As we approach the day of lovers tomorrow, the florists are filled with long stem roses and shops choc full of treats. We’ve already written about how to have a healthy chocolate love affair last year. I admitted that I am actually not one of those women. But there’s a whole lot more to the confectionary tale, one year on. This year on Valentine’s Day, we explore what’s hot in chocolate and health and uncover a surprising recipe to food and nutrition trends. Thanks for a few tip offs from my dietitian friend in the USA, Deanna Segrave-Daly RD of Teaspoon Spice.
Ancient grains. Popping up everywhere.
Just when everyone is a little too keen on quinoa, there are new kids on the block to tempt us like freekeh or popped amaranth. But no wait. Look. There’s quinoa now in my Alter Eco chocolate.
Choc full of goodies. For kids.
And don’t go boo hoo kids. There are now chocolates that will appeal to your mum, the gate keeper, that little bit more. Like Moo Milk Chocolate and Granola. With ingredients including rolled oats, Vermont maple syrup, brown sugar and cinnamon, and organic milk chocolate. Of course.
Chocolate bars. For a long life.
Yep. You heard it. You can now find some pretty big claims on your chocolate juice bar.
Like “With 25 mg of Resveratrol to protect from cellular aging, it’s also enhanced with Organic Ashwagandha to provide strong relaxation support while promoting and supporting stamina and endurance.*”
Don’t you love the sound of that? If you can pronounce it. Check out CocoaWell – bars named Longevity, Cocoa Science, Omega 3, Energy.
Stick it to them. At treat time.
And because we have gone crazy for treats on sticks. Think pop cakes. And artisan popsicles. We now see innovation come hot chocolate time. I know Miss 11 would love the sound of Popbar – treats on a stick (mix into hot milk to make premium hot chocolate) low in sugar, all-natural, without preservatives and artificial sweeteners. And gluten-free. Of course. But you know about that trend already.
So what do you think? Even though I’m not one of those women. I’m all for innovation in a choc fix. As long as we don’t lose sight of portion control, responsible messages and the great health balancing act. What about you lovely readers? What’s on your choc radar? Rawreos? Cacao protein balls? Oh and please do me a favour. Tell Mr Surfer Dude. It’s PEONIES. Not carnations. Never, ever carnations. And no. That don’t look “kinda the same”. Enjoy your Valentine’s.
