Last year, Munich residents were able to test the taste of Planet A Foods’ cocoa-free chocolate for themselves: The first cocoa-free chocolate ice cream was available for purchase at the Munich ice cream parlor Eismeer in PestalozzistraßeNow the startup has taken the next step and brought its first products featuring its chocolate substitute to supermarket shelves. The three new Kölln oat mueslis, "Crunchy Waffel," "Crunchy Hazel," and "Crunchy Berry," contain the cocoa-free chocolate alternative Choviva instead of cocoa-based chocolate. They are available exclusively at participating Rewe stores.
Planet A Foods Co-Founder and CEO Maximilian Marquart says:
“We are proud to work with a well-known company like Peter Kölln, which has been a driving force behind innovative solutions for a more sustainable food industry for years.”
And Manfred Vondran, CEO Peter Kölln, explains:
"With our products, we want to make it easier for people to eat in a resource-saving and climate-friendly way, thus contributing to a better future. We achieve this by harnessing the great potential of regional oats and other plant-based raw materials. Our three new muesli varieties, the #VeganStars, made with the chocolate alternative Choviva, are a true innovation on the cereal aisle and support our goal of driving the nutritional transition with plant-based products."
Planet A Foods wants to build an alternative supply chain
Choviva is produced from regional oats and sunflower seeds in an innovative and patented manufacturing process. Sara Marquart, Co-Founder and CTO of the company, explains the process:
"The taste and aroma of chocolate comes from fermentation and roasting, not from the raw cocoa bean itself. By processing oats and sunflower seeds in a similar way to cocoa, Choviva achieves a chocolatey aroma and flavor profile even without cocoa."
Planet A Foods relies on regional raw materials, significantly shortening delivery routes. The startup also ensures that less rainforest has to be cleared for cocoa cultivation. The startup aims to build an alternative supply chain that reduces dependence on cocoa from tropical regions. According to the company, the production of Choviva uses up to 94 percent less water and emits up to 90 percent less CO2 than conventional chocolate production.
The chocolate substitute is produced in two varieties: one uses milk powder, while the vegan version relies on oat flour instead. Peter Kölln uses vegan Choviva for the new mueslis. Choviva also requires up to 30 percent less sugar. Further products featuring Planet A Foods' cocoa-free chocolate alternative are already on the way, according to the startup.
