Nestlé debuts first cocoa-free innovation

Nestlé has announced a significant leap into the sustainable confectionery space with the launch of Choco Crossies Snack Vibes, the first product from the global manufacturer to feature ChoViva, a cocoa-free chocolate alternative.

The release marks a strategic effort to capture the Gen Z market, targeting a young, environmentally-conscious generation of snack lovers who prioritise sustainability without compromising on the indulgent experience of traditional chocolate.

The core of the innovation is ChoViva, developed by the German food-tech start-up Planet A Foods. Rather than relying on tropical cocoa beans — which are increasingly associated with supply chain volatility and environmental pressures — ChoViva is crafted using regional European ingredients, primarily oats and sunflower seeds.

Through a specialised fermentation and roasting process, the ingredients achieve a flavour profile and melt remarkably similar to conventional milk chocolate. In the new Snack Vibes edition, this cocoa-free coating is paired with the brand’s signature crunchy cornflakes and wheat crispies, creating a familiar texture with a future-facing ingredient list.

Nestlé is using the Snack Vibes sub-brand to appeal specifically to younger consumers who are increasingly open to alt-chocolate and sustainable food technologies.

“With Choco Crossies Snack Vibes, we are bringing a completely new taste experience to the shelf,” said a Nestlé spokesperson. “By using ChoViva, we are showing how innovation can meet the demands of a young generation that wants to snack consciously and is excited by sustainable alternatives.”

The move represents a proactive response to the ongoing challenges in the global cocoa market. With cocoa prices reaching historic highs due to climate-driven crop failures in West Africa, manufacturers are under pressure to find resilient, locally-sourced alternatives.

The use of oats and sunflower seeds significantly reduces the carbon footprint and water usage associated with production, providing a powerful ESG story for retailers to communicate to shoppers.

Choco Crossies Snack Vibes featuring ChoViva will initially launch as a limited-edition test and learn run in the German market, appearing on shelves in a modern, vibrant stand-up pouch designed for high visibility in the snacking aisle.

The launch follows a successful pilot phase and signals Nestlé’s broader intent to integrate food-tech partnerships into its mainstream portfolio. If successful, the ChoViva integration could provide a blueprint for other cocoa-lite or cocoa-free extensions across Nestlé’s global confectionery stable.

At a glance:

• Product: Choco Crossies Snack Vibes (Limited Edition)
• Key innovation: cocoa-free coating made from oats and sunflower seeds (ChoViva).
• Target demographic: Gen Z and sustainability-focused snackers.
• Availability: initial rollout in Germany, following the trend of regionalised sustainable innovation.