The conscious concerns driving consumers towards mindful chocolate choices
Chocolate and indulgence go hand-in-hand. But for an increasingly large group of consumers, indulgence is no longer enough. They’re seeking out conscious, mindful indulgences.
The plant-based chocolate sector is booming, with growth expected to overtake the mainstream market. For the modern consumer, plant-based alternatives appeal for a number of different reasons. First, the ethical concerns that drive the uptick in veganism, and then health and dietary requirements, such as gluten and dairy intolerance.
In this shift, one thing consumers aren’t willing to sacrifice is flavour. They’re seeking out premium alternatives that tick all the boxes for taste, health and conscious concerns. Discover the brands they’re turning to and why.
Plant based
With the rise of plant-based diets, it's only natural that vegans and plant-based devotees will look for uncompromising alternatives to their favourite treats.
Australia’s original plant-based chocolate brand, Loving Earth, has amassed mainstream significance and consistent growth with certified organic, Australian-made, and ethically sourced products. Exclusively distributed by Unique, Loving Earth’s ‘free from’ range includes top-sellers and trending seasonal chocolates for a high-turnover gifting opportunity.
Likewise, LoveRaw is UK’s fastest-growing plant-based chocolate.* Globally appraised and multi-award-winning for resembling genuine taste comparable to heritage chocolate brands, LoveRaw has mainstream appeal, strong brand loyalty and rapid growth in Australia.
Sweet snacking
With 60% of Australian consumers turning to better-for-you snacks, the sweet snacking category offers huge potential.
Mindfully indulgent and caffeine-free, Carob Farm is Australian made with carob, a popular chocolate alternative. With no gluten or palm oil and lower calories, the products have consumer-friendly RRPs, starting at $1.40 for 15g. The standout social enterprise donates 10% of profits to ‘Friends of the Koala’ and has limited market competition.
Choc coated
Combining the flavour of quality chocolate with other ingredients, such as fruit, nuts and liquorice, these products hit the spot for the better-for-you chocolate consumer.
Naked Chocolate Co is the go-to for gluten-free, chocolate-coated freeze-dried fruits. Using premium quality white and dark Belgian chocolate and 100% real fruit pieces, the products contain no artificial ingredients, preservatives or flavours. The dark chocolate options are also vegan-friendly.
Gifting
From Easter to Valentine’s Day, Mother’s Day and Christmas, chocolate is a go-to gifting option. At the top of consumer shopping lists are premium plant-based alternatives that look and taste great while also meeting conscious objectives.
Bennetto offers premium gifting chocolate with packaging that looks as good as the chocolate tastes. The products are organic, fairtrade, gluten-free, climate-positive, vegan and delicious.
Choose conscious alternatives
Order online or via our sales team at 1800 787 904. Alternatively, register for a wholesale account here.
*IRI MarketPlace. 52we 17/4/22
There is no denying the sales power of chocolate. It's a market that's valued at more than AUD 1.83 billion with a predicted CAGR (compound annual growth rate) of 7% by 2026.
However, consumer tastes are changing much like other snack trends. In the chocolate market, this is largely driven by a preference for premium chocolates as well as an overall general trend towards healthier alternatives.
At Unique Health Products, we have a range of wholesale chocolate brands that tick all the right boxes. From vegan, plant-based options to premium gifting brands, we distribute a large variety of wholesale chocolate options to help you cater to growing consumer interest.
Chocolate gifting
The focus on premium chocolates is not only due to the health benefits of dark varieties. It's also largely driven by an evolving tradition of gifting.
The Alter Eco range of organic, fairtrade Chocolate Blocks and Truffles are made with non-GMO ingredients with no preservatives added. Sustainable packaging is also a big focus of Alter Eco as they work towards 100% recyclable or compostable packaging across all of their products. The Chocolate Truffles, in particular, represent a great gifting product made from premium ingredients with standout packaging.
Bennetto is another premium gifting chocolate with packaging that looks as good as the chocolate tastes. The products are organic, fairtrade, gluten free, climate positive, vegan and delicious. The stunning packaging features Peruvian birds in a nod to the Bennetto sustainability and environmental goals.
Healthy chocolate snacking
According to Roy Morgan research, 90% of Australians are regular snackers, with 48.1% of people snacking on chocolate in an average week. At the same time, the uptake of healthy snacks is also on the rise. Brands that can marry the two to create healthy chocolate snacks are flying off shelves.
For the growing market of protein snackers, Vitawerx hits the spot. The innovative Protein Chocolate is available in Bars and Choc-coated offerings. Keto-friendly and with no gluten or added sugar, the range is high in protein for a clean-eating snack.
For some interesting flavour combinations with dark and white chocolate options, the Little Zebra Chocolates range is a winner. The Australian-made products are hand-crafted in a dedicated dairy and nut-free facility. They are keto-friendly and free from sugar, palm oil and gluten.
Choc-coated
Combining the flavour of quality chocolate with other ingredients, such as fruit, nuts and even licorice, these products hit the spot for the better-for-you chocolate consumer.
Dr Superfoods isn't just a chocolate brand, but they do chocolate well! The Chocolate Coated range includes Almonds, Blueberries, Goji Berries, Raspberries and more coated in premium quality Belgian chocolate.
Naked Chocolate Co is the go-to for gluten-free, chocolate-coated freeze-dried fruits. Using premium quality white and dark Belgian chocolate and 100% real fruit pieces, the products contain no artificial ingredients, preservatives or flavours. The dark chocolate options are also vegan friendly.
Another brand with a delicious range of chocolate-covered treats, including Licorice, Ginger, Coffee Beans, Macadamia Nuts and Strawberries, is Organic Times. Using organic and fairtrade chocolate, the range is free from palm oil and GMOs.
Vegan chocolate
With the rise of plant-based diets, it's only natural that vegans and plant-based devotees will look for vegan alternatives to their favourite treats.
All Vego chocolates are fairtrade certified and manufactured under fair conditions, without compromise. The growing vegan range uses ingredients like Italian hazelnuts and cocoa cream to create a moreish taste.
The Kresho Bar from Desert Island Confectionary is chewy nougat and roasted almonds wrapped in pure, vegan, fairly traded couverture chocolate. The brand is committed to mitigating its impact on the natural environment and ensuring that all operations are vegan, not just its chocolate.
Shine the light on your chocolate offering
With World Chocolate Day around the corner on 7 July, now is the time to review your chocolate offering and ensure your shelves meet your customers' needs. You can purchase our ranges of wholesale chocolate online with us 24/7, or call our friendly sales team on 1800 787 904. If you don't have a wholesale account with us yet, you can register for one here.
