Zaandijk-Near Zaanse Schans Chocolate making demo & tasting

A Sweet Journey into Chocolate Making Near Zaanse Schans

The Zaandijk-Near Zaanse Schans Chocolate Making Demo & Tasting offers a delightful glimpse into the craft of chocolate creation within a charming artisanal atelier. Priced at €15, this 45-minute experience is hosted by KIn & co. chocolate, a small producer known for sourcing local cacao and emphasizing fair trade practices. Located just outside the popular Zaanse Schans area, this tour provides a hands-on look at the transformation of cacao beans into delicious chocolates, complemented by tasting opportunities.

While the price has increased from €15 to €25 in recent times, many still find the experience to be a worthwhile peek into the chocolate-making process, especially if they enjoy interactive demonstrations and tasting sessions. This tour suits those curious about how chocolates are made and interested in supporting smaller, ethically-minded producers.

Key Points

• Hands-on demonstration: Watch and participate in roasting, winnowing, grinding, and tempering cacao beans.
• Tasting included: Sample both intermediate products and finished chocolates, including unique truffles.
• Local cacao heritage: Learn about the importance of cacao for the Zaan region and its fair trade sourcing.
• Accessible experience: The process is semi-mechanized and easy to follow, suitable for most visitors.
• Flexible booking: Free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance and the option to reserve without immediate payment.
• Language options: Guides speak English, Dutch, Portuguese, and Spanish, ensuring clear communication for diverse visitors.

You can check availability for your dates here:

The Zaandijk Location and Meeting Point

The tour begins at a green-roofed atelier called Kin & co., conveniently marked with decals reading “Chocolade” and “from Bean to Bar”. The exact coordinates are 52.4713, 4.8095, making it easy to find near the Zaanse Schans area. The setting is intimate and welcoming, perfect for small groups or individual visitors eager to see the chocolate-making process up close.

Guests will find the atelier in a quiet spot, making the experience feel personal and relaxed. As the process is only semi-mechanized, visitors can expect to see, smell, touch, and taste the steps involved in transforming cacao into chocolate.

What You Can Expect from the Chocolate Making Demo

The core of this experience is a live demonstration of the entire chocolate-making process. It starts with roasting cacao beans, where visitors can determine the roasting level they prefer, offering an engaging, tactile part of the tour. Next, the winnowing machine is operated to separate shells from nibs, giving a clear view of the craftsmanship involved.

Following this, the grinding and tempering steps are performed in front of guests, illustrating how raw cacao becomes glossy, smooth chocolate. The semi-mechanized setup makes the process straightforward and accessible, allowing visitors to understand each stage without complications.

Throughout the demo, the guides share insights into the heritage of cacao in the Zaan area, emphasizing local sourcing from fair-minded suppliers that support local cacao growers. These details help visitors appreciate not just the taste but also the story behind the chocolates they sample.

Tasting the Intermediate and Finished Products

One of the highlights is the opportunity to taste chocolates at different stages of production. Guests sample intermediate products, such as roasted cacao, and move on to finished chocolates and bonbons, offering a comprehensive understanding of how flavors develop.

The tasting includes various chocolates, and at the end, visitors can try their hand at making a Dutch truffle, which adds a fun, interactive element. Many appreciate the chance to enjoy fresh, high-quality chocolates directly from the atelier, which are often made with ingredients like nuts, salt, and frambozenvlokken (raspberry flakes). The hot chocolate served at the end, made from melted chocolate, provides a comforting finish to the experience.

The Heritage of Cacao in the Zaan Region

An important aspect of this tour is the story of cacao in North Holland. The guides share how local cacao suppliers ensure fair prices for growers, resulting in higher quality and more flavorful chocolates. This focus on ethical sourcing highlights the dedication to sustainability and quality, setting this experience apart from larger commercial chocolate tours.

Visitors learn about the cacao heritage of the Zaan river, connecting the region’s industrial past with its current artisanal craft. This background gives added depth to the tasting, making it more meaningful for those interested in local stories and ethical production.

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The Atmosphere and Group Size

This experience is designed for small groups, which many reviews praise for personalized attention and the ability to ask questions. The small-scale setup creates a relaxed, friendly environment, where guides are enthusiastic and eager to share their passion.

The duration of 45 minutes allows enough time to witness multiple steps of chocolate making without feeling rushed. Visitors appreciate the informal, enthusiastic approach of the guides, many of whom speak multiple languages, including English, Dutch, Portuguese, and Spanish.

Who Would Enjoy This Tour Most?

This demo is ideal for chocolate lovers interested in the craft rather than just tasting. It also appeals to families, small groups, or individual travelers seeking a short, engaging activity near Zaanse Schans.

Those with an interest in ethical food production will value the emphasis on local cacao sourcing. However, it is important to note that the experience is relatively simple and suited for visitors of most ages and physical abilities, as it involves light participation rather than strenuous activity.

Booking, Cancellation, and Practical Details

Reservations can be made with the flexibility of paying later, and free cancellation is available up to 24 hours in advance. The tour is accessible in multiple languages, making it suitable for international visitors.

Participants are advised not to bring alcohol or drugs, and bare feet are not permitted for safety reasons. The meeting point is well-marked, and the small size of the atelier makes it easy to locate and join.

Final Thoughts on the Zaandijk Chocolate Demo

This 45-minute chocolate-making tour offers a personal, hands-on look at how cacao transforms into chocolate, with tastings at every stage. Many reviews praise the knowledgeable guides, the friendly atmosphere, and the quality of the chocolates produced.

While the price has increased, the experience remains a value for those eager to learn about chocolate craft and support a small-scale, ethical producer. It’s especially suitable for those staying near Zaanse Schans who want a short, engaging activity that combines education and tasting in a relaxed setting.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does the chocolate demo last?
The tour takes approximately 45 minutes.

What languages are guides available in?
Guides speak English, Dutch, Portuguese, and Spanish.

Where is the meeting point?
The meeting spot is at Kin & co., marked with “Chocolade” and “from Bean to Bar” decals, located at 52.4713, 4.8095.

Can I cancel my reservation?
Yes, you can cancel free of charge up to 24 hours before the tour.

Is this experience suitable for children?
Yes, it is suitable for most ages, especially those interested in chocolate.

What is included in the tasting?
Guests taste intermediate and final chocolates, and participate in making a Dutch truffle.

Do I need prior knowledge to enjoy this tour?
No, the process is explained clearly, and no prior experience is necessary.

Can I combine this tour with other activities?
Yes, it is easy to combine with a visit to Zaanse Schans or other nearby attractions.

Is there a minimum group size?
The experience is suitable for small groups, ensuring personalized attention.

What should I wear?
Comfortable clothing; no special attire required, but avoid bare feet.

This delightful, educational chocolate experience near Zaanse Schans makes for a perfect short break to see how chocolate is made, taste local high-quality products, and learn about cacao’s heritage in North Holland.

You can check availability for your dates here: More Great Tours Nearby