The Sweet Truth About Chocolate: How to Choose Ethical Treats This Valentine’s Day

It just wouldn’t be Valentine’s Day without a BIG box of chocolates. Whether you’re celebrating with a special someone, a group of fun single friends, or solo, chocolate is certainly in order. But before you chow down, there are a few things you should know…

As Valentine’s Day approaches, many of us seek the perfect gift to express our love. Chocolate has long been a staple of romantic gestures, but in a world where choices matter, opting for ethical chocolate not only delights your loved ones but also supports sustainable practices. This Valentine’s Day, let’s explore how to choose the best treats that are not only delicious but also kind to our planet and its people.

The relationship between chocolate and the environment is pretty complicated, so to ensure your relationship doesn’t take a similarly complicated turn, check out this list to learn all you need to know about getting the perfect sweet for your sweetie.

1. Pesticides

According to the Pesticide Action Network, cocoa is “second only to cotton in its high use of pesticides.” The chemicals sprayed on cocoa beans to ward off insects have a way of showing up in the chocolate we consume. The bigger your sweet tooth, the bigger your exposure to pesticides. Luckily, cocoa can be grown organically using natural methods of pest control.

According to the Pesticide Action Network, cocoa is ‘second only to cotton in its high use of pesticides.’ The chemicals sprayed on cocoa beans can have adverse health effects, including hormone disruption and increased cancer risk. Luckily, cocoa can be grown organically using natural methods of pest control.

2. Deforestation

Cocoa can be harvested under the shade of tropical canopy plants. However, many farmers cut down trees surrounding their cocoa crops. With high demands for cocoa crops, farmers are planting more hybrid plants that require full-sun exposure as well as pesticides to produce high yields. Not to mention, some big chocolate companies, like Mars and Ferrero, use palm oil in their chocolate. When cocoa and palm trees are cut down, all of the carbon dioxide that is stored in the tree is released into the atmosphere. It is estimated that in 2009, 30 percent of Indonesia’s carbon emissions resulted from deforestation associated with palm oil.

With high demands for cocoa crops, farmers are planting more hybrid plants that require full-sun exposure, leading to deforestation. Consumers can combat this issue by choosing chocolates that are certified as shade-grown.

3. Dangers of Cocoa Monoculture

Chocolate production relies on the fertilization of cocoa plants. Most cocoa plants are fertilized by midges, a gnat-like insect that thrive in a dark humid environment more akin to a tropical rainforest setting. Man-made cocoa plantations are sunny and dry, creating a fertilization problem. If cocoa flowers aren’t fertilized within 24 hours, they will die. This could also cause worldwide chocolate shortages (pretty devastating in my mind). But more importantly, this presents a real threat to the agricultural well-being of people who rely on cocoa production for their living. Intensive farming on cocoa plantations only produces high yields for short periods, effectively depleting soil which encourages farmers to expand plantations further into the forest, extending the cycle.

This cycle not only threatens chocolate availability but also jeopardizes the livelihoods of farmers dependent on diverse cropping systems. Monoculture depletes soil nutrients, leading to decreased yields over time and further driving deforestation as farmers seek new land.

4. Habitat Loss

The practice of cutting down trees to make room for cocoa crops destroys delicate tropical ecosystems causing animal species to become threatened or even extinct. Between 50 and 60 percent of biodiversity loss in cocoa-rich countries like Madagascar, Papua New Guinea, and Honduras has been linked to exports. A study done by the University of Sydney showed that spider monkey habitats were threatened with the growing demand for cocoa.

The practice of cutting down trees for cocoa production is devastating to ecosystems. Species such as the Bornean orangutan and the Sumatran tiger are losing their habitats due to expanding cocoa farms. Choosing brands that contribute to habitat restoration, can help protect these endangered species and preserve biodiversity.

5. Human and Animal Cruelty

According to PETA, dairy cows raised in an industrial farm only live about one-quarter of their expected natural lifespan. Raised in inhuman conditions, force-fed hormones, and continuously bred to extend milk production, the life of a factory-farmed dairy cow is brutal, to say the least. Milk chocolate is implicated in the cruelty of this industry.

But, beware, it takes more than just a vegan label to ensure your chocolate is cruelty-free. Across the Ivory Coast and Ghana, child labor, human trafficking, and slavery have been documented on cocoa farms.

According to a report by the International Labour Organization, an estimated 1.5 million children are involved in cocoa production in West Africa, often under hazardous conditions. When shopping, ensure that the chocolate carries certifications like Fair Trade or Rainforest Alliance.

Chocolate with a Conscience

There are many ethical chocolate options out there, you just need to know the right place to look! When choosing chocolates, keep the following in mind:

• Go organic: chocolate made without planet-harming chemicals tastes better anyway.
• Look for shade-grown: shade-grown cocoa is grown under the cover of indigenous trees, helping to prevent deforestation.
• Choose vegan so you can ensure no animals are harmed in the name of your sweet tooth. Here is a list of our picks for the best vegan dark chocolate.
• Fair-Trade & Fair for Life Chocolate protects the rights of cocoa farmers and works to ensure sustainable farming practices that promote biodiversity are utilized.
• Buy chocolates that are Rainforest Alliance Certified to help Support their efforts to conserve biodiversity, protect animals, and promote sustainable communities.

Here are our top picks for ethical chocolate this Valentine’s Day:

1. 1. Alter Eco Dark Chocolate Varieties
   2. Chocolove Dark Chocolate Varieties
   3. Crispy Cat Chocolate Bars
   4. Divine Dark Chocolate Varieties
   5. Endangered Species Organic Dark Chocolate
   6. Equal Exchange Dark Chocolate Varieties
   7. Kallari Chocolates
   8. Lake Champlain Dark Chocolate Varieties
   9. Newman’s Own Dark Chocolate Varieties
   10. Theo Dark Chocolate Varieties

Get the LOVE Cookbook

Food is always somewhat about love but on Valentine’s Day, pull out all the stops. Anyone can make reservations at a restaurant but preparing a meal for someone is a thoughtful and precious gift.

Love: Your Favorite Chocolate-Based Desserts & Treats Made Vegan is every chocolate lover’s dream come true! With 50 delicious and easy-to-follow recipes, this cookbook is sure to satisfy every chocolate connoisseur in your life. From chocolate classics like chocolate chunk brownies and chocolate chip cookies to decadent delights like Vegan Ferrero Rocher Truffles and dreamy chocolate mousse, this cookbook has something for everyone!

Show some love to Mother Earth this Valentine’s Day and give a gift that shows just how much you care.