Is Organic Sea Salt & Nibs Dark Chocolate Bar 63% Cocoa Vegan?

The Ingredient Breakdown

As a food scientist, I look beyond the marketing claims and straight into the chemical composition. The ingredient list for this bar is surprisingly clean, featuring organic cocoa beans, organic cane sugar, organic cocoa butter, organic cocoa nibs, organic sunflower lecithin, and sea salt. On paper, there are no animal-derived products like milk fat, gelatin, or shellac.

The primary emulsifier, organic sunflower lecithin, is a fantastic choice for vegans. It is extracted from sunflower seeds and functions identically to soy lecithin without the allergen concerns or GMO issues often associated with soy. It binds the sugar and fat together to ensure that smooth mouthfeel we all love.

However, the verdict of "MAYBE" comes down to the organic cane sugar. In the United States, a significant portion of refined cane sugar is processed using a filtration method that involves "bone char"—charred animal bones—to bleach the sugar and remove impurities. While the sugar is organic, USDA organic standards prohibit the use of bone char. Yet, because supply chains are complex, strict vegans often worry about cross-contamination or loose enforcement. If you are a strict vegan, you may want to verify if the manufacturer explicitly states their sugar is "vegan certified" or unrefined.

Nutritional Value

From a nutritional standpoint, this bar is a solid source of antioxidants, specifically flavonoids found in the organic cocoa beans and cocoa nibs. At 63% cocoa, it strikes a balance between health benefits and palatability, offering a lower sugar content than milk chocolate but more than super-dark varieties (85%+).

The organic cocoa butter provides healthy saturated fats that give the chocolate its melting properties. While these are plant-based fats, they are calorie-dense. A standard serving usually contains around 150-170 calories, mostly derived from fat. If you are monitoring your caloric intake for weight loss, this should be treated as a treat rather than a snack. The sea salt enhances flavor without adding significant sodium load compared to processed savory snacks, making it a relatively heart-healthy indulgence.