Chocolate. The word alone can get us drooling some days. But for those of us navigating the world of plant-based diets, finding the perfect vegan chocolate can feel like searching for a hidden treasure. The good news? India has some hidden gems that can satisfy even the most discerning chocolate lover’s cravings without any animal products. Whether you’re a die-hard chocoholic or just dipping your toes into the vegan lifestyle, these ten chocolates are worth checking out. So sit back and get ready to discover your new favorite treats.
1. PiperLeaf
About: Piperleaf specializes in dairy-free “mylk” chocolates, crafted to provide a creamy texture without any dairy ingredients. They focus on creating indulgent chocolate experiences while catering to vegan and lactose-intolerant consumers.
Specialty: Their mylk chocolates are known for their smooth texture and rich flavor, offering a dairy-free alternative to traditional milk chocolates. Piperleaf also emphasizes using high-quality ingredients to maintain taste and health benefits.
Price: Starting at ₹199 + delivery.
Where to Find: Available for purchase at select vegan specialty stores and online retailers. Check local health food stores or vegan product outlets for availability.
2. Mason & Co
About: Mason & Co. specializes in organic, single-origin, vegan dark chocolates. They follow a meticulous bean-to-bar process, starting with cacao pods harvested from ripe trees and fermenting the beans with their pulp intact to enhance flavor.
Specialty: Their range includes 15 flavors of dark chocolate bars, such as Intense, Signature, Zesty Orange, and more. They also offer pantry items like cacao powder, cacao nibs, and cacao butter, all crafted with the same dedication to quality and sustainability.
Price:
- Each standard 60g chocolate bar is priced at ₹385.00.
- Pantry items range from ₹480.00 for chocolate spreads to ₹1,100.00 for cacao powder.
Where to Find: Available for purchase online through their official website. Additionally, check major online retailers and specialty vegan stores for availability.
3. Soothys
About: Soothys specializes in artisanal vegan chocolates, crafted with high-quality ingredients and a dedication to vegan principles. They offer a range of chocolate products suitable for those following a vegan lifestyle.
Specialty: Known for their artisanal approach, Soothys’ chocolates are crafted to deliver exceptional taste and quality without any animal-derived ingredients. They emphasize ethical sourcing and sustainable practices in chocolate production.
Price: Starting at ₹130.
Where to Find: Available for purchase directly through their website, making it convenient for customers to order online. Additionally, Soothys chocolates may be available at select retailers or through partnerships with online vegan and specialty food stores.
4. Ditch The Guilt – All About Cacao Vegan Dark Chocolate
About: Ditch The Guilt specializes in vegan dark chocolate that is crafted to be low in net carbs, low in calories, and free from added sugars. Their focus is on providing a guilt-free chocolate option for health-conscious consumers.
Specialty: Their chocolate is known for being vegan, dark, and made without any added sugars, catering to those looking for a healthier chocolate alternative without compromising on taste.
Price: Starting at ₹89.
Where to Find: Available for purchase directly through their website. It’s recommended to check their online store for availability and to place orders.
5. Ambriona Daarzel Collection
About: Ambriona’s Daarzel collection features a variety of vegan and gluten-free dark chocolates crafted with high-quality ingredients, including Indian-origin cocoa. From classic dark chocolate to unique flavors like blueberry and orange, each bar is designed to offer a rich and intense chocolate experience.
Specialty: Their specialty lies in offering a range of dark chocolates with varying cocoa percentages and added ingredients like nuts, fruits, and flavors, catering to diverse tastes and dietary preferences.
Starting Price: Starting at ₹199.
Where to Find: Available for purchase directly through Ambriona’s website. Check their online store for availability and to place orders.
6. Paul and Mike
About: Paul And Mike is dedicated to producing fine flavor chocolates, named after Latin American cocoa farmers. Based in Kochi, Kerala, Paul and Mike specializes in farm-to-bark chocolates.
Specialty: Their offerings include unique combinations like Gin & Candied Ginger, Sichuan Pepper & Orange Peel, and Indian Style Masala Chai. Their chocolates span various cocoa percentages and include options sweetened with dates, infused with whisky or bourbon, and more.
Starting Price: Starting at ₹250.
Where to Find: Available for purchase directly through Paul And Mike’s website.
7. Pascati
About: Pascati was founded by Devansh Ashar, driven by his passion for chocolate and commitment to quality. Starting from his bedroom with modified equipment, Pascati quickly gained recognition for its commitment to organic and fair trade practices, becoming India’s first USDA Organic and Fairtrade-compliant chocolate brand.
Specialty: Pascati’s chocolates are crafted to highlight unique flavors such as Blueberry Walnut, Raspberry Hibiscus, Mint, Orange Cinnamon Hazelnut, Sea Salt, Passionfruit Almond, and 72% Kerala.
Starting Price: Minis start at ₹135.
Where to Find: Available for purchase through Pascati’s website and in various major cities across India. Look for Pascati chocolates in select retail outlets and hotel minibars.
8. Pink Harvest’s Bean to Bark
About: Pink Harvest focuses on offering healthy, vegan, and gluten-free chocolate options. Their process emphasizes sustainability and traceability, ensuring that every bar is made with care and precision.
Specialty: They offer a variety of flavors, each designed to provide a unique and satisfying chocolate experience.
Starting Price: Starting at ₹260.
Where to Find: Available for purchase through Pink Harvest’s website and at most major online retail stores. Check their online store for availability and to place orders.
9. The Whole Truth
About: The Whole Truth Foods prides itself on transparency and honesty in its ingredient sourcing and product creation. Their chocolates are made without hidden ingredients, ensuring that consumers know exactly what they consume.
Specialty: The Whole Truth Foods offers a range of flavors designed to cater to various taste preferences while maintaining a commitment to health and wellness.
Starting Price: Starting at ₹149.
Where to Find: Available for purchase through The Whole Truth Foods’ website.
From the artisanal bean-to-bar creations of Mason & Co. to the innovative flavors of Paul and Mike, there’s something for every chocolate lover. Each brand brings its own unique approach to vegan chocolate, emphasizing quality, sustainability, and deliciousness. Whether you’re looking for a classic dark chocolate bar, a nutty delight, or a fruity twist, this list has you covered. So, treat yourself and explore the diverse world of vegan chocolates—your taste buds will thank you!
– Contributed by Meenal R
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