The Rise of Vegan Chocolate
Veganism is on the rise, and its influence is spreading throughout the food industry. More and more people are seeking plant-based alternatives, driven by ethical concerns, health considerations, and a growing awareness of the impact our food choices have on the planet. This demand has led to a surge in vegan options across the board, and chocolate is no exception.
But what exactly is vegan chocolate? Traditional chocolate often contains dairy, and sometimes even honey. Plus, refined cane sugar, processed with bone char, may be used. Vegan chocolate, on the other hand, excludes all animal products. Finding a good vegan chocolate bar used to be difficult, but now you can find a variety of options, from dark to milk to white!
This article dives into the world of vegan chocolate, exploring the best chocolate bars that are vegan, considering taste, ethics, and ingredients. We’ll examine the ingredients you should look for (and avoid), highlight some standout brands, offer taste comparisons, delve into ethical considerations, and provide a buying guide to help you navigate the ever-expanding world of plant-based sweets.
Understanding Vegan Chocolate: Ingredients and Production
So, what goes into making a chocolate bar vegan? Here’s a peek at the key ingredients and how it’s made.
Key Ingredients in Vegan Chocolate
Like most chocolate, vegan chocolate starts with cocoa beans, cocoa butter, and cocoa solids. The cocoa solids give chocolate its flavor, while the cocoa butter lends a creamy, melt-in-your-mouth texture.
But, instead of dairy milk, vegan chocolate uses plant-based milk alternatives like oat milk, almond milk, coconut milk, or rice milk. Each of these milk alternatives will give the chocolate a slightly different flavor and texture. For example, coconut milk can add a subtle tropical note, while oat milk often contributes to a smoother, creamier consistency.
And, instead of refined cane sugar, which is sometimes filtered through bone char (making it not vegan), vegan chocolate uses vegan sweeteners like organic cane sugar, coconut sugar, maple syrup, or agave.
Ethical and Sustainable Sourcing
Many vegan chocolate companies also prioritize ethical and sustainable sourcing. Look for fair trade or direct trade practices, which ensure that cocoa farmers receive fair wages and work in safe conditions. Certifications like Rainforest Alliance and UTZ also indicate that the chocolate is made using sustainable farming methods that minimize environmental impact.
Finally, keep an eye out for brands that use eco-friendly packaging to reduce waste.
Exploring the spectrum: Types of vegan chocolate bars
If you’re craving chocolate but you’re committed to eating vegan, you’ll be happy to know there are plenty of plant-based chocolate bars on the market. Here are some of the most common types:
Dark chocolate
Dark chocolate is characterized by a high percentage of cacao, which gives it an intense, slightly bitter flavor. Dark chocolate can even be good for you, as it contains antioxidants called flavanols, which have been linked to heart health. You can find vegan dark chocolate bars from brands like:
- Mast Dark Chocolate. Mast is known for its bean-to-bar approach and unique flavor combinations.
- Endangered Species. Endangered Species is committed to using ethically sourced chocolate and donating a portion of their profits to wildlife conservation.
- Beyond Good. Beyond Good sources its cacao from Madagascar and focuses on creating single-origin dark chocolate.
“Milk” chocolate alternatives
Vegan milk chocolate alternatives mimic the creamy texture and sweet taste of traditional milk chocolate, but without any dairy. Creating a truly convincing vegan milk chocolate can be challenging, but many brands have succeeded by using plant-based milks like oat milk, almond milk, and coconut milk. Some popular vegan milk chocolate bars include:
- Lindt Classic Recipe OatMilk Chocolate. Lindt’s vegan milk chocolate uses oat milk to achieve a smooth and creamy texture.
- Cadbury Plant Bar. Cadbury’s vegan milk chocolate bar is made with almond paste for a rich and nutty flavor.
White chocolate alternatives
Vegan white chocolate is typically made with cocoa butter, sugar, and plant-based milk powders. Fellow Creatures makes a Raspberry White Choc bar that’s a popular choice among vegans who enjoy a sweet, fruity treat.
Brand Spotlight: In-Depth Reviews of Top Vegan Chocolate Bars
So, you’re on the hunt for a vegan chocolate bar that actually tastes good, huh? I get it. Sifting through the options can be overwhelming, so let’s take a closer look at some of the top contenders.
Mast Dark Chocolate
Mast makes a simple, elegant dark chocolate bar with 80% cacao. This 2.5 oz bar is known for its rich, intense flavor and smooth texture. People seem to love the natural ingredients and the commitment to quality. The downside? Some find the high cacao content a bit too bitter.
Lindt Classic Recipe OatMilk Chocolate
Lindt, a name synonymous with smooth chocolate, now offers a vegan option with their Classic Recipe OatMilk Chocolate. This 3.5 oz bar contains almond and soy. The oat milk gives it a creamy texture that’s surprisingly close to traditional milk chocolate. However, if you’re allergic to almond or soy, this one’s a no-go.
