However, the real plant-based transformation in the chocolate market is taking place in the “mi!lk chocolate” segment, with new and exciting dairy alternatives that allow consumers to have the indulgent taste they enjoy while reducing their environmental impact. Plant-based mi!lks such as those made from rice, coconut, soy, almonds, and oats have become increasingly sought-after alternatives.
Our 'conscious consumers’ have four main motivators in choosing a plant based diet.
1. Health and nutrition
According to a research carried out by Accenture, 64% of people shop with their health in mind. Dairy/lactose-free plant-based mi!lk drinks and foods target consumers who avoid milk of animal origin in their diet due to either intolerance or allergies.
2. Climate change
The same study showed that 62% of consumers seek to reduce their impact on the planet. In this sense, the impacts of plant-based mi!lk production are considerably lower than those of regular milk, from the perspective of greenhouse gas emissions as well as water and land usage.
3. Sustainability
According to Accenture’s research, which was carried out during the Covid-19 pandemic, 68% of consumers are limiting their food waste, 60% are more cost conscious about products, and 54% are making more sustainable choices. Most of the people surveyed said they plan to continue with these new habits in the future to help do their bit and be planet friendly. Our plant based chocolate is wrapped in plastic free fully compostable packaging printed using soya inks too and we use British suppliers to help keep our chocolate carbon footprint or paw print (as we are squirrels) down. Check out our sustainability page to see our sustainable chocolate journey so far... https://www.gnawchocolate.co.uk/pages/sustainable-chocolate
4. Animal welfare
This element is one of the main decision factors for vegans, vegetarians and flexitarians—those who eat animal protein, but who are reducing their consumption and focusing on a plant-based diet. Given this scenario, the United Kingdom, and Germany, have emerged as the largest vegan markets in the world. The former, for example, accounts for 40% of the meat substitute market across Europe. As for the latter, according to a Deloitte survey, 63% of its population is reducing their meat consumption.
According to Mintel, since 2016, the production of vegan and plant-based chocolate has continued to grow, and the results they have found are indicative of this new industry facet. Considering current premium chocolate confectionery market, and vegan and flexitarian population, there’s an estimated potential market of £856mm in vegan and dairy free chocolates in the UK.
