Many chocolate companies are thriving by making bars with few or no added ingredients. Photo © Sirene Chocolate
Real chocolate is gaining popularity as a healthy treat, thanks to its high antioxidant and healthy fat content. Linda Seiler, VP of business development at Galerie au Chocolat in Quebec, notes a strong demand for high-quality chocolate made with clean ingredients. Many consumers are now scrutinizing ingredient lists for artificial flavors, low-quality fats, preservatives, and other undesirable components.
All-Natural Ingredients
Chocolate companies like Daniel Chocolates in Vancouver are responding by using only natural ingredients. Owner Monique Poncelet explains that they use real cream, fruits, herbs, and spices, such as cinnamon, ginger, and lime, to achieve natural flavors. Similarly, Constance Menzies from Chocolatier Constance Popp in Winnipeg uses real fruit puree in her products.
Pure Chocolate Bars
Some Canadian chocolate makers offer bars with no added ingredients, just pure ground cocoa beans. Taylor Kennedy, founder of Sirene Chocolate in Victoria, B.C., describes their bars as “hugely popular,” comparing the taste to strong black espresso or neat whiskey.
Stevia-Sweetened Options
Galerie au Chocolat offers no-added-sugar chocolate bars, barks, and almond butter cups sweetened with stevia and erythritol. To mask stevia’s aftertaste, they add extra cocoa butter and vanilla, resulting in a smooth and delicious flavor. Despite mixed perceptions of alternative sweeteners like xylitol and stevia, some companies have found success with these ingredients.
Natural Sweeteners
Sugar in moderation is not harmful, and real chocolate typically contains low sugar levels. However, some people prefer no-added-sugar options for health reasons, including diabetics. While interest in stevia and other natural sweeteners has varied, companies like Galerie au Chocolat have successfully integrated them into their products.
Healthy Ingredients
Consumers are increasingly interested in chocolates with extra antioxidants and healthy ingredients like berries, ginger, cinnamon, and turmeric. Daniel Chocolates is developing vegan chocolates with additional Omega-3 fatty acids, high protein, and fiber.
The Better Chocolate offers FourX Better Chocolates, which include supplements like vitamins and minerals in a dark chocolate bite. These products also contain MCT oil and piperine, which have various health benefits.
The Tan sisters, owners of Those Girls at the Market in Saskatoon, create a monthly 'feature bar' with ingredients like goji berry and beet for their health benefits. Although these flavors don’t always appeal to everyone, their novelty and limited availability make them popular. Julianna Tan emphasizes the importance of transparency about ingredient amounts to avoid misleading consumers.
Manufacturing Process
The manufacturing process affects the antioxidant content of chocolate. Scientists at the University of British Columbia found that specific processing methods can preserve more antioxidants. Dominique and Cindy Duby at Wild Sweets in Richmond, B.C., collaborated with these scientists and discovered their chocolate had higher antioxidant levels than some large industrial brands. They focus on refining their roasting, conching, and other processes to maintain high antioxidant levels.
For those seeking healthier chocolate, it's crucial to research and understand the ingredients and manufacturing processes. Companies like Galerie au Chocolat and Wild Sweets demonstrate that high-quality, health-conscious chocolate is achievable with the right ingredients and methods.
