The Berkeley, California-based company said six new bars will join the TCHO line, gradually replacing the remaining supply of TCHO’s milk-chocolate-based bars, including Toffee + Sea Salt and Classic Milk.
TCHO’s colourful and fun new packaging will debut across the entire retail product line to underscore the move to plant-based ingredients, with a commitment to making the entire product line animal free by 2023, a spokesperson said.
“Reducing our reliance on dairy is one of the quickest ways TCHO can lighten our impact on the environment. While this will not be an easy transition for us, we know it’s the right one,” said Josh Mohr, Vice President of Marketing at TCHO.
“From the beginning, TCHO has been committed to working with our farming partners in the field, improving farming techniques, bettering soil conditions and doing what we can to help minimize deforestation-, all of which speaks to a plant-based model.”
The move means that the entire TCHO retail line is certified FairTrade, certified Organic, vegan, gluten free, kosher and made from 100% plants.
TCHO also said its professional baking line, used in restaurant kitchens and bakeries nationwide, will be plant based in early 2022. The company also recently achieved Certified B Corp status as a result of its work to improve the lives of its workers, customers, suppliers, and the local community.
“This was an exciting opportunity to make chocolate that further reflects our values,” said Brad Kintzer, Chief Chocolate Maker for TCHO and President of the Fine Chocolate Industry Association. Kintzer has been working with his team for three years to develop the perfect plant-based chocolate formula.
“The spirit of TCHO is rooted in the idea of accepting challenges and trying to bring them to life. Taking out dairy and focusing entirely on plants opened up a whole new world for us. We’re proud of the unique flavour profiles we’ve created. Our alt-milk is an entirely new cacao experience.”