Let’s be real—finding a vegan chocolate that hits all the right spots (creamy, rich, ethical, and not tasting like cardboard) can feel like a treasure hunt. But don’t worry, I’ve done the heavy lifting—er, tasting—for you. Welcome to the ultimate review and comparison of the top 10 vegan chocolates out there, from big names like Lindt to hidden gems like Raw Halo. Whether you’re a dark chocolate devotee or a “mylk” chocolate dreamer, there’s something here to satisfy your cocoa cravings. Grab a napkin (you might drool), and let’s dive in!
Why Vegan Chocolate Deserves Your Attention
Before we get to the good stuff, here’s a quick hook: did you know the global vegan chocolate market is expected to hit $1.9 billion by 2030? That’s a lot of cacao proving you don’t need dairy to make chocolate dreamy. These brands aren’t just hopping on the plant-based bandwagon—they’re redefining it with sustainable ingredients, creative flavors, and textures that’ll make you forget milk chocolate ever existed. Ready to meet the contenders? Let’s go!
The Top 10 Vegan Chocolates: Reviewed and Compared
1. Purdys Chocolatier – Vegan Line
- What’s the Deal? Purdys has a dedicated vegan line that’s basically a love letter to plant-based chocolate lovers. Their “mylk” chocolate swaps dairy for rice powder, delivering a creamy texture that rivals the real deal. Think caramels, truffles, and their famous “Sweet Georgia Browns” (pecan clusters in vegan mylk chocolate).
- Taste Test: Silky, sweet, and indulgent—perfect for those who miss milk chocolate but want to keep it vegan. The caramel has a buttery vibe without the butter, and the Sweet Georgia Browns? Crunchy, nutty bliss.
- Where to Buy: Purdys.com
- Why You’ll Love It: Wide variety + creamy goodness = a vegan chocolate jackpot.
2. Lindt CLASSIC Vegan
- What’s the Deal? Lindt, the Swiss chocolate giant, jumped into the vegan game with oat and almond-based bars. These are smooth, accessible, and designed to please the masses.
- Taste Test: Creamy with a light, nutty undertone from the oat-almond combo. It’s not as complex as some artisanal options, but it’s a crowd-pleaser that melts like a dream.
- Where to Buy: Lindtonlineshop.co.za
- Why You’ll Love It: Widely available and beginner-friendly for new vegans.
3. Raw Halo
- What’s the Deal? Raw, organic, and sweetened naturally (think coconut sugar), Raw Halo keeps it pure. They offer flavors like Pure Mylk and Dark + Salted Caramel in various bar sizes.
- Taste Test: The raw cacao gives it a bold, earthy kick, while the natural sweeteners keep it from being too bitter. The Mylk version is surprisingly creamy thanks to cashew butter—less sweet than Purdys but more “real” tasting.
- Where to Buy: Online health food retailers (e.g., Amazon or specialty stores).
- Why You’ll Love It: Guilt-free indulgence with a crunchy, raw edge.
4. Willie’s Cacao
- What’s the Deal? Single-origin dark chocolate that’s naturally vegan. Willie’s is all about intense, high-quality cacao with no fluff—just pure, complex flavors.
- Taste Test: Deep, rich, and slightly fruity—think coffee and berry notes dancing on your tongue. It’s not creamy, but dark chocolate fans will swoon over the sophistication.
- Where to Buy: Gourmet food retailers online (e.g., Willie’s Cacao site or Amazon).
- Why You’ll Love It: A connoisseur’s dream with zero compromise on quality.
5. Cocoa Libre
- What’s the Deal? Dairy-free and vegan, Cocoa Libre offers a playful range—bars, slabs, and even chocolate animals. Flavors like Orange & Almond and Raspberry Dark stand out.
- Taste Test: Fun and balanced. The Orange & Almond bar is zesty with a nice crunch, while the dark chocolate keeps it from being too sweet. Texture is smooth but not overly rich.
- Where to Buy: Yumbles.com
- Why You’ll Love It: Variety and whimsy—great for gifting or snacking.
6. Honest Chocolate
- What’s the Deal? South Africa-based and proud, Honest uses organic cacao and natural sweeteners for unique combos like Dark Chocolate with Buchu or Salted Almond.
- Taste Test: The Buchu (a local herb) adds a minty, herbal twist that’s unexpected but delightful. It’s dark, smooth, and feels artisanal without being pretentious.
- Where to Buy: Faithful-to-nature.co.za
- Why You’ll Love It: Local flair meets global appeal—perfect for adventurous eaters.
7. Afrikoa
- What’s the Deal? Another South African gem, Afrikoa focuses on dark chocolate, including sugar-free options. Think 55% to 85% cacao with clean ingredients.
