VEGAN WHITE CHOCOLATE – THE ESSENTIALS – COMING SOON

Ingredients: Organic Cane Sugar, Organic Cocoa Butter, Organic Coconut Cream, Organic Oat Milk Powder (Oat Flour), Organic Sunflower Lecithin, Organic Bourbon Vanilla

Allergy Statement: Contains Almonds, Coconuts, Peanuts, Hazelnuts & Pistachio.
Cocoa content: Minimum 44% in the chocolate.

2 Servings Per Container
Serving Size: 1/2 Bar (35g)
Calories: 190
Total Fat: 13g
Cholesterol: 0mg
Sodium: 10mg
Total Carbohydrate: 19g
Protein: 2g

View Nutrition Facts

While we celebrate the delightful flavors and unique ingredients of our chocolates, we also acknowledge that it is, above all, a delicious treat. 

Although our products absolutely do present certain advantages over conventional dairy-based chocolates – such as being crafted from organic, less refined ingredients – they should not be considered health foods. 

Our main focus is on delivering exceptional taste, using high-quality organic ingredients that offer a more sustainable and potentially less unhealthy option than conventional chocolates. 

Enjoy our chocolate as part of a balanced diet and an active lifestyle, savoring each piece in moderation to truly appreciate the craftsmanship and flavor that make VGAN Chocolate special.

Organic Cane Sugar
Organic cane sugar is crafted without harmful chemicals, enhancing our chocolate’s sweetness naturally while supporting sustainable farming practices.

Organic Cocoa Butter
This key ingredient provides a creamy texture, ensuring each piece of our chocolate melts satisfyingly in your mouth.

Organic Tiger Nut Flour
A unique addition, organic tiger nut flour adds a nutty, rich flavor and texture to our chocolate, enriching it with a wholesome twist.

Organic Almonds
Crunchy and delightful, organic almonds infuse a satisfying texture and a boost of natural flavor, enhancing the overall sensory experience.

Organic Coconut Cream
Organic coconut cream contributes a lush creaminess to our chocolate, making each bite luxuriously smooth.

Organic Freeze-Dried Raspberries
These provide a tart contrast to the sweet chocolate, adding a burst of fruitiness and a vibrant pop of color.

Organic Oat Milk Powder (Oat Flour)
Smooth and subtly sweet, organic oat milk powder enriches our chocolate with a velvety texture, making it indulgently creamy.

Sea Salt
A pinch of sea salt enhances the deep flavors of our chocolate, highlighting its intricate layers with a savory touch that tantalizes the palate.

Organic Sunflower Lecithin
As a natural emulsifier, organic sunflower lecithin ensures that our chocolate’s texture is consistently smooth and enjoyable.

Each ingredient is carefully selected not only for its environmental and ethical benefits but also for its role in creating an exquisitely balanced flavor profile, meant to be savored as part of a mindful and active lifestyle.

VGAN CHOCOLATE – A BETTER ALTERNATIVE

The reality is that much of the chocolate on the market today is produced with ingredients and methods that raise serious health, environmental, and ethical concerns. It’s one of the key reasons we set out to create a better alternative.

Most conventional chocolates rely on highly processed ingredients like high fructose corn syrup, artificial flavors, colors, and even trans fats – additives linked to health problems like obesity, diabetes, and heart disease. Conventional cocoa production often involves heavy use of pesticides, leaving residues that can pose long-term health risks.

The environmental impact is just as alarming. Traditional cocoa and dairy farming practices contribute to deforestation, soil degradation, water pollution, and a significant carbon footprint.

Dairy production, in particular, has significant environmental downsides, primarily due to the release of potent greenhouse gases like methane and nitrous oxide from cows and their manure. It also demands extensive land and water resources, contributing to deforestation, soil degradation, water pollution through fertilizer runoff, and loss of biodiversity due to habitat destruction and large-scale monoculture feed farming.

Beyond health and environmental issues, the chocolate industry has long faced serious ethical challenges, including the exploitation of farmers and widespread use of child labor. Animal welfare concerns are also prevalent in conventional dairy farming systems.

THIS BROKEN SYSTEM IS WHY VGAN EXISTS.
We believe chocolate should be enjoyed without compromise – not at the expense of your health, the planet, or basic human and animal rights. That's why every bar of VGAN Chocolate is made with organic, plant-based, and if possible Fair Trade-certified ingredients, ensuring better choices for you and better outcomes for the world.

 

BETTER TASTING
BETTER FOR YOU
BETTER FOR THE PLANET

 

BALANCED DIET AND ACTIVE LIFESTYLE

While we celebrate the delightful flavors and unique ingredients of our chocolates, we also acknowledge that it is, above all, a delicious treat. 

