Cargill and Voyage Foods are introducing NextCoa, a cocoa-free chocolate alternative, to the US market and Canada. This product, which recently won a Gold Edison Award, is meant to be a drop-in replacement for traditional chocolate in manufacturing processes. NextCoa is made from plant-based ingredients, such as grape seeds, and is free from major allergens, dairy, soy, peanuts, and tree nuts. It is certified vegan, Kosher pareve, and Halal suitable, with a significantly lower carbon footprint than conventional chocolate.

The launch includes two varieties: Mild, a milk-chocolatey style, and Dark Mild, which features a blend of dark and milk chocolate flavors. This new product line comes as a response to the volatility in cocoa prices due to crop failures and climate disruptions in major producing countries. The partnership between Cargill and Voyage Foods aims to provide manufacturers with more options for creating indulgent experiences while also building resilience into the food system by offering a supply chain hedge.