Dopa Strawberry Milkshake
It all began in 2012 on a family holiday in Europe.
We were tucked into a cosy little café near Prague when we ordered a cup of hot chocolate that would unknowingly change everything. From the very first sip, we were completely gobsmacked. It wasn't just delicious, there was something magical about it.
Naturally, we began a full blown café crawl across Europe and later back home in Australia, determined to find something even close to what we'd tasted. We tried hundreds of drinking chocolates, from vending machines to luxury blends, but nothing compared. Not even close.
When we returned to Australia, we became obsessed with recreating that Prague hot chocolate in our own kitchen. There were plenty of interesting experiments along the way... but this wasn't just about flavour. We wanted to create something we felt proud to give our family - natural, organic, nutrient rich and free from refined sugar.
For a while, we were close to giving up. We didn't want to create a "health" drink that sacrificed indulgence. We wanted something sweet, decadent and comforting… a true hug in a mug.
And then one evening, after yet another round of taste testing, everyone shouted, "OMG, that's it, Mum!"
That was the beginning.
The recipe was refined over many years (what a tough job for two generations of kids!) Our youngest, Bailey and Eiley have grown up alongside this journey. At just 13, Bailey coined the name DOPA (our dopamine releasing drink) and even designed the original logo. Eiley brought her natural warmth and incredible customer service when we began sharing our chocolate with the community.
Today, we feel so grateful to be able to share our cup of love with you. We're proud to live in Australia, where we can source beautiful, high quality ingredients for our recipe.
For us, love and connection are created in the kitchen and we hope you feel that in every single sip. 🤎
USING DRY MIX: Add 2 heaped tbsp (regular strength) or 3 heaped tbsp (intense strength) of DOPA mix to 1 cup of hot milk and whisk well. For iced chocolate, use 1/3 cup of heated milk only, whisk in the DOPA mix and top up with cold milk & ice.
USING PASTE: To make the paste, add 1 cup of DOPA mix to 100ml of hot water and mix well. Use 4-5 tbsp (regular strength) or 6-7 tbsp (intense strength) of this paste in 1 cup of hot milk and mix well. Garnish your waffles, pancakes, sundaes & dip strawberries.
MOUSSE: Boil 1 cup of thickened cream or vegan alternative. Add 5-6 heaped tbsp of DOPA mix, whisk well and refrigerate for approx. 4 hours. Whip with an electric beater until fluffy. Do not over-beat. Perfect for cakes, cupcakes & sundaes.
GANACHE: Follow the MOUSSE recipe, allow to cool slightly and pour over your cakes or use as a dip.
Our certified organic, raw cacao is sourced from the Peruvian Amazon, where cacao has been cultivated for generations using sustainable agroforestry practices. Peruvian sustainable cacao farms are growing cacao under the forest canopy to preserve biodiversity. These practices protect ecosystems, support native wildlife and maintain soil health. Most of Peru’s cacao varieties are indigenous, contributing to exceptional genetic diversity and unique flavour profiles. Peru is renowned for producing fine or flavour cocoa beans. The Marañón Canyon region (where our cacao is grown), is home to the rediscovered Pure Nacional cacao, prized for its rare, non-bitter, fruity flavour.
Our raw Peruvian cacao is gently cold-pressed from unroasted beans, helping preserve its natural phytonutrients and antioxidant compounds. Cacao is naturally rich in polyphenols and flavonoids - plant compounds studied for their role in supporting cardiovascular health and reducing oxidative stress. It is also one of the richest wholefood sources of magnesium, and contains iron, potassium, calcium, copper, manganese, B vitamins, fibre and plant based protein. It provides significantly higher antioxidant activity than many common fruits, contributing to its reputation as a nutrient-dense superfood. Cacao also contains naturally occurring mood supportive compounds:
Theobromine: a gentle stimulant that promotes alertness and sustained energy
Anandamide: sometimes called the “bliss molecule,” associated with feelings of well-being
Phenylethylamine (PEA): linked to dopamine activity, pain relief and positive mood
Tyrosine: an amino acid involved in natural dopamine production
Our cacao features a bold yet refined profile characteristic of fine Criollo varieties. Expect delicate nutty and creamy notes, subtle natural sweetness and a smooth, vibrant finish with minimal bitterness. Its complexity enhances DOPA’s formula beautifully, adding depth without overpowering balance.
Our cocoa is sourced from the renowned Ulu Gali region of Malaysia - a land celebrated for exceptional cocoa craftsmanship since the 18th century. Cocoa is the heart of our hot chocolate, and we settled for nothing less than extraordinary. This beautifully crafted, award-winning, high-fat cocoa powder delivers deep earthy richness, creating a complex and indulgent flavor profile unlike any other. The secret lies beneath the surface. Ulu Gali’s limestone-rich soil naturally elevates soil pH levels, enhancing the cocoa’s depth and giving it its signature earthy character. Even more remarkable, cocoa pods in this region are naturally protected by specially cultivated black ants used as biological pest control - eliminating the need for synthetic pesticides and preserving the purity of the crop.