Although our products present advantages over conventional dairy-based chocolates they should not be considered health foods. Our main focus is on delivering exceptional taste, using high-quality organic ingredients that offer a more sustainable and less unhealthy option than conventional chocolates – but it's still chocolate. 

So, enjoy our chocolate as part of a balanced diet and an active lifestyle. Savor each piece in moderation to truly appreciate the craftsmanship and flavor that make VGAN Chocolate special – but let’s take a closer look at the benefits that set it apart.

HEALTH BENEFITS
Reduced Chemical Exposure: Organic ingredients in VGAN Chocolate are produced without the use of synthetic pesticides and fertilizers, which can remain as residues in non-organic products. This reduces consumers' exposure to harmful chemicals.

Lower Heavy Metal Content: Cocoa sourced from Africa is known for having lower levels of heavy metals like cadmium and lead compared to cocoa from other regions. High levels of these metals, found in many chocolates, both organic and non-organic, can pose health risks.

Nutritional Quality: Organic farming methods have been shown to produce foods with higher levels of certain nutrients, including antioxidants. Since VGAN Chocolate uses organic cocoa, it potentially offers higher antioxidant benefits than conventional chocolates, which can reduce oxidative stress and inflammation in the body.

No High Fructose Corn Syrup: Unlike most conventional chocolates that use high fructose corn syrup as a sweetener, VGAN Chocolate uses organic cane sugar and coconut sugar, which have a lower glycemic index and provide a more natural sweetness without spiking blood sugar levels as dramatically.

ENVIRONMENTAL BENEFITS
Dairy-free: Traditional dairy processes are known for high methane emissions, a potent greenhouse gas, primarily from enteric fermentation in cows. Additionally, dairy farming involves extensive land use and water consumption, contributing to deforestation and water scarcity.

In contrast, VGAN Chocolate's plant-based ingredients such as organic coconut cream and oat milk powder require less water and energy to produce, leading to a substantially lower environmental impact. This is crucial in promoting sustainability and reducing the detrimental effects of climate change.

Sustainable Farming Practices: Organic farming practices used in the production of ingredients for VGAN Chocolate encourage soil fertility and biodiversity, and reduce pollution and water contamination by avoiding synthetic pesticides and fertilizers.

ETHICAL BENEFITS
Choosing plant-based ingredients over dairy not only addresses the environmental issues but also sidesteps the ethical concerns related to animal welfare in the dairy industry.

Dairy cows often face intensive farming conditions, where they are kept for maximum milk production, in poor living conditions. VGAN Chocolate avoids these issues altogether by excluding dairy products from our ingredients list.

Moreover, the commitment to Fair Trade sourcing where possible ensures that farmers receive fair compensation for their products, promoting better living conditions and sustainable community development. 

Overall, VGAN Chocolate provides a conscientious choice for consumers, combining health benefits with strong ethical and environmental standards. This approach not only caters to those looking to enjoy delicious chocolate but also appeals to those committed to making responsible food choices that align with broader global sustainability goals.

FURTHER EXPLORE OUR INGREDIENTS 

VGAN Chocolates are meticulously crafted from premium organic ingredients that are ethically sourced to promote sustainability and fairness in trade. Here is an in-depth exploration of the key ingredients that contribute to the exceptional quality and taste of our chocolates.

Organic Cane Sugar
Origin: Mozambique
Certification: Fair Trade, Single Origin
Source: Ecofarm (Naturen Organic)
Contribution: This sugar enhances the natural sweetness of our chocolates while providing a deeper, more rounded flavor profile. It supports biodiversity and helps in maintaining soil health.

Organic Cocoa Liquor
Origin: Sierra Leone
Certification: Fairtrade
Source: Tradin Organic
Contribution: Key to developing the rich, intense foundational chocolate flavor, this ingredient also offers antioxidants that contribute to overall health.

Organic Cocoa Butter
Certification: Fairtrade
Source: Tradin Organic
Contribution: Essential for creating a velvety texture, cocoa butter also offers hydrating properties, making the chocolate melt smoothly in your mouth.

Organic Coconut Cream
Origin: Philippines
Production: Poland
Certification: Fairtrade
Source: Hanoju
Contribution: Adds a creamy, rich texture and a subtle tropical flavor, enhancing the mouthfeel and complexity of our chocolates.

Organic Coconut Sugar
Origin: Indonesia
Certification: Fairtrade
Source: Pronatec (Switzerland) (Pronatec)
Contribution: Provides a caramel-like sweetness that enriches the flavor profile without causing rapid sugar spikes, supporting a healthier lifestyle.

