Choc-full of goodness Bite into planet-friendly bars
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Your Challenge
Try one small, sustainable switch by choosing chocolate that’s better for people and the planet.
Next time you fancy a sweet treat, look for chocolate bars that are certified by the Soil Association Organic standard, Fairtrade, or Rainforest Alliance. These logos are easy to spot on packaging and can be found in all supermarkets. If you are looking for a cheaper option, many supermarkets have an own brand bar that’s certified by one of these three schemes.
Why you're doing this
Cocoa beans, the key ingredient in chocolate, are being impacted by climate change. Warmer global temperatures, and fewer insects pollinating the cocoa plants, are impacting these crops. [1] As temperatures increase, and insects die out as habitats are lost, we risk shortages of cocoa production in future. To try and combat this, farmers expand their cocoa plantations, but without taking measures to boost biodiversity around these plantations, the problem will continue. Clearing land to establish cocoa plantations is also contributing to deforestation around the world. For example, in Ghana a quarter of deforestation was found to be linked to the cocoa industry. [2] On top of this, cocoa production is one of the worst industries linked to modern slavery and child labour. [3]
How you'll make a difference
Different certification schemes achieve different goals, and you can find out more on each of their websites. In short, these three certifications focus on paying farmers fairly, encourage farming in a way that reduces negative impacts on the environment and on workers, and provide training and education to build sustainable solutions that will combat climate change and last into the future. They teach farmers how to improve biodiversity by planting other species with their crops, or using organic farming methods that benefit insects and wildlife. By purchasing certified chocolate, you’re helping to protect workers, farmers, and the environment, helping to protect biodiversity and reduce the impacts of climate change.
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Sources
[1] Lander et al (2025) ‘Global chocolate supply is limited by low pollination and high temperatures’ Communications Earth & Environment, Vol. 6 (97) https://doi.org/10.1038/s43247-025-02072-z
[2] Mighty Earth (2017) ‘Chocolate’s dark secret’ Available at: https://www.mightyearth.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/chocolates_dark_secret_english_web.pdf
[3] Global Slavery Index (2023) ‘Chocolate’s hidden ingredient’ Available at: https://www.walkfree.org/global-slavery-index/findings/spotlights/chocolates-hidden-ingredient/
[4]Shin et al (2022) ‘Consumption of 85% cocoa dark chocolate improves mood in association with gut microbial changes in healthy adults: a randomized controlled trial’ The Journal of Nutritional Biochemistry, Vol. 99. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jnutbio.2021.108854