As the plant-based trend gathers momentum in 2025, industry experts say consumer demand for indulgence and health is spurring innovation centered around sustainability and functionality in the chocolate sector. “For decades, we’ve prioritized taste. After all, chocolate should be delicious. But it can contribute to consumer well-being, too,” Youri Dumont, business unit director, Chocolate, at Belgium-based ingredients supplier Puratos, tells Food Ingredients First.
