How green is your chocolate?

With World Chocolate Day on the 7th July our team has been chatting about the impact of our chocolate choices. As a B Corp, we are trying to make small changes in all we do to create a big impact; and with an office full of chocolate aficionados, this could be a big deal!

 It's no secret that the chocolate industry has some tough challenges, like environmental harm and unfair work conditions. So we decided to have a look at what some of our favourite brands are doing to look after people and the planet.

The best known for their sustainable efforts when polling the office are Tony's Chocolonely, Divine Chocolate, Green & Blacks, Montezumas; Cadbury, and Nestlé not so much. So let's have a look at what we found out.

Whilst long-time household names like Cadbury 🍬 and Nestle 🍫 are making strides to be more ethical and sustainable, so much innovation and change is coming from the challenger brands in the category.

The most recognised for their ethical approach by the office team is Tony's Chocolonely.  They're making a strong stand for 100% slave-free chocolate. We love that they have a system in place for people to speak up if they think the company's mission is off track and their 5 fairer sourcing principles.

Next up is Divine Chocolate. These guys aren't just Fairtrade; they're co-owned by the cocoa farmers in Ghana! That means the farmers get a cut of the profits, which is a fair way to do business if you ask us.

Next, Green & Blacks 🎩. Their "Maya Gold" chocolate was a trailblazer, becoming the first to receive the Fairtrade mark in the UK. 🏆

Speaking of innovation, Montezuma’s has swept us off our feet. Their Absolute Black bar is a masterpiece, a 100% dark chocolate bar that's as pure as it gets. 🖤 and they are plastic-free!

We simply can’t skip over Seed and Bean. Their 100% compostable packaging materials are proof that a love for chocolate and a love for the Earth can go hand in hand. 🌍❤️

Let's not forget Gnaw, the green heart of Norfolk. They're redefining guilt-free indulgence! 🌿

There are also some less well-known brands that are really making a difference, including  Duffy’s 🍫, an award-winning brand from Lincolnshire that's making ethical chocolate a mouthwatering reality. Then, there’s Conscious Chocolate, a brand that walks the talk when it comes to conscious food choices. 🥗 And a shoutout to Lick the Spoon Chocolates. It's like a little bit of sunshine in every piece. ☀️

We must also mention NOMO  for those looking for allergen-free, vegan-friendly options. With over eight years of zero waste, their commitment to the planet is genuinely inspiring. ♻️ And finally the delightful Booja-Booja deserves a nod for their ethical, vegan chocolate truffles. 🌱

These brands are showing us that a greener, fairer chocolate industry is possible. But we must remember that every time we buy a bar of chocolate, we're making a choice about the kind of world we want to live in. I'm sure if you asked any of these brands they would admit there is still much to do, but it's all a step in the right direction.

Here's to enjoying chocolate and making the world a bit better, one bite..or two... at a time.