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Cocoa Without Cocoa

Why the Best Cocoa Taste No Longer Needs to Come From the Cocoa Bean

Cocoa was once the ultimate symbol of indulgence. Today it also stands for price volatility, supply insecurity, and ecological conflict.
Whether in R&D, procurement, or product development – manufacturers are increasingly confronted with the challenge of a raw material that is becoming harder to source sustainably and calculate economically. The answer may be more radical than expected: Replace cocoa. Completely. Without compromising on taste.

What sounds like science fiction is already market-ready – and it has a name: NEOCAO.

The Problem: Cocoa as a High-Risk Raw Material

The global cocoa market is under constant stress:

  • Extreme weather & climate change affect yields
  • Prices are exploding – in 2024, cocoa temporarily more than doubled
  • Supply chains collapse due to political instability and export restrictions
  • Sustainability requirements (Fairtrade, organic, traceability) increase cost pressure
  • Ethics & image: child labor, monoculture, deforestation – few raw materials face such scrutiny

For manufacturers, this means: sensory consistency, cost predictability, and brand image are at risk – with one of the world’s most important ingredients.

The Solution: NEOCAO – 0% Cocoa, 100% Taste

NEOCAO is a purely plant-based cocoa alternative with authentic taste and consistent availability.

The formulation of plant extracts, fiber-rich ingredients, and high-quality oils reproduces the flavor profile of real cocoa powder almost entirely: rich, bitter, nutty – with the typical astringent note.

And the best part:

  • Independent of the global market – no price or supply crises
  • Stable cost planning – predictable raw material prices
  • Sustainable & clean – plant-based with low environmental impact
  • Clean Label & vegan – free from allergens, additives, and E-numbers

0% Cocoa. 100% Taste. For those who won’t compromise on flavor – but think economically.

Versatile Applications with Predictability

NEOCAO can be used 1:1 as a direct replacement for cocoa powder – without recipe adjustments or process changes.

Typical applications:

  • Bakery & biscuits
  • Chocolate tablets
  • Creams & fillings
  • Hot drinks & milk mixes
  • Desserts, ice cream & cereals

Clean Label Meets Supply Security

Beyond taste stability, NEOCAO offers strong arguments for declaration & marketing:

  • no allergens
  • no additives
  • no E-numbers
  • no carriers or processing aids

The plant-based foundation makes NEOCAO a vegan, label-friendly Clean-Label ingredient – ideal for brands focused on transparency, naturalness, and sustainability.

Sustainability Starts with the Raw Material

While cocoa cultivation is often linked to deforestation, monocultures, and high water usage, NEOCAO relies on raw materials that are:

  • locally cultivable
  • mechanically extracted (no solvents)
  • and have a significantly lower environmental impact

This makes NEOCAO a socially and ecologically responsible cocoa substitute.

Conclusion: Rethinking Cocoa – Without Compromise on Indulgence

NEOCAO is not a compromise – it’s an innovation.

It gives manufacturers the ability to produce independently of crises, costs, and criticism – with full cocoa taste, but without the risks of the raw material.

Those who turn to cocoa alternatives now secure:

  • Cost advantages through stable calculations
  • Brand strength through Clean Label & sustainability
  • Innovation edge in a changing market

Cocoa without cocoa – the future starts now.

Together, we’ll take your chocolate innovations to the next level. Our team is happy to advise you personally on NEOCAO.

How can we help you?

The possibilities with our products are diverse, and the potential is enormous. Our team is happy to support you with your inquiry and will find the ideal solution for your project.
Contact us