Organic Coconutmilk Powder
Origin: Philippines, Sri Lanka
Production: Germany
Source: Hafenmühle
Contribution: Enhances the smoothness and adds a mild coconut flavor, offering a dairy-free alternative that is gentle on the stomach.

Organic Freezed Dried Raspberries Powder
Origin: Lithuania (Can be EU and non-EU countries)
Source: Dehidra
Contribution: Provides a vibrant color and tart flavor that balances the sweetness of the chocolate, adding nutritional benefits like fiber and antioxidants.

Organic Oat Milk Powder
Contribution: Lends a creamy consistency and light sweetness, enhancing the texture while adding dietary fiber, which is beneficial for digestive health.

Organic Sunflower Lecithin
Origin: Germany
Source: Lecico
Contribution: Acts as a natural emulsifier, ensuring all ingredients blend smoothly for a consistent texture, supporting heart health with its phospholipid content.

Organic Almonds
Origin: Bulgaria
Source: Rad-mar, Belun
Contribution: Adds a delightful crunch and depth with their nutty flavor, offering a good source of protein and healthy fats.

Organic Coffee Beans
Origin: Honduras
Source: Coffea Arabica
Contribution: Infuses depth and complexity with a natural caffeine boost, enhancing the chocolate’s flavor while providing antioxidant benefits.

Organic Bourbon Vanilla
Origin: India, Madagascar, Sri Lanka, Uganda
Source: Smart Organic
Contribution: This vanilla adds a warm, aromatic essence that enriches the overall sensory experience, also offering mood-enhancing properties.

Himalayan Salt
Contribution: This pure, mineral-rich salt enhances the depth of flavors, balancing the sweetness with its clean, sharp taste.

Organic Sea Salt
Origin: England
Source: Maldon Salt
Contribution: Sharpens and highlights the chocolate’s complex flavor notes, while also providing essential minerals.

HEALTH BENEFITS – SOURCES & SCIENCE BEHIND THE CLAIMS

Reduced Chemical Exposure
Organic ingredients are grown without synthetic pesticides and fertilizers, which are commonly found in conventional agriculture and can remain as residues in the final product. Multiple studies show that consuming organic foods reduces exposure to these potentially harmful chemicals. 

A review published in the Annals of Internal Medicine found that organic foods have a 30% lower risk of pesticide contamination compared to conventional alternatives. The European Food Safety Authority also confirms that organic products consistently have fewer detectable pesticide residues.

Sources:

• Smith-Spangler et al., 2012 – Annals of Internal Medicine
  (https://doi.org/10.7326/0003-4819-157-5-201209040-00007)

• EFSA Pesticide Residue Report, 2022
  (https://www.efsa.europa.eu/en/efsajournal/pub/7208)

Lower Heavy Metal Content
Cadmium and lead are two heavy metals that can be found in cocoa, especially when sourced from certain regions. Studies, including those by the U.S. FDA and independent food testing groups, show that cocoa from West Africa typically has lower levels of cadmium than cocoa from South America. 

Long-term exposure to high levels of cadmium and lead can negatively affect kidney function and cognitive development. Choosing cocoa sourced from lower-risk regions helps reduce these exposures.

Sources:

• FDA Total Diet Study – Elements Report (2022)
  (https://www.fda.gov/food/science-research-food/total-diet-study)

• Asante et al., 2017 – Toxicology Reports
  (https://doi.org/10.1016/j.toxrep.2017.11.005)

• Askin et al., 2020 – Science of the Total Environment
  (https://doi.org/10.1016/j.scitotenv.2020.138821)

Nutritional Quality
Organic crops have been found to contain higher levels of certain nutrients, especially antioxidants such as polyphenols and flavonoids. These compounds help protect the body from oxidative stress and inflammation. 

A large meta-analysis in the British Journal of Nutrition concluded that antioxidant levels in organic produce are significantly higher than in conventional crops. Since cocoa is naturally rich in flavonoids, using organically grown cocoa may help preserve or even enhance these healthful compounds.

Sources:

• Baranski et al., 2014 – British Journal of Nutrition
  (https://doi.org/10.1017/S0007114514001366)

• Crozier et al., 2011 – Nutrition & Health
  (https://doi.org/10.1177/0260106010388561)

No High Fructose Corn Syrup
High fructose corn syrup (HFCS) is linked to rapid spikes in blood sugar and has been associated with obesity, insulin resistance, and fatty liver disease in several studies. 

VGAN Chocolate uses organic cane sugar and coconut sugar instead, which have a lower glycemic index, leading to slower glucose absorption and more stable blood sugar levels. This makes it a better option for those seeking to avoid the metabolic impacts of HFCS.

