Best Vegan Chocolates in India: Dairy-Free, Plant-Based & Absolutely Irresistible

Limited things compare to the joy of biting a good piece of chocolate. Imagine enjoying the same rich taste and texture without guilt and dairy products. That's vegan chocolate for you, a little win for your cravings. It's a choice of staying kinder to the body, animals, and planet.

In this blog, we will discuss all the important aspects of vegan chocolates and guide you through choosing the best vegan chocolate in India.

What Makes a Chocolate Truly Vegan?

At times, it can be confusing to differentiate a vegetarian chocolate from a vegan one, but we've got you covered. You can look into some aspects that differentiate vegan chocolate from a regular one.

Ingredients to Look For and Avoid in a Vegan chocolate

Vegan chocolate contains no dairy products or animal-derived additives, including milk powder, whey, or honey. It uses plant-based alternatives with other ingredients to keep the flavor intact, but these don't change the taste or texture of the chocolate.

In Cacaoly, our vegan chocolate items are entirely plant-based. We use pure single-origin cacao, cacao butter, and muscovado sugar for sweetness and other ingredients like oats, nuts, and seed mixes in some of our chocolate bars for better indulgence. Some of our prominent plant-based chocolate products are:

70% Dark Chocolate Bar: 60% single-origin cacao, 10% cacao butter, 30% muscovado sugar

Breakfast Bar: 70% Dark chocolate, nuts, and seed mixes. Perfect for your breakfast or post-workout snack.

Caramelized Cacao Nibs: Cacao nibs are caramelized in muscovado sugar, perfect for mid-day or evening munching. These products are healthy, have zero refined sugar, are safe for kids, and are pure indulgent.

Difference Between Vegetarian & Vegan Chocolate

A common confusion may arise between the concepts of vegetarian and vegan. The significant difference between vegetarian and vegan chocolate is the use of dairy or animal substances. Products like animal milk, honey, whey protein, gelatin, or animal milk-derived products like cheese, ghee, and butter can be considered vegetarian but not vegan.

Cacaoly's 70% Dark Chocolate, Oat Milk Chocolate, Breakfast Bar, and Caramelized Cacao Nibs are vegan-friendly products that don't contain any of the milk-products mentioned earlier. The cacao butter in the Cacaoly chocolates is extracted from the cacao beans, which is purely plant-based.

So, if you're looking for a handcrafted, vegan-friendly, plant-based chocolate bar, switch to Cacaoly.

Vegan-Friendly vs. Vegan-Certified Chocolate

Another thin-lined difference among vegan chocolates is whether they're vegan-friendly or vegan-certified. Vegan-certified chocolates are approved and certified by a legitimate third party for their vegan characteristics. These chocolates are produced in an environment where only vegan chocolates are prepared.

On the other hand, vegan-friendly chocolates are vegan. Still, non-vegan (vegetarian) chocolates may be crafted in the same factory. Both vegan and non-vegan chocolates may use the same machinery and raw materials. They are also not certified by any third party.

Please read the label and packaging to find out the specifications.

Cacaoly's vegan products are vegan-friendly chocolates, as we produce our other vegetarian chocolates in the same workshop.

Why Choose Vegan Chocolate?

When you think of veganism, the first thing that comes to mind is green and plants. But don't worry—the taste is unaltered. It ensures that the same flavor, texture, and satisfaction don't fall behind a bit.

The Rise of Plant-Based Living in India

The rise of veganism also knocked on India's door after sweeping away Europe and other parts of the globe. Besides being an alternative for lactose-intolerant people, veganism also promotes plant-based eating, environmental causes, and animal welfare.

So, if you're inclined towards any of the causes (we should see the increasing environmental concern) and yet want to nurture your sweet tooth, vegan chocolates are the options for you, my friend!

Health Benefits of Vegan Chocolates

Lactose intolerance, a common concern nowadays, restricts suitable items for consumption. Vegan chocolates are a savior here as they use plant—or non-plant-based alternatives, making them suitable for lactose-intolerant consumers.

Dairy-free chocolates contain multiple lactose-free ingredients and other healthy ingredients like seeds, nut mixes, etc. These ingredients meet your fiber requirements, helping lower cholesterol levels and improve digestion.

Common Misconception about Vegan Chocolates

All Vegan Chocolates are Plant-Based:

No, not all vegan chocolates are plant-based. While cacao is plant-based, and some vegan chocolate bars may contain other ingredients like salt. But Cacaoly's vegan chocolate bars are plant-based.

Vegan Chocolates are Less Tasty:

No misconception can be stronger than this. In vegan chocolate, alternatives to dairy and other animal substances are used. But those don't make them any less tartier; they are alternative options for milk chocolates.

At Cacaoly, we handcraft every chocolate with special attention and care and keep its taste intact.

There’re no good options for Dark Vegan Chocolate:

We can proudly counter this statement as Cacaoly's 70% Dark chocolate bar contains 60% pure dark cacao, which gives it a perfect bitter taste. The 10% cacao butter brings that smooth, creamy texture to our bars, and the 30% muscovado sugar balances the bitterness.

So, if you're looking for a perfect Dark Vegan Chocolate, you can shop it here.

Top 5 Vegan Chocolate Brands in India

1.Cacaoly – Bean to Bar Excellence (Delhi NCR)

Cacaoly uses 100% pure single-origin cacao from Idduki, Kerala, in every chocolate bar. Our vegan bean-to-bar chocolates are made of ethically sourced Indian cacao, muscovado sugar (non-refined), and other vegan-friendly ingredients.

