Discover the benefits of cacao at Whitby’s first Hot Chocolate Festival
When Pam first contacted The Dispensary health shop in Whitby about being part of the town’s first-ever Hot Chocolate Festival, we were delighted at the opportunity to both support the defibrillator project and to share something close to our hearts: the health benefits of cacao. It felt like the perfect chance to offer information, tastings, discussion, and be part of a wider event, which will be offering a range of related therapies.
Meet Liz Cooper– Bringing Experience and Insight
Representing The Dispensary at the festival is Liz, a registered nutritional therapist since 2010. Liz also works as a breathwork and meditation practitioner, a forest bathing guide, and an accredited health coach. Over the years, she has supported hundreds of clients on their journeys back to health through a holistic approach that considers body, mind, and spirit.
Her career includes work as a technical, education and sales advisor for one of the UK’s leading probiotic manufacturers, contributions to health media, and more recently, her role as Senior Scientific Advisor at Whitby-based Nature’s Laboratory, a local company which researches, develops and manufactures natural health products.
Liz is looking forward to bringing her knowledge and enthusiasm to the festival on behalf of The Dispensary, which is part of Common Cause, a not-for-profit community health project supported by Nature’s Laboratory.
Cacao – More Than Just Chocolate
At the festival, Liz will be introducing visitors to Full Power Cacao—a 100% ceremonial grade cacao from family farmers in Venezuela, recently featured on BBC’s Dragon’s Den. Soon to be available at The Dispensary, this cacao is carefully grown, harvested and prepared to preserve its natural compounds and benefits.
Research into cacao suggests it can support health and wellbeing in a number of ways:
- Heart and circulation – rich in flavonoids that may help blood flow and cardiovascular health.
- Mood and focus – naturally containing compounds that support relaxation, clarity and positive mood.
- Sustained energy – theobromine provides a gentler, longer-lasting lift than caffeine.
- Gut and skin health – fibre and antioxidants support digestion and can contribute to healthy skin.
Full Power Cacao is also valued in traditional settings for its role in ceremony, connection, and wellbeing, offering more than just a nutritional boost.
Join Us at the Festival
We’re excited to be part of Whitby’s first Chocolate Festival, to support the defibrillator project and to share both the science and tradition behind cacao. Come along to hear Liz talk about the many benefits of this remarkable plant, and enjoy tasting Full Power Cacao for yourself. We are excited that we will also be stocking Full Power Cacao at The Dispensary!
We’d like to also say a big thank you to Pam for organising this first ever Whitby Chocolate Festival, we know what a huge amount of work she is putting into this, for a cause close to her heart, and we hope you come and enjoy as many events as possible!
