September 07th: This month, family owned, ethical, fine chocolate company, Luker Chocolate launches its new line, Balance. The range of products - which includes brand new oat-milk chocolate and organic coconut sugar chocolate - responds to the growing demand for indulgent options for the health-conscious customer.
When done right, chocolate can be the perfect bridge between health and pleasure. Whilst chocolate is certainly an indulgent treat, it also claims several nutritional benefits which are central to the products in the Balance line.
As well as innovative products using oat milk and coconut sugar, the line will include new chocolate couvertures in the functional category, with added benefits such as high fibre and antioxidants.
The Balance line forms part of Luker’s wider portfolio, which now has a fresh look with new packaging for the foodservice range. The wider portfolio and packaging - split into Regions, Heritage Recipes, Maracas and Balance - honours Luker’s connection to origin and commitment to sustainability. It gives customers access to some of the finest chocolate in Colombia, with premium, ethical and now, even more functional couvertures.
The popularity of oat milk has sky-rocketed over the last year. Consumers looking for dairy free chocolate, which is still indulgent, have turned to oat milk products to satisfy their taste buds, with sales surging more than 70%. Existing plant based chocolate options to date have mainly consisted of high-quality dark chocolate with a cocoa content of 50% or more. Now, due to oat milk’s creamy consistency, free-from consumers can indulge in a range of milk chocolates too.
Luker’s new 43% Balance Oat Milk chocolate mixes the exquisite flavour of fine Cacao Fino de Aroma with all the natural benefits of oat milk. It gives producers and consumers a unique option for plant-based milk chocolate without compromising on flavour. The oat-milk couverture will reach new and developing market segments, being both vegan, natural, gluten-free, clean label, non-GMO and kosher. Delicate and creamy, it is also ideal for confectionery, bakery and ice-cream products.
Paul Morris, European sales lead, Luker Chocolate, says, “Oat milk is extremely popular with consumers who are trying to cut down their dairy consumption, as well as those who just love the taste! The smoothness of the milk is a great match for our fine Colombian cocoa, which together create a delicious plant-based alternative to premium milk chocolate.
“More broadly, the launch of our Balance line reflects what we are seeing in market – we expect the demand for healthier products which are also indulgent to remain strong.”
Innovation in healthier chocolate is the next frontier. Consumers are looking for healthier options and sugar free or sugar free alternatives, but still want an indulgent treat that doesn’t sacrifice taste. Dark chocolate has well documented antioxidant qualities, but there are still too few sugar-free options.
Luker has also developed Stevia and Erythritol dark chocolate, offering more natural, sugar-free options. These sugar-free dark chocolate couvertures deliver on consumer flavour expectations, without compromising on wellness benefits.
Natural sugar is another major development in alternative sugars. Natural sugars appeal to consumers looking for a less processed product. These natural sugars offer a range of health benefits and help businesses develop clean label products.
Luker introduces Coconut Sugar 70% Dark Chocolate as part of the Balance line, where bitter cocoa notes mix with the delicate tastes of coconut. The sweet notes of the coconut sugar pop through the chocolate’s creamy texture. With a lower glycaemic index and subtle coconut flavour, coconut sugar is a perfect natural alternative to sugar.
Marcela Jaramillo, VP of Marketing, Luker Chocolate, says, “We are excited to see the growing consumer interest for a healthier lifestyle and how this has dynamized the chocolate industry. The Balance range is our answer to these wellness demands. At Luker, we’re committed to creating luxury chocolate that satisfies on flavour and leads the way on sustainability. Our new range incorporates what we want to achieve as a company, opening new opportunities for product innovation. I’m incredibly proud and excited to launch them this month.”