Emily Nichols, an entrepreneur and founder who enrolled in the Master of Business Creation program at the University of Utah, is on a mission to transform how Americans experience chocolate. Her company, Deep Dark Drinking Chocolate, brings the indulgent richness of European style drinking chocolate to a market more familiar with traditional hot cocoa.
Nichols’ love for chocolate began during her childhood on a family sabbatical to Switzerland. “I discovered that not all chocolate is created equal,” she said. That formative experience inspired her to develop a product that combines her passion for high-quality chocolate with a commitment to creating joy and connection.
Observing that the U.S. market for drinking chocolate was either too like hot cocoa or exclusively for niche chocolate connoisseurs, Nichols created a unique recipe. “I started experimenting with my own recipes and realized the drinking chocolate I dreamed of didn’t exist in the U.S., so I decided to make it myself,” she said. “I wanted it to appeal to casual chocolate lovers while satisfying the serious enthusiasts.”
Unlike hot cocoa, which is often made from cocoa powder and sugar, Nichols’ drinking chocolate features premium dark chocolate as its main ingredient. “It’s a thick, velvety brew, like what you’d find in Italian cafes or with churros in Spain,” she said.
For Nichols, Deep Dark Drinking Chocolate is more than a product — it’s a way to create connections. “It’s amazing to hear customers share memories my product brings back,” she said. “One person said it reminded them of their childhood in Bolivia. It’s those moments that make this worthwhile.”
Beyond creating joy, Nichols is dedicated to making a positive impact. For every bag sold, her company supports a charity in Ghana that provides food and education for at-risk children.
More articles like this in ‘Student Innovation @ the U!’
Find this article and a lot more in the 2026 “Student Innovation @ the U” report. The publication is presented by the Lassonde Entrepreneur Institute to celebrate student innovators, change-makers, and entrepreneurs.
