Category: Blog

All 2021 Dark Matters brownies have been delivered! Here’s an end of year message from Brownie Queen, Gemma. I guess it’s a bit like our version of the Queen’s speech, but with more vegan brownies and more swearing…

All orders have shipped!

All orders are on their merry ol’ way and *should* be delivered by now. I just slept for 12 solid hours. Check your email for tracking. If you want to stash goodies away for Christmas POP THEM IN’T FRIDGE M8.

Thank you thank you thank you

Thank you so much everyone who ordered online or popped to our event stall. And thank you if you’ve just been your sexy supportive selves over the last 12 months. It’s honestly been some of the hardest times in my decade+ of attempting to be a business owner. Mainly cos when things got tough before it would be ? bye Felicia! ? But despite the rollercoaster of chaos we’re still here, and busier (and more stubborn/determined) than ever.

I’ve never been a ‘New Year Fresh Start’ type of person – pessimism FTW. 2022 has the potential to be another sack of sh*t. BUT we’re heading into our ninth year and I got some big planz on the horizon. So if you still want what we do, in the fun/slightly unhinged fashion we do it in, then we’ll still be here to push it ?

I swear this was meant to sound positive, but cutesy end of year messages make me want to barf ??

I’m off now for.a bit. I need to re-learn how to be a human and not a brownie android that’s only programmed to say “I’M STRESSED” / “I’M TIRED” in 30 second intervals.

Srsly though, I’ve seen so many amazingly talented friends’ businesses fold in the last two years. So the fact I still have a business to be stressed and tired from is amazing.

So, yeah. I LOVE YOU. THANK U AGAIN. YOU’RE THE ACTUAL BEST. IF ANYONE TELLS U DIFFERENT SEND THEM MY WAY AND I’LL BOFF ‘EM OUT

Merry end of December time ??

Gem xxx

Last chance for Christmas delivery

Don’t hang about with your Christmas shopping mind – we only have a handful of boxes left, and our last dispatch day is MONDAY 20th. Get those orders in before we sell out!

Festive Baker’s Choice

It’s your last chance to nab our limited edition Festive Brownies – only made once a year…

• ‘Everything’ Brownie (Pretzel, Triple Choc & Christmas Cookie)
• Spiced Orange Whisky
• Bah Humbug! Mint Choc Chip
• Strawberry Champagne (Gluten Free recipe)
• Hazelnut Praline (GF)
• Chai Latte (GF)

Click here to get your order in and get ’em before they’re gone!

Gift Vouchers

Last minute Christmas shopping? Get a Dark Matters gift voucher emailed to you within 24 hours of your order – ready for you to print and pop in a card or forward electronically.

The easiest gifts are ones they’ve picked themselves. Order your Dark Matters gift voucher HERE, and let them decide!

Classic Baker’s Choice

Can’t decide? We’ll do it! Choose our Classic Baker’s Choice vegan brownie box to receive one of each of the following (two if you choose a box of 12):

• Salty Dog: Salted Caramel Swirl
• The Purist: Double Choc Cacao
• Captain Chunk: Triple Choc Chunk
• The Prince: Raspberry Double Choc
• New Yorker: Peanut Butter Swirl
• Portland: Coffee, Caramel & Pecan

Order your Classic Baker’s Choice vegan brownie box HERE

? THANK YOU! ?

Just wanted to take a sec to say THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU! to everyone who has shown support, placed orders (and repeat orders ?), said Hi at markets, been friendly on social media or just generally been ace in our proximity during another thoroughly chaotic year. 

To us small biz guys support isn’t just nice, it’s the difference between surviving another year or not, and we appreciate every single one of you. There is no Dark Matters without you. So as we head into our ninth year (wait…NINTH YEAR?!? ?) we want to say MASSIVE BIG THANK YOU for shopping small, keepin’ it local, shopping indie, and genuinely making a difference with how you choose to splash your hard earned cash.

LOVE YA – G x

Weston-Super-Mare

Eat:Festivals’ next event in Weston-super-Mare will be our last event of the year. Sunday 12th December 2021, Gemma will be wrapping up warm in Weston and topping the year off with one final market. 

Rounding off a chaotic but brilliantly busy year, Gemma will be setting up shop at eat:Weston from 10am-4pm. So come along to eat:Weston for one final chance to grab some festive goodies from Gemma in person.

If you’re looking to reserve boxes or order gift wrapped goodies, just give us a shout beforehand and she’ll do her best to sort you out.

As is the case for most small businesses and market traders this time of year, Gemma’s rushed off her little feet. But she’s a grafter, and will no doubt still be smiling. Go and give her a socially distanced hug, whatever that is.

In return, Gemma will have all sorts of gorgeous vegan brownie treats for you, whether you’re Christmas shopping or just treating yourself. Check out our online shop to get an idea of what’s in store.

