Nestlé launches Choco Crossies snack vibes with cocoa-free ChoViva chocolate alternative 

GERMANY – Nestlé has launched a new Snack Vibes product line under its Choco Crossies brand, featuring ChoViva, a cocoa-free chocolate alternative developed by German food technology startup Planet A Foods. 

The new range is designed to target younger consumers looking for convenient and modern snack options while also responding to growing demand for more sustainable ingredients within the confectionery sector. 

ChoViva is produced without cocoa and instead uses locally available crops such as sunflower seeds to create a chocolate-like ingredient designed to replicate the taste, texture and functionality of conventional chocolate. 

According to Dr Maximilian Marquart, Chief Executive Officer of Planet A Foods, the ingredient is intended to support global brands in connecting with younger audiences. 

“We support brands to directly engage with younger generations and build lasting relevance with the consumers of tomorrow,” Marquart said. 

The Snack Vibes line was developed by Nestlé Germany with consumption habits of younger consumers in mind. 

Marc Nussbaumer, executive officer for confectionery at Nestlé Germany, said the concept focuses on moments of relaxation and sensory enjoyment for a generation often exposed to constant digital stimulation. 

“This is a generation navigating constant digital noise, looking for small ways to hit the reset button,” Nussbaumer said. 

“We developed these new varieties specifically for those moments – creating a snack that engages the senses and offers a brief, personal chill-out vibe,” he added. 

Interest in cocoa alternatives has grown significantly across the confectionery industry in recent years as manufacturers face supply challenges and volatile prices in the global cocoa market. 

Cocoa prices surged to about US$11,900 per metric tonne in late 2024, more than four times the historical average. Although prices declined during 2025, they remain roughly double the levels recorded in 2023. 

According to analysis by Rabobank, the volatility has been driven by climate challenges, crop diseases, supply disruptions and tightening deforestation regulations affecting cocoa-producing regions. 

To expand production capacity, Planet A Foods has entered a long-term commercial partnership with global chocolate manufacturer Barry Callebaut. 

Christian Hansen, head of global strategy at Barry Callebaut, said the collaboration is intended to strengthen the company’s ability to manage market volatility. 

“Through this partnership with Planet A Foods, Barry Callebaut is embracing technology to open further avenues for growth while enhancing our resiliency to today’s cocoa-market volatility,” Hansen said. 

At the same time, global confectionery manufacturers are also working to strengthen traditional cocoa supply chains. 

Nestlé, Lindt & Sprüngli, Mars, Mondelēz International and The Hershey Company recently established the TogetherCocoa Foundation in Geneva to improve collaboration and address structural challenges within the cocoa sector. 

The initiative aims to improve livelihoods for cocoa farmers, particularly in Côte d’Ivoire and Ghana, where many households face a persistent living income gap. 

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