Wildlife charity the RSPB has released its first chocolate bar and not only does it taste great, but profits from sales will also help save rainforest in Sierra Leone.
Gola Rainforest Chocolate is made from forest-friendly cocoa beans grown in the depths of the Gola rainforest, home to many endangered species including pygmy hippos, forest elephants and chimpanzees – as well as more than 300 bird and 600 butterfly species.
The farmers grow the cocoa amongst native forest trees, on land which they also manage in harmony with the wildlife. Selling these beans help them to build a profitable business without the need to encroach on the rainforest.Â
Because the beans are high quality and forest-friendly, the farmers can sell them for a premium as a reward for their role in protecting the rainforest and its unique biodiversity. The harvested beans are then sent to Cornish chocolate maker Chocolarder where they are slow roasted to create both a delicious dark and milk bar.
The milk chocolate contains only three ingredients (cocoa beans, unrefined sugar and whole milk powder) whilst the 70% dark chocolate is vegan and boasts just cocoa beans and unrefined sugar. Both are organic palm-oil free.
All profits from the sales of these chocolate bars will be reinvested into the Gola Rainforest Cocoa Forest and can be purchased from the RSPB online shop.
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