Sources:

• Bray et al., 2004 – American Journal of Clinical Nutrition
  (https://doi.org/10.1093/ajcn/79.4.537)

• Livesey, 2009 – American Journal of Clinical Nutrition
  (https://doi.org/10.3945/ajcn.2008.26692)

• Foster-Powell et al., 2002 – American Journal of Clinical Nutrition
  (https://doi.org/10.1093/ajcn/76.1.5)

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ENVIRONMENTAL BENEFITS – SOURCES & SCIENCE BEHIND THE CLAIMS

Dairy-Free Production and Emissions
Traditional dairy farming is a major contributor to greenhouse gas emissions, especially methane – a gas over 25 times more potent than CO₂ over a 100-year period – largely produced through enteric fermentation in cows. It also requires vast amounts of land and water, contributing to deforestation and freshwater depletion. 

According to the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), the dairy sector accounts for about 4% of global anthropogenic greenhouse gas emissions. In contrast, plant-based alternatives such as coconut and oats have a substantially smaller environmental footprint, requiring significantly less water and land and producing far fewer emissions.

Sources:

• FAO, 2010 – Greenhouse Gas Emissions from the Dairy Sector
  (https://www.fao.org/3/k7930e/k7930e00.pdf)

• Poore & Nemecek, 2018 – Science
  (https://doi.org/10.1126/science.aaq0216)

• Mekonnen & Hoekstra, 2012 – Water Footprint Network
  (https://waterfootprint.org/media/downloads/Report-50-WaterFootprint-AnimalProducts-Vol1.pdf)

Lower Environmental Impact of Plant-Based Ingredients
Plant-based ingredients like organic coconut cream and oat milk powder have much lower environmental costs compared to animal-based alternatives. 

A comprehensive study published in Science showed that producing a glass of oat milk emits approximately 80% less greenhouse gas than cow’s milk and uses far less land and water.

Coconuts, often grown in mixed agroforestry systems, generally have a lower carbon footprint and help support biodiversity when farmed sustainably.

Sources:

• Poore & Nemecek, 2018 – Science
  (https://doi.org/10.1126/science.aaq0216)

• Ritchie & Roser, 2020 – Our World in Data
  (https://ourworldindata.org/environmental-impacts-of-food)

• WWF, 2020 – Plant-Based Diets and the Environment
  (https://www.worldwildlife.org/stories/how-plant-based-foods-can-help-our-planet)

Sustainable Farming Practices
Organic farming avoids synthetic pesticides and fertilizers, which helps protect ecosystems, improve soil structure, and enhance biodiversity. By using natural composts and crop rotations, organic systems support long-term soil fertility and reduce runoff pollution in nearby water sources. 

The IFOAM – Organics International and several peer-reviewed studies have found that organic agriculture can reduce environmental pollution and improve resilience to climate change through better soil management and increased microbial biodiversity.

Sources:

• Reganold & Wachter, 2016 – Nature Plants
  (https://doi.org/10.1038/nplants.2015.221)

• IFOAM, 2021 – The World of Organic Agriculture
  (https://www.ifoam.bio/sites/default/files/2021-02/weltagrarbericht_2021_en.pdf)

• UNEP, 2011 – Organic Agriculture and Food Security in Africa
  (https://wedocs.unep.org/handle/20.500.11822/2539)

ETHICAL BENEFITS – SOURCES & SCIENCE BEHIND THE CLAIMS

Animal Welfare and Dairy Production
Conventional dairy farming often raises significant ethical concerns related to animal welfare. Dairy cows are frequently kept in intensive farming systems designed to maximize milk production, which can involve repeated cycles of artificial insemination, separation from calves shortly after birth, and limited access to pasture. These practices can lead to physical strain, stress, and poor quality of life. 

Reports from organizations such as Compassion in World Farming and scientific reviews in animal welfare journals highlight how industrial dairy farming compromises animal well-being. By using plant-based alternatives instead of dairy, VGAN Chocolate avoids contributing to these conditions entirely.

Sources:

• Compassion in World Farming, 2020 – The Life of Dairy Cows
  (https://www.ciwf.org.uk/media/5235184/the-life-of-dairy-cows.pdf)

• Fraser et al., 2008 – Applied Animal Behaviour Science
  (https://doi.org/10.1016/j.applanim.2008.04.011)

• von Keyserlingk & Weary, 2017 – Animal Welfare
  (https://doi.org/10.7120/09627286.26.1.027)

Fair Trade and Ethical Sourcing
Fair Trade certification aims to ensure that farmers and workers – especially in developing countries – receive fair prices for their crops and labor, along with access to safe working conditions and sustainable agricultural practices. 

