Raw chocolate

Raw chocolate is chocolate which is produced in a raw or minimally-processed form. It is made from unroasted (sun-dried) cacao beans and cold pressed cacao butter. A variety of crystalline and liquid sweeteners may be used, including: coconut sugar, xylitol, agave nectar, maple syrup, and stevia. Cane sugar and other highly processed sugars are not used, but this is no evidence of being less harmful. Dairy products are not added to raw chocolate, therefore it is usually vegan. Soy is also usually avoided – soy lecithin is often used in processed chocolate. It is also naturally gluten-free.

Claimed to have health benefits and potential as a superfood (although the term superfood is a marketing ploy, as they do not actually exist), it represents a fast-growing segment of the chocolate industry. Notably, the low-heat or "cold" production process (which avoids roasting) helps to preserve vitamins & antioxidants (in particular polyphenols, especially flavan-3-ols (catechins) and flavonoids), and minerals which are naturally present in raw cocoa. Many, if not most, marketers produce chocolate that is certified organic or fairly-traded.

Raw chocolate has been promoted on major networks such as Fox News, and appeared on series 13 of popular UK show Dragons' Den. Among the recognized brands of raw chocolate are Rawflect, Xocai, Gnosis, and Sacred Chocolate.

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Wikipedia