It may surprise you to know that a lot of the chocolate treats you find in stores, no matter how tasty, aren't all that great for the planet.
Just Good Chocolate, a new northern Michigan company, aims to change that, with a stated goal of being the most people- and planet-friendly chocolate company in the world.
To start, co-owners Drew and Nichole Warner of Lake Leelanau have created Nibblers, a yummy blend of cacao nibs, dried fruits and nuts that form a luxurious snack that is like chocolate, only better for you and the earth.
"Nibblers are a blend of cacao nibs, dried fruits and nuts--the combination of which create a flavor much like chocolate, and each one of three we're starting with are different," says Drew Warner. "The Tart Cherry Almond Cacao, for example, might remind you of a 65 percent to 70 percent dark chocolate, while the Zante Currant Pecan Cacao is a touch on the sweeter side."
All the ingredients are not only organic, but fair trade-sourced, which can be a problem with cacao, especially, which often is grown in third-world countries without labor oversight.
In response to growing health concerns and the popularity of alternative diets, Nibblers also are gluten-free and vegan.
Right now, they're available at 19 locations in Traverse City, Leelanau County and a few sprinkled in lower Michigan, like outlets in Ann Arbor and Kalamazoo. They also can be found online through Traverse Gourmet, and the Warners say they are looking for additional outlets for Nibblers and their upcoming addition to the line of products for winter: organic, fair trade hot chocolate mix.
Writer: Sam Eggleston
Source: Drew Warner, Just Good Chocolate
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