With Valentine’s Day right around the corner I figured we should talk vegan chocolate. A lot of people assume that when you go vegan you can’t eat chocolate and that is not the case!
Sure you can’t have milk chocolate or Hersey’s anymore, but let me tell you there is a world of rich and delicious dark chocolate that you will LOVE!
Before we jump into brands I want to cover a few things that I look for in my chocolate:
DOESN’T HAVE
Animal or Dairy products (including casein, natural flavors, etc.)
Artificial Sweeteners
Added Vegetable Oils
Refined Sugar
Soy
has
Ingredients I can pronounce
Minimal Ingredients
60% or more Cacao
There are quite a few brands out there that are vegan friendly but include soy or natural flavors. These are highly inflammatory foods so I tend to avoid them whenever possible.
There are a TWO brands out there that are much cleaner and vegan friendly!
HU is my go to chocolate. The list of NO’s are super impressive and it doesn’t compromise the taste at all! Lately I have been stocking up on the Gems but LOVE the Raspberry Cashew Butter Bar
Enjoy Life is another one of my favorites. I like to use these when I’m making chocolate chip cookies, or cookie dough! There are just three ingredients and are all natural!
If I’m in a pinch and need a chocolate fix I usually just make my own. So if you don’t have access to either of these brands I’m going to share my recipe with you!
You’ll need
Coconut Oil
Cacao or Cocoa Powder
Vanilla Extract
Maple Syrup (or sweetener of your choice)
Set up a double boiler (a pot or bowl over a boiling pot of water - not touching the water).
In the bowl not touching the water add 1/2 Cup Coconut Oil, 1/2 Cup Cacao Powder, 2 tbsp. Maple Syrup, and vanilla to taste.
Let all of the ingredients melt and then pour it into a mold and set in the freezer.
They will not remain solid at room temp so take out when you want to eat!