Vegan Chocolatiers: The New Frontier of Chocolate

Sustainability is a key factor

The best vegan chocolate producers cite sustainability as a key factor. In contrast to the traditional chocolate industry, which relies on cocoa from plantations in developing countries, vegan chocolate producers often use organic and Fair Trade ingredients. This helps to support small-scale farmers and promote sustainable practices.

Dark Chocolate vs Milk Chocolate

When it comes to chocolate, there are two main types: dark and milk. Dark chocolate is made with cocoa solids and typically contains a higher percentage of cocoa than milk chocolate. This chocolate, as the name suggests, contains dairy products like milk and cream.

But what about vegan alternatives?

Dark Chocolate

Dark chocolate is generally vegan, but there are a few exceptions. Some dark chocolate brands add dairy ingredients like milk powder or cream, so it’s important to read the ingredient list before buying. However, most dark chocolate is free from animal products.

Milk Chocolate

Milk chocolate is not typically vegan due to the inclusion of dairy milk solids. However, there are a growing number of vegan chocolate options on the market.

Creating Vegan chocolate is a challenge. Cocoa butter is the most important ingredient in chocolate, and it’s not possible to make dairy-free chocolate without it. However, some vegan chocolate producers are starting to experiment with plant-based fats like coconut oil and sunflower oil to create the creamy chocolate texture we all love.

Cows milk can be replaced with plant-based substitutes with these tastes carrying over into the final product to varying degrees depending on the type of milk used.

Examples of dairy-free alternatives that are used in vegan chocolates include:

1. Hazelnut milk

2. Cashew nut milk

3. Oat milk

4. Almond milk

5. Rice milk

What about Vegan White Chocolate?

White chocolate is not typically vegan due to the inclusion of dairy ingredients like cacao butter, sugar, and milk powder. However, there are a few vegan-friendly white chocolate alternatives available. These chocolates usually use plant milk like almond milk or rice milk instead of cow's milk.