Nestlé adopts ChoViva as confectionery giants embrace cocoa-free solutions

Planet A Foods’ ChoViva cocoa-free chocolate alternative is gaining traction with F&B giants, as confectionery and snack brands work to future-proof themselves against cocoa supply volatility. Nestlé Germany will expand its Choco Crossies “Snack Vibes” line using ChoViva next month, while Planet A Foods tells us it is talking to several other major brands about similar product launches. 

ChoViva already features in over 120 products across 10 countries, including private labels and well-known brands, such as Griesson - de Beukelaer, Treets, and Jokolade. Planet A Foods has partnered with industry giant Barry Callebaut to ensure global availability of its ingredient, which is primarily made from fermented, roasted sunflower seeds and oats.

Cocoa prices have eased after surging in 2024 and 2025, but Rabobank commodity analyst Oran van Dort told us he does not expect prices to return to historic levels amid systemic supply issues. Mondelēz’s 2025 earnings nearly halved as record cocoa costs overshadowed revenue growth, while Hershey’s net income dropped 60%.

ISM & ProSweets 2026 showcased an industry innovating in cocoa-free alternatives to combat cocoa volatility. In recent weeks, innovators including Puratos and Cargill have announced cultivated cocoa investments.Nestlé’s Choco Crossies “Snack Vibes” cater to Gen Z demands for “effortless, modern snacking.”

Trendy snacking NPD

Planet A Foods says ChoViva allows brands to launch trend-driven flavor profiles without altering the core identity of their products. The start-up supports brands in engaging with younger generations to build lasting relevance with these increasingly influential consumers.

“Through joint market analysis and testing with our partners, we ensure our cocoa-free chocolate alternative delivers tangible value to the consumers our partners target,” Jessica Karch, senior marketing manager at Planet A Foods, tells Food Ingredients First. “Our marketing strategy prioritizes an indulgent, chocolatey taste experience as the main benefit, complemented by the fact that ChoViva saves up to 80% of CO2 emissions.”

With “Snack Vibes,” Nestlé taps into Gen Z’s desire for effortless, contemporary snacking. “This is a generation navigating constant digital noise, looking for small ways to hit the reset button,” says Marc Nussbaumer, business executive officer confectionery at Nestlé Germany. “We developed these new varieties specifically for those moments — creating a snack that engages the senses and offers a brief, personal chill-out vibe.”Alvaro Alonso, president Western Europe at Barry Callebaut (left), and Max Marquart, CEO of Planet A Foods (right), discuss their partnership to scale cocoa-free alternatives worldwide.

Scaling ChoViva globally

Collaborations with industry leaders like Nestlé serve as ChoViva’s “ultimate proof of concept,” demonstrating that the cocoa-free chocolate alternative can meet the rigorous quality and scale demands of legacy brands, while delivering the same chocolatey indulgence consumers demand.

“Partnering with industry leaders like Nestlé and Barry Callebaut allows us to rapidly scale ChoViva, bringing it to the global stage. Rather than replacing chocolate, our goal is to bridge the widening gap created by surging consumer demand and the constraints of the traditional cocoa supply chain,” Karch explains.

Planet A Foods debuted soy-based ChoViva at ISM 2026 & ProSweets 2026, expanding its cocoa-free chocolate alternative to Asian markets through regional supply chains.