Don’t forget, all of our brownies are totally freezer friendly. That means you can buy them now, pop them in the freezer, then defrost them under the Christmas tree in time for Christmas Day. No more last minute Christmas shopping chaos.

Online Christmas orders

For the rest of the month, Gemma will be knuckling down in the kitchen, baking herself silly.

If you’re thinking of ordering some vegan brownies online for some lucky, lucky people, don’t leave it too late. Every order is baked fresh as the orders come in, and the Christmas baking schedule is filling up fast. You can order now to avoid missing out. 

If you would like your order delivered during Christmas week please write ‘PRE-CHRISTMAS’ in the comments box at the checkout and we’ll get that sorted for you.

The festive season is well and truly upon us. Next weekend you will find us at not one but TWO christmas markets. Saturday 4th December 2021 is eat:Nailsea. Then Sunday 5th December we’re back at the Frome Independent.

It’s going to be a busy weekend. I was going to write something cute and Christmassy about Father Christmas’ elves helping out, allowing Dark Matters to spread so much Christmas cheer. But really it’s basically Gemma pulling out all the stops to get those delightfully fudgy brownies out and about at as many events as possible.

If you’re visiting us at a market any time soon, don’t forget that all of our brownies are totally freezer friendly. You can pick up a present now, defrost in time for Christmas Day.

As always, if you bring your own box or bag, we’ll knock 50p off your order total. Just a little thanks for being such devoted eco warriors.

So, Nailsea: come and find us at eat Festivals’ event, eat:Nailsea, and we’ll get you loaded up with delicious vegan brownies. The event runs in the town centre from 10am until 4pm.

Then on Sunday 5th December, we’ll be in our usual spot for the Frome Independent Market, from 10am to 3pm. This is the last chance to visit the Frome Independent before Christmas, and the perfect opportunity to do a bit of Christmas shopping!

Can’t make it to these events? No worries. You can order your vegan brownie gifts and treats from our online shop any day, any time. 

Taunton: come get some! Eat Festivals is heading to Taunton, and we’re going with them! Saturday 27th November 2021 you’ll find the Dark Matters stall right there in the thick of it, with vegan brownies piled high.

The market takes place on Hammet Street and at St Mary Magdalene Church, and we’ll be there bringing your vegan chocolate brownie fix.

This market kicks off at 10am, and we’ll be loading up the stall with all your fave fudgy brownies. Eat:Taunton officially ends at 4pm, and we’ll be there until then, or until we sell out – whichever comes first.

Gemma bakes and bakes and bakes in preparation, and stacks up as many brownies as possible for every market. However, chocolate brownies are apparently pretty popular (who knew?!) so they do tend to sell out pretty quickly. So make sure you get down early to avoid missing out!

Eco conscious, sustainable brownies

When buying Dark Matters vegan brownies at a market, you can save money AND help save the planet all in one go! Bring your own bag or box (bonus points for random brownie containers) and we’ll knock 50p off your total. 

Even when ordering your brownies online, we’re committed to being as eco friendly as possible. That’s why we use absolutely zero palm oil in everything we do, and there’s no plastic in any of our packaging either.

What makes our brownies so irresistible?

Aww, thanks for asking. We bake our Dark Matters brownies using organic, fair trade, 70% dark chocolate. That’s what makes them so rich and indulgent.

Why use chocolate instead of cocoa powder when making brownies? Read this blog post to find out why dark chocolate is our magic ingredient. 

So make sure you stop by for a bit of chocolate chat if you’re in Taunton for the market and bag yourself a brownie or two.

Shop online

If you’re not around, you can still get your brownie fix by ordering online whenever the mood takes you. You can order our vegan brownies online any day or night and we’ll deliver them straight to your door!

It’s almost time for Newbury Vegan Market 2021! After a couple of years break (we can’t think why… screw you, covid) they’re back and putting on regular markets once more!

The market is happening at Market Place, Newbury on Sunday 21st November, with all things vegan kicking off at 10am. We’ll be bashing out the brownies until 3pm, unless we sell out sooner. This is a real possibility, so make sure you arrive early to avoid missing out!

As well as our banging vegan brownies, there will be other sweet treats, street food, ethical clothing brands, cosmetics, arts and crafts, plus charities and looooads more.

We’re excited to be trading alongside some of the very best vegan companies around. Including (but definitely not limited to):

Mr Nice Pie
Jack Bakes
VQ Country Wines
No Frickin Chicken
Soy Ahoy

Have you got any of your favourite flavours you’d like to see us selling on the day? Get in touch! We’ll have all the usual favourites on offer, but are always open to requests.

