For decades, every cocoa alternative has come with a trade-off. Hydrogenated oils, artificial flavors, and subpar substitutes have given “cocoa-free” a bad name. At NotCo, we believe that an alternative doesn’t have to be “less than.” It can be good. It can be safe. It can be premium.

That’s why we developed a cocoa-free chocolate that not only preserves the sensory experience but also provides a reliable, cost-effective, and sustainable solution for brands looking to reduce their dependence on cocoa—without compromising on quality or consumer expectations.

Why find a Plant Alternative to a Plant?

At first glance, replacing a plant-based ingredient with another plant-based solution might seem redundant. But when a single crop, like cocoa, becomes an overexploited, volatile commodity, the need for diversification becomes urgent. Cocoa farming is tied to massive deforestation, biodiversity loss, and unfair labor practices—making it unsustainable at its current scale.

By leveraging a variety of plant sources, we can reduce risk, stabilize supply chains, and create a more resilient food system. Our approach isn’t about replacing plants—it’s about rethinking which plants we use and how we use them to create food that’s both indulgent and commercially viable.

How Did We Do It?

Through Giuseppe, our proprietary AI platform, we developed a groundbreaking formulation using ingredients like fermented cereals and seeds. These elements not only replicate the indulgence of traditional chocolate but also drastically reduce costs, improve supply chain predictability, and enhance sustainability.

Key breakthroughs include:

Precision Fermentation – AI-selected fungi spores enhance natural flavor complexity.
Ingredient Optimization – 10+ cereals, including endemic Chilean grains, achieve a 50% cocoa flavor equivalence.
Sugar Reduction – 40% less added sugar than traditional chocolate, while maintaining   a delicious, rich taste.

Why Does This Matter for Your Business?

With a fourth consecutive year of poor cocoa harvests expected and prices skyrocketing, brands and manufacturers face mounting pressures to stabilize costs while maintaining quality. NotCo’s cocoa-free chocolate isn’t just a sustainable option—it’s a business solution.

By integrating AI-driven ingredient innovation, our cocoa-free formulation allows brands to:
✔ Reduce dependency on volatile commodity pricing
✔ Ensure a scalable, stable supply chain
✔ Maintain premium quality and consumer trust
✔ Improve sustainability metrics without sacrificing profitability

A New Standard for Cocoa-Free: Good, Safe & High-Quality

Historically, the industry has associated cocoa replacements with low-quality, artificial alternatives—hydrogenated oils, synthetic flavors, or waxy textures that never quite lived up to the original. NotCo is proving that it doesn’t have to be that way.

We’ve redefined cocoa-free chocolate to be:
🔥 Indulgent – Same creamy texture, melt-in-your-mouth experience
🔥 Safe – No hydrogenated oils, no artificial flavors
🔥 Reliable – Consistent supply, stable costs, and no deforestation footprint

Why Not?

The future of chocolate doesn’t have to be uncertain. It doesn’t have to be expensive. And it definitely doesn’t have to be bad. It can be smart. It can be scalable. And it can be delicious.

Let’s make it happen—together. Get in touch to learn more.