Insights and Takeaways for Chocolate Brands from ExpoWest 2025

What We Observed: Chocolate Innovation and Wellness Trends

Earlier this year, we joined over 3,000 exhibiting brands and tens of thousands of visitors at Expo West 2025 in Anaheim, one of the world’s leading events for natural, organic, and purpose-driven products. As a key meeting point for industry leaders in food and wellness, the event offered a front-row view into how consumer preferences are shifting—and how brands are rising to the challenge.

Innovation in natural and functional chocolate is accelerating

Across the Expo West 2025 floor, one thing became clear—innovation in natural and functional chocolate is accelerating. From ingredient breakthroughs to new approaches in product storytelling, brands are responding to a new kind of consumer: one that wants to enjoy chocolate without compromising on health, sustainability, or flavour.

Walking the show and speaking with founders, R&D teams, and procurement leaders confirmed what we’ve seen across markets: people are looking for plant-based chocolate, protein-enhanced chocolate, and clean-label snacks that are as thoughtful in formulation as they are delicious.

Protein Everywhere

High-protein formulations across snacks, desserts, and beyond.

💪 One of the most visible trends at Expo West 2025 was the explosion of protein-enriched products across unexpected categories—from sauces and snacks to pastries and indulgent treats. In this context, chocolate is no exception.

For many brands, adding protein is no longer about targeting athletes—it’s about creating everyday foods with added functional benefits.

Innovative Confectionery Offerings to Meet Consumer Demands

Functional Indulgence

Mushrooms, adaptogens, cognitive support, and wellness ingredients in treats.

🍄 From chocolates with mood-boosting adaptogens to candies featuring functional mushrooms, many brands are reinventing what it means to treat yourself.

This year’s show saw a surge in interest around products that support cognitive function, reduce stress, or simply provide added nutritional value—without compromising flavour.

Innovative Confectionery Offerings to Meet Consumer Demands

Organic as Premium

Organic seen as a mark of taste, trust, and responsible sourcing.

🌱 Organic products were centre stage at Expo West 2025 as a signal of trust, taste, and transparency.

In chocolate, organic is often associated with better ingredients, a purer formulation, and a more responsible supply chain. For many visitors to our stand, that connection was personal.

Brands choose organic not only because consumers expect it—they want to work with partners who understand its value from the ground up.

Innovative Confectionery Offerings to Meet Consumer Demands

Clean Label Focus

No seed oils, added fibre, date-based sweeteners; simplified, transparent ingredients.

❤️ At Expo West 2025, we saw a sharp rise in products featuring clear, simple ingredient lists—free from additives, preservatives, and ultra-processed components. Chocolate was no exception.

Brands across categories were proudly calling out “no seed oils,” “sweetened with dates,” and “fortified with fibre”—all signals that ingredient consciousness has gone mainstream.

They’re must-haves for brands competing in the better-for-you space.

Innovative Confectionery Offerings to Meet Consumer Demands

expo-west-factory

Beyond trends and innovation, Expo West 2025 was an incredible space to connect face-to-face with brand owners, product developers, and entrepreneurs shaping the future of food. At our booth, we didn’t just talk about chocolate—we talked about the challenges and opportunities behind bringing better-for-you products to market.

Here are some of the most common (and insightful) questions we heard:

“Why did you choose pea protein?” Many visitors were curious about our choice of protein source. We shared how organic pea protein aligns with both plant-based and clean-label expectations, offering excellent functionality without compromising texture or flavour.
“How do you make plant-based chocolate taste so good?” Flavour was a top concern—especially for brands that had tried functional chocolates that didn’t meet sensory standards. We discussed our focus on recipe development and sensory validation, tailored to different formats like bars, spreads, or enrobed snacks.
“Can you help us with formulation or just sell ingredients?” This was a recurring theme. More than ingredients, buyers wanted formulation support, R&D collaboration, and the ability to co-create functional chocolate that’s ready for scale. For many, that was what set Luker apart.

These conversations confirmed that brands want more than a supplier. They want a chocolate manufacturing partner that understands sustainability, certifications, and market positioning—and can help translate that into products consumers love.

Dark Chocolate with Protein

Our protein-enhanced dark chocolate offers a unique blend of indulgence and health. Organic pea protein supports the growing trend toward nutrition-boosting products, delivering superior flavour and satisfying those seeking functional, plant-based, high-protein options.

LUKER CHOCOLATE PLANT BASED

Plant-Based & Dairy-Free Chocolate

Our protein-enhanced dark chocolate offers a unique blend of indulgence and health. Organic pea protein supports the growing trend toward nutrition-boosting products, delivering superior flavour and satisfying those seeking functional, plant-based, high-protein options.

natural sugar alternatives

Organic Chocolate Range

Consumers increasingly value transparency and sustainability, with searches for natural ingredients doubling last year. Our ethically sourced and meticulously crafted organic chocolate satisfies this demand for traceable and sustainable chocolate, bringing a taste of natural, fine ingredients.