The 3-ounce plant-based bar will be available at Whole Foods Market this month before launching with additional retailers in April.
Milk alternative products
The Oat Milk Chocolate bar line includes three flavors: Oat Milk + Dark Chocolate, Oat Milk, Sea Salt & Almonds + Dark Chocolate and Oat Milk, Rice Crisp + Dark Chocolate
“Our consumers dictate where we take our new product lines,” said Whitney Bembenick, director, Innovation, ESC.
“We saw the growing trend of milk alternative products and we knew we needed to respond to market demand. We looked at all of the options, from almond to coconut milk, but nothing compared to the smooth, creamy taste that oat milk brought to the table.
“With a taste closest to cow’s milk combined with the health benefits of oat milk we knew we hit on something that was going to check all the boxes for a healthier and tastier plant-based milk chocolate bar.”
All three bars contain 55% cocoa and are made with real ingredients so no chemical compounds.
The addition of oat milk coupled with the benefits of dark chocolate bring a healthier option to the marketplace, according to ESC.
Vegan and gluten-free
It believes compared to dairy milk, oat milk is lower in cholesterol and provides heart health benefits. In addition, each oat milk bar is certified vegan and gluten-free.
“Whole Foods Market is always looking for first-to-market innovation that will surprise and delight our customers, and ESC’s Oat Milk Chocolate Bars fit the bill with sustainably sourced, high-quality ingredients and a product that is delicious,” said Jason Krolikowski, Sr. category merchant, Candy and Functional Snacks, Whole Foods Market.
“Oat milk is one of the hottest trends in our industry and we look forward to launching three exclusive oat milk flavors in our stores to offer consumers the taste of milk chocolate delivered in a creamy, delicious plant-based chocolate bar.”
With more than 28 flavor varieties, ESC is on a mission to support a sustainable eco-system that encourages habitat conservation supporting farming communities and their families.
“Our oat milk chocolate bar line will continue our commitment to ethical trade and making a positive social impact,” said Curt Vander Meer, CEO, ESC.
“This line will focus on educating consumers about three important species: the bumble bee, gorilla and zebra. Our hope is this product will help get us closer to our goal of donating $1 million per year to our GiveBack partners.”
