Barry Callebaut and FlavaNaturals to produce flavanol-rich chocolates in US

Global chocolate and cocoa products manufacturer Barry Callebaut has partnered with the US-based FlavaNaturals for producing chocolate products containing cocoa flavanol.

Based in Marblehead, Massachusetts, FlavaNaturals offers chocolate products with optimised levels of naturally preserved cocoa flavanols.

The three-year collaboration between Barry Callebaut and FlavaNaturals will focus on the development of chocolate bars called FlavaBars that will contain high levels of cocoa flavanol content.

Under the new collaboration, FlavaBars intends to take advantage of the research and development carried out by Barry Callebaut on high-flavanol chocolate.

According to Barry Callebaut, flavanols occur naturally in cocoa beans but are reduced significantly during the traditional chocolate production process.

Barry Callebaut claims that it has preserved flavanols levels in the new chocolate through optimised cocoa sourcing and processing.

Barry Callebaut Americas president and CEO Peter Boone said: “Consumers today are constantly trying to achieve balance in their diet.

“Our proprietary sourcing and processing methods allow us to better preserve the naturally existing flavanols in cocoa.

“Working with FlavaNaturals, we are able to provide a new chocolate experience for US consumers.”

With 500mg of cocoa flavanols per serving, FlavaBars will be available in six flavours, including Roasted Almond + Himalayan Pink Salt, Blueberry + Green Tea Matcha, Pure Cocoa Nibs, Espresso Ground Coffee, Crystallized Ginger + Saigon Cinnamon, and Classic Dark.

FlavaNaturals founder and CEO Alan Frost said: “FlavaNaturals is proud to partner with Barry Callebaut, a world leader in cocoa innovation and sustainability.

“Our ultimate vision is to change the way people think about consuming chocolate. Chocolate may have been your weakness, but with FlavaBar, it becomes your strength.”

The chocolates will be initially available at FlavaNaturals website and will be rolled out to retail stores later this year.