By SAM BUTLER
Belfast-based Free’ist, the Northern Ireland chocolate business, has developed a range of bars that are not just ‘better for you’ but taste great too!
Free’ist Chocolate has relaunched its original ‘no added sugar’ milk and dark chocolate range with a new and improved recipe.
Not only that, the range also includes, for the first time, a selection of new dairy-free, plant powered chocolate bars – to meet the growing demand for milk alternatives.
The launch coincides with the 10th birthday of Free’ist, which was founded in 2013 by Belfast businessman Gerard McAdorey, on the back of a passion to help people reduce the level of sugar they consume.
“Research shows that the Republic of Ireland is on course to have the highest rates of obesity in Europe by 2030 – with Northern Ireland not far behind,” says Gerald, “so it’s no surprise that demand is rapidly rising for ‘free from’ and ‘better-for-you’ products, as people adapt to a healthier lifestyle.
“Across the globe, people are asking for products that are free from sugar, dairy and artificial ingredients – so we have developed a variety of ethically sourced, indulgent snacks that are sweetened from plants and contain no added sugar, palm oil or artificial flavours,” he adds.
While health has never been more important to consumers, it counts for little if the product doesn’t taste good, which is where Free’ist is focused – with absolutely no compromise on great flavour.
Using the Fino De Aroma cocoa bean from Columbia – the best the world’s plantations have to offer – and working with world renowned chocolatiers to perfectly roast, temper and refine the flavours, Free’ist has created what Gerald believes is the ultimate indulgent ‘better-for-you’ chocolate.
“We believe that ‘great taste’ and ‘better-for-you’ belong together – and we are passionate about reducing sugar intake with a great range of healthier snacks that don’t compromise on flavour,” he continues.
“People want to be able to treat themselves in a healthy, responsible and guilt-free manner – but taste will not be sacrificed so we have worked tirelessly to perfect this over the past decade.
“Now, as the brand celebrates its 10th birthday, I’m delighted to say that I believe we have finally cracked it.
“The passion, skill and talent of our chocolatiers has enabled us to create our best tasting range of Free’ist products, while committing to ethical sourcing that uses only the finest quality ingredients.”
The ‘free from’ snack category is projected to grow by 41 per cent over the next five years – driven by dairy alternatives – so Free’ist has introduced a new selection of no-added-sugar, vegan-friendly plant-based bars, made from the finest oat milk to create a creamy, indulgent snack that melts in the mouth.
“While sugar levels are the biggest concern amongst consumers, they are also very wary of artificial sweeteners, and there is a growing and widespread demand for plant-based sweeteners.
“It was this insight, gathered from our comprehensive consumer research, that drove us to find a stevia-based solution for our products,” he says.
All Free’ist chocolate, he explains, is bean-to-bar traced and ethically sourced, with single origin Columbian cacao beans, no added sugar, no palm oil, no artificial flavours, no soy, no gluten and non-GMO.
The full Free’ist range consists of six no-added-sugar milk and dark chocolate bars in a variety of flavours, including orange, mint, sea salt and hazelnut.
The plant-based range launches with a four-strong portfolio, including Oat Chocolate and the indulgent flavour extensions of Oat with Raspberry, Oat with Coconut, and Oat with Almonds.
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