Kelly, the cocoa bean hulls very closely resemble the buckwheat hulls, and yes, they do smell of chocolate the first year. BUT, I am told that they mold and must be replaced regularly. Penny, NY . ________________________________________________________________ The best thing to hit the internet in years - Juno SpeedBand! Surf the web up to FIVE TIMES FASTER! Only $14.95/ month - visit www.juno.com to sign up today!