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Updated on 01/06/22
Ethical & conscious chocolate to still satisfy your sweet tooth.
For many, chocolate is a source of comfort and an indulgent treat. But after the outbreak of the pandemic, it has led many consumers to opt for more affordable luxuries, over larger-scale indulgence. Demanding healthier and sustainable chocolate options, the chocolate industry has had to switch things up, going beyond just low-calorie chocolate bars and dark chocolate options.
Read on to find out more.
The healthy chocolate revolution
According to a global survey (Accenture 2020), more than 70% of consumers ranked personal health as their top priority in response to the pandemic; While functional product launches grew 276% and 115% in the UK and the US respectively. These figures are just one example of evidence towards a larger picture: around the world, consumers are looking for a healthier and more balanced lifestyle.
Of course, COVID has played a big part in accelerating this lifestyle megatrend, however, it is not the only cause. As consumers become better informed, they have also become more aware of the impacts on the planet that the food they consume causes. This does not mean that they are willing to sacrifice indulgence, just that they expect more from brands and products.
2020 Functional Product Launches Growth
What does this mean for indulgent in chocolate?
Luker’s chocolate is one of those paradoxical categories that can play in both fields: nothing is more indulgent than chocolate, but also few foods can claim more nutritional benefits. When done right, chocolate can be the perfect bridge between health and pleasure for those consumers who want to have it all. Don’t we all?
Since 2019, sugar-free chocolates have grown 13x in share in the US (Euromonitor 2021 ) while in the UK, 1 out of every 5 chocolate launches has a vegan or plant-based claim (Mintel 2021 ). Across the globe, we can see chocolate entering new territories including functional products with high protein, antioxidants, or even fiber. New formulations are also emerging, answering the growing demand for clean label and more natural products. Often these include the use of natural sugars and fewer ingredients, while the plant-based revolution has gone beyond thinking only dark chocolates is good for you to include dairy alternatives such as almond or oat milk chocolate.
At Luker Chocolate we are excited to see how the growing interest in a healthier lifestyle has dynamised the chocolate industry and opens new opportunities for product innovation. As a response, we created Balance, a new chocolate couverture product line designed to meet the needs of the health-conscious and ethical consumer.
Luker Chocolate’s Balance Line
This line includes our new Oat M!lk plant-based offerings. A sugar-free and sugar alternative portfolio with innovations in the functional category including high fibre and AOX. As well as clean-label and non-GMO attributes.
Our R&D team have made a huge effort to honour the name and find, for each one of these couvertures, the perfect balance between health and environmental benefits.
Not forgetting the exquisite flavours of our Fino de Aroma cocoas. We are so proud of the results!
Take a look at our new Balance chocolate portfolio here and let us know how we can help you stay ahead of the trend.
P.S. The news doesn’t stop there!
Following the creation of Balance, our design team has revamped our wider portfolio, introducing new packaging for the whole Luker Chocolate foodservice range. Honouring our connection to origin and commitment to sustainability.
Luker Chocolate’s new packaging
We hope you like it as much as we do!
Extra Facts for you: If you want to review other proven health claims from chocolate, review the BBC nutritionist Nicola Shubrook on dark chocolate benefits for our health and the opinion of the American Cancer Society on chocolate.
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