We focus on curating small-batch artisan handcrafted chocolate with a smooth flavor, prioritizing purity and taste as the best output to the consumer.

Our wide range of varieties includes, but is not limited to, vegan chocolate products like 70% Dark Chocolate, Oat Milk Chocolate Bars, Breakfast Bars, and Caramelized Cacao Nibs.

2.Naviluna (Mysuru, Karnataka)

Naviluna crafts bean-to-bar chocolates using organically certified Indian cacao, focusing on unique Indian flavors and ethical sourcing. Their vegan range features standout bars like the Almost Dark 61.8% Três Bāḷe Chocolate Bar and 72% Tokai Coffee & Pineapple Chocolate Bar, both hand-crafted in small batches to highlight the terroir of South Indian cacao.

3.Mason & Co (Auroville, Tamil Nadu)

Mason & Co is renowned for its organic, single-origin, vegan dark chocolate bars made from Indian cacao. Their vegan lineup includes the "Peppermint & Sweet Nibs" bar, Coconut Milk bar, and Zesty Orange bar, all crafted with clean, plant-based ingredients and no dairy.

4.Pascati (Pune, Maharashtra)

Pascati, India’s first USDA organic and Fairtrade-certified chocolate maker, specializes in vegan dark chocolates using cacao from Kerala. Popular vegan options include the 72% Single Origin Kerala Dark Chocolate Bar and Organic & Vegan Chocolate, 72% Kerala, both offering rich, fruit-forward flavors.

5.Soklet (Pollachi, Tamil Nadu)

Soklet is India’s first tree-to-bar chocolate brand, producing vegan chocolates from cacao grown on their own plantations. Vegan-friendly products include the 70% Dark Chocolate Bar and 100% Dark Chocolate, both made without dairy and highlighting the pure, intense flavors of Indian cacao.

How to Identify the Best Vegan Chocolate Brands in India

Check for Certifications and Labeling

When you choose a vegan chocolate bar, the first thing you should check is the specified label. The label can say 'vegan,' 'vegan certified,' 'vegan-friendly,' 'cruelty-free,' etc. Choose according to your preference.

Check for Ingredient List

Check the backside of the vegan chocolate packaging to check the ingredient lists and make sure the chocolate is pure vegan. Remember, if a chocolate bar uses honey as an ingredient, that may not be a vegan option.

Packaging and Ethical Practices

Being vegan ensures one's commitment to the environment. Packaging is a crucial element in such instances as it is the only part that reaches the bins. Look for the signs of eco-friendly packaging and fair-trade sourcing, which adds value.

How to Enjoy Vegan Chocolates

Gifting Vegan Chocolate Combos

It's not challenging to gift your new-age, conscious loved ones who are vegans or recently became one. Cacaoly makes it much easier with a series of vegan chocolate bars, products, and combos for gifting purposes.

We brought our range of vegan chocolate bars, Caramelized Cacao Nibs, and our Vegan Chocolate Combo. These are perfect for any festival, celebration, or corporate gifting.

Pairing Vegan Chocolate with Nut Butters, Fruit and Wine

Pair rich vegan chocolate with creamy nut butter like almond or hazelnut for a decadent treat. Add sliced berries or figs for natural sweetness, or elevate the experience with a glass of red or dessert wine. These pairings enhance flavor complexity while keeping your indulgence plant-based and sophisticated.

Be Creative with your Vegan Chocolate recipe

Get creative with your vegan chocolate stash! Whip up fudgy vegan chocolate brownies, a cozy cup of vegan hot chocolate with oat milk, or rich chocolate avocado mousse for a guilt-free dessert. You can even melt vegan dark chocolate for dipping fruits or drizzle it over smoothie bowls for that extra indulgent twist.

In the End:

Vegan chocolates aren’t about compromise or giving things up; it's about how good and new choices can taste, feeling the rich taste, and fulfilling every known parameter of satisfaction.

So even if you are a full-time vegan or looking for a healthy sweet alternatives, take a bite of Cacaoly’s vegan chocolate bars and realize that deliciousness doesn't need dairy.

FAQs

Is vegan chocolate healthier than regular chocolate?

Vegan chocolates often contain fewer additives, are plant-based, and contain no dairy or dairy-related substances. This can be a healthier choice overall, especially for lactose-intolerant people. Moreover, choosing vegan chocolate is always a better choice for our planet.

Can vegan chocolates be as rich and creamy as regular ones?

Yes! Many brands use coconut or almond milk, or other plant-based ingredients to create rich, creamy textures. Cacaoly uses cacao butter or oat milk to bring that creamy texture to our vegan chocolate bars.

Where can I buy authentic vegan chocolate in India?

You can find authentic vegan chocolates online, in specialty stores and brands like Cacaoly.

Are vegan chocolates more expensive than regular chocolates?

Some artisan vegan chocolates are priced higher due to quality and ethical sourcing but are worth the investment.

Can I gift vegan chocolates to non-vegans?

Absolutely! Vegan chocolates are best for any celebration, festival, or corporate gifting. At Cacaoly, we have vegan chocolate bars, vegan cacao snacks like Caramelized Cacao Nibs, and a Vegan Chocolate Combo perfect for any gifting.