Here’s a little selection of flavours which we’ll likely be bringing along…

Brookie: Brownie/Cookie Hybrid
Lady Marmalade: Chocolate Orange
After Dark: Mint Choc Chip
Captain Chunk: Mylk Choc Chunk
Salty Dog: Salted Caramel Swirl
The Prince: Raspberry Double Choc

We’ll also have a stash of merch for you to get your hands on! You can bag a Dark Matters organic cotton tote, plus a range of patches and stickers. So you’ll be able to represent your fave alt vegan brownie company wherever you go!

If you fancy bringing a bag or box to take your brownies away in, we’ll happily knock 50p off your total, for being such a great, eco-conscious, brownie lover.

Buy online

All of these (and a butt load more) are available to buy online whenever the mood takes you. Visit our online store to place your order for vegan brownie delivery.

Christmas is coming! Have you started thinking about what vegan Christmas presents you can buy for your friends and family? Maybe you’re making a hamper or are looking for plant based presents for a Christmas Eve box. Whatever it is, we’ve got you covered with our luxury vegan brownies and other chocolatey gifts.

Brownies

Chocolate brownies are the perfect addition to any Christmas hamper – whether they’re vegan or not!

All of our brownies are made using 70% organic fair trade chocolate, giving them a luxuriously indulgent flavour that everyone will love. We’ve got gluten free options (baked using Doves Farm Organic Gluten Free Flour) so even more people can enjoy these fudgy treats!

We’ve got so many flavours to choose from. Want something fruity? We’ve got it. Looking for something nutty? It’s here! We’ve got traditional flavours, and also something a bit different. Here’s a little selection of our current faves:

Captain Chunk: Mylk Choc Chunk Brownie
Brookie: S’mores or Winter Fire
The Prince: Raspberry Double Choc
Meteors**t: Blueberry Cheesecake Brownie
Oh Canada!: Maple, Hazelnut & Pecan

Truffle Balls

Pimp out a vegan gift box with our vegan chocolate truffle balls – available in Salted Caramel and Raspberry. We make each flavour using our vegan chocolate brownies, then swirling in even more flavour, and coating them with perfectly tempered chocolate for a crisp outer shell.

Baker’s Choice

If you’re still not sure what vegan Christmas gifts to settle on, we know just what to do. Buy your vegan pals a Baker’s Choice gift box. Leave the decision to us, and we’ll pick our current best sellers, box them up and send them out to your friends and family. 

Get In Touch

Any questions or comments? Or would you just like to chat choc? Get in touch with us! We love to hear from you. You can find our contact information here, or just drop us a comment on the blog, or any of our social media accounts. Facebook, Instagram & Twitter.

Next stop on the magical vegan brownie tour of the world (mainly UK tbf, but you’ve got to start somewhere) is LEEDS.

We’ve held off long enough. We’ve managed to avoid the C word for long enough. Don’t get me wrong, we love getting all festive, but there’s really no need to start banging on about it in September, is there? Anyway, it’s November now, so we’re just going to come out and say it: it’s nearly Christmas!

So we’re bringing pure chocolatey, brownie indulgence to the Great Yorkshire Vegan Christmas Market in Leeds on Sunday 14th November 2021.

The whole shebang takes place outdoors in Leeds Kirkgate Market right in the heart of Leeds City Centre.

We’ll start brownie flinging at 10.30am and will just keep on going until 4.30pm or whenever they sell out – whichever comes first!

There will be loads of other traders at the market – more than 80 other stalls selling tonnes of vegan treats. There will, of course, be Dark Matters brownies, as well as lots of other cakes and chocolate, hot takeaway food, make up, clothing, pet treats and cheese.  Think that about covers all of the essentials, doesn’t it?

It’s a fiver to get in, but all proceeds are going to animal welfare charities! And you can save 50p from us by bringing our own box or bag. We’ll knock 50p off your total if you bring a bag or box to take your brownies away in!

Vegan brownie flavours

We’re going to have all of your favourite flavours piled high. Here are just a few flavours to whet your appetite:

Salty Dog: Salted Caramel Swirl
Brookie
New Yorker: Peanut Butter
The Prince: Raspberry Double Choc
The Purist: Double Choc Cacao
Portland: Coffee, Caramel & Pecan
Pumpkin King: Spiced Pumpkin Swirl

All of these totally gorge brownies (and loads more) are available to buy online on our website. You can order our banging vegan brownies for delivery throughout the UK.

I’ve got good news. Those vegan brownies you like are going to come back in style. We’re launching November’s Twin Peaks Limited Edition Box.

Food is interesting, so I’ve written you a blog post about our limited edition Twin Peaks vegan brownie box. We write things down sometimes – letters, words – hoping they will serve us and those with whom we wish to communicate.

I have no idea where this blog post will lead us. But I have a definite feeling it will be a place both wonderful and strange.

Every day, once a day, give yourself a present. Don’t plan it, don’t wait for it, just let it happen. It could be a new shirt at the men’s store, a catnap in your office chair or a big box of vegan brownies.

