Palm-oil-free chocolate in Brighton
Palm oil is one of the most widely used vegetable oils in the world, appearing in everything from biscuits and cosmetics to chocolate bars. But the environmental cost of producing it has made it increasingly controversial.
Large areas of tropical rainforest in Southeast Asia have been cleared to make way for palm oil plantations, often through burning or illegal logging. This deforestation destroys vital ecosystems and releases huge amounts of carbon into the atmosphere, contributing to climate change.
The impact on wildlife is particularly devastating. When forests are cleared, animals such as orangutans, tigers and elephants lose their natural habitat and struggle to survive. Palm oil development is now linked to threats against hundreds of species and habitat destruction has dramatically reduced orangutan populations over the past few decades.
Because of these concerns, and negative health implications, many consumers are actively seeking palm-oil-free chocolate. Luckily, Brighton’s thriving independent food scene means there are several chocolatiers and ethical shops offering delicious alternatives that are kinder to the planet.
Be Chocolat by Michel Clement, an artisan chocolatier on Duke Street. Here you can watch chocolates being handmade in small batches using sustainably sourced cocoa. The shop prides itself on being completely palm-oil-free, choosing ingredients that support fair trade and protect fragile ecosystems.
Another local favourite is Dandy’s Raw Choc, a Brighton-based maker specialising in raw, organic chocolate bars. Each bar is vegan, refined-sugar-free and made without palm oil, using carefully selected ingredients designed to be both indulgent and nourishing.
For those who love beautifully presented pralines and truffles, Leonidas Chocolate Brighton is another option. The Belgian chocolatier uses pure cocoa butter in its recipes rather than palm oil, prioritising both flavour and environmental responsibility.
Meanwhile, Brighton’s ethical food scene also supports small vegan producers like Lucky Cat Company, known for handmade truffles and chocolate treats. Their sweets are vegan, palm-oil-free and packaged with sustainability in mind.
Choosing palm-oil-free chocolate won’t solve the problem overnight, but supporting independent makers that prioritise ethical ingredients is a small step in the right direction. In Brighton, it also happens to be a delicious one.
Read more articles here.
