Our Story
Hi there!
At Sandhill Chocolate, we make chocolate that’s more than just a treat—it’s an experience.
Based in Ocoee (W. Orlando), Florida, we specialize in small-batch, bean-to-bar creations that highlight the natural beauty of cacao. Our focus isn’t on overpowering flavors, but on complementing and celebrating the unique character of the beans we source directly from farmers. With thoughtful roasting and a love for local inspiration, we craft chocolate that feels connected—to the land, to the growers, and to the people who enjoy it.
Ethical & Sustainable Cacao
Hand Harvested, Unrefined, Organic Sugar Cane
Organic, Grass-Fed, A2 Milk or Plant-Based Alternatives
All Natural, Real Food Ingredients
The Chocolate Maker
I’m Mike, the guy behind Sandhill Chocolate. My journey to chocolate-making has been anything but direct. For years, I ran a financial services company in Toronto, Canada, mastering the challenges of that field with the same focus and drive I bring to everything I undertake. But when I moved to Florida, I saw the change of geography as an opportunity to redefine my career—and my life’s purpose. I wanted to do something creative, something that could bring joy to people in a way that felt real and tangible. That’s when I found chocolate.
Born in Curaçao and having lived in places like Gibraltar, Spain, England, Dubai, Belgium, three Canadian provinces, and finally Florida, I’ve been fortunate to experience a world of cultures, flavors, and traditions. Those experiences have shaped how I approach chocolate-making, influencing everything from the origins I choose to the care I take in crafting flavors that are both unique and approachable.
There’s something undeniably cool about chocolate-making. It’s both science and art, but it’s also a way to tell stories. For me, every bar is a connection—between people, places, and experiences. Building Sandhill Chocolate has been about sharing that connection, one small-batch at a time.
The Chocolate
We believe great chocolate doesn’t need to shout—it speaks for itself. That’s why we focus on the essentials: exceptional cacao, thoughtful craftsmanship, and pure, honest ingredients. Our chocolate isn’t about overwhelming flavors or flashy gimmicks; it’s about creating something so genuine and balanced that it invites you to slow down and savor the experience.
We work directly with farmers who share our dedication to quality and sustainability, sourcing cacao that reflects the beauty and complexity of its origins. By treating each bean with care—gentle roasting, precise refining, and no unnecessary additives—we create chocolate that feels authentic and unpretentious.
When you taste our chocolate, the experience speaks for itself. At its heart, it’s about more than just chocolate—it’s about creating something honest, meaningful, and worth savoring.
Why We Hyperfixate on Ingredients!
The food industry has a way of dressing up the truth. Marketing promises one thing, but the ingredients list tells another story—one filled with fillers, additives, and corner-cutting. Marketing spins lies into bold claims, while the real story is hidden in fine print. It’s a system built on compromising quality and health for convenience and profit, and we cannot stand it.
At Sandhill Chocolate, we do things differently. Every ingredient we use has a purpose, and we refuse to add anything that doesn’t belong. No soy lecithin, no palm oil, no seed oils, no preservatives, no “processing aids” that don’t legally need to be disclosed—just pure ingredients that respect the cacao, the earth, and our customers.
Chocolate isn’t just a treat; it’s a superfood. For centuries, it’s been valued for its health and spiritual properties. Only in modern times has it been reduced to a “naughty indulgence,” weighed down by unnecessary additives and cheap fillers.
We believe chocolate should be restored to what it’s meant to be: a beautiful, nourishing food crafted with care and integrity.