It might sound too good to be true but a Northern Ireland chocolate brand has developed a range of chocolate bars that it claims are not just ‘better for you’ but taste great too!
As more and more people look for healthier snacking options, Free’ist Chocolate has relaunched its original ‘no added sugar’ milk and dark chocolate range, with a new and improved recipe.
Not only that, the range also includes, for the first time, a selection of new ‘dairy-free’, plant-based chocolate bars – to meet the growing demand for milk alternatives.
The launch coincides with the 10th birthday of Free’ist which was founded in 2013 by Belfast businessman Gerard McAdorey, on the back of his passion to help people reduce the level of sugar they consume.
“Research* shows that the Republic of Ireland is on course to have the highest rates of obesity in Europe by 2030 – with Northern Ireland not far behind,” said Mr McAdorey, “so it’s no surprise that demand is rapidly rising for ‘free from’ and ‘better-for-you’ products, as people adapt to a healthier lifestyle.
“Across the globe, people are asking for products that are free from sugar, dairy and artificial ingredients – so we have developed a variety of ethically sourced, indulgent snacks that are sweetened from plants and contain no added sugar, palm oil or artificial flavours.”
Of course, whilst health has never been more important to consumers, it counts for little if the product doesn’t taste good, which is where Free’ist really impresses - with absolutely no compromise on great flavour.
Using the Fino De Aroma cocoa bean from Columbia - the best the world’s plantations have to offer – and working with world renowned chocolatiers to perfectly roast, temper and refine the flavours - Free’ist has created what founder Gerard McAdorey believes is the ultimate indulgent ‘better-for-you’ chocolate.
“We believe that ‘great taste’ and ‘better-for-you’ belong together – and we are passionate about reducing sugar intake with a great range of healthier snacks that don’t compromise on flavour,” continued Gerard McAdorey.
“People want to be able to treat themselves in a healthy, responsible and guilt-free manner – but taste will not be sacrificed so we have worked tirelessly to perfect this over the past decade.
“Now, as the brand celebrates its 10th birthday, I’m delighted to say that I believe we have finally cracked it. The passion, skill and talent of our chocolatiers has enabled us to create our best tasting range of Free’ist products, while committing to ethical sourcing that uses only the finest quality ingredients.”
The ‘free from’ snack category is projected to grow by 41% over the next 5 years – driven by dairy alternatives - so Free’ist has introduced a new selection of no-added-sugar, vegan-friendly plant-based bars, made from the finest oat m!lk to create a creamy, indulgent snack that melts in the mouth.
“While sugar levels are the biggest concern amongst consumers, they are also very wary of artificial sweeteners, and there is a growing and widespread demand for plant-based sweeteners. It was this insight, gathered from our comprehensive consumer research, that drove us to find a stevia-based solution for our products,” said Mr McAdorey.
All Free’ist chocolate is bean-to-bar traced and ethically sourced, with single origin Columbian cacao beans, no added sugar, no palm oil, no artificial flavours, no soy, no gluten and non-GMO.
The full Free’ist range consists of six no-added-sugar milk and dark chocolate bars, in a variety of flavours including orange, mint, sea salt and hazelnut.
The plant-based range launches with a four-strong portfolio including Oat Chocolate and the indulgent flavour extensions of Oat with Raspberry, Oat with Coconut, and Oat with Almonds.
Milk & Dark:
FREE’IST Milk Chocolate
FREE’IST Milk Chocolate with Orange
FREE’IST Milk Chocolate with Hazelnuts
FREE’IST 70% Dark Chocolate
FREE’IST 70% Dark Chocolate with Mint
FREE’IST 70% Dark Chocolate with Sea Salt
Plant Based:
FREE’IST Oat M!lk
FREE’IST Oat M!lk with Raspberry
FREE’IST Oat M!lk with Almonds
FREE’IST Oat M!lk with Coconut
Free’ist Chocolate is available at many major multiple retailers in Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland, including Tesco, Dunnes, Supervalu and Spar.
For more information on the Free’ist chocolate range, visit www.freeist.co.uk.
* SOURCE: MINTEL – HEALTHY EATING – SALT, SUGAR AND FAT – IRELAND – FEBRUARY 2020
