Innovative Chocolate Makers Are Successfully Repositioning Chocolate As A Functional Food

Though the chocolate market seems to be recession-proof – global sales have risen three percent since 2008 – chocolate makers are not resting on their laurels. They are responding to consumer demand for healthier confections, and to a need for increased on-shelf product differentiation, with a host of innovations. According to Packaged Facts, chocolate makers developed portion-controlled packaging, sugar-free candies and heart-healthy chocolate. And companies like Barry Callebaut, NewTree and Azure Chocolat are developing chocolate products rich in functional ingredients, including omega-3s, calcium, vitamin D, flavonols, probiotics and superfruits. Chocolate is gaining credibility as a nutricosmetic because of its beneficial effect on wrinkles, according to Packaged Facts. If chocolate makers successfully tap into that market, it would add “another accolade to how versatile the 'Food of the Gods' really is.”