Shock for chocolate lovers: Where did the cocoa go?

Shock for chocolate lovers: Where did the cocoa go?

München, Deutschland - The chocolate industry is facing a change. Because of the challenges that climate change for the cultivation of cocoa, many manufacturers are increasingly relying on alternatives. The novelty on the shelves of the supermarkets are products that use the cocoa alternative "Choviva" based on roasted sunflower seeds. As Derwesten.de are already available from Kaufland and Rewe and offer a sustainable and cheaper solution in a changing one Market.

choviva is a product from the Munich company Planet A Foods and stands out by using regional oats and sunflower seeds. These ingredients are processed in such a way that they reach chocolate taste through fermentation and roasting. Choviva is produced with a water consumption of up to 94 % and leaves up to 90 % fewer CO2 emissions than traditional cocoa production, such as vegconomist.de explained.

The variety of Choviva products

The introduction of Choviva has already led to a variety of new products. This includes products such as K-Classic Waffle Bites, Rewe Best Choice Nusseck and Mister Choc Orenuss Caramel Popcorn. These products are not only vegan, but also available in recyclable packaging. In addition, Choviva has announced a cooperation with Griesson-De Beukelaer to develop the new "Cereola with Choviva", which will be available exclusively in Rewe markets from October.

customers should make sure to check the packaging, since in many shops, products with cocoa powder are still available. The reactions to these new chocolate alternatives are mixed, and many consumers are shocked by the term "chocolate without cocoa".

climate change as a driving force

The changes in the chocolate industry are not only shaped by the creative urge to create new products. Climate change has led to a dramatic decline in cocoa production. According to food practice.de , the cocoa prices rose by 177 percent between 2014 and 2024. 70 percent of global cocoa production comes from the Ivory Coast, where many plant diseases occur that further endanger the harvest.

In order to counteract this trend, start-ups develop alternatives to conventional cocoa production. For example, Planet A Foods plans to increase its production to over 10,000 tons by 2025 and expand to several European countries. The use of alternatives such as Choviva could not only help reduce ecological footprint, but also to meet the increasing requirements of consumers after sustainable foods.