Mars also sells Cirku, a 15-calorie packet containing cocoa extract with a fruit flavor that you mix with water.

WSJ: Heart-Healthy Chocolate: Dark and Bitter Treat

Ms. McDonald, originally from Australia and now living in Frankfurt, started Blyss Chocolate because she wanted to bring back the pure flavor of the cocoa bean, without any additives or sugar.

WSJ: Stuck With 30,000 Boxes of Gourmet Chocolate

In addition, she created a "snack nut" version to show-off the flavor: chocolate-covered pieces of cocoa beans packed in unadorned glass jars.

WSJ: Stuck With 30,000 Boxes of Gourmet Chocolate

She switched to producing cocoa, cocoa butter and chocolate in Ecuador, cold-pressed and partially hand-milled to retain the flavor and aroma.

WSJ: Stuck With 30,000 Boxes of Gourmet Chocolate