Raw chocolate

Raw chocolate is chocolate which is produced in a raw or minimally-processed form. It is made from unroasted (sun-dried) Cacao beans and cold pressed Cacao butter. A variety of sweeteners are used, both crystalline and liquid including: Coconut sugar, Xylitol, Agave nectar, Maple syrup, Stevia. Cane sugar or other highly processed sugars are not used. Dairy products are not added to raw chocolate, therefore it is usually Vegan. Soy is also usually avoided - Soy lecithin is often used in mainstream chocolate - so raw chocolate is also soy free. It is also naturally gluten-free.

Claimed to have health benefits and potential as a superfood, it represents a fast-growing segment of the chocolate industry. Notably, the low-heat or "cold" production process (which avoids roasting) helps to preserve vitamins & antioxidants (in particular polyphenols, especially flavan-3-ols (catechins) and flavonoids), and minerals which are naturally present in raw cocoa.^[1] Many, if not most, marketers produce chocolate that is certified organic or fairly-traded.^[2]

Raw chocolate has been promoted on major networks such as Fox News,^[3] and appeared on series 13 of popular UK show Dragons' Den. Among the recognized brands of raw chocolate are Xocai,^[4] Gnosis,^[5] and Sacred Chocolate.^[3]

See also

• Dark chocolate
• Organic chocolate
• Health effects of chocolate
• Fair trade cocoa
• Types of chocolate

References

1. "Who, what, why: What is 'raw' chocolate? - BBC News". BBC News. Retrieved 22 March 2016.
2. Cahalane, Claudia (30 March 2007). "A raw deal". The Guardian. London. Retrieved 5 December 2011.
3. "Can changing your diet prevent heart disease?". Fox News. Retrieved 22 March 2016.
4. "A Chocolate, With Amway Undertones, Networks Its Way Into New York". The New York Times. 10 May 2009. Retrieved 22 March 2016.
5. http://www.brandnewusa.com/m?w=gnosischocolate.com