UK-based cocoa-free chocolate producer WNWN Food Labs has launched three new bars that pay homage to some of the country’s most popular chocolate bars — both in taste and in packaging.
They are:
- Choc Nut — Combines cocoa-free choc with layers of hazelnut paste.
- Choc Orange — Orange and grapefruit flavour choc.
- Vegan M•lk Choc — A classic plant-based milk choc bar.
The cocoa alternative used in the bars is made using plant-based fermentation techniques, and is free of caffeine and theobromine. All packaging is either recyclable or compostable.
WNWN aims to provide a more ethical alternative to conventional chocolate production, which has been associated with deforestation, slavery, and child labour. About a year ago, the company announced that it would be increasing its production space eightfold, claiming to be the first in the world to commercially launch cocoa-free chocolate. WNWN also raised £4.5 million earlier in 2023, with the aim of launching into UK retail.
Replicating popular brands
With the new launch, WNWN follows in the footsteps of LoveRaw, which has found huge success by developing plant-based chocolates inspired by popular brands. However, some plant-based producers have faced issues with this kind of strategy, receiving infringement notices from the companies they are emulating.
One example is UK snack brand CRAVE, which ran into trouble when three of its products were deemed too similar to major brands. The company ultimately rebranded the snacks to avoid a costly legal battle. Plant-based cheese producer Honestly Tasty also had to rename two products after receiving cease-and-desist letters from dairy cheese companies. In the US, plant-based snack brand PeaTos received a cease-and-desist order from Frito-Lay in 2018, but it was dropped the following year.
“We’ve reimagined classic chocolate bars by giving them an ethical, sustainable, and cocoa-free twist,” said WNWN CEO Ahrum Pak. “While they have a far smaller environmental impact, and they don’t rely on unfair labour practices like the originals they were inspired by, they are every bit as delicious. With these products, we’re showing the world how our cocoa-free chocolate can power the future of sustainable snacking.”
The new bars will launch on November 1, and pre-orders are already open on WNWN’s website.
