WNWN Food Labs, a London-based food technology company specializing in chocolate alternatives, has announced that it has created the “world’s first” cocoa-free chocolate Easter egg. Dubbed “Weg”, WNWN describes the product as a 100g, 15cm high by 10cm wide cocoa-free Easter egg with a malty and “smooth dulce de leche finish,” filled with another cocoa-free chocolate surprise.
WNWN, which claims to be the first to reach the market with cocoa-free chocolate, uses fermentation to transform plant-based whole foods such as grains and beans into tasty, sustainable alternatives, avoiding issues like child labor, deforestation and the carbon footprint associated with chocolate production. footprint
“After launching the first cocoa-free chocolate product, we recognized an opportunity to create the first, and currently only, cocoa-free chocolate egg to show that Easter should be celebrated ethically and sustainably,” said Johnny Drain, CTO of WNWN.
Starting on Tuesday, April 3rd, WNWN will be running a competition where one Instagram follower from the UK will be randomly selected to win a Wag. The competition will run until 23:59 on Easter Monday, April 10, and the winner will receive a certificate of authenticity
Cocoa-free efforts
WNWN has developed a proprietary fermentation process to create a cocoa-free chocolate that mimics the taste, texture and baking properties of conventional chocolate to provide an equally delicious alternative. Its chocolates are vegan, caffeine, gluten and palm oil-free, with less sugar than similar products.
The cocoa-free company argues that growing concerns over climate change-induced deforestation, habitat destruction, child labor practices and predicted chocolate shortages in the coming years mean there will be increased pressure on businesses to re-evaluate their sourcing and production models.
Last November, WNWN announced the construction of a new facility in Hackney Wick, London, to increase its production space eightfold. The company is selling its range — Dark Chalk Thins and Wyoming! Bar – DTC only. But in February, the company raised $5.6 million (£4.5 m), target It will launch its chocolate range in UK retail in 2023.
“While it’s not yet a consumer product, given our scale-up efforts, you wouldn’t be surprised to see Wegg in the basket next year,” Drane added.