Loco Love Chocolate Guide: Ingredients, Health & Where to Buy

There’s something irresistible about the story of a chocolate brand that started with a single $1,000 tax return and turned into a $12.8 million business. Loco Love, handcrafted in Byron Bay, has earned a loyal following by blending organic cacao with superfoods, tonic herbs, and healing spices. If you’ve ever wondered whether this colourful bar lives up to the hype, here’s a grounded look at what’s actually inside and what it means for your health.

Founder: Emica Penklis ·
Headquarters: Byron Bay, Australia ·
Annual Revenue: AU$12.8 million (AFR Fast 100) ·
Key Ingredients: Organic cacao, superfoods, tonic herbs, healing spices ·
Sweetener: Natural sweeteners (e.g., coconut sugar) ·
Distribution: Official store, David Jones, Woolworths (reported)

Six facts that define the brand, each drawn from product labels and official statements.

Is Loco Love chocolate healthy?

The short answer: it depends on how you define healthy. Loco Love is built on organic, whole-food ingredients and avoids refined sugar, but it’s still chocolate — rich in fat and natural sugars. Let’s break it down.

What sweeteners are used in Loco Love?

• Coconut blossom sugar (also called coconut sugar) is the primary sweetener (Santos Organics)
• Brown rice syrup and maple syrup appear in some varieties (Santos Organics)
• No refined white sugar or artificial sweeteners are used (Loco Love official site)

What are the health benefits of Loco Love ingredients?

• Organic cacao is rich in flavonoids, which have been linked to improved heart health and reduced inflammation (NCBI – flavonoid research)
• Several products contain probiotics (Bacillus coagulans) for gut health (Inner Ego retailer)
• Adaptogens like maca root and astragalus are added in certain flavours for claimed energy and immune support (Inner Ego retailer)

How does Loco Love compare to conventional chocolate?

• Most mass-market chocolate brands use refined sugar, emulsifiers, and low cacao content (Harvard Health Publishing)
• Loco Love’s cacao content ranges from 25% to 70%, and it avoids dairy, soy, and palm oil (Valerie’s Pantry)
• However, it still contains natural sugars and calories — a 30g serve of Hazelnut Praline provides 656 kJ (about 157 kcal) (Inner Ego retailer)

The implication: Loco Love sits in a niche that values ingredient quality over caloric restriction.

Who founded Loco Love chocolate?

What is the story behind Loco Love?

Founder Emica Penklis started the brand in Byron Bay with a $1,000 tax return in the early 2000s (AFR Fast 100). The vision was to create chocolate that “follows what feels true” — using organic, plant-based ingredients and superfoods that align with her personal wellness philosophy (AFR – founder interview). The brand grew organically through word-of-mouth and today ships across Australia and internationally.

Who currently owns Loco Love?

The company remains privately owned by Emica Penklis. No public records indicate outside investment or acquisition. The brand’s rapid growth — reaching AU$12.8 million in revenue by 2024 — was driven by rising demand for premium, ethically sourced chocolate (AFR Fast 100).

What this means: founder control keeps the product philosophy intact even as the company grows.

Where is Loco Love made?

Is Loco Love manufactured in Australia?

Yes — every bar is handcrafted in Byron Bay, New South Wales. The official website and retail partners consistently list “Made in Australia” on packaging (Loco Love official site). The brand operates a flagship showroom in Byron Bay where visitors can see the production process.

Are ingredients sourced locally?

While the final product is made in Australia, some superfoods and tonic herbs are sourced internationally. The company states it works with fair-trade, socially responsible suppliers and maintains a traceable supply chain (Loco Love sustainability page). Australian-grown ingredients include the macadamia and almond nuts used in several flavours.

What is Loco Love chocolate worth?

How did the company achieve that valuation?

The brand’s AU$12.8 million revenue figure comes from the Australian Financial Review Fast 100 growth stars list published in 2024 (AFR Fast 100). Growth is attributed to surging consumer interest in organic, functional foods and the brand’s strong social media presence. Loco Love has not disclosed profit margins or valuation multiples.

Is Loco Love a good investment?

The company is privately held and not publicly traded, so direct investment is not available. For those considering wholesale or retail partnerships, the brand’s premium positioning and loyal customer base suggest stable demand. However, the chocolate market is competitive, and any investment decision should account for margin pressures and supply chain risks.

Where can I buy Loco Love chocolate?

Is Loco Love chocolate available at Woolworths?

Yes, Woolworths has reportedly stocked Loco Love in select Australian stores (AFR). Availability may vary by location.

What is the price of Loco Love chocolate?

Single 30g bars typically retail between AU$4.50 and AU$6.00. Multipacks (e.g., 5-pack gift box) range from AU$20 to AU$30 depending on retailer. The official online store at locolove.com offers the full range and occasional bundle deals.

Is Loco Love chocolate discontinued?

No official statement suggests discontinuation. As of early 2025, the brand continues to sell through its website, David Jones, Woolworths, and independent health food stores. The product line appears active.

Four core flavours, one emphasis: whole, functional ingredients with no shortcuts. Here’s how they stack up on paper.

Clarity check

For Australian chocolate lovers seeking a guilt-free indulgence that supports small-scale artisans and regenerative sourcing, Loco Love is a compelling option. But if your priority is strictly low sugar or low calorie, there are other formulations to consider. The trade-off for whole-food ingredients and ethical production is a premium price and a modest sugar content — for conscious consumers, this trade-off is worth making.