New chocolate brand Candid has launched a snacking range of whole-plant cacao bites with an improved nutritional profile in the US.
According to the chocolate maker, the Noons range is made with organic ingredients, including tropical fruits and superfoods, to create a clean chocolate product.
Noons contain no emulsifiers, unnatural sweeteners or added cane sugar but are instead sweetened with cacao fruit which provides added nutrients including magnesium B vitamins and various antioxidants.
Cacao fruit is often discarded in the chocolate making process, therefore this method reportedly reduces waste.
In September last year, Barry Callebaut unveiled a new range of products that made use of the entire cacao fruit, responding to consumer demands for food and drinks that are both tasty and nutritious as well as good for the planet.
This was followed by Nestlé’s launch of the KitKat Chocolatory Cacao Fruit Chocolate exclusively in Japan, its first product to use a chocolate made entirely from the cacoa fruit.
Candid’s new chocolate snacks reportedly offer a deep dark chocolate taste with slightly fruit, tart undertones and a crunchy texture.
The current Noons line-up, which is vegan, gluten-free and paleo-friendly, features four flavours: Pineapple & Coconut, Banana & Nibs, Golden Berry Turmeric & Mango, and Mango & Cinnamon.
With its new product, Candid aims to attract the next generation of chocolate consumers by using healthier ingredients, environmentally-friendly packaging (recyclable box and compostable inner bag) and playful brand appeal.
“Noons are meant to be healthier, snackier, and more fun. If customers want to dig deeper and learn about our mission, they’ll find that Candid supports regenerative agroforestry and ethical trade. But if they just want a delicious chocolate snack, that’s fine, too,” says Candid CEO Chris Kajander.
The full Noons range is available online and in over 100 retail locations across the New York metro area. Candid plans to expand in 2020 to strategic markets throughout the US.
© FoodBev Media Ltd 2024