Tony’s Chocolonely Dark Chocolate Almond Sea Salt
Tony’s Chocolonely is known for its commitment to ethical sourcing and its chunky, unevenly divided bars. The Dark Chocolate Almond Sea Salt bar, clocking in at a hefty ~7 ounces, delivers a satisfying combination of salty and sweet. Reviewers rave about the creamy texture and the crunchy almond pieces. Some find the large size a bit unwieldy, though!
Hu Salty Dark Chocolate
Hu is all about simple, wholesome ingredients, and their Salty Dark Chocolate bar is no exception. With 70% cacao, this bar strikes a nice balance between bitter and sweet, with a touch of sea salt to enhance the flavor. It’s a popular choice for those who appreciate a clean ingredient list and a well-balanced taste.
Beyond Good Uganda Single Origin Chocolate
Beyond Good focuses on single-origin chocolate sourced directly from farmers in Uganda. Their 73% cacao bar (2.64 oz) is praised for its rich, complex flavor and its ethical production practices. If you’re looking for a chocolate bar with a story, this is a great option. Some find the flavor profile a bit too earthy for their liking.
Endangered Species Espresso Bean + Dark Chocolate
Endangered Species combines delicious chocolate with a commitment to wildlife conservation. Their Espresso Bean + Dark Chocolate bar (72% cacao, 3 oz) not only tastes amazing but also donates 10% of its profits to wildlife conservation efforts. The bold espresso flavor pairs perfectly with the dark chocolate, making it a favorite among coffee lovers. It gets high marks for its unique flavor combination and its mission. The texture can be a little grainy due to the espresso beans.
Other Notable Brands
Beyond these highlighted brands, there are a few other vegan chocolate options worth mentioning:
- UNREAL Dark Chocolate Peanut Butter Cups: The perfect bite-sized treat for peanut butter cup lovers.
- Taza Perfectly Unrefined, Deliciously Dark Chocolate: Known for its unique stone-ground process, giving it a slightly gritty texture and intense flavor.
- Pascha 100% Cacao Organic Unsweetened Dark Chocolate Chips: A versatile and affordable option for baking and snacking.
Decoding the label: What to look for when buying vegan chocolate
Navigating the world of vegan chocolate can be tricky, but these tips can help you find a treat that’s delicious and aligns with your values.
Ingredient checklist
Carefully read the label, keeping an eye out for dairy ingredients like milk, whey, casein, and lactose. Look for certifications from vegan organizations like Vegan Society or Certified Vegan. These logos can give you confidence that the product is truly vegan.
If you have a severe dairy allergy, take “may contain milk” warnings seriously. Cross-contamination can be a real concern.
Understanding cacao percentage
The cacao percentage tells you how much of the chocolate bar is made from cacao beans. A higher percentage means a more intense chocolate flavor, and less sweetness. It’s a matter of personal preference, so experiment to find what you like best.
Ethical considerations
Look for fair trade and direct trade certifications to support brands that prioritize ethical sourcing. Also, consider the environmental impact of the packaging and opt for brands that use sustainable practices.
Vegan chocolate beyond bars: Other forms and uses
If you’re vegan, you’re probably used to checking labels to see if a food or beverage is animal-product-free. The good news is that there are lots of ways to enjoy vegan chocolate beyond just snacking on a chocolate bar.
Vegan chocolate chips
Vegan chocolate chips are perfect for baking cookies, brownies, and other desserts. Pascha is one brand that makes vegan chocolate chips, but you can find them from other brands as well.
Vegan chocolate spreads
If you love Nutella, you’ll be happy to know that there are several plant-based alternatives to this popular chocolate spread. Try spreading one on toast, dipping fruit in it, or adding it to smoothies.
Vegan hot chocolate mixes
For a cozy and comforting beverage, you can’t go wrong with vegan hot chocolate. It comes in various flavors and sweetness levels.
Vegan chocolate desserts
Many vegan bakeries and restaurants offer chocolate cakes, brownies, and other desserts that are free of animal products, so you can have your cake and eat it too.
Summary
Choosing vegan chocolate is a delicious way to support ethical practices, improve your health, and reduce your environmental impact. Whether you’re concerned about animal welfare, looking for a healthier treat, or trying to shrink your carbon footprint, vegan chocolate offers a guilt-free indulgence.
From dark chocolate bars to creamy “milk” chocolate alternatives, the variety of available vegan options is constantly expanding. Don’t be afraid to explore different brands and flavors to find your new favorites. With so many innovative and delectable choices, there’s a vegan chocolate bar out there for every palate.
Remember to always read labels carefully to ensure the chocolate truly meets your dietary needs and ethical values. Check for hidden animal products like milk fat or whey, and consider factors like fair trade certification and sustainable sourcing when making your selections.
The vegan chocolate market is growing rapidly, with new brands and improved formulations appearing all the time. As demand for plant-based options continues to rise, we can expect even more delicious, ethical, and sustainable vegan chocolate bars to hit the shelves in the years to come. So go ahead, indulge your sweet tooth with a clear conscience!