Diane! I’m holding in my hand a box of chocolate brownies. Am I being too secretive? Fire walk with me and take a peek behind the curtain to find out what’s inside…

BOX INCLUDES: [With reference points for the uninitiated… Don’t worry, the box is designed to be delicious first and dorky second, so everyone will enjoy it!?]

2x Brownies:
? ‘Leo’s Birthday Cake‘
Funfetti Birthday Cake Blondie Swirled with our classic Double Chocolate Brownie [*Kazoo sounds intensify*]
☕ ? ‘Coffee & Donuts’
Rich Coffee and White Choc Brownie, with fat chunks of Glazed Vegan Donuts [“Black as midnight on a moonless night…” Agent Cooper]

? 1x Brookie:
? ‘Best In The Tri-Counties‘
Cherry Pie Brookie – Cherry Jam & Sour Cherry Brownie with Vanilla Brookie Pie Base  [“This must be where pies go when they die” Coop]

?Log Lady Truffle Logs:
4x chunky Salted Caramel Truffle Logs, dusted with gold cocoa powder (with hidden inspirational Log Lady quote) [“There is a depression after an answer is given. It was almost fun not knowing.” Log Lady (RIP Catherine E. Coulson, log legend)]

⛰️⛰️ 2x Special Nerdy Extras
‘Wonderful and Strange’ Pin and ‘Black as Midnight’ Vinyl Sticker from the amazing Punky Pins

? 1x Twin Peaks X Stephen King exclusive Tattoo Flash Print
by spooky art babe herself Lois Goody

?1x Twin Peaks inspired Ghost Family Flame Wax Melt
with exclusive fragrance and Joseph Ghost illustration

If you’d like a personalised message included let us know on the checkout’s comments box ?

Everything is 100% vegan, always.

None of our brownies are wrapped in plastic – all of our packaging is eco friendly and sustainably sourced. So bite the bullet, baby! Order your Twin Peaks Brownie Box to enjoy with a damn fine cup of coffee.

Just like Christmas has got Boxing Day, Halloween has got its own day-after which, for Dark Matters, goes hand-in-hand with the spookiest day of the year: World Vegan Day!

November 1st is World Vegan Day, and to mark this year’s event we’ve put together a list of some of our favourite vegan companies and products. All tried, tested and approved by head vegan brownie wizard, Gemma.

Check them out, give them a like on social media, maybe place an order if something catches your eye. Support your local vegan! Because, unfortunately, we can’t survive on brownies alone…

CHEESE

Bath Culture House
The best soft cheese and kombucha. Cherry ‘booch and Garlic & Herb Chease are firm favourites. 

Food By Sumear
The best traditionally aged and processed vegan hard cheese. Check out the Maple Wood Smoked – YUM

Kinda Co.
If you want creamy, spreadable cheese you need to check them out. The Faux Lox + Dill Creamy Spread is incredible.

CHOCOLATE

Coco Caravan
Amazing raw bean to bar chocolate. It’s all vegan, organic, fair traded and free from refined sugars and additives. Sweet Orange Caramel bar is a go-to fave.

Jessica’s Vegan Delights & Truffle Pig Vegan
Both of these wonderful companies do amazing vegan dupes of well known chocolate bars. All the taste, all plant based! Jessica’s Coconut Dream and Truffle Pig’s Bizkins Bar are always top of our shopping list.

SKINCARE

Iuvo Skincare
Amazing handmade vegan skincare company who make the best face and body cream in the UNIVERSE.

Boo Cottage Botanicals
If you’ve got sensitive skin, this is the face oil for you. Delicate, soothing and smells absolutely divine.

NUT BUTTER

Nutcessity
Gemma has formed a Nutcessity jar-a-week habit and buys the Gingerbread Almond nut butter in bulk.

CANDLES

Harper’s Candles
Their tagline is ‘Preferring animals to people since 2012’ and it cracks us up, plus their tin candles have fun names like ‘I Love You But You Smell’.

Dead Head Candles
Vegan, ethical, giant skull candles – what’s not to like?

Ghost Family Flame
This is where the melts from our limited edition brownie boxes came from! Plus half of the company is Joseph Ghost who did our amazing postcard art.

SHOES

Trash Planet
The only shoes Gemma takes her vegan DMs off for.

MAKE UP

Fluffy Jim’s
Named after a guinea pig! They do some amazing mineral eye sh*t, plus great no-packaging shampoo cubes and dry shampoo. Fun fact: Fluffy Jim’s is owned by Swindon based vegan hair salon Pixal-Rose – also named after a guinea pig.

BOOZE

Barnivore
An amazing resource for boozy vegans. A comprehensive product directory for vegan wine, beer and liquor.

Lucky Saint
Delicious vegan alcohol free beer, because hangovers and big batch brownie baking don’t mix!