Core ingredients in Tony's dark chocolate
Tony's Chocolonely's dark chocolate bars are made with a relatively simple list of high-quality ingredients, reflecting their commitment to transparent sourcing. The core ingredients for their standard dark chocolate bars, such as the 70% Extra Dark, consist of four main components.
Cocoa mass
This is the base of the chocolate, derived from ground cocoa beans. Tony's prides itself on using 100% traceable cocoa beans, meaning they can track their cocoa from the plantation in West Africa all the way to the finished bar. This transparency is a cornerstone of their ethical mission.
Sugar
As a Fairtrade product, the sugar used in Tony's chocolate is sourced ethically to ensure fair prices for farmers. The sugar works to balance the bitterness of the high cocoa content in their dark chocolate varieties, creating a more palatable and sweet flavor profile.
Cocoa butter
This is the fat extracted from the cocoa bean, which gives chocolate its smooth, creamy texture and rich flavor. Tony's began using 100% traceable cocoa butter in their products starting in 2016, a crucial step in their bean-to-bar traceability commitment.
Soya lecithin (emulsifier)
This ingredient is used in a small quantity to help bind the cocoa solids and cocoa butter together, creating a consistent and smooth texture. It prevents the chocolate from separating and maintains its quality.
Ingredients for popular flavored dark chocolate bars
Tony's offers several dark chocolate variations that include additional ingredients for unique flavor combinations. These are often vegan-friendly and follow the same strict ethical sourcing standards.
Dark Almond Sea Salt 51%
This popular vegan bar builds on the core dark chocolate ingredients with two key additions.
- Almonds: Pieces of almond are added to provide a satisfying crunch and nutty flavor.
- Sea Salt: A touch of sea salt enhances the chocolate's rich flavor and provides a contrast that prevents the bar from being overly sweet.
Dark Creamy Hazelnut Crunch 51%
Another vegan option, this bar incorporates a blend of nuts and caramelization for a distinct taste and texture.
- Hazelnut Paste: Adds a deep, nutty richness to the chocolate base.
- Almond Paste: Contributes a smooth, creamy element.
- Caramelised Hazelnut Pieces: Provides a delightful crunch and sweetness.
Fairtrade and ethical sourcing
Tony's commitment to creating 100% slave-free chocolate means they go beyond standard Fairtrade certification. While their bars carry the Fairtrade seal, they adhere to their own 5 Sourcing Principles to ensure fair working conditions and living wages for cocoa farmers. These principles include:
- Traceable beans: Ensuring full transparency from cocoa bean to bar.
- A higher price: Paying a living income reference price, which is higher than the standard market price.
- Strong farmers: Working with partner cooperatives to professionalize farming practices.
- The long-term: Building long-term commitments with farmers to provide income stability.
- Quality & productivity: Investing in farming knowledge to improve quality and yields.
Comparison of Tony's dark chocolate varieties
Understanding the subtle differences in ingredient composition is key to appreciating each unique dark chocolate bar. Here is a comparison of some popular options.
| Feature | 70% Extra Dark | Dark Almond Sea Salt 51% | Dark Creamy Hazelnut Crunch 51% |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cocoa Content | 70% minimum | 51% minimum | 51% minimum |
| Additional Flavorings | None | Almonds, sea salt | Caramelized hazelnuts, hazelnut paste, almond paste |
| Primary Texture | Rich and smooth | Crunchy and savory | Creamy with crunchy pieces |
| Vegan | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Allergens | Contains soya. May contain traces of gluten, eggs, milk, nuts. | Contains soya, almonds. May contain traces of gluten, eggs, milk, nuts. | Contains soya, hazelnuts, almonds. May contain traces of gluten, egg, milk. |
The importance of transparency
Tony's believes that transparency about ingredients and sourcing is critical for ethical consumption. Most certified cocoa, even organic, can still be part of a supply chain where the origins are difficult to trace. By using a system called 'BeanTracker,' Tony's can trace every bean from the cooperative to the finished bar, ensuring accountability. This level of commitment allows consumers to be confident that their chocolate was made without exploitation. For those interested in deeper detail, Tony's regularly publishes an annual FAIR report detailing their impact and progress toward their mission. This dedication to transparency is as vital to their product as the ingredients themselves.
Conclusion
Tony's Chocolonely dark chocolate is more than just a treat; it is a product with a clear mission. By using transparently sourced cocoa mass, cocoa butter, and Fairtrade sugar, Tony's ensures its standard dark chocolate bars are of high quality and ethically produced. Flavored bars add unique ingredients like almonds, sea salt, or hazelnuts to create delicious variations, all while maintaining the company's commitment to social responsibility. From the rich 70% extra dark to the popular vegan almond sea salt, the ingredients are a testament to the brand's core values. This approach demonstrates that delicious chocolate and ethical practices can go hand-in-hand, making it a mindful choice for conscious consumers. To learn more about their mission, visit Tony's official global website.
