Once upon a time, veganism was considered such a niche concept that very few of us knew anyone who followed such a lifestyle – but over recent years, fuelled by ongoing environmental concerns and renewed outrage over the treatment of farm animals, the plant-based lifestyle is now being embraces far and wide, with Millennials and Gen-Z-ers leading the way.
Food writers like Ella Mills – who began paving the way for an easier transition into plant-based living by sharing her creative and delicious recipes back in 2012 – sparked a new era of more conscious eating and living. What started for Ella as simply a way to document her journey towards a healthier lifestyle and share her tips quickly exploded in popularity, and since then, we’ve seen a host of plant-based lifestyle blogs, websites and cookbooks popping up all over the place.
In turn, supermarkets have responded to the growing popularity of plant-based living, and the demand for plant-based alternatives for all of our favourite foods – including chocolate. Whilst many are prepared to give up animal products in pursuit of a healthier and more sustainable way of living, the concept of having to give up this much-loved decadent delight has long been something of a sticking point for some – but today, an excellent selection of sumptuous vegan chocolate can be found in health food shops and stores around the world.
In fact, not only is there now an abundance of vegan chocolate for chocoholics to choose from, but this tasty treat has gone decidedly luxury, and as the demand for plant-based alternatives continues to soar, chocolatiers and confectionery brands have embraced the challenge of creating vegan chocolates that not only cater to ethical choices but also satisfy discerning palates.
Here, we take a look at the fascinating journey that vegan chocolate has been on over recent years, including just how it has become the ultimate luxury choice for chocoholics.
All change for chocolate
Chocolate has long been seen as a much-loved treat and a decadent indulgence, but the demand for vegan alternatives is now, unsurprisingly, at an all-time high. For this reason, not only have we seen innovative new start-ups spotting a gap in the market and coming up with some delicious vegan chocolates to get the ball rolling, but the big name brands in the chocolate world that we already know and love, too, have been scrambling to keep up and ensure they remain relevant in our modern and ever-changing world.
Today, almost all of the popular mainstream brands have launched their own vegan chocolates, but it’s the luxury chocolatiers that have won the attention of the discerning customer. High-end chocolates, beautifully boxed and wrapped, have always been seen as an opulent gift to bestow upon a loved one or to simply treat oneself to, and by coming up with plant-based alternatives, these chocolate makers have sparked the shift towards an association between vegan chocolate and luxury. The perception of vegan chocolate has shifted from being seen as a compromise to becoming a choice associated with quality, innovation, and a healthier lifestyle – and sales, as a result, are soaring.
A health-conscious choice
Besides a dedication to the kind of quality and craftsmanship that are hallmarks of all successful luxury brands, an increasingly health-conscious population has also contributed to the rise of sweet plant-based treats, which often incorporate a host of natural ingredients to promise better health benefits. While traditional milk chocolate is commonly packed with milk, added sugars and artificial ingredients, vegan chocolate is typically free from all of the above – so not only is it devoid of all animal products, but it’s also a better choice for those looking for a healthier alternative.
Incorporating high percentage of cacao, which is known for its antioxidants and is also full of nutrients including fiber, iron, magnesium, copper, and manganese, many luxury vegan chocolates also use organic and ethically sourced ingredients, appealing to those seeking a more sustainable and conscious approach to their food choices.
Sustainability and ethics
On that note, it’s fair to say that the surge in popularity of vegan chocolate is also closely linked to ethical and environmental considerations. For generations growing up against a backdrop of climate concerns, and who are also more aware of animal welfare issues, it’s the obvious choice, offering a cruelty-free and more environmentally-friendly alternative and from brands that take their own sustainability credentials more seriously.
Now, people of all ages are demanding more from the brands they shop with, and particularly, the quality and sources of the consumables they purchase – and by holding brands to account in such a way, they’ve sparked a new era in which luxury brands must lead the way for a more sustainable and ethical future.
