Is Chocolate Vegan?
Although many chocolate products are plant-based, many brands are not cruelty free. Not only do some use milk, whey, or milk fat, the chocolate industry sometimes uses child labor. Another big issue is cacao's environmental impact. Deforestation caused by the cacao industry is a huge issue in the Ivory Coast. For advice on how to choose an ethical vegan brand, check out our complete guide to vegan chocolate.
Veganism seeks to exclude animal exploitation as far as is possible or practicable. This means, if you have the means to buy ethical vegan chocolates, you should go for it. But, if you can't afford fair-trade chocolate, there's no reason to cut cacao from your diet. Dark chocolate is usually dairy-free, but you can always check the label to be sure. It may also contain milk fat, whey, or even a small amount of milk.
We’d love to get your take on this. Do these environmental/humanitarian issues qualify some plant-based chocolates as non-vegan? Comment below!