Frequently Asked Questions
About Our Herbal Chocolate
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Vital Duo creates luxury chocolate bars infused with Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) herbs and clinical-grade adaptogens.
Each bar is based on the Five Elements philosophy and targets specific wellness needs like focus, energy, digestion, immunity, and period relief.
Founded by Michael Ip, a registered TCM practitioner from Hong Kong, our chocolate transforms wellness into an indulgent ritual.
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Clinical-Grade Ingredients:
- FDA-registered, cGMP-standard adaptogens
- NSF Certified, third-party tested in the USA
- No fillers, heavy metals, or artificial ingredients
Traditional Chinese Medicine Foundation:
- Based on 2,000-year-old Five Elements philosophy
- Created by registered TCM practitioner
- Personalised to specific wellness needs
Ethical & Premium:
- Supports West African cocoa communities (Cocoa Horizons Program)
- Handcrafted in Bristol, UK under 5-Star hygiene standards
- SALSA & HACCP certified production
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Yes. When adaptogens are combined with cacao, the natural fats in chocolate help your body absorb these compounds more effectively than water-based supplements.
Our customers report noticeable improvements in focus, energy, sleep quality, digestion, and period relief.
Consistency is key - adaptogens work best when taken regularly over 2-4 weeks.
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The biggest difference is experience and absorption. Traditional supplements often taste bitter or chalky, making them feel like a chore to take daily.
Vital Duo transforms your wellness routine into an enjoyable ritual you'll actually look forward to. The natural fats in cacao help your body absorb adaptogens more effectively than water-based supplements, meaning better bioavailability of the active compounds.
Beyond absorption, there's the ritual aspect. Instead of swallowing capsules with water, you're savoring premium chocolate while supporting your wellness goals.
Each bar contains the same clinical-grade adaptogens you'd find in high-quality supplements, but delivered in a form that engages your senses and creates a mindful moment in your day.
You get therapeutic benefits without the medicinal feel, and consistency becomes easier when wellness tastes this good.
"Let food be thy medicine and medicine be thy food." — Hippocrates
Discover Your ElementsIngredients & Quality
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Adaptogens are natural substances that help the body adapt to stress and restore balance.
Used in Traditional Chinese Medicine and Ayurveda for centuries, these herbs and mushrooms work by regulating the body's stress response system.
Examples include Lion's Mane for focus, Cordyceps for energy, and Reishi for immunity.
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Each bar contains specific adaptogens for targeted wellness:
Water - Refreshing Ritual (Focus):
- Organic Lion's Mane mushroom
- Green Tea extract
- Panax Ginseng
- Ginkgo Biloba
- Astragalus Extract
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Yes. Our adaptogens are:
- FDA-registered
- cGMP-standard (current Good Manufacturing Practice)
- NSF Certified
- Third-party tested in the USA
- Free from fillers and heavy metals
Our production facility is:
- SALSA certified
- HACCP certified
- 5-Star hygiene rating (UK)
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No. Our chocolate tastes like premium dark chocolate with subtle flavor notes from the herbs.
The mushrooms and adaptogens are expertly blended so you enjoy rich, smooth chocolate - not earthy or medicinal flavors. Most customers are surprised by how delicious it is.
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Yes. All Vital Duo bars are:
- 100% plant-based and vegan
- Gluten-free
- Non-GMO
- No artificial sweeteners
- No preservatives
- No palm oil
- No essential oils
Always check individual product labels if you have specific allergies.
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Cacao: Ethically sourced from West African cocoa communities through the Cocoa Horizons Program, supporting sustainable farming and fair wages.
Adaptogens: Clinical-grade herbs from FDA-registered, cGMP-certified suppliers in the USA, third-party tested for purity and potency.
Production: Handcrafted in Bristol, UK at Treasure Chocolate Factory under strict quality standards.
"He that takes medicine and neglects diet wastes the skill of the physician." — Chinese Proverb
Discover Your ElementsHow to Use
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Need focus and mental clarity? → Water - Refreshing Ritual (Lion's Mane, Green Tea, Ginkgo)
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We recommend 1-2 squares (approximately 10-20g) per day for consistent wellness benefits.
Each bar contains therapeutic doses of adaptogens formulated by a registered TCM practitioner.
You can enjoy it as a morning ritual, afternoon pick-me-up, or evening wind-down depending on your chosen bar.
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Timing depends on your bar:
- Water (Focus): Morning or early afternoon for mental clarity throughout the day
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Timeline varies by person and wellness goal:
- Immediate (same day): Warmth, comfort, taste enjoyment
- Within 3-7 days: Energy shifts, improved focus, digestive ease
- Within 2-4 weeks: Consistent benefits, balanced mood, better sleep, period relief
Adaptogens work best with regular use. Think of it as a daily wellness ritual, not a quick fix.
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Vital Duo is designed to complement your wellness routine, not replace medical treatment or all supplements.
Our bars provide therapeutic doses of specific adaptogens for targeted benefits.
Consult your healthcare provider about your individual supplement needs.
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Cacao: Ethically sourced from West African cocoa communities through the Cocoa Horizons Program, supporting sustainable farming and fair wages.
Adaptogens: Clinical-grade herbs from FDA-registered, cGMP-certified suppliers in the USA, third-party tested for purity and potency.
Production: Handcrafted in Bristol, UK at Treasure Chocolate Factory under strict quality standards.
"To keep the body in good health is a duty... otherwise we shall not be able to keep our mind strong and clear." — Buddha
Discover Your ElementsSafety & Health
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Yes. Our chocolate is made with food-safe, clinical-grade ingredients under strict UK hygiene standards (SALSA & HACCP certified).
All adaptogens are FDA-registered and third-party tested. However, if you're pregnant, nursing, taking medications, or have health conditions, consult your healthcare provider before use.
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Adaptogens are generally well-tolerated. Some people may experience mild digestive adjustment in the first few days.
Start with 1-2 squares daily and increase gradually. If you experience any adverse reactions, discontinue use and consult your healthcare provider.
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We recommend consulting your healthcare provider before consuming adaptogen-infused products during pregnancy or breastfeeding.
Some herbs may not be suitable during these periods.
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Some adaptogens can interact with medications. If you take prescription medications, especially blood thinners, immunosuppressants, or diabetes medications, consult your healthcare provider before consuming Vital Duo.
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Our products are formulated for adults. We recommend consulting a paediatrician before giving adaptogen-infused chocolate to children under 18.
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Caffeine content varies by bar:
- Water - Refreshing Ritual: Contains Green Tea extract (mild caffeine, less than coffee)
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No. Unlike coffee, our adaptogens provide calm, sustained energy without the jittery spike and crash.
Lion's Mane and Cordyceps support balanced energy and focus. Customers report feeling alert yet relaxed.
"Chemically speaking, chocolate really is the world's perfect food." — Michael Levine
Discover Your ElementsOrdering & Delivery
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Online: vitalduo.co.uk
In-Person:
- Vital Duo Herbal & Acupuncture Clinic (Bristol, UK)
- Select cafes and wellness retailers in Bristol
Wholesale: Available for cafes, wellness centers, and retailers. Contact us for partnership opportunities
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UK Delivery:
- Average order fulfilment: 2 working days
- Standard shipping: 3-5 working days
- Express options available at checkout
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We stand behind our quality. If you're not satisfied with your purchase, contact us within 30 days for a refund or exchange. Your wellness matters to us.
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Currently, we ship within the UK. International shipping is coming soon. Join our mailing list to be notified when we expand.
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Yes. We offer monthly subscriptions and taking adaptogens daily can provide additional benefits.