Cargill and Voyage Foods Launch Cocoa Alternative

Cargill has partnered with Voyage Foods to launch NextCoa, a cocoa-free confectionery alternative, in North America, beginning with the United States.

According to the companies, NextCoa is designed to deliver a chocolate-like taste without using cocoa. The product is made from plant-based ingredients, including grape seeds, and uses conventional chocolate-making processes. It is available in mild and dark mild varieties intended to replicate milk and dark chocolate flavour profiles.

The ingredient can be used across multiple applications, including confectionery bars, baked goods, ice cream and snack coatings. Cargill said the partnership combines Voyage Foods’ technology platform with its own supply chain and distribution capabilities.

Kojo Amoo-Gottfried, vice president and managing director of cocoa and chocolate at Cargill Food North America, said the NextCoa range is intended to provide manufacturers with additional formulation options while helping diversify ingredient sourcing.

Cargill said the products are vegan, Kosher and Halal suitable, and formulated without major allergens such as dairy, soy, peanuts and tree nuts. The company added that the cocoa-free formulations can offer greater pricing stability and availability compared to conventional chocolate, while also reducing environmental impact. According to Cargill, NextCoa has a carbon footprint around 67% lower than conventional chocolate.

Adam Maxwell, founder and chief executive officer of Voyage Foods, said the partnership would help expand access to the company’s cocoa-free technology platform.

Under the agreement, Cargill will act as Voyage Foods’ exclusive global business-to-business distributor.