Why is plant-based chocolate trending?...

However, the real plant-based transformation in the chocolate market is taking place in the “mi!lk chocolate” segment, with new and exciting dairy alternatives that allow consumers to have the indulgent taste they enjoy while reducing their environmental impact. Plant-based mi!lks such as those made from rice, coconut, soy, almonds, and oats have become increasingly sought-after alternatives.

Our 'conscious consumers’ have four main motivators in choosing a plant based diet.

1. Health and nutrition

According to a research carried out by Accenture, 64% of people shop with their health in mind. Dairy/lactose-free plant-based mi!lk drinks and foods target consumers who avoid milk of animal origin in their diet due to either intolerance or allergies.

2. Climate change

The same study showed that 62% of consumers seek to reduce their impact on the planet. In this sense, the impacts of plant-based mi!lk production are considerably lower than those of regular milk, from the perspective of greenhouse gas emissions as well as water and land usage.

3. Sustainability

According to Accenture’s research, which was carried out during the Covid-19 pandemic, 68% of consumers are limiting their food waste, 60% are more cost conscious about products, and 54% are making more sustainable choices. Most of the people surveyed said they plan to continue with these new habits in the future to help do their bit and be planet friendly. Our plant based chocolate is wrapped in plastic free fully compostable packaging printed using soya inks too and we use British suppliers to help keep our chocolate carbon footprint or paw print (as we are squirrels) down. Check out our sustainability page to see our sustainable chocolate journey so far... https://www.gnawchocolate.co.uk/pages/sustainable-chocolate

4. Animal welfare

This element is one of the main decision factors for vegans, vegetarians and flexitarians—those who eat animal protein, but who are reducing their consumption and focusing on a plant-based diet. Given this scenario, the United Kingdom, and Germany, have emerged as the largest vegan markets in the world. The former, for example, accounts for 40% of the meat substitute market across Europe. As for the latter, according to a Deloitte survey, 63% of its population is reducing their meat consumption.

The new face on the block

According to Mintel, since 2016, the production of vegan and plant-based chocolate has continued to grow, and the results they have found are indicative of this new industry facet. Considering current premium chocolate confectionery market, and vegan and flexitarian population, there’s an estimated potential market of £856mm in vegan and dairy free chocolates in the UK. 

Furthermore, Mintel estimates that in 2020 plant-based chocolate launches in the United Kingdom corresponded to 20% of all new products. A remarkable figure compared to 8% in 2015. On the other hand, plant-based chocolate is also growing in terms of diversification. It has been found that the main added flavours requested by consumers are orange, caramel, salted caramel, raspberry, and strawberry, while product development for plant-based chocolates flavoured with peanut butter, honey, mint, ginger and orange have soared.
 
Here at Gnaw Chocolate we are very aware of the changes that impact the  industry... and so our journey for a plant based vegan bar started to meet the customer demands for great tasting plant based chocolate that was sustainable too with plastic free packaging, handcrafted, made in the UK and ethically sourced too. After many tastings and product development our NEW range of Oat Mi!lk 100g bars and 35g oat mi!lk snack bars are born to adapt to what will surely be the trend for a long while. 

 

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