The Introduction of Cadbury's Vegan-Certified Plant Bar
For a long time, the options for vegans looking for a Cadbury treat were extremely limited. Many dark chocolates were considered 'accidentally vegan' but carried risks of cross-contamination or recipe changes that could render them unsuitable. Responding to the growing demand for plant-based products, Cadbury announced the launch of its first vegan chocolate bar, the Cadbury Plant Bar, in the UK and Ireland in 2021.
The Plant Bar was developed to replicate the creamy texture of the brand's iconic Dairy Milk chocolate, but without using any dairy products. To achieve this, the company opted for almond paste as the key ingredient to replace milk. The development of the recipe took two years to perfect before its release. The Plant Bar is certified by the Vegan Society, giving consumers confidence in its 100% plant-based formulation. It is available in two main flavours: Smooth Chocolate and Salted Caramel.
The Shift with Bournville: No Longer Accidentally Vegan
Perhaps one of the most significant pieces of news for the vegan community was the change to Cadbury's Bournville dark chocolate range. For years, Bournville was a reliable and easily accessible option for vegans. However, Cadbury made the controversial move to add skimmed milk powder to its Giant Buttons product in 2021, making them no longer suitable for vegans. While there was some initial confusion regarding the regular Bournville bars, some sources later indicated that batches made after mid-2021 now contain milk.
This highlights a crucial point for anyone following a strict vegan diet: relying on 'accidentally vegan' products can be risky due to unannounced recipe changes. Cadbury's official statement and updated ingredient lists confirm that many Bournville products are no longer dairy-free, a disappointing change for many long-term customers. This decision is believed to have been made in part to differentiate the new, overtly vegan Plant Bar from other products in their lineup.
Reading the Label: Navigating Allergens and Cross-Contamination
While the Plant Bar is certified vegan, strict vegans and those with severe dairy allergies must still proceed with caution. This is due to the potential for cross-contamination during the manufacturing process. The label for the Cadbury Plant Bar includes an allergy warning stating that it 'may contain milk'. This means the product is made in a facility or on equipment that also processes dairy, and while no dairy is intentionally added, there's a risk of trace amounts being present.
Here's what to look for on a chocolate label:
- Certified Vegan Symbol: Look for the Vegan Society trademark or another official certification. This indicates that the product's ingredients are intentionally vegan.
- Ingredients List: Always read the full ingredients list. Watch out for ingredients derived from animals, such as milk, milk solids, whey, or casein.
- Allergen Information: Check the 'Contains' and 'May contain' sections. A 'may contain milk' warning is a critical piece of information for those who cannot have any dairy.
- Alternative Milks: Be aware that vegan milk chocolates will list their plant-based milk source, such as almond paste or rice extract, clearly on the ingredients list.
Comparison of Cadbury Chocolates
| Feature | Cadbury Plant Bar | Cadbury Bournville (Post-2021) | Cadbury Dairy Milk |
|---|---|---|---|
| Vegan Status | Certified Vegan | Not Vegan (contains milk) | Not Vegan (contains milk) |
| Milk Substitute | Almond Paste | N/A | Dairy Milk |
| Taste Profile | Smooth, creamy with nutty hint | Rich, dark, but no longer dairy-free | Creamy, classic milk chocolate |
| Key Flavors | Smooth Chocolate, Salted Caramel | Orange, Original | Numerous flavors |
| Allergen Warning | "May contain milk" | "May contain milk" | Contains milk |
Exploring Alternatives and the Broader Chocolate Market
Beyond Cadbury, the vegan chocolate market is thriving with numerous brands offering delicious dairy-free options. Many of these alternatives use different plant-based milks to achieve a creamy texture, from oat milk to coconut milk and rice milk. For those seeking a wider selection, it's worth exploring specialty vegan brands or looking for dark chocolates with a high cocoa content (70% or higher), which are often accidentally vegan but still require careful checking. Major brands like Lindt have also released vegan-friendly products, including an oat milk-based chocolate range.
Another point of consideration for many vegans is the sourcing and ethical nature of the cocoa. Cadbury's Plant Bar uses sustainably sourced cocoa through its Cocoa Life program, which can be an important factor for ethically-minded consumers. However, there are many smaller, artisanal vegan chocolate companies that focus on fair trade and direct trade cocoa sourcing to ensure better practices and support for farmers.
Conclusion: Navigating Your Vegan Cadbury Choices
To summarize, the only officially vegan-certified Cadbury product is the Cadbury Plant Bar, available in Smooth Chocolate and Salted Caramel flavors. This delicious almond-based chocolate offers a fantastic dairy-free alternative to the classic Dairy Milk bar. However, it is essential to remember the 'may contain milk' warning if you have a severe allergy. The previously vegan-friendly dark chocolate, Bournville, is no longer considered safe for vegans due to the addition of milk powder to its recipe. By carefully reading labels and exploring the wider market, vegans can find plenty of chocolate options to enjoy.
