The Vegan Milk Chocolate You Must Try Right Now
Before going vegan, I wasn’t a big milk chocolate fan. I always thought it was a little waxy or left an unpleasant aftertaste; unlike others, it was never something that I felt like I was missing in my life. Then, brands started to pop up with vegan milk chocolate options.
At first, I remained disinterested — if I didn’t like it as a non-vegan, why in the world would I like it as a vegan? But given the fact that my job revolves heavily around food (vegan food, that is), I relented.
There were a few non-dairy milk chocolate options that left me unimpressed and reminded me why I didn’t like the stuff to begin with, but then there was one bar that changed it all! I’ll cut to the chase (otherwise, I know you’ll just start scrolling); the folks at Raaka have perfected the art of ultra-creamy chocolate that’s big on chocolate flavor without any nasty waxiness!
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You Must Try Raaka Vegan Milk Chocolate
Over the last couple of months, I have been on a vegan milk chocolate binge! I have tried dairy-free options from massive brands like Hershey to small brands hailing from Switzerland and everywhere in between, but none of them could hold a candle to the products that Raaka is making. I liked it so much that when I first got it, I took a couple of squares and then put it away. An hour later, I had to go back and get the rest of it (I generally have pretty good self-control)!
Raaka Chocolate (Raaka means raw in Finnish) is a vegan and ethically sourced chocolate brand based in Brooklyn. It was founded by Ryan Cheney and Nate Hodge in 2010. The story began when Cheney visited Thailand and tried raw chocolate. This discovery sparked an interest in crafting a unique, unroasted chocolate that would preserve the natural flavors and nuances of cacao beans.
Cheney returned to New York and teamed up with Hodge. Together they experimented with raw cacao and developed a signature “bean-to-bar” process that skips roasting, creating what they call “virgin chocolate.” This approach highlights the natural, complex flavors of cacao while preserving more of its nutrients.
Maybe this is why there is no nasty waxiness? Or a terrible aftertaste?
Ethical Chocolate Practices
Raaka’s commitment to ethical practices is central to its identity. From the beginning, they sought out transparent, direct trade relationships with cacao farmers, paying above-market prices to ensure fair compensation. Their chocolate-making process emphasizes transparency and environmental responsibility, aligning with the company’s values to support sustainable cacao farming.
Raaka’s Vegan Milk Chocolate Options
Currently, the brand has two vegan milk chocolate options — coconut milk chocolate and oat milk chocolate. I am a little partial to the oat milk, but honestly, both are stellar! In addition to the milk options, they also have a ton of other super creative (and delicious) options like Green Tea Crunch, Pure Cacao & Strawberry & Coconut, Pink Sea Salt, and more. I’ve given many of them as gifts and they’re always a crowd pleaser!
Where Else Can I Find Vegan Milk Chocolate?
One of my favorite places to look is Etsy! You will find various handmade options in a wide variety of flavor options from small businesses. Just search for “vegan milk chocolate” and see what comes up!
Start Shopping on EtsyVegan chocolate is also growing in popularity, so it’s no surprise that you can find options from popular brands like Hershey’s or Lindt on supermarket shelves. Personally, I didn’t love Hershey’s plant-based options, but I really enjoyed Lindt (I actually gave it as a gift to the non-veggie people on one of my vegan tours, and they loved it, too)!
What’s the Milk in Dairy-Free Milk Chocolate?
Dairy-free chocolate has become a fantastic alternative to traditional dairy-based confections. Instead of dairy, various plant-based options like almond, soy, oat, or coconut milk are incorporated to impart creaminess. Emulsifiers, often derived from soy or sunflower, contribute to the smooth and consistent texture by preventing the separation of cocoa solids and fats.
The use of different plant-based milks can also enhance the flavor, like adding a slightly nutty taste with hazelnut milk, or for a more neutral and creamier flavor, look for chocolate with oat milk. If you don’t like one, it doesn’t mean you won’t like them all — keep taste-testing!
Increasing Demand for Vegan Chocolate Options
Over the last five years, there has been a notable surge in the demand for vegan chocolate options, reflecting a broader shift towards plant-based living. Consumers are increasingly conscious of their dietary choices, seeking ethical and sustainable alternatives without compromising on flavor. According to Global Market Insights, the “Vegan Chocolate Market was valued at around USD 662.54 million in 2023 and is anticipated to grow at a CAGR of over 13.6% between 2024 and 2032.”
This growing awareness has prompted major brands that probably never thought they’d create dairy-free confections to rethink their lineup. Around the world, consumers are now finding vegan chocolate options from major companies like Hershey’s, Lindt, Mars, Ritter Sport, Nestle, and more. At one time, you would only find these products at specialty retailers or online, but today, they are taking up shelf space at most major retailers.
This evolution caters to the rising vegan population and resonates with a broader audience embracing a more mindful and compassionate approach to their food choices.
