Yes, you can absolutely enjoy chocolate while staying vegan, and British brands have made it easier than ever. From rich dark bars to smooth nut-based alternatives, vegan chocolate has evolved into one of the UK’s most exciting and ethical indulgences. In this guide, we explore the top vegan chocolate brands loved across the country, from everyday options to luxury creations.
Green & Black’s – Organic and Conscious
Green & Black’s has been a pioneer in the organic and fair-trade movement since 1991. Its dark range — including the 70% and 85% cocoa bars — is naturally vegan and crafted from ethically sourced cocoa beans. The brand’s distinctive flavour profile balances bitterness with subtle sweetness, creating a smooth, sophisticated taste that appeals to both casual snackers and purists.
As one of the first mainstream chocolate makers to promote sustainability, Green & Black’s has become a household name for conscious consumers. Its wide availability across supermarkets such as Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and ASDA makes it a reliable go-to for those seeking quality vegan chocolate without compromise.
Montezuma’s – Bold and British
Founded in 2000 in West Sussex, Montezuma’s is a proudly independent British chocolatier known for creativity and intensity. The Absolute Black 100% Cocoa Bar is a favourite among true dark-chocolate enthusiasts — no added sugar, no dairy, just pure cocoa excellence. For those who prefer something milder, the Like No Udder collection offers creamy, milk-style bars that are completely dairy-free.
Montezuma’s commitment to sustainability extends from bean to bar. It uses compostable packaging and partners with ethical suppliers to ensure a transparent production chain. With playful flavour names and distinctive wrappers, the brand manages to stay fun while staying true to its ethical core.
Hotel Chocolat – Innovative Plant-Based Luxury
Hotel Chocolat redefined modern British chocolate by merging craftsmanship with innovation. Its Nutmilk range — made from finely milled hazelnuts instead of dairy — set a new standard for plant-based indulgence. These bars deliver the creaminess of milk chocolate with a naturally nutty twist, delighting vegans and non-vegans alike.
The brand also offers an expanding selection of vegan-friendly items such as single-origin dark slabs, hot chocolate refills for its Velvetiser, and curated gift boxes. Hotel Chocolat’s sleek design, transparent sourcing, and focus on cocoa quality make it one of the most respected names in luxury vegan chocolate.
Artisan du Chocolat – Refined Vegan Creations
Founded by Géraldine Le Vesconte in 2000, Artisan du Chocolat combines French expertise with British artistry. The brand’s vegan range demonstrates that indulgence can be elegant and ethical. From salted caramel vegan truffles to dark ganache collections, every creation balances flavour with visual appeal.
Unlike mass-produced confectionery, Artisan du Chocolat’s products are crafted in small batches and sold through select stores such as Selfridges and Borough Market. Their use of high-grade cocoa and minimal additives makes them a standout choice for connoisseurs seeking a gourmet vegan experience.
Divine Chocolate – Fairtrade and Fully Ethical
Divine Chocolate is unique in that it is partly owned by Ghanaian cocoa farmers through the Kuapa Kokoo cooperative. This means that every purchase directly supports the growers who produce its cocoa beans. Its dark chocolate bars — including the 70%, 85%, and raspberry-infused varieties — are vegan-friendly and widely stocked across major UK supermarkets.
Divine’s strength lies in its storytelling. The packaging highlights the faces of farmers and communities behind the bars, creating an authentic connection between producer and consumer. If you’re seeking vegan chocolate with purpose and premium flavour, Divine represents the best of both worlds.
Emerging Vegan Chocolate Brands to Watch
The UK’s plant-based market is expanding rapidly, giving rise to smaller artisans making waves in the vegan scene:
- Ombar: Uses raw cacao and coconut sugar for natural sweetness.
- Doisy & Dam: Known for vegan peanut butter cups and crunchy buttons.
- Booja-Booja: Specialises in organic truffles with cashew or coconut bases.
- Rhythm 108: Offers Swiss-made vegan bars with luxurious textures.
These brands are reshaping the perception of dairy-free chocolate from “alternative” to “artisanal.”
Why Vegan Chocolate Is Growing in the UK
The popularity of vegan chocolate reflects broader cultural and ethical shifts in Britain. More consumers are cutting back on dairy for health, environmental, or animal-welfare reasons, and chocolate manufacturers have listened. From high-street favourites to boutique chocolatiers, the range of options continues to expand.
- Health Awareness: Dairy-free diets are associated with fewer allergens and cleaner ingredients.
- Retail Expansion: Supermarkets like Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and ASDA now feature entire vegan confectionery aisles.
- Sustainability: Plant-based products reduce carbon footprints and appeal to eco-minded shoppers.
- Innovation: The use of nuts, oats, and coconut in vegan chocolate adds richness once thought impossible without milk.
How to Choose the Right Vegan Chocolate
When buying vegan chocolate, it helps to look beyond the label:
- Check ingredients: Look for cocoa butter instead of milk fat, and avoid emulsifiers like casein or lactose.
- Seek certifications: Products with the Vegan Society or Soil Association logo ensure ethical standards.
- Consider cocoa percentage: Bars with 70% or higher cocoa usually contain no dairy and offer greater depth of flavour.
- Support transparency: Choose brands that disclose their cocoa sourcing and production practices.
FAQ – Vegan Chocolate in the UK
Here are some common questions about vegan chocolate brands in Britain:
Is all dark chocolate vegan?
Not always. While most dark chocolate is dairy-free, some manufacturers still add milk solids or butterfat for texture. Always check the packaging or look for a vegan certification mark.
Which supermarket sells the most vegan chocolate?
Tesco and Sainsbury’s lead the way, stocking major brands like Green & Black’s and Divine, alongside emerging names such as Ombar and Doisy & Dam. ASDA and Morrisons also carry an expanding selection.
Is vegan chocolate healthier?
Vegan chocolate can be slightly healthier when made with fewer processed ingredients and higher cocoa content. However, it still contains natural fats and sugars, so moderation is key.
What makes vegan chocolate creamy without milk?
Brands achieve creaminess through plant-based ingredients like almond paste, oat powder, or finely ground hazelnuts — providing a smooth texture without animal products.
Can vegan chocolate melt and bake like regular chocolate?
Yes. Most vegan dark chocolates melt well for baking or hot drinks. For milk-style recipes, use nut-based vegan chocolate like Hotel Chocolat’s Nutmilk for a rich consistency.
Final Thought: Vegan chocolate in the UK is no longer a niche — it’s a celebration of flavour, ethics, and creativity. Whether you prefer a luxurious bar from Hotel Chocolat or an earthy 100% cocoa slab from Montezuma’s, there’s a vegan chocolate for every taste and occasion.