Why our vegan hot chocolate has no dairy
It comes down to what's actually in the mix. Milk chocolate usually gets its creaminess from milk solids, which is where dairy tends to sneak in. As cocoa content rises, there's less room in the recipe for anything else, which is why very dark chocolate often turns out vegan almost by accident. We've taken the same principle and applied it deliberately across our whole range, so even our most approachable 44% is built to be dairy-free, not just the darker end.
Choosing your cocoa strength: 44% to 70%
If you're used to a sweeter, milkier hot chocolate, the 44% is the easiest place to start, since it keeps that familiar sweetness without the dairy. Move up to 50% for something more balanced, or 60% if you want the cocoa to properly announce itself. At 70%, you're in proper dark chocolate territory: rich, a touch bitter, and best suited to anyone who already likes their chocolate strong. There's also a Mint 44% and an Outrageously Orangey 44% if you'd rather flavour led the way. For something with more kick there's Chilli Hot Chocolate, and if you fancy spice over straight cocoa, try the Masala Chai. If you can't decide, the Vegan Selection Pack lets you try a few strengths side by side.
Best plant milks for vegan hot chocolate
Any plant milk will work, but they don't all taste the same in the mug. Oat milk is the most popular choice for a reason: it's naturally creamy and froths well, which suits the milder end of the range like the 44%. If you'd rather the chocolate led, almond milk is thinner and a touch nutty, so it steps back and lets the flavour through. Soya milk sits closest to dairy in body, which makes it the safe default when you're not sure. For something rounder, with a slightly tropical edge, coconut milk pairs particularly well with the 70% or the Chilli Hot Chocolate.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is everything in this collection vegan?
Yes. Everything here, from the milder 44% to the intense 70%, is formulated without dairy as an ingredient, which is what qualifies each one for the vegan-friendly range in the first place.
What's the difference between vegan and dairy-free here?
For us, they're the same thing: this range simply doesn't use dairy. The distinction that matters more is between a vegan preference and a diagnosed dairy allergy, since our barn does handle dairy elsewhere and we can't fully rule out trace cross-contamination.
Can I trust this if I have a dairy allergy rather than a vegan preference?
Treat it with more caution. The products themselves don't contain dairy, but they're made in a barn that also handles it, so cross-contamination can't be ruled out. Check the allergen information on the individual product page before ordering if you have a diagnosed allergy.
