher than 80−85% perhaps) of dark bitter chocolate, or alternatively, milky sugary chocolate, this isn’t your place. If you’re seeking a delicious treat that is rich (or vegan!) and is just the right amount of sweet, spicy, or savory, turn your heels towards Divine Treasures. Their chocolate is like an oasis for me since I don’t go in for any mainstream processed sugars for the most part (the other famous chocolate shop nearby, Munson’s, gives me headaches and terrible sugar highs, my face breaks out, etc). They are always just right, whether it’s a little nib or two I have every day or a treat of the more elaborate chocolates, it hits the spot. Even one nib is three satisfying little bites that will last a few minutes of savory melting.
Somehow my fiancée says I always seem to have chocolate on my lip haha! Can’t stay away, need a little chocolate melting in my mouth every day or so. I highly recommend Divine Treasures!!!
(Also makes a GREAT ‘safe’ gift or thing to bring to a party, these chocolates can navigate many eating restrictions).

What a terrific find!!!
My pretty traveling companion is blessed with Celiac’s Disease, IBS and has recently been told she cannot have any dairy at all. Needless to say, some of her favorite things (chocolate, ice cream) have been taken away from her. And while she says «that’s okay», it’s not okay – I can tell just by looking at her.
Enter Divine Treasures.
This place, owned by a wonderful woman who has health standards of no refined sugar, no corn syrup and using only vegan/​gluten-​free ingredients, is a godsend for someone like my girlfriend.
We’ve stopped here a couple of times. The first time we bought some fantastic non-​diary cheeses that my pretty partner in trouble can eat. And last night, we wandered in, just before closing time, for a small desert with the non-​dairy soft ice cream. It was wonderful!
The chocolates look like they’re to die for. The soft serve was fantastic. It seems that this little confectionary shop has a going concern when it comes to supplying those with food allergies. Quality of everything we’ve sampled so far has been outstanding.
Divine Treasures is absolutely a divine find in ManchVegas. You would be well served to stop by and try just about anything you see. Trust me, you’ll be quite happy you did.

Yum, yum, yum! Divine Treasures is a (mostly – some of their chocolates contain small bits of whey) vegan chocolatier in Hartford, specializing in gourmet chocolates, of course, in addition to new items like vegan cheeses and savory meals to go. I’ve enjoyed all of the different chocolates I’ve had there (pay by the pound), and on my last trip, snagged some calzones, pumpkin hazelnut soft serve ice cream, and a shepherd’s pie type dish…
Thoughts & things to know:
1. The selection of chocolates is huge. In one case, you’ll find the vegan chocolates, barks, and truffles. There are some very unique flavors to choose from, and you certainly won’t be disappointed. In the other case, you’ll find sugar-​free chocolates (sweetened with xylitol), though these contain whey, so therefore, are not vegan.
2. They also stock, as I mentioned, meals to go and vegan cheeses. I can speak to the calzones and cottage pie… I indulged in one calzone while in the store waiting for the soft serve machine to warm up. The owner (I believe) was kind enough to heat it up for me, and man, did it hit the spot! The dough (GF) was on point, and the stuffing (a mix of veggies) was just right, too! I purchased 2 to go, which can be frozen for up to a month. I also had the cottage pie, which was amazing! It’s composed of lentils, different veggies, and topped with mashed potatoes. The ingredient list is on the tray (which is oven and freezer safe), and I have to say – no questionable items! I had half today for lunch (see picture – so good) and will save the other half for lunch or dinner this week. Very convenient!
3. They offer soft serve in some unique and standard flavors, with many topping options. This time, I opted for the pumpkin hazelnut with hot fudge, caramel, and I always stick a few chocolates in there for good measure! It was yummy.
4. Logistics… parking is plentiful. Prices are as you’d expect for this type of shop. Unfortunately, there’s no seating inside. That’s one thing I think they could improve on in the future.
Bottom line: awesome little chocolatier in unassuming strip mall location. The two times I’ve stopped, I’ve been passing through Hartford on my way to Boston from New Jersey. Would I drive the 2.5 hours JUST for this? No, but it’s most certainly worth a stop if you’re in the area!

