A Reuters investigation suggests makers face trouble as cocoa plants in Africa halt output.
Sources say processing has all but stopped in some key producer nations, with plants unable to afford beans.
They've more than doubled in price over the past year, hitting record levels, after three years of poor harvests.
In the Ivory Coast - which produces nearly half the world's cocoa - one state-controlled processor says it has stopped buying beans.
Industry sources say its output has all but stopped, with other plants also set to shut down.
Even giant commodity trader Cargill is said to have struggled to source beans for its plant there.
It's a similar story in Ghana, the number two producer.
Most of the eight processing plants there have reportedly suspended output at times over recent months.
State-owned processor CPC says it's operating at about 20% of capacity due to the bean shortage.
It's all a headache for chocolate makers, which can't produce the sweet treat from raw cocoa.
The beans first have to be turned into butter and liquor at processing plants.
That will mean rising outlays for chocolate fans.
Retail prices for the confection rose close to 12% in the U.S. in 2023.
With another year of poor harvests now expected, it's unlikely there is any relief in store.
