Chocolate Alternatives

NextCoa™ confectionery alternative

An innovative cocoa-free alternative to chocolate

Chocolatey-like indulgence without the cocoa

The passion for chocolate is undeniable… but a changing world demands new solutions. NextCoa™ confectionery alternatives make it possible to enjoy chocolatey-like taste and functionality in cocoa-free formulas with an intentional approach to water, land use and carbon footprint (compared to chocolate).

Reliable supply & stable sourcing Reliable supply & stable sourcing

Plant-based solution Plant-based solution

Formulated without major allergens Formulated without major allergens

Chocolatey indulgence  & function without the cocoa

Find out if NextCoa™ confectionery alternative is right for your next project:

Talk to an expert View product sheet (PDF)

Dipped, drizzled, blended or molded — discover the wide range of possibilities

Bakery / Bars

Create tempting coatings, fillings, ganaches, inclusions & more.

Confectionery

From truffles to toffees, caramels to cordials, The NextCoa™ portfolio has you covered.

Cookies

Elevate cookie recipes with sweet inclusions, chocolatey foundations & more.

Ice Cream

Blend in sweet chocolatey morsels, drops, & other delights.

Snacks

NextCoa™ solutions fuel the crave, from coated pretzels, drizzled popcorn, trail mix & beyond.


A cocoa-free formula for today’s needs

Offers more pricing stability than traditional chocolate

Cost Effective

Offers more pricing stability than traditional chocolate

To bypass the volatile cocoa market, NextCoa™ confectionery alternatives utilize upcycled grape seeds from wine-making side-streams. These reliable and cost-stable inputs yield better pricing stability and availability at scale – protecting your cost-in-use.

Meeting Market Demand

Why demand for conscious, cocoa-free options is growing

Today’s consumers are making more intentional food and beverage choices, considering both self and planet. NextCoa™ confectionery alternatives bring an indulgent experience that targets cravings, motives and needs.

Explore more innovation trends

Why demand for conscious, cocoa-free options is growing

Conscious Consumption

71%

People who consider upcycled ingredients appealing (global)3

Dietary needs

33M

The number of U.S. consumers with 1+ food allergies4

Purposely formulated ingredients

NextCoa™ confectionery alternatives offer chocolatey-like taste and functionality

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Two flavor profiles

  • Mild – Creamy, milk chocolatey-like
  • Dark Mild – A blend of dark & milk chocolatey-styles
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Versatile format options

  • Bake-stable drops
  • Tempering wafers
  • Non-tempering wafers
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Plant-based

  • Vegan
  • Non-GM
  • Formulated without the top-9 allergens

Take the next step with NextCoa™ confectionery alternatives.


Frequently asked questions

Quick answers about NextCoa™ confectionary alternative, an innovative cocoa-free ingredient

What is NextCoa™ confectionery alternative?

What is NextCoa™ confectionery alternative?

NextCoa™ products are a portfolio of cocoa-free confectionery alternatives to chocolate, designed to deliver a chocolatey-like sensory experience while reducing reliance on cocoa.

Chocolate Chips

Is NextCoa™ confectionery alternative chocolate?

Is NextCoa™ confectionery alternative chocolate?

No, NextCoa™ products are not chocolate. They contain no cocoa, and cannot be labeled as chocolate. Rather, they are a confectionery alternative designed to deliver a chocolatey-like taste, texture, and functionality.

What applications are the NextCoa™ products best suited for?

What applications are the NextCoa™ products best suited for?

Depending on format, NextCoa™ confectionery alternatives are well-suited for coatings, enrobing, inclusions and baked applications. Technical support is available to help determine the best fit for your application.

What allergen or dietary claims apply?

What allergen or dietary claims apply?

Allergen and dietary attributes vary by SKU and application. Depending on formulation, potential claims may include vegan or vegetarian, non-GM,1 peanut-free, tree nut-free, soy-free and dairy-free.

Where are NextCoa™ products produced?

Where are NextCoa™ products produced?

NextCoa™ products are produced in state-of-the-art facilities in the United States and Europe, supporting reliable and scalable global supply.


 

Explore the possibilities

Redefine indulgence with NextCoa™  confectionery alternatives

Take the lead in developing indulgent delights that don’t rely on cocoa.

Talk to an expert


 


More resources from Cargill

Trends

Tap into the latest market & consumer trends

Cargill-proprietary & in-depth insights keep you in tune with what’s hot now… & what’s next.

Explore trends

Insights

Study: The recipe to drive bakery demand

Cargill research reveals the “why” behind the buy across 9 categories of baked goods & 5 retail departments.

Get Bakery insights

Cargill Solutions

Cocoa, chocolate & more

Quality dark, milk and white chocolate and confectionery offerings for your products.

Explore product offerings

The NextCoa™ Brand is owned by Cargill, Incorporated, but the product is a result of a global partnership between Cargill and Voyage Foods.

1. There is no single definition of “non-GMO” in the USA. Contact Cargill for source and processing information.
2. Results presented indicate the upper bounds of reductions across the alternative products assessed when compared to conventional chocolate. For conventional chocolate products, a representative commercial product with similar manufacturing conditions is determined. This is not intended to represent the totality of the chocolate industry but rather a realistic market average for indicative comparative assertations. The underlying LCA study incorporates the European Commission-recommended PEF impact assessment method and is 3rd party panel review for ISO 14040:2006 and ISO 14044:2006 conformance. Ex-ante results are ISO 14044 certified, iterations in supply-chain configurations will be accounted for. Report available at: Voyage Foods.
3. FMCG Gurus. Top 10 Trends. 2024.
4. FARE (Food Allergy Research & Education), July 2024.