Pictured: Vegan M&Ms from NoWhey! Foods Vegan Chocolate Candy Bars, Truffles, and Other Confections What does the future of vegan chocolate hold? It’s hard to say for sure, but at this rate, it seems safe to say that it’ll be sweet! Child Labor & Slavery in the Chocolate Trade For a healthier option, Sweet Freedom Choc Shot is only 13 calories per teaspoon and made from natural fruit extracts (apple and carob) and cocoa.

At its core, hot chocolate consists of a harmonious blend of cocoa powder, sweetener, and a liquid base. Cocoa powder serves as the star ingredient, contributing the rich, chocolaty flavor that we all crave. Derived from the roasted and ground cacao beans, cocoa powder brings a delightful depth of taste to hot chocolate. Combined with the right amount of sweetener, such as sugar or a plant-based alternative, it creates the perfect balance of sweetness and cocoa intensity. However, not all hot chocolate is vegan, so there are some things you need to look out for before indulging. It’s the most scrumptious treat that kids and grown-ups alike will love! 9. Options Vegan Belgian Hot Chocolate Drink Some chocolate shavings sprinkled on top of your vegan whipped cream don’t go amiss either. They look pretty and they add to the overall deliciousness. So really, it’s a winners move. Vegan Hot Chocolate From ScratchCustomization goes beyond selecting the base and toppings—it extends to the sweetness level and additional toppings you choose. Consider these suggestions to make your vegan hot chocolate truly personalized: Chocolate has been around for over 4,000 years, beginning in ancient Mesoamerica, which is also known as Mexico today. For many centuries, it was only a beverage, not a candy or confection, used largely during rituals as medicine or an aphrodisiac. A deliciously satisfying hot chocolate drink, perfect for those chocolatey moments that we all love.New Options Vegan has the same great chocolate taste, just made to a 100% plant-based recipe. So, give it a try, sit down, relax and enjoy. Enjoy it plain or top with vegan whipped cream.Top it with whipped coconut cream or any vegan cream of your choice. While you would imagine that all hot chocolate powders would be vegan, some contain pesky ingredients such as milk powder, whey and casein.

Nestle Toll House (yes, they now have a vegan option for both dark chocolate chips and vegan white chocolate chips! Look for the vegan label) Who doesn’t love a comforting hot chocolate in the winter (or any time of year to be honest!). It’s the ultimate sweet treat and feels synonymous with cosiness and pure joy. When a plain chocolate bar just won’t cut it, there are plenty of richer treats to enjoy. Whether you’re craving a nostalgic classic candy bar or high-end gourmet truffle, these are just a few drool-worthy treats you’ll want to tear into ASAP. Choose from chocolatey mint, hazelnut, salted caramel, chilli and ginger, or opt for the classic 70% dark or 45% nut milk version. 7. Sweet Freedom Choc Shot Milk or milk-based products: Some hot chocolate variations may contain milk or milk derivatives. If you have a lactose intolerance or follow a strict vegan diet, it’s important to choose alternatives that are free from dairy products.You can find our which vegan chocolates are slavery-free using the Food Empowerment Project chocolate list. They have done (and continue to do) extensive research to determine which vegan chocolate brands are truly ethical. Their online chocolate directory makes it easy for consumers like you and me to put our dollars toward companies with kind, ethical, and worker-friendly practices. Fairtrade Chocolate Here are some of our favourite recipes we like to make when the weather turns cold. 1. Simple Hot Chocolate While the basic components of hot chocolate seem relatively straightforward, it’s important to be aware of non-vegan ingredients that can find their way into certain recipes. One common non-vegan addition is milk. Traditional hot chocolate recipes often call for dairy milk, which can pose a challenge for individuals following a vegan lifestyle. The inclusion of dairy milk not only goes against the principles of veganism but also excludes those with lactose intolerance or dairy allergies. Pascha Chocolate (organic Peruvian chocolate grown, harvested and crafted in Peru with socially certified farmers.) There’s definitely room on the dessert menu for more sweet options, and these brands should be applauded for their efforts to be more inclusive and offer vegan treats alongside pre-existing options with less suitable ingredients. These are the brands that have something for everyone:

If you’re looking for a lighter cocoa drink that can be made without milk, try Options’ Vegan Belgian Hot Chocolate Drink. Coconut sugar also works great as the sweetener. I used regular brown sugar, but you can really use whatever sweetener you like or even not use anything if you think it’s sweet enough.And if you’re feeling extravagant, you can add in flavourings such as vanilla extract, cinnamon or peppermint extract to take it to the next level! Being aware of the nutritional information of the hot chocolate offerings allows you to make informed choices about your calorie intake, macronutrient distribution, and potential allergens. By understanding the nutritional content, you can make adjustments in other parts of your diet to ensure a balanced approach to your overall nutrition. Finding Detailed Nutrition Facts Oat Milk: Known for its creamy consistency, oat milk brings a slightly sweet and earthy undertone to your hot chocolate. It adds a luxurious touch to your customized beverage. This opaque phase shows up all too frequently like a veiled threat on many chocolates. Even when there are no dairy ingredients listed on the label, manufacturers often use shared equipment to process all their confections, including those that contain milk. To be safe on the offhand chance that there might be minuscule cross contamination, that little disclaimer is a way of warning those with severe allergies.

It’s perfect for cold nights, or when there’s a little nip in the air, or you know, the wind is blowing a little. Ingredient Notes This plant-based hot chocolate is rich, creamy, easy to make, and ready in 5 minutes. Enjoy a healthy twist on the classic recipe, made with dairy-free milk and naturally sweetened with maple syrup. These animal derivatives make some hot chocolates in the supermarket non-vegan, so you will need to take a look at the ingredients when browsing the shelves!Most mainstream white chocolate options do involve dairy, but vegan white chocolate brands are coming to life and we share several below! White chocolate relies primarily on milk solids for its creamy consistency. But as we know, milk can come from plants as well as from cows!