In the cocoa industry, where labor exploitation and poverty are persistent issues, Fair Trade helps to provide community development funds and protect against child labor. VGAN Chocolate’s commitment to Fair Trade sourcing promotes better livelihoods and supports long-term improvements in farming communities.

Sources:

• Fairtrade International, 2021 – Cocoa Impact Report
  (https://www.fairtrade.net/library/fairtrade-cocoa-impact-report-2021)

• International Labour Organization, 2013 – Child Labour in Cocoa
  (https://www.ilo.org/ipecinfo/product/viewProduct.do?productId=21599)

• Barrientos & Smith, 2007 – Ethical Sourcing in the Global Cocoa Chain
  (https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1467-7679.2007.00432.x)

Ethical Consumerism and Food Choices
Today’s consumers are increasingly seeking food products that align with ethical, environmental, and social values. Research shows that ethical consumerism – choosing products based on fair labor, animal welfare, and sustainability – can influence purchasing decisions and support systemic change in the food industry. 

Brands that combine health-conscious offerings with strong ethical standards, like VGAN Chocolate, meet this demand by offering alternatives that are both responsible and enjoyable.

Sources:

• Carrington et al., 2010 – Journal of Business Ethics
  (https://doi.org/10.1007/s10551-009-0256-9)

• European Commission, 2020 – Attitudes of Europeans Towards Animal Welfare
  (https://europa.eu/eurobarometer/surveys/detail/2249)

• Nielsen, 2015 – The Sustainability Imperative Report
  (https://www.nielsen.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2019/04/global-sustainability-report-oct-2015.pdf)

THE PROBLEM WITH CONVENTIONAL CHOCOLATE – SOURCES & SCIENCE BEHIND THE CLAIMS

1. Health Risks of Processed Ingredients in Conventional Chocolate

High Fructose Corn Syrup (HFCS) and Health Risks

• Bray et al., 2004 – American Journal of Clinical Nutrition
  https://doi.org/10.1093/ajcn/79.4.537

• Stanhope, 2012 – The Journal of Nutrition
  https://doi.org/10.3945/jn.111.149104

Trans Fats and Heart Disease

• Mozaffarian et al., 2006 – New England Journal of Medicine
  https://doi.org/10.1056/NEJMra054035

Artificial Additives and Chronic Illness

• Tarazona et al., 2020 – EFSA Journal (risk assessment of artificial colors/flavors)
  https://doi.org/10.2903/j.efsa.2020.6207

 

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2. Pesticide Residues in Cocoa and Long-Term Health Risks

• EFSA Pesticide Residue Report, 2022 – European Food Safety Authority
  https://www.efsa.europa.eu/en/efsajournal/pub/7208

• Reffstrup et al., 2010 – EFSA Journal
  https://doi.org/10.2903/j.efsa.2010.1775

 

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3. Environmental Impacts of Cocoa and Dairy Farming

Cocoa Production and Deforestation

• Ruf & Schroth, 2015 – World Bank Discussion Paper on Cocoa and Deforestation
  https://openknowledge.worldbank.org/handle/10986/34512

Environmental Impact of Dairy Farming

• FAO, 2010 – Greenhouse Gas Emissions from the Dairy Sector
  https://www.fao.org/3/k7930e/k7930e00.pdf

Comparative Impact of Plant vs Animal-Based Foods

• Poore & Nemecek, 2018 – Science
  https://doi.org/10.1126/science.aaq0216

Water Use and Pollution from Animal Agriculture

• Mekonnen & Hoekstra, 2012 – Water Footprint Network Report 50
  https://waterfootprint.org/media/downloads/Report-50-WaterFootprint-AnimalProducts-Vol1.pdf

 

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4. Ethical Concerns: Child Labor and Farmer Exploitation in Cocoa

• International Labour Organization (ILO), 2013 – Child Labour in Cocoa
  https://www.ilo.org/ipecinfo/product/viewProduct.do?productId=21599

• Fairtrade International, 2021 – Cocoa Impact Report
  https://www.fairtrade.net/library/fairtrade-cocoa-impact-report-2021

• Barrientos & Smith, 2007 – Journal of Corporate Citizenship
  https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1467-7679.2007.00432.x

 

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5. Animal Welfare in Dairy Production

• Compassion in World Farming, 2020 – The Life of Dairy Cows
  https://www.ciwf.org.uk/media/5235184/the-life-of-dairy-cows.pdf

• von Keyserlingk & Weary, 2017 – Animal Welfare Journal
  https://doi.org/10.7120/09627286.26.1.027