It’s the guilt-free indulgence we all deserve
De Villiers Chocolate, one of Africa’s first bean-to-bar chocolate brands, just made one of the world’s most craved foods more accessible – by not adding sugar, dairy or gluten - without any compromise on taste!
After years of experimentation on no-added-sugar options, De Villiers Chocolate is now officially the first South African chocolate brand to develop a wholly plant based, Keto, and Vegan certified chocolate bar – the most unconventional bar in the De Villiers Chocolate range to date.
“We have been trying to perfect a no-added-sugar De Villiers Chocolate option for several years, but we couldn’t get it quite right. While there are many no-added-sugar chocolates on the market catering to health-conscious consumers, diabetics and those following the ketogenic and low-carb diets, most of the available options are a cheerless substitute for the real deal. The most common downsides one usually associates with these products is the unpleasant aftertaste left by many of the sugar replacers, as well as unwanted gastrointestinal side effects. Then there is also the undesirable spiking of blood sugar and insulin levels.,” says Master Chocolate Maker and owner, Pieter de Villiers.
De Villiers Chocolate makes all its chocolate and inclusions in its factory just outside Paarl, near Cape Town. Their chocolate is made using cocoa beans sourced sustainably from farmers in Western Uganda. The bars are recognised by their colourful labels and loved by consumers for their moreish taste – but many have secretly been hoping for an option that is equally indulgent, but less ‘sinful’.
Having worked tirelessly during South Africa’s lockdown period to perfect a no-added-sugar chocolate range, this proudly African chocolate brand is now ready to spill the (cocoa) beans, and share the joy: “In our mission to develop a wholesome chocolate range, we refused to compromise on the flavour and texture of our bars,” says Pieter. “After extensive research we finally landed on the right combination of ingredients to use in our De Villiers Chocolate NO ADDED SUGAR range, without compromising on flavour or wholesomeness.”
The secret? A curated blend of erythritol, monk fruit and soluble corn fibre - ingredients which have been carefully selected for their unique ability to mimic the sensory profile of sugar without causing any unwanted side effects. Without any milk or grain content, these bars are also suitable for lactose and gluten intolerant chocolate lovers.
To ensure that consumers can rely on these bars to be as good as they taste, De Villiers Chocolate worked with research consultant Dr Lindie Schloms who performed research on sugar alternatives to help the brand develop this diabetic and keto friendly chocolate range.* Consumers will also appreciate that these bars carry International Vegan Certification, are Keto Certified and registered with the Rainforest Alliance in support of a mandate to do no harm and to ensure a better future for the planet and its people.
Further cause for celebration is that consumers are spoilt for choice too, with Dark Chocolate and Nut Butter options. Chocolate enthusiasts can take their pick from 70% Dark Chocolate or Salt and Seed Dark Chocolate, as well as a range of nut-butter chocolate bars made entirely from scratch using ingredients prepared and made in the De Villiers Chocolate kitchen. These include Sea Salt and Caramel Nut Butter, Chocolate Cookie Nut Butter (yes, also gluten free!), Almond Pieces Nut Butter, Cashew Nut Butter, Hazelnut Nut Butter and Coconut Nut Butter.