Eating chocolate can be just as enjoyable even if you can’t or don’t do dairy and are lactose-intolerant. So I’ve put together some vegan and non dairy alternatives for you to try.
Here’s how I got on when I put them to my taste test.
Dairy Free
Launched in 2003 Dairy Free provide a range of sweets that are dairy free, gluten free and are suitable for vegans and vegetarians. I tried their White Buttons, Chocolate Buttons and their Rice Crackle bar.
Dairy Free isn’t as sweet as your normal chocolate bar, it contains 14% less sugar and it tastes really light. I certainty didn’t feel like I was missing out on not having dairy.
Apart from the White Buttons which I wasn’t really keen on, I’d totally recommend you give it a try.
For regular updates on the Dairy Free chocolate range, you can join their Dairy Free Facebook fan page: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Dairy-Free/132214113460675
Available independent health food stores, Morrisons, Sainsbury’s, Tesco and Waitrose. www.dairy-free.co.uk
Rococo Chocolates
Rococo Chocolates was founded in 1983 by Chantal Coady. They have a variety of non-dairy chocolates; I tried their Caramelised Almond Organic dark chocolate and their two new Grenada chocolate bars. Even though I’m not really a fan of dark chocolate, I still decided to give it a try.
I’m going to be honest and say that I’m not a fan. I found the dark chocolate too overwhelming and it tasted very bitter. I’d only recommend you try it if you really love dark chocolate, because it’s got quite a strong taste to it.
www.rococochocolates.com
Seed Stacked Flapjack
As a result of suffering from Crohn’s Disease Chris Thompson decided to start eating more natural food. He carried out some research and discovered the benefits of eating seeds.
So with this idea in mind Chris entered a ‘Dragons Den’ style competition that featured Peter Jones and he won and so the Seed Stacked was born.
I tried their Carob Topped Flapjack which is free from wheat and dairy and I have to admit, I liked it. It’s packed full of seeds which is good for your skin, hair and they help keep your weight under control. Definitely worth trying if you want a guilt free snack.
www.seedstacked.com
Chocolala
Chocolala make their chocolates by hand. I tried their Dark Chilli Truffles which are vegan friendly. The chocolate is very rich in taste and the chilli adds a little kick to the flavour. The only downside for me was the chilli has a strong after taste, so I wouldn’t advise eating too many at once. But if you want the occasional luxury treat then this is for you.
www.chocolala.co.uk
Freefrom
Sainsbury’s Free From range is gluten, wheat and dairy free. Included in their chocolate range is White Chocolate Buttons, Brownies, Chocolate Sponge Pudding, Chocolate Filled Sponge and 2 Pain au Chocolat which is a pastry. I decided to give their Chocolate Chip Cookies a try.
To be honest the only difference I noticed was that it’s not as sweet as normal cookies. My only real moan is that I did find it tasted a bit dry. But despite missing some key ingredients found in your normal cookies, I actually think its good alternative.
www.sainsburys.co.uk/freefrom