Some of the best chocolates around and more.
If you’re looking for gourmet chocolate, this is your place to go. The selection is huge with literally dozens of different types of organic, Belgium chocolates. Not only are they hand crafted and delicious, but they’re all dairy-​free and vegan! They do have a sugar-​free selection too, but apparently those contain trace amounts of dairy.
In the mood for something cold? They also have vegan soft serve with options for sundaes, several different sauces and mouthwatering toppings.
The selection doesn’t stop there. They now have vegan cheese, cakes and other delicacies. I haven’t tried these yet, but I’ve heard great things about them.
They are very friendly here and will often let you know about new products and upcoming events.
The prices for the chocolates are a little steep, but the quality is very high, so I can’t complain too much. The cost comes out to $ 1 – 2 per chocolate piece, depending on which you choose. I think the best value here is getting a sundae. You choose the ice cream flavor, sauce and toppings. They come to just under six bucks. Why is that a good deal? You’ll get a generous serving of sauce and more. I recently picked a chocolate sundae with caramel sauce and peanut butter pieces. In the dish, there was a mound of chocolate pieces with large peanut butter melts. Incredibly good.
You have to check this place out!
One edit: I didn’t want to mark them down for this, but with my last visit, the scale read $ 9, but I was charged $ 12. I didn’t question it, but that did seem peculiar.

My boyfriend and I stopped in here while waiting for our chinese food from next door. We were in the mood for chocolate, although we didn’t know it until we saw it, and went in. The woman was very nice and inviting, waited patiently while we soaked it all in.
I will say that I love imaginative foods, and this place has some great ideas for combinations. I got a caramel with sea salt, which wasn’t bad. I also got this one in the shape of a pyramid, and was filled with cardamom and caramel. I got a few novelty ones– that I’d never find elsewhere. We each got 3 – 4 pieces for $ 10, which is a little pricey for chocolate, but it’s natural and vegan, so I figured this was the reason for the up charge.
When we got home we delved into the chocolate. I was disappointed. It all tastes burned, char-​y in flavor, and not at all appealing. My boyfriend discarded his after the second chocolate. I powered through mine because I wasn’t about to let $ 10 go to waste.
I’m not sure if it’s the vegan aspect, if we got a bad batch, or what– but I wouldn’t go back and spend the high price tag for chocolates that aren’t tasty.

This place needs a better sign! I spent 15 minutes in this large shopping plaza looking for a sign that says «Divine Treasures». Well the Divine is completely washed out by the sun and treasures is a really small word. Look for the word Chocolat in large letters. I found this place looking for ice cream on Unilocal and didn’t know they were mainly a chocolate place.
The vegan chocolate ice cream was very very rich and super sweet — so sweet it was gross! And I asked for sprinkles, well these were NOT sprinkles they were small hard candies & with every bite I thought I was going to break my teeth! And it was pretty expensive too, totally not worth the drive or 15 minutes looking for the place.
The women inside weren’t all that friendly inside either! And the chocolates on display were expensive & looked very homemade and somewhat sloppy.

This is amazing. Holy crap! !!! The chocolates are to die for. And all vegan. The ice cream… no words. Nothing can compare to that yumminess and simplicity. I was so happy to get vegan sprinkles!!! So many thanks to those 2 awesome ladies in there serving the vegan, gluten free, and sweets community at large. :)

I need to start this review by saying that I’m not vegan, I don’t have Celiac disease or any dietary restrictions, but this is the best vegan, gluten-​free chocolate I have ever had in my life. In fact, until trying this chocolate, I’m not sure I had ever eaten real chocolate. Additionally, the soft serve is out of this world. It is so tasty and flavorful and it’s much healthier than any ice cream I have seen out there.
I’m not usually one to drive out of the way for dessert, but I’m pretty sure that will be changing soon! Check this place out, you will not be disappointed!