With Easter weekend fast approaching, we’ve compiled a list of ethical, Fairtrade and organic chocolate treats to enjoy.
updated: 02.04.2020
It’s that time of year again when brightly coloured displays of chocolate eggs take over the aisles of supermarkets and our chocolate intake cranks up a notch. While at first glance these colourful sweet treats are ever so tempting, on closer inspection many commercial Easter egg options come packaged in multiple layers of plastic and foil; and frequently contain potentially problematic ingredients such as palm oil – one of the biggest contributors of deforestation globally, and cocoa – which as an industry is fraught with instances of modern slavery (research in 2015 found that more than 2.26 million children were working on cocoa farms in Ghana and Côte d’Ivoire). But before you decide to boycott the celebrations altogether, you can still enjoy a chocolatey Easter treat that has a less harmful impact on people and the planet. When buying an Easter egg, consider the following:
– Is it Fairtrade? Look for the Fairtrade symbol to protect workers’ rights.
– Is it organic? Look for organic certification to support farming methods that are not reliant on harmful pesticides and chemicals that threaten wildlife and contaminate water supplies. Soil Association is a common organic certification to look out for.
– Is it excessively-packaged? Easter eggs traditionally come wrapped in layers of foil, plastic and cardboard. Look for options with minimal or plastic-free packaging, and try to ensure that any non-biodegradable packaging can be recycled.
Here are some of our favourite conscious Easter eggs:
Divine Chocolate
Divine Chocolate’s Fairtrade chocolate eggs come in a range of flavours and sizes – including dairy-free options. The ingredients used are free from palm oil and come from certified FairTrade sources. While Fairtrade ensures farmers receive a better deal for their cocoa and additional income to invest in their community, Divine is owned 44% by the Ghanaian farmers who grow the cocoa beans, which gives them a share of Divine’s profits and a stronger voice in the cocoa industry.
Booja Booja
Booja Booja‘s beautiful handpainted Easter eggs contain delicious handmade truffles that are all dairy free, gluten and soya free; and are Soil Association-certified organic. The eggs are handpainted by a community of artists in Kashmir, India and the truffles are handmade in Norfolk. Choose from Fine de Champagne, Almond and Sea Salt and Hazelnut Crunch flavours.
Cocoa Loco
This year, Cocoa Loco’s range of Easter Eggs are all completely plastic free and in compostable packaging; in addition to being organic, Fairtrade-certified, palm oil free and handmade with love. From individual mini eggs perfect for Easter Egg hunts to giant Easter eggs filled with Fairtrade walnuts, cherries and almonds and vegan-friendly dark chocolate options – Cocoa Loco has your Easter covered.
Montezumas Eco Egg
Following the success of its Eco Egg in years prior, Montezumas‘ Easter range now comes in 100% biodegradable packaging. The eggs themselves range from Absolute 100% Dark Chocolate to Butterscotch Milk – we’re keen to try the Peanut Butter filled mini eggs! Montezumas is a family-run business, with its own factory in West Sussex where it makes all of its products, meaning it has direct control over what it is making.
Cococaravan
Cococaravan‘s raw, organic and vegan chocolate Easter eggs are made by hand using peruvian criollo cacao and unrefined and liquid coconut nectar to sweeten. Within the easter eggs is Cococaravan’s signature caramel, made with coconut, coconut sugar and cashew nut.
Tony’s Chocolonely
Tony Chocolonely’s ethos is equality throughout the entire chocolate supply chain. One step further than Fairtrade, its mission is to make the chocolate industry 100% slave free, from farmer to factory worker. This Easter, its box of eggs is divided into seven different flavours, including hazelnut, nougat and caramel. The perfect solution for a mini Easter egg hunt!
And finally, if you really want to spread some Easter cheer with minimum waste – head to your local bulk food store to find package free Easter treats.