A guide to ethical, vegan and organic chocolate options for Christmas 2023
Giving and receiving treats and over-indulgence are a big part of the Christmas festivities, as is the mother-of-all-confectionary, chocolate.
Whilst there are heaps of mouthwatering options out there, we can’t help but be allured by the brands championing an ethically sourced choc offering. From caramel truffles and advent calendars to pretty gift boxes, there are tonnes of delicious ethically produced, vegan, eco-friendly, Fairtrade and organic chocolate options to choose from.
Not only are the lower in sugar and organic options better for you, but buying Fairtrade chocolate also makes a difference to the lives of cocoa farmers and their families around the world.
As good to give as they are to receive, here’s our round-up of some of our favourite tried-and-tested Christmas chocolates ….
Chocolate & Love: Passion Fruit and 65% Dark Chocolate Bar
A 65% cacao chocolate bar with a filling of passion fruit, mango and orange. It is a harmonious fusion of dark chocolate and a filling of exotic passion fruit with an irresistible tang!
Info: Organic, vegan and Fairtrade-certified and packaged in a FSC-certified card board box and home-compostable inside wrapper.
Tried and tested feedback: The packaging on this makes it feel super special and so much more than just a chocolate bar. The 65% dark cacao perfectly balances out the sweet passion fruit filling.
Good for: Stocking filler or to go alongside another gift
£3.59, chocolateandlove.com
Montezuma’s Salted Caramel Snowballs
Montezuma’s Salted Caramel and White Chocolate Snowballs. Bite into these creamy white chocolate bites to find a smooth centre!
Info: Recyclable, biodegradable or compostable packaging and ethically sourced cocoa from plantations that meet its strict ‘Business Done Properly’ policy.
Tried and tested feedback: For the real chocolate lovers as the mix of salted caramel and white chocolate is rich and indulgent.
Good for: The perfect sharing bag for that post-Christmas dinner treat
£4.99, www.montezumas.co.uk
Montezuma’s Milk Chocolate Snowmen Box
A box of 8 cheeky mini Milk Chocolate Snowmen, set to make anyone smile this Christmas.
Info: Recyclable, biodegradable or compostable packaging and ethically sourced cocoa from plantations that meet its strict ‘Business Done Properly’ policy.
Tried and tested feedback: One word – CHUNKY! No additional flavours and additions required, this simple milk-choc mouthful is dense and delicious.
Good for: Taking to a Christmas dinner party
£4.99, www.montezumas.co.uk
Montezuma’s Milk Chocolate Snowman
This holly-jolly snowman, ‘Snowbody’, is sure to bring anyone some festive cheer. Made with Montezuma’s deliciously smooth milk chocolate, it even comes with a bag of their best-selling chocolate buttons.
Info: Recyclable, biodegradable or compostable packaging and ethically sourced cocoa from plantations that meet its strict ‘Business Done Properly’ policy.
Tried and tested feedback: A delightful treat that is special enough to work as a stand alone gift. The chocolate is smooth and you can taste the great quality – the cheery snowman presentation makes this one you keep for a special day.
Good for: Gifting to a younger sibling
£8.50, montezumas.co.uk
Ombar Advent Calendars
Two ‘ombelievely’ delicious ways to countdown to Christmas. The Ombar Advent Calendar features 25 super-cute mini bars … 60% Coco, Pistachio and Raspberry & to name a few. Each made with premium quality, unroasted Ecuadorian cacao. The Ombar Oat M’lk Advent Calendar is a vegan, sustainable chocolate that has less than half the carbon emissions of mainstream milk chocolate. Smooth & Creamy Original, Hazelnut, Salted Caramel Truffle, and Fruit & Nut.
Info: Fully recyclable and plastic-free packaging, dairy-free, gluten-free and certified Vegan, Fairtrade and Organic. Each Advent Calendar sold will help fund Fundación Jocotoco’s reforestation of rainforest in Ecuador where Ombar sustainably source their cacao.
Tried and tested feedback: Opening up an individually wrapped chocolate each day feels very luxury … as is the taste! A creamy, cacao rich, nutrient dense mini but super bar. Each mini bar is a perfect companion to your morning cuppa.
Good for: A sustainable Christmas calendar option
£14.99, ombar.com
Ombar Christmas Baubles
These super-cute baubles feature 16 mini bars each and with the handy paper hanger, it even makes a beautiful decoration for your Christmas tree. The Ombar bauble includes flavours Coco Mylk, Pistachio, Raspberry & Vanilla and Hazelnut Truffle, all made with the finest unroasted Ecuadorian cacao. The Ombar Oat M’lk range bauble houses Smooth & Creamy Original, Hazelnut, Salted Caramel Truffle, and Fruit & Nut.
Info: Fully recyclable and plastic-free packaging, dairy-free, gluten-free and certified Vegan, Fairtrade and Organic.
Tried and tested feedback: Vegan yes, boring no! These are super creamy and full of taste. The mini bars are mini but there are 16 to help yourself-to and you can’t help go back for more and more. Got-to love that every bit was recyclable as well!
Good for: Gifting to a work colleague or as a secret Santa gift
£7.99, ombar.com
Ombar Limited Edition Bar: Spiced Orange Hazelnut Truffle
An indulgent bar with a Christmas twist, featuring a velvety hazelnut truffle centre infused with spiced orange and enrobed in a smooth dark chocolate shell. Premium quality and unroasted Ecuadorian cacao to ensure the chocolate is nutrient-rich and full of flavour.
Info: Vegan, Fairtrade, organic and free from palm oil and refined sugar and for every bar sold, 2p will be donated to Fundación Jocotoco, an NGO based in Ecuador.
