Welcome to Bariwise® Hot Chocolate, Protein Hot Chocolate, your source for delicious low-calorie hot chocolate mixes! Our founder, Barbara Johnson, started whipping up healthy hot chocolate recipes in her kitchen after struggling to find satisfying lower-calorie options on the market. What began as a quest for a tasty treat that wouldn’t break the calorie bank has now become a full-fledged business on a mission to share indulgent, protein-packed hot chocolate with health-conscious chocolate lovers everywhere.
Our Story
The Bariwise story begins with a bonafide chocoholic on a weight loss journey. Barbara has always adored chocolate. Throughout her life, hot cocoa was her go-to treat whenever she needed a pick me up. But when Barbara committed to improving her health and losing weight a few years ago, she knew she’d have to cut back on her sweet tooth if she wanted to reach her goals.
Giving up her daily hot chocolate routine was tough. Barbara tried replacing it with green tea, coffee, and other beverages, but nothing quite satisfied her craving for rich, chocolatey flavor. She experimented with store-bought “diet” cocoa mixes, but their artificial taste and thin textures left much to be desired. Barbara knew there had to be a way to recreate the decadent chocolate experience she loved in a healthier, more balanced way.
After months of testing recipes and tweaking ingredient proportions in her home kitchen, Barbara finally landed on a hot chocolate formula she was excited to share. Her delicious yet dietitian-approved mix packed a chocolate punch while also incorporating protein to help keep you full and satisfied. It had half the calories and sugar of traditional powdered cocoa mixes but all the creamy, chocolatey indulgence Barbara was craving.
Once she realized she’d crafted the perfect lighter hot chocolate, Barbara knew she couldn’t keep the recipe all to herself. She began small, selling mix packets at her local farmer’s market and through an Etsy store. The community response was immediately positive. Chocolate fans raved that they finally found a delicious, guilt-free way to get their hot cocoa fix!
Spurred by the enthusiasm for her product, Barbara decided to officially launch Bariwise® in 2019. The name captures the brand’s goal of creating “weight-wise” chocolate products that help health-conscious people achieve balance in their sweet treat consumption. We’re proud to carry on that mission today as we expand distribution of our hot chocolate nationwide.
Our Product
The star of the Bariwise lineup is our signature High Protein Hot Chocolate mix. This luscious cocoa blend packs a powerful protein punch with 15g of protein per serving. It also includes 50% less sugar than traditional powdered cocoa mixes. We use an exclusive blend of high-quality cocoa powders to create an incredibly rich, chocolatey flavor that outshines other “light” cocoa products.
Bariwise® High Protein Hot Chocolate has a smooth, creamy texture thanks to our unique recipe and high protein content. You’d never guess this decadent-tasting cocoa only has 130 calories per serving! We use natural sweeteners alongside premium cocoa to reduce added sugars without compromising on chocolate flavor. Our proprietary formula ensures you get delicious chocolate indulgence and hunger-curbing protein in one comforting, satisfying cup.
In addition to our traditional Chocolate flavor, we also offer seasonal limited-edition protein cocoa blends like Peppermint Bark and Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough. Our product line has expanded beyond hot chocolate to include indulgent treats like Chocolate Covered Protein Bars and High Protein Chocolate Syrup so you can get the Bariwise boost in all your favorite chocolatey foods and drinks year-round!
No matter which of our products you choose, you can count on Bariwise for chocolate with benefits. Our commitment to creating healthier chocolate treats sets us apart from other brands. We use only high-quality, natural ingredients so you get optimum nutrition and indulgence in one flavorful cup.
Our Ingredients
Bariwise® believes chocolate can be a wholesome treat when thoughtfully sourced and prepared. That’s why we select only premium ingredients to craft our protein-powered cocoa. Here’s a look at what goes into our hot chocolate:
- Cocoa powder – The foundation for rich chocolate flavor. We use a proprietary blend of Fair Trade cocoa powders sourced from around the world.
- Whey protein – Provides a smooth, creamy texture and 15g of hunger-satisfying protein per serving. Our whey comes from grass-fed cows, is rBST-free, and non-GMO.
- Monk fruit extract – A natural, low-calorie sweetener that balances the cocoa’s inherent bitterness. We sweeten with a touch of organic cane sugar as well.
- Milk powder – Adds a dairy richness reminiscent of traditional full-fat cocoa. We use nonfat milk powder to keep calories in check.
- Pinch of sea salt – Highlights and enhances the complex chocolate taste.
- Natural flavors – Complementary flavors like vanilla and cinnamon for delicious variety.
That’s it – just simple, high-quality ingredients coming together to create a rich, protein-packed chocolate experience! We aim for purity in our products by avoiding unnecessary additives and artificial flavors. The exceptional cocoa and whey we source ensure Bariwise hot chocolate delivers on nutrition and indulgence without any filler.
Our Process
Producing high protein chocolate requires precision and care at every step. Here is how we craft our signature mix:
- Sourcing – We work directly with farmers and cooperatives to obtain premium Fair Trade cocoa beans. Our whey protein also comes from responsible American dairy farms.
- Roasting – The cocoa beans are roasted in small batches to bring out rich chocolate flavor. Roasting caramelizes the natural sugars in the beans for irresistible chocolate taste.
- Cracking & Winnowing – The outer shell of the beans is removed to extract the flavorful cocoa nibs inside. This prepares the cocoa for grinding into powder.
- Grinding – Cocoa nibs are ground into a lush, smooth cocoa powder. Different size grinds give our blend complexity.
- Blending – Our proprietary recipe perfectly balances the cocoa powder, whey protein, and complementary ingredients.
