Beyond the Bean: Chocolate’s New Chapter
1st May 2025
Calling all chocolate lovers! According to Mintel’s eye-opening 2025 Future of Chocolate Confectionery report, the chocolate world as we know it is melting into something entirely new.
The beloved ingredient that’s been the star of countless bakery creations is facing a perfect storm of challenges. Cocoa prices are soaring to record heights, supply chains are strained, and consumer preferences are shifting faster than ganache sets in a chilled kitchen. But before we panic about the future of chocolate-based bestsellers, there’s exciting news: this disruption is spawning a wave of innovation that could revolutionise your bakery offerings.
From lab-grown chocolate that perfectly mimics the real thing to plant-based alternatives that challenge traditional cocoa’s dominance, we’re entering an era where ‘beyond cocoa’ isn’t just a trendy concept – it’s becoming a delicious reality.
Chocolate in Crisis
Cocoa prices have been steadily climbing due to global supply shortages and years of underinvestment in sustainable farming. While there’s some optimism for improved yields in the upcoming season, industry experts predict prices will remain elevated for the foreseeable future, creating mounting pressure on chocolate manufacturers and bakery businesses alike.
The industry has responded with strategies like increasing retail prices and reducing package sizes, but more dramatic changes are on the horizon. In fact, we’re likely to see a fundamental shift in how chocolate products are formulated, with many brands exploring ways to reduce cocoa content while maintaining the experience consumers know and love.
Beyond Cocoa: Exploring Alternative Ingredients
As cocoa becomes increasingly precious, the concept of ‘cocoa-free’ is gaining traction. Carob, naturally caffeine-free and offering simplicity and naturalness, is positioned to see increased adoption as a promising alternative.
Other innovative alternatives emerging include:
- ChoViva
Created by Planet A Foods, it combines precision fermentation with roasting, and uses oats and sunflower seeds as a base ingredient.
- Mesquite Pods
These mimic many cocoa qualities with flavour notes of chocolate, cinnamon, toasted coconut, and dates.
- Cupuaçu
A relative of cacao with a white, fleshy pulp featuring a unique chocolatey, fruity flavour profile.
Perhaps most revolutionary is the development of cell-based cocoa. Made through plant cell cultivation, lab-grown cocoa offers a sustainable and ethical alternative that requires less land, water, and carbon emissions while ensuring supply chain stability. Though still in its infancy, companies like California Cultured are making significant advancements in its development. Watch this space…
The ‘Less but Better’ Mindset
As chocolate becomes more of a special treat than an everyday indulgence, consumers are increasingly embracing a ‘less but better’ philosophy. These chocolate industry trends present an opportunity for bakery businesses to elevate chocolate’s status through premium positioning.
Blending artistry into chocolate products can create more memorable experiences. Artistic presentation, luxury ingredients, and storytelling about sourcing and craftsmanship all contribute to creating chocolate moments that feel special and worthy of a higher price point.
Perhaps you might:
- Develop signature chocolate items with distinctive visual appeal
- Create memorable multi-sensory experiences through texture and flavour combinations
- Explore limited-edition or seasonal offerings that highlight chocolate’s precious nature.
As it continues to evolve, successful businesses will embrace these changes as opportunities for innovation rather than obstacles. By exploring how the future of bakery and chocolate is being reshaped by rising cocoa prices, alternative ingredients, and premium trends that offer new opportunities for innovation
At Kara, we know a chocolate craving when we see one. That’s why our sweet selection is packed with indulgent favourites designed to delight. Whether you’re after a rich showstopper or a crowd-pleasing classic, we’ve got just the thing to hit the sweet spot.
