With climate change worsening conditions for cacao farms — especially in West Africa — the chocolate industry is at a real tipping point. In 2024, chocolate companies have agreed to increase their prices by an average of 9%. In response, companies have jumped to find cocoa replacements to create cocoa-free products. Of all these innovators, Planet A Foods is particularly unique. As a work-around, they’ve developed a cocoa powder substitute named ChoViva, making sunflower seeds the star ingredient.
In March, Planet A Foods opened its processing plant, where workers prepare carob husks for the market. Carob is distinguished by its smaller, brown pods full of seeds. It’s an amazing substitute for regular cocoa, because it brings more fiber and less fat to the party. This tracks with overwhelming consumer demand for healthier grocery retail and food manufacturing.
Nukoko, a new UK startup founded by Ross Newton, is looking to compete in the chocolate alternative arena. Their own product is made primarily from fava beans. This helps ensure consumers a brand new flavor journey that’s simply irresistible to individuals who are searching for aspects of conventional chocolate.
Alternatively, Foreverland has recently released a cocoa powder alternative, Choruba. Co-founded by Massimo Sabatini, the company focuses on communicating to health-conscious buyers that their product is an easy way to create big reductions in sugar content.
Richard Caines is a principal analyst, UK food and drink at Mintel. He stressed the larger ecosystem supporting these initiatives. He stated, “The average increase in price for chocolate was 9% over 2024.” This price increase has been partially blamed on the effects of climate change on cacao farms, disrupting supply chains with severe weather.
Previously, Dr. Lander and his colleagues studied how environmental factors impact cacao tree yields. As their research shows, there is a dire need for alternatives. As these health-conscious alternatives gain traction, the question remains: will they satisfy consumers’ taste expectations?
Caines noted that consumer acceptance will likely depend on the flavor profiles that these new products can create. He noted, “Anything new that comes out has got to meet equal taste expectations.” He added that with certain products, such as ChoViva-covered popcorn, “the chocolate is not so much the star of the show there so it might actually be more acceptable.”
Companies such as Planet A Foods and Foreverland are creating an alternative to chocolate as well. Their innovation of new ingredients has the power to change consumer perceptions about these products. Sara Marquart, co-founder and chief technology officer of Planet A Foods, emphasized the potential of carob by stating, “It’s a highly abundant ingredient; there’s millions and millions of tonnes on the market.”
This wealth can be a tremendous asset to advancing sustainable practices in the food sector. It further aids in addressing the escalating costs associated with conventional cocoa. At that time, the wholesale price of cocoa suddenly soared by 300% in 2024. The sharp rise has pressured brands to recalibrate their strategies and look for more eco-friendly alternatives.
The potential market for cocoa alternatives is just starting to emerge. Early signs show that consumers are becoming increasingly interested in these products. Alternatives such as ChoViva and Choruba provide healthy food access, while increasing environmental sustainability. These alternatives are becoming serious players in an increasingly climate conscious market.