Theo Chocolate Introduces Functional Ingredients for Use in Food, Dietary Supplement and Cosmetic Products

16 Oct 2014 --- Theo Chocolate announced the launch of Violetamine, the first commercially-available offering in a new line of functional ingredients manufactured by Theo Innovations, a division of the company dedicated to leveraging the health benefits of cocoa.

Extracted from high-quality, ethically sourced cocoa using a proprietary post-harvest process, Violetamine enables food, dietary supplement and cosmetic product manufacturers to efficiently deliver antioxidants in multiple applications.

“As a company committed to supply chain transparency from farm to factory and beyond, we’re in a strong position to excel in the functional ingredients market,” said Theo Chocolate founder and CEO Joe Whinney. “From the beginning we’ve been focused on building strong relationships with cocoa producers and our other partners. These direct connections provide a much higher degree of quality control than is possible through conventional sourcing and manufacturing practices.”

Theo’s entry into the functional ingredient market is a response to growing consumer demand for dark chocolate and other products that are rich in antioxidants, which have been shown to provide health benefits. In contrast to other antioxidant sources such as green tea, research has revealed that the composition of polyphenols, theobromine, minerals and amino acids found in cocoa provides unique synergies. Additionally, cocoa polyphenols are more easily absorbed into the bloodstream than other food-based alternatives.

Named for its purple hue, Violetamine is processed and extracted without the use of harsh solvents or unnecessary additives, which helps preserve the cocoa’s elevated polyphenol levels and other healthful attributes. Produced as a free flowing, soluble powder, the ingredient is highly versatile and can be used in beverage, pill, bulk powder, and food applications. Violetamine is also organic, fair trade, non-GMO, kosher, and GRAS certified.

Violetamine is the first product to be unveiled by Theo Innovations, which was formally established in 2011 as Theo Chocolate’s designated hub for experimentation and invention. The division operates out of the Theo Innovations Center, a specialized facility located in close proximity to Theo Chocolate factory headquarters in Seattle’s Fremont neighborhood. Operations at Theo Innovations are governed by the same sourcing and manufacturing principles Theo Chocolate uses to create its premium products sold in grocery, drug, and specialty stores across North America.

“The introduction of Violetamine represents our broadening vision for the company,” said Stefan Wypyszyk, Vice President of Innovations at Theo Chocolate. “As we continue to create the delicious, high-quality chocolate products our customers love, we’re energized by the opportunities we see to pioneer new uses for cocoa. We’ve taken great care to establish a safe, cost-effective extraction process using groundbreaking technology, and we look forward to expanding our line of functional offerings.”