Is Chocolate Vegan? A Guide

One of life's great pleasures is enjoying a piece of your favorite chocolate all on its own. But sometimes, we're looking for something different. Try pairing this delicacy with dried fruits and nuts for a nutritious, vegan-friendly snack. Or whip up a dessert that can be enjoyed post-dinner or at all hours of the day. Our vegan chocolate zucchini bread recipe won't disappoint.  

 

What is vegan chocolate?

Vegan chocolate is any chocolate made without animal products, such as milk, cream, or honey.  

The good news for vegans is that pure chocolate is naturally vegan. At its purest, chocolate contains only cocoa beans and sugar.  

But, as we all know, it's not that simple. Not all chocolate is created equally and from the cleanest ingredients without any additives. For those who follow a plant-based diet, don't despair. There are two easy ways to find vegan chocolate.  

First, you can look for vegan-certified products. Or check the ingredients list on the chocolate. Steer clear of any that contain milk solids or milk powder. Brands can sneak in dairy with other names, so also look out for whey, lactose, or casein, which are animal products.  

If it's vegan chocolate you're hoping for, opt for dark chocolate. It is the most reliable, vegan-friendly option. 

Venchi's selection of vegan chocolate is made with the finest plant-based ingredients and our signature love and care. Is Venchi chocolate gluten-free? Many of the Venchi chocolates are also gluten-free and still exquisitely crafted with a delicious chocolate taste.  

 

Is dark chocolate vegan?

The intense, sophisticated flavors of dark chocolate make it a sought-after delicacy throughout the world. It also has a reputation for being the healthiest type of chocolate. But is it vegan? The answer lies in the variety's dark color that shows no signs of milk products.  

Most dark chocolate is vegan because it is crafted from cocoa solids, cocoa butter, and a hint of sugar. All of which comes from plants. 

But always make sure to check the chocolate's label before consuming. Some brands, especially those that are not of the highest quality, will slip in milk products or other additives to make the dark chocolate silkier in texture.  

 

Is milk chocolate vegan?

The irresistible richness of this chocolate variety comes from a blend of cocoa solids, milk, and sugar. 

To be called milk chocolate, this product must contain at least 25% cocoa and 14% milk-derived substances: that rules it out for vegans.  

 

Is white chocolate vegan?

Sadly, white chocolate is not vegan. Its standard recipe contains cocoa butter, sugar, and plenty of milk.  

The dairy in the white variety makes it unsuitable for vegans but is what creates its melt-in-the-mouth creaminess. There is a possibility to substitute the milk for a plant-based alternative. Still, its taste won't be the same as traditional white chocolate.  

 

What is vegan chocolate made of?

Vegan chocolate is made from only plant-based ingredients — cocoa solids, cocoa butter, and sugar. These ingredients combined create flavor heaven and celebrate chocolate at its purest.  

Don't let the name mislead you. Cocoa butter is entirely free of any dairy. It's a rich, decadent vegetable fat with all the creaminess of butter and without any of the milk. Cocoa butter began life as a cocoa bean and now adds a smooth texture to your favorite sweet treat.