Vegan chocolate conquers the market: A sweet revolution
Vegan chocolate eliminates milk powder and clarified butter, replacing them with plant-based alternatives such as buckwheat and almond oil. These natural fats ensure a delicate melting and also provide valuable proteins and minerals. The Weinrich chocolate factory in Herford experimented for a long time to develop the perfect vegan chocolate recipe.
The emergence of the first vegan chocolate brand in Germany
EcoFinia, the chocolate producer behind iChoc, created Germany’s first vegan chocolate brand in 2015. With varieties such as “White Vanilla,” “Choco Cookie ” and “White Nougat Crisp,” the company delighted allergy sufferers, vegans, animal rights activists and environmentalists alike.
Environmental friendliness of vegan chocolate
Compared to milk chocolate, vegan chocolate has a much smaller environmental footprint. It saves CO2, energy, land area and water, as no cows need to be kept for milk production. Feed production for cows releases large amounts of greenhouse gases and contributes to rainforest deforestation to grow soy.
Vegan chocolate on the rise
According to market researchers at Nielsen, vegan products already account for just under four percent of chocolate bar sales. The Future Institute ranks the “veganization” of recipes among the most important food trends in 2023. According to Future Market Insights, the global market for vegan chocolate is expected to quadruple to four billion in the next ten years.
Major brands drive vegan chocolate development
In addition to pioneers like iChoc, major brand manufacturers have also recognized and are promoting the development of vegan chocolate. The growing popularity of vegan chocolate products shows that more and more people are choosing a more sustainable and animal-friendly chocolate option.
With ever-growing demand and innovation from companies like EcoFinia and iChoc, vegan chocolate will continue to capture the hearts and palates of guests around the world while protecting our planet.
Creativity and diversity in the vegan chocolate world
The vegan chocolate industry stands out not only for its sustainability and animal-friendly production, but also for its creativity and diversity. New flavors and ingredient combinations are constantly being developed to exceed consumer expectations and delight the palate. From dark chocolate with sea salt and caramel to fruity varieties with berries or exotic spices – there is something for every taste.