Cocoa grown in Ulu Gali’s limestone-rich, pesticide-free soil develops a naturally higher mineral content - particularly calcium and magnesium - compared to conventional cocoa sources. While raw cacao is often praised for its nutrient density, properly fermented and roasted (alkalized) cacao retains the majority of its beneficial compounds. In fact, this careful processing not only preserves nutrients but also enhances digestibility for many individuals. High-fat cocoa is essential not only for a richer taste but also for greater nutritional value. The natural cocoa butter it contains carries fat-soluble antioxidants and supports better absorption of key nutrients, while also providing lasting satiety and sustained energy. Scientific research further suggests that optimized fermentation and roasting protocols can enhance cocoa’s bioactive compounds, including polyphenols. These powerful antioxidants are associated with supporting metabolic health, helping reduce chronic inflammation, promoting gut barrier integrity, and contributing to healthy weight management.
Our high-fat-content, premium cocoa powder’s light, fluffy texture ensures a smooth, velvety mouthfeel, while its deep, rich color enhances the visual indulgence of every cup. It brings a warm, bittersweet, and beautifully rounded profile that lingers on the palate. This perfectly balances the slightly acidic, earthy, and cooler notes of raw cacao. The result is a harmonious blend crafted for a luxuriously balanced chocolate experience.
Our delicious, nutritious Rapadura sugar is sourced from the Uva Province of Sri Lanka, where traditional farming practices produce exceptional quality sugarcane. Rapadura sugar is a minimally processed, unrefined cane sugar. Fresh, organic sugarcane is pressed to extract its juice, which is then gently slow cooked and evaporated at low temperatures (below 40°C) to preserve its natural quality. Unlike refined sugar, the molasses is not removed, meaning the naturally occurring minerals, trace elements and subtle caramel notes remain intact. The thickened syrup is carefully dried, ground and sieved into a fine, golden powder with a deep, warm flavour and soft caramel finish. Farmers in Uva Province use organic, regenerative methods, returning cane leaves to the soil as nutrient-rich green manure instead of burning the fields. This practice protects soil health, supports biodiversity and honours the land for future generations.
The production of Rapadura in Sri Lanka remains deeply traditional, with knowledge from farmers passed down through generations. Production involves hand-cutting cane with a machete and boiling the juice in open vats. Supporting this ensures these traditional, non-centrifugal methods are not replaced by industrial, high-intensity processing that would destroy the health benefits, the flavour depth and the pure, vital energy of our Rapadura. Because Rapadura is never separated from its molasses, it retains naturally occurring minerals and trace elements including iron, potassium, calcium and magnesium, along with B vitamins and antioxidant plant compounds such as phenolics and flavonoids. Unlike highly refined white sugar which undergoes high-heat processing, molasses removal and bleaching, Rapadura remains a whole food sweetener in its most natural state making it safer for your & your children’s nervous system & overall health.
Rapadura has a naturally mild caramel-toffee flavour, thanks to its intact molasses content. It’s softer and more delicate than coconut sugar, with a fine texture and warm aromatic notes. This makes it the perfect sweetener for DOPA - enhancing flavour depth without overpowering the blend. Most importantly, it allows you and your family to enjoy a naturally sweetened beverage made with integrity, without compromise.
By sourcing Peruvian cacao, Malaysian cocoa, and Sri Lankan Rapadura sugar through ethical supply channels, we support small-scale farmers rather than large industrial supply chains that focus solely on profit. This helps preserve traditional farming knowledge, protect rainforest ecosystems and ensure fairer economic opportunities within rural communities. We are deeply intentional with every ingredient we select, prioritising ethical sourcing, environmental sustainability, nutritional integrity and cultural heritage. It’s something we’re truly so proud of.
The origins of Salt Harvesting in Celtic Lands can be traced back centuries, deeply embedded in the cultural traditions of coastal communities in Brittany and Portugal. These regions have long been renowned for their eco-friendly, artisanal techniques, carefully passed down through generations. The salt marshes or “oeillets” are meticulously maintained to preserve the delicate coastal ecosystem, reflecting a profound respect for nature.
While table salt is heavily processed and stripped of its natural minerals, sea salt of Celtic origin retains a wealth of essential nutrients, making it a healthier choice for those seeking to enhance their well-being. Benefits include:
Contains 82 minerals and trace elements, which makes it the most nutrient-dense salt on the planet.
Has much lower sodium content while delivering a bold flavour.
Trace minerals help balance electrolytes and promote hydration.
In our search for the perfect drinking chocolate, we tasted hundreds of blends, looking for that ideal balance and depth of flavour. One thing quickly became clear… without a touch of salt, chocolate can taste flat and overly sweet. Salt is an essential part of any great sweet recipe. It enhances, balances and rounds out flavour, bringing the richness of our chocolate mix to life. Refined table salt has always been a firm NO in our house, so naturally, we chose the best of the best!
We use a blend of two cinnamon varieties: Ceylon and Cassia, which are both traditionally grown in Asia. Our natural flavouring is custom-crafted locally in Victoria, Australia, under exceptional health and quality standards. Together, these elements bring softness and warmth to the DOPA chocolate blend, creating delicate undertones that elevate the drinking experience… comforting, aromatic and just a little bit exotic.
Dopa Strawberry Milkshake
Dopa Banana Milkshake
Dopa Ganache