Tried and tested feedback: Giving us major festive feels with all the warmth and spices of Christmas in a chocolate bar.
Good for: Sending to a far-away friend in the post along with a Christmas card
£2.99, ombar.com
Raw Halo “Truffle Centres” Vegan Chocolate Bars
Raw Halo’s new “Truffle Centres” filled bars are made with their Mylk® and Dark 76% chocolate and filled with nut butter inspired truffle centres. The Mylk® & Hazelnut Truffle Centres is a creamy vegan Mylk® chocolate with a smooth hazelnut truffle filling. The Dark & Salted Almond Truffle Centres is single-origin dark 76% chocolate with a smooth salted almond truffle filling.
Info: Vegan Society Approved, organic, dairy free, gluten free, no refined sugar, 100% natural and full recyclable/zero-plastic packaging.
Tried and tested feedback: Seriously creamy and luxurious which doesn’t taste ‘vegany-esque’ at all. Pretty, eye-catching packaging which makes it a nice gift option.
Good for: Gifting to a girl-mate
£3.50, rawhalo.com
Booja-Booja Gift Boxes
Discover new realms of vegan chocolate delight, with enchanting new flavours and truffle experiences in an exquisite gift box. A selection of 25 vegan chocolate truffles, truffle loglets and a truffle star, featuring new flavours Cherry Bakewell, Gingered Toffee Apple and Salted Caramel Mocha.
Info: Organic, vegan, dairy free, gluten free and soya free
Tried and tested feedback: Absolute luxury … from the stunning gifting box to the indulgent flavours. Rich and delicious without being too sickly. You can’t help go back again and again to try all the different flavours available.
Good for: Gifting to your partners parents
£23.99, boojabooja.com
Tony’s Chocolonely, Tiny Tony Christmas Pouch and Gift Box
This Christmas mix pouch and gift box are packed full of tiny Tony’s in mixed flavours, from milk caramel sea salt and dark almond sea salt to nougat, pretzel toffee and milk chocolate hazelnut. Recycled paper and box too!
Info: 100% slave free, Fairtrade cocoa sourced responsibly and all plastic and palm oil free.
Tried and tested feedback: Good things certainly do come in small packages when it comes to Tony’s Chocolonely. Perfect sharing set up as there’s plenty to go around and although small these are mighty bites of flavour and good quality chocolate.
Good for: A teacher gift and for handing out to loved ones over the holidays.
Pouch £4.49, Gift Box £4.99 tonyschocolonely.com
Tony’s Chocolonely, Christmas Tasting Pack
Ideal for those who can’t pick a favourite flavour, the rainbow tasting pack contains 6 small bars in Tony’s best-selling classic flavours.
Info: 100% slave free, Fairtrade cocoa sourced responsibly and all plastic and palm oil free.
Tried and tested feedback: A perfect treat box to receive as you can indulge in one bar at a time without feeling over indulged. The chocolate is chunky, delicious and creamy.
Good for: Stocking filler
£9.99, tonyschocolonely.com
Divine Christmas Bar
New for 2023, a chunky, creamy high cocoa milk chocolate bar packed full of flavour to delight your taste buds at every mouthful. A mix of crunchy whole hazelnut pieces, tangy candied orange, with hints of sweet caramel.
Info: Made using Fairtrade cocoa and sugar, co-owned by cocoa farmers, Certified B Corporation and organic, no palm oil or soya.
Tried and tested feedback: This bar is sure to get you in the Christmas spirit with the candied orange mixed with caramel. A bundle of textures that work well together for a mouthful of yum.
Good for: Leaving on a colleagues desk as a festive surprise.
£4.50, divinechocolate.com
Tony’s Chocolonely Countdown Calendar
A larger than life calendar counting down to the big day. Filled with 25 tiny Tony’s classic flavours over 24 windows – unequally divided like the profits in the chocolate industry. Every door has a tiny mission to help to educate about the bitter truth in chocolate.
Info: 100% slave free, Fairtrade cocoa sourced responsibly and all plastic and palm oil free.
Tried and tested feedback: The large size is super impressive and the chocolates inside scrumptious. We love the unequally divided message and the chocolate industry facts alongside the windows.
Good for: A great option for adults who still like to indulge in a Christmas calendar.
£12.99, tonyschocolonely.com
Chocolate & Love Christmas Gift Boxes
Beautiful mini gift boxes with a stunning festive print. The Ballotin Box features 27 minis, focused on 5 creamy dark chocolate flavours. The Christmas Library Box features 3 full size bars in a selection of dark and milk options. Flavours include sea salt, creamy dark, milk hazelnut, orange, sea salt and caramel and more.
Info: Organic, vegan and Fairtrade-certified and packaged in a FSC-certified card board box and home-compostable inside wrapper.
Tried and tested feedback: The beautiful packaging adds a real sense of occasion and it’s easy to see (taste!) why Chocolate & Love have won awards for their chocolate … smooth, luxury, intense but not too sweet.
Good for: Sending some chocolate Christmas cheer in the post. These are the perfect size for posting.
£10.85, chocolateandlove.com
Favorina Chocolate Santa
Santa is coming to Lidl! Enjoy the Favorina Chocolate Santa this Christmas which is both delicious and Fairtrade certified ensuring fairer pay for cocoa farmers. Wrapped in a Santa foil wrapper with a traditional feel.
Info: Fairtrade certified chocolate, supporting responsible farming practices and better lives for cocoa farmers.
Tried and tested feedback: Super Christmassy and a decent size – the chocolate tastes great and you’ve got to have a chocolate Santa at Christmas so definitely go for one that’s Fairtrade.
Good for: Adding to the Christmas stocking
£1.09, lidl.co.uk
