
State of the World from NPR
Making German Chocolate Without Using Cocoa
Sep 12, 2024
Explore the innovative world of chocolate alternatives as a German sibling duo creates Choviva, a cocoa-free chocolate made from oats and sunflower seeds. Discover how climate change threatens traditional cocoa production and influences chocolate prices. The podcast also highlights sustainable ingredients, like palm oil alternatives, promoting a greener approach to chocolate-making. It’s a delicious dive into how we can enjoy sweets while caring for the planet!
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Quick takeaways
- Climate change threatens cocoa supply due to extreme weather, leading to soaring prices and highlighting the industry's vulnerability.
- A German company developed Choviva, a sustainable chocolate substitute from oats and sunflower seeds, reducing CO2 emissions significantly.
Deep dives
Impact of Climate Change on Cocoa Production
Climate change significantly affects cocoa production, primarily sourced from regions like the Ivory Coast and Ghana, which experienced extreme weather events. In recent years, these areas faced record rainfall, resulting in fungal infections and a substantial decline in cocoa availability. This decrease in supply led to a dramatic price increase of over 350 percent for raw cocoa in just one year, pushing manufacturers to stockpile cocoa beans. The reliance on such a limited geographic area for cocoa makes the chocolate industry vulnerable to environmental changes, highlighting the urgent need for alternatives.
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