High-Flavanol Cocoa Powder: An important step forward in the journey of cocoa & food for health

Press Release
Company Information

High-Flavanol Cocoa Powder: An important step forward in the journey of cocoa & food for health

Press Release
Company Information
Health benefits of high-flavanol cocoa powder

  • Barry Callebaut is the first cocoa and chocolate company to establish a qualified health claim with the FDA stating that high-flavanol cocoa powder may reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease

  • Flavanols are phytonutrient compounds that naturally occur in foods from vegetables and fruits to chocolate and tea

Barry Callebaut, as the world’s leading manufacturer of high-quality chocolate and cocoa products, is an industry leader in research and development, specifically relating to the health benefits of cocoa flavanols. Recently, there has been a breakthrough in this area.

After a rigorous four-year review process by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), Barry Callebaut is the first cocoa and chocolate company to establish a qualified health claim in the United States stating that high-flavanol cocoa powder may reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease. The FDA-specific language around the claim can be found here.

Acticoa chocolate and cocoa beans
Acticoa* high-flavanol cocoa and chocolate can be used in cocoa beverages, chocolate bars & tablets, nutrition bars and other healthy options.

Flavanols are phytonutrient compounds that naturally occur in foods from vegetables and fruits to chocolate and tea. Flavanols are particularly abundant in cacao beans with the level dependent on origin, crop type and processing practices.

Cementing its position in the better-for-you category, Barry Callebaut was the first cocoa and chocolate company to receive a positive Scientific Opinion on a European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) health claim that cocoa flavanols have a positive impact on blood flow. Since the original statement in 2012, the EFSA extended that health claim to also include cocoa powder, dark chocolate products, and cocoa extract products. For the FDA, Barry Callebaut was able to provide similar evidence as it relates to high-flavanol cocoa powder.

 

*Acticoa high-flavanol cocoa & chocolate supports heart-healthy indulgence.

We know U.S. consumers are becoming increasingly interested in how the foods they love impact both environmental and personal health. This is a major milestone in the development of cocoa as an ingredient, as we now know that, in combination with a balanced diet and a healthy lifestyle, consumption of cocoa flavanols in high flavanol cocoa powder may help support cardiovascular health.
Tj Mulvihill, VP Marketing, North America
We are honored to be at the forefront of exploring the health and scientific benefits of cocoa. For our customers, this presents an opportunity to develop and enhance better-for-you products leveraging high-flavanol cocoa powder, especially in the sports beverage and protein mix categories, to meet consumer demand.
Hugo Van Der Goes, VP Cocoa, North America

Media Assets

Downloads

Download all

About Barry Callebaut Group (www.barry-callebaut.com):

With annual sales of about CHF 8.1 billion (EUR 7.8 billion / USD 8.6 billion) in fiscal year 2021/22, the Zurich-based Barry Callebaut Group is the world’s leading manufacturer of high-quality chocolate and cocoa products – from sourcing and processing cocoa beans to producing the finest chocolates, including chocolate fillings, decorations and compounds. The Group runs more than 65 production facilities worldwide and employs a diverse and dedicated global workforce of more than 13,000 people.
The Barry Callebaut Group serves the entire food industry, from industrial food manufacturers to artisanal and professional users of chocolate, such as chocolatiers, pastry chefs, bakers, hotels, restaurants or caterers. The global brands catering to the specific needs of these Gourmet customers are Callebaut® and Cacao Barry®, Carma® and the decorations specialist Mona Lisa®.
The Barry Callebaut Group is committed to make sustainable chocolate the norm by 2025 to help ensure future supplies of cocoa and improve farmer livelihoods. It supports the Cocoa Horizons Foundation in its goal to shape a sustainable cocoa and chocolate future.

Follow the Barry Callebaut Group:


Get in Touch