- Taste Test: Robust and bittersweet, with the sugar-free version surprisingly satisfying (no weird aftertaste!). The higher cacao percentages pack a punch.
- Where to Buy: Faithful-to-nature.co.za
- Why You’ll Love It: Sugar-free done right—ideal for health-conscious chocoholics.
8. VALOR
- What’s the Deal? Known for sugar-free dark chocolate, VALOR offers flavors like Dark with Almonds or Orange. It’s simple but effective.
- Taste Test: The Orange version is a standout—citrusy and dark without being cloying. The almonds add a nice crunch, though it’s less creamy than some competitors.
- Where to Buy: Faithful-to-nature.co.za
- Why You’ll Love It: Affordable, no-sugar decadence for dark chocolate purists.
9. CocoaFair
- What’s the Deal? Cape Town’s finest, offering dark chocolate in various percentages (70% to 100%) and nutty add-ins like hazelnuts or almonds.
- Taste Test: The 85% with hazelnuts is a winner—intense cacao meets toasty crunch. It’s not for the faint-hearted, but the quality shines through.
- Where to Buy: Faithful-to-nature.co.za
- Why You’ll Love It: High cacao content + nuts = a bold, satisfying bite.
10. The Chocolate Yogi
- What’s the Deal? Vegan “mylk” chocolate with quirky flavors like Hunnycomb (a honeycomb dupe) and Caramel Mylk. It’s playful and plant-based.
- Taste Test: The Hunnycomb is a sweet, crunchy surprise—think candy bar vibes without the guilt. Creamy and fun, though a tad sweeter than Raw Halo’s mylk.
- Where to Buy: Faithful-to-nature.co.za
- Why You’ll Love It: Nostalgic flavors in a vegan package—kid-at-heart approved.
Comparison Time: How Do They Stack Up?
| Brand | Type | Texture | Flavor Profile | Best For | Price Point |
| Purdys | Mylk | Creamy | Sweet, indulgent | Milk chocolate lovers | $$ $ |
| Lindt CLASSIC | Mylk | Smooth | Nutty, mild | Beginners/new vegans | $$ |
| Raw Halo | Raw/Mylk | Crunchy | Earthy, balanced | Health nuts | $$ |
| Willie’s Cacao | Dark | Firm | Complex, intense | Dark chocolate fans | $$$ |
| Cocoa Libre | Dark/Mylk | Smooth | Playful, fruity | Gifting/snacking | $$ |
| Honest Chocolate | Dark | Silky | Unique, herbal | Adventurous eaters | $$ |
| Afrikoa | Dark | Robust | Bittersweet | Sugar-free seekers | $$ |
| VALOR | Dark | Firm | Citrusy, nutty | Budget dark chocolate | $ |
| CocoaFair | Dark | Bold | Strong, nutty | Cacao purists | $$ |
| The Chocolate Yogi | Mylk | Creamy | Sweet, nostalgic | Fun treat lovers | $$ |
The Verdict: Which Vegan Chocolate Wins?
- Best Overall: Purdys Chocolatier – The variety and creamy mylk texture make it a standout for versatility and satisfaction.
- Best Dark Chocolate: Willie’s Cacao – Unmatched depth and quality for true cacao lovers.
- Best Budget Buy: VALOR – Sugar-free and flavorful without breaking the bank.
- Best for Health Nuts: Raw Halo – Raw, organic, and naturally sweetened? Yes, please.
- Best for Fun: The Chocolate Yogi – Hunnycomb brings the joy without the dairy.
FAQs About Vegan Chocolate
Q: Is all dark chocolate vegan?
A: Nope! Some dark chocolates sneak in milk solids or butterfat, so always check the label.
Q: What makes vegan “mylk” chocolate creamy?
A: Brands use plant-based alternatives like rice powder (Purdys), oat milk (Lindt), or cashew butter (Raw Halo) to mimic dairy’s smoothness.
Q: Where can I buy these chocolates?
A: Most are available online through their sites or retailers like Faithful-to-Nature.co.za and Yumbles.com. Check the “Where to Buy” links above!
Final Thoughts: Your Next Chocolate Adventure Awaits
Whether you’re craving a creamy mylk fix or a bold dark chocolate escape, these top 10 vegan chocolates prove you don’t need dairy to indulge. My personal fave? Purdys’ Sweet Georgia Browns—I’m a sucker for that nutty-caramel combo. But honestly, you can’t go wrong with any of these. So, which one’s calling your name? Drop a comment below, share this with your chocolate-loving crew, or head to for more plant-based goodies. Happy munching!