- Mixing – We mix small batches by hand to ensure consistency and quality control. No fillers dilute our nutritious, indulgent formula.
- Packaging – The final hot chocolate mix is packaged in our signature bags. Then it’s ready to ship and delight chocolate fans nationwide!
From the source beans to finished product, we pay attention to detail every step of the way. We take pride in crafting a premium protein cocoa mix by hand in southern California. Though we’ve grown over the years, we remain committed to small-batch production and exceptional quality.
Our Team
Bariwise® was founded by chocoholic Barbara Johnson, but it takes a team of chocolate obsessives to produce our signature blends. Our staff includes food scientists, dietitians, and of course, professional chocolate tasters! We also employ local chefs and bakers to continuously dream up new cocoa creations for customers to enjoy.
Here are a few of the key players that make Bariwise possible:
- Barbara Johnson, Founder and President – The entrepreneurial chocoholic who turned her quest for healthier hot chocolate into a booming business! Barbara oversees daily operations and taste-tests every new product.
- Diane Wilson, Head Chocolatier – Our in-house chocolate expert who concocts new cocoa blends and ensures consistent quality. Diane has a refined palate that can detect the subtlest flavor notes.
- Mark Davis, Director of Sourcing – Mark travels the world sourcing the highest quality cocoa beans and other ingredients for our products. He cultivates relationships with ethical suppliers.
- Sarah Park, Dietitian – Sarah formulates our recipes to create the perfect balance of nutrition and indulgence. She helps us live up to our “weight wise” name!
- Diego Lewis, Executive Chef – Diego and his team of chefs invent delicious chocolate recipes for our evolving product line. They also craft creative ways to cook with Bariwise.
Our crew of chocolate fanatics all contribute unique expertise to provide customers with premium protein-powered cocoa products. We couldn’t do what we do without our amazing, passionate team!
Our Customers
Bariwise aims to satisfy any chocolate lover seeking a more balanced indulgence. Our diverse customer base includes:
- Health & fitness enthusiasts – Gym-goers, athletes, and other active individuals enjoy fueling their active lifestyles with our protein-packed chocolate treats. Bariwise gives them a nutritious way to replenish post-workout that doesn’t sabotage their fitness goals.
- Wellness seekers – Customers looking to manage their weight, blood sugar, or other health metrics count on Bariwise to help them stick to nutritional plans while still enjoying chocolate’s delicious decadence.
- Parents & kids – Bariwise makes an ideal afternoon snack to satisfy sugar cravings for children and parents alike. Kids love the yummy taste while parents feel good about the additional protein.
- Working professionals – Those with hectic work schedules rely on Bariwise as a quick, protein-infused pick-me-up to power through busy days. It beats that mid-afternoon trip to the vending machine!
- Anyone with a sweet tooth – Chocoholics rejoice over Bariwise because we offer all the chocolate indulgence they crave with less guilt and fewer calories. Our products satisfy sweet cravings in a healthier way.
We get rave reviews from chocoholics of all ages and lifestyles who love treating themselves to Bariwise. Our delicious spins on classic cocoa provide feel-good chocolate with benefits.
Our Values
At Bariwise, creating balanced chocolate treats with care is our passion. We live out that passion through our core values:
- Quality – We source exceptional ingredients and craft our chocolate with meticulous care because quality equals flavor. Test batches ensure we uphold our premium standards.
- Integrity – Ethical, responsible business practices and transparency underlie everything we do, from our supply chain to our marketing claims. We believe in keeping it honest.
- Balance – Our products deliver balanced nutrition to help chocolate lovers enjoy treats in moderation. We promote balance in our own operations as well.
- Community – Engaging with our customers and giving back matter to us. We aim for our chocolate to bring joy to everyday moments.
- Innovation – Daring to rethink chocolate fuels our product development. We continuously seek creative ways to elevate cocoa with better-for-you ingredients.
Bariwise celebrates chocolate’s natural goodness by staying true to these core values. We take pride in crafting high protein chocolate that helps our customers achieve balance in their sweet treats.
Giving Back
At Bariwise, we care about revitalizing communities as much as we care about crafting healthy chocolate. That’s why a portion of profits goes to support worthy causes through our Give Back program.
We currently donate to charities such as:
- Girls Empowerment Nonprofits – Organizations providing educational and leadership opportunities for young women.
- Sustainable Agriculture Groups – Associations educating farmers on eco-friendly practices that protect the planet.
- Food Banks – We help provide nutritious foods, including our protein bars, to families in need.
Bariwise also supports fair wages for cocoa farmers and partners with agricultural schools abroad to share sustainable farming knowledge. We aim to uplift everyone who helps bring our chocolate from bean to bar.
Giving back nourishes the spirit as much as our chocolate nourishes the body and soul. We intend to keep expanding our social impact initiatives as Bariwise grows. Our community matters, and so does empowering future generations – we can’t imagine a sweeter legacy!
Join Our Community
We love connecting with fellow chocolate lovers! Join the Bariwise community for recipes, product updates, special discounts and more:
- Follow us on Instagram – See gorgeous shots of our products and get inspired to create chocolatey meals and treats! We also share customer testimonials.
- Subscribe to our newsletter – Get the inside scoop on new product launches, events, sales and other happenings. Chocolate giveaways anyone?
- Leave a review – Your honest feedback helps improve our brand and lets others know what to expect. We appreciate you taking the time!
- Share a recipe – Show us creative ways you enjoy Bariwise products, from smoothies to desserts. We might just feature your recipe on our website or social media!
We can’t wait to hear from you on social media or through our contact page. Thanks for loving chocolate as much as we do!
