Chocolates
have been a favorite of kids, young adults, and also some elderly people. But
it was a commodity of a guilty pleasure. But newer studies have unveiled some
great health benefits of chocolates. Besides, healthier formulations have hit
the market and these together have helped chocolates to transition from a
guilty pleasure to a guilt-free indulgence.
CHOCOLATES AND THE ASSOCIATED PLEASURE
The
sight of chocolates excites many people. There will be very few people who do
not relish it due to choice or allergy reasons. But almost all people want to
have a bite of it on occasions such as festivals, happy events, and the like.
It symbolizes great rejoicement and love! The combination of chocolates with milk is
heavenly!!! Nicole Redini, category strategy manager of Dairy and Nutrition for
Illinois-based Hoffman Estates says:
“Consumers
perceive these products that contain chocolate/cocoa as both tasty and
indulgent, but the impact of the increasing focus on consumer health poses a
challenge to deliver permissible indulgence,”
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Chocolate delight [Source: Chenab Gourmet]
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The chocolate suppliers and makers continue to invest in the innovation of the basic chocolate and adding new flavors, healthier twists, and
also, meet the standards of sustainable sourcing. There are chocolate-coated ice-creams,
chocolate milk and shakes, and also other chocolate-coated frozen novelties.
MORE INNOVATIONS OF THE BASIC
CHOCOLATES
We all know about the white, dark, and milk chocolates. But
now chocolate manufacturers have added more innovations in these varieties. So
we have Caramalized White and Barry Callebaut’s Ruby. Barry Callebaut is based
in Chicago and makes ice-creams and chocolates. The latter variety is their
speciality. The chocolate has a pink hue and a fruitier flavor. This has been a
success and many people like it as a flaked chip or as a coating for frozen
novelties. John Pimpo who is market segment manager of the firm states:
“It can also
continue to be used as a coating for bon-bon type one-bite desserts or
in/around ice cream sandwiches or simply as a decoration or drizzle,”
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Ruby chocolate [Source: Forbes]
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They are trying to pair them appropriately. John added:
“Ruby is
naturally fruity, so it pairs well with berries but also with other fruits like
citrus. Other pairings include nuts, spices, spirits and texture marriages with
crunchy elements and seeds.”
Besides, some products that went out of favor a few years
back are doing a comeback. This includes the whole chocolate milk made out of
whole-fat milk. It is a highly indulgent product but people have started
demanding and liking it again. Honey, pine nuts, and lavender are finding its
way into these chocolate-based products thereby increasing the variety and
tastes.
HEALTHIER CHOCOLATE PRODUCTS
Besides, spices such as cinnamon, cayenne, and turmeric are also
entering the fray. These are considered wellness products and also include chili,
ginger, and also tea. These are also becoming part of a healthy diet with the
coming of forms that can fit the various types of diets such as ketogenic, low
sugar, no sugar and the like. Thus they can suit any type of lifestyles of the
people. Ultrafiltered milk or lactose-free milk is also been used in the making
of these new innovative products. Also, chocolates suitable for allergy people
and people are also asking for organic products that are free os pesticides,
fertilizers, and artificial colors and flavors. |
Chocolate cinnamon rolls [Source: The Happy Foodie]
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Besides, studies have revealed that chocolates and cocoa have
anti-oxidant properties and mood-improving properties. They also mask the taste
of other healthy ingredients and the combination does wonders taste-wise and
health-wise. The benefits can be enhanced with plant-based ingredients such as
for protein, fiber, vitamins, minerals, and also creaminess. Non-alkalized dark
chocolates are in demand too. Labels are displayed prominently and the real
ingredients list is put up for transparency.
COCOA-SUSTAINABILITY FROM COCOA
FARMERS TO ENVIRONMENT
People have become very conscious of the environment and the sustainability aspect of it. They want to know the stories behind the product
and the brand’s efforts towards sustainability. Cocoa producers and manufacturers
are paying attention to it and ready to share their tales with their consumers.
Brands are now making ethical claims and every 1 in 3 brands is proud to talk
about it with their consumers.  |
Cocoa farmers [Source: YPARD]
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The companies are also talking about assistance
to cocoa farmers, no child labor in their supply chain, and also positivity in
terms of forests and carbon. All these have contributed to the overall
acceptance of chocolates as a no-guilt indulgence!!!
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