Karmic Kocoa offers innovative approach to flavours at chocolate shop in the Beach

By MAI HA

A new chocolate shop has arrived in the Beach, offering a unique blend of Indian and global flavours.

Karmic Kocoa is located at 2375 Queen St. E., and was founded by Jag Saran.

Specializing in handcrafted chocolates infused with “bold and adventurous flavours,” Karmic Kocoa offers chai masala, mango and cayenne, passionfruit and turmeric, and even the viral Dubai chocolate bar. Saran said her shop’s chocolates push the boundaries of traditional flavours, while paying homage to her cultural roots.

Before opening Karmic Kocoa, Saran refined her chocolate-making skills at the Chocolate Academy in Montreal. Her journey into the chocolate business, however, started long before that.

Saran first ventured into chocolate making in mid-2023, after being laid off from a corporate job the previous year. Inspired by a friend’s suggestion to explore her next steps, she experimented with flavours, beginning with chili chocolate, then chai masala, which set her on the path to developing her signature flavours.

Initially, Saran planned to work from home but changed course after learning that a chocolate shop in the Beach had recently closed.

“I had come by to look at some equipment as my thinking was I would continue working from home but just having the right equipment would allow me to work a little faster,” said Saran.

Instead, she found herself captivated by the space which is just west of Beech Avenue.

“It’s very rare that you’re handed a ready-move-in retail space,” said Saran

Karmic Kocoa officially opened on Dec. 14, 2024, but the launch was not without challenges. The postal strike late last year had caused some of her equipment and packaging supplies to be delayed at the U.S. border.

“There was a moment of paralysis where I wasn’t going to do anything. I just thought December’s a wash,” said Saran.

However, thanks to some advice from a friend, Saran decided to get into motion the equipment and packaging challenges. “He said, ‘I have a plan, you’re going to make truffles, you’re going to dip things in chocolate and you’re opening your doors,’” said Saran of her friend’s advice.

The grand opening turned into a community effort, with friends and family rearranging their schedules and stepping in to help.

“I think that was the bigger lesson of knowing when to ask for help,” said Saran.

She said what sets Karmic Kocoa apart from other chocolate shops, is its innovative approach to flavour.

“People are willing to take the leap with me on the taste profile. And I have to say, I’ve been getting a lot of repeat customers, and a lot of positive feedback,” said Saran.

Her flavour offerings include a blend of bold and traditional profiles. Some of her most unique creations include saffron, chai masala, mango cayenne, passion fruit turmeric, and rose salted caramel cardamom.

For those with a more classic taste, traditional opinions are available, such as coffee, salted caramel, Bowmore (whiskey), and passion fruit Grand Marnier. Saran said flavours are available in both milk and dark chocolate, catering to different palates.

Her fruit infused chocolates, such as mango and cayenne or passionfruit and tumeric receive the most surprises from customers. “A lot of people have this hard rule, fruit doesn’t belong in chocolate,” said Saran. But after trying the pairing, many have changed their minds about fruit and chocolate, she said

Saran also makes her own Dubai chocolate, with an Indian twist of shredded filo pastry with cashew butter, cardamom and raisins.

Karmic Kocoa is still in its early months, but Saran is optimistic about the shop’s future.

“It’s a small shop, it’s a small offering to start. I’m just going to see what the future brings,” she said..

For now, the shop continues to operate under the previous storefront name, Chocolates by Wickerhead, with rebranding to Karmic Kocoa on its way.

For more information on Karmic Kocoa or to place an order, please call 647-354-6425 or contact info@karmickocoa.ca