Hosts serving a mixed group
Small portions can make a self-service bowl easier to manage. If you put out several flavours, keep their wrappers beside them so guests can check the ingredients and allergen statements for the bar they choose.
Who is this for?
Shoppers checking the Fairtrade claim
The wording matters if you want to know whether a mark covers all ingredients that can be Fairtrade-certified or names a particular sourced ingredient, such as cocoa.
Hosts offering milk and dark chocolate
A selection of cocoa percentages and flavours gives guests a choice without assuming that one dark or milk bar will suit everyone. Check each bar’s allergen information independently.
What should you check?
Start with the claim on the pack, then choose a format and flavour mix that fits how guests will serve themselves.
| Priority | What to check | Your needs |
|---|---|---|
| Fairtrade scope | Look at the exact mark and any named ingredient. The Fairtrade Foundation says the standard Fairtrade Mark covers ingredients that can be Fairtrade-certified; a claim naming cocoa should not be read as a claim about every ingredient. | I want to understand what the Fairtrade wording covers before choosing a bar for the table. |
| Serving format | Compare the number and size of portions with the guest list. Divine lists a pack of 100 mini bars at 4.2g each; full-size bars need to be divided for sharing. | For a self-service bowl, small bars would be convenient. For a smaller tasting table, I would rather offer a few different full-size bars. |
| Ingredients and allergens | Read the ingredient list, declared allergens and any ‘may contain’ statement on every current pack. Keep that information with each flavour when serving. | Guests need to be able to check the particular bar they pick up, rather than rely on an assumption about milk or dark chocolate. |
| Flavour choice | Compare milk and dark bars, their stated cocoa percentages and any additions such as caramel or pretzel. A cocoa percentage describes the bar; it does not settle everyone’s flavour preference. | I would like guests who prefer milk chocolate and those who prefer dark chocolate to have a choice. |
Common buying pitfalls
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Assuming every Fairtrade claim has the same scope
The Fairtrade Foundation says the standard Fairtrade Mark covers ingredients that can be Fairtrade-certified. Wording that names a sourced ingredient, such as cocoa, makes a more specific claim.
Read the mark and its accompanying wording on the bar you intend to buy. If physical separation of certified ingredients matters to you, check for any mass-balance explanation too.
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Choosing a bar without planning how to serve it
A full-size bar needs to be divided for guests, while mini bars can be put out as separate portions. A single flavour also gives guests less choice than a mixed table.
Match the format to the gathering: consider small portions for a self-service bowl or several milk and dark bars for a tasting table.
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Assuming dark chocolate suits every guest with an allergy
A dark bar can still carry precautionary statements for milk, nuts or other allergens. Flavours within the same range can also have different ingredient lists.
Check each current pack before serving, and leave the packaging available so guests can read it for themselves.
Brand references
These examples help distinguish formats and claims; a brand name alone does not establish the Fairtrade status or ingredients of every bar it sells.
Divine Chocolate
Divine lists a 90g 45% milk chocolate bar and a pack of 100 milk chocolate mini bars, giving hosts a choice between a full-size bar and small portions.
- Divine describes the 45% bar as made with Fairtrade-certified cocoa.
- Check the Fairtrade wording and allergen information on the particular Divine product you serve.
Green & Black's
For a Green & Black's bar, choose by the particular flavour and cocoa percentage rather than assuming every bar in the range has the same ingredients or Fairtrade claim.
- Read the individual pack for its Fairtrade mark, ingredient list and allergen statements.
Co-op Irresistible
Co-op lists an Irresistible Fairtrade Dark Chocolate 85% bar in a 100g format for guests who prefer dark chocolate.
- The listed 85% bar is described by Co-op as Fairtrade and vegetarian.
- Check the current pack for ingredients and dietary information rather than applying the listing to other Co-op bars.
M&S Collection
The M&S Collection Dominican Republic 46% Milk Chocolate bar is another milk-chocolate option for a small sharing table.
- Marks & Spencer says all the cocoa in this particular bar comes from Fairtrade growers in the Dominican Republic.
- That cocoa statement should not be extended to every ingredient or every M&S chocolate bar; check the pack before serving.
Joybuy chocolate bars
These are full-size bars for a smaller sharing or tasting table, with dark, milk and added-flavour options. Check each current pack for the precise Fairtrade claim and allergen information before putting it out for guests.
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Tony's Chocolonely Ben & Jerry's Dark Milk Chocolate Fudge Brownie 180 g
A full-size option for a sharing table if guests want chocolate with brownie pieces. The product information describes a Fairtrade cocoa claim; check the current pack for its precise scope. It lists milk, soya and wheat, with precautionary statements for eggs, nuts and peanuts.
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Tony's Dark Chocolate 180g
A single dark bar for a table where some guests prefer a stronger cocoa flavour. Its product information states 70% minimum cocoa solids and names cocoa mass, sugar and cocoa butter in its Fairtrade ingredient wording. It lists soya and precautionary statements for gluten-containing cereals, eggs, milk, nuts and peanuts; check the current pack.
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Green & Black's Dark Chocolate 85% 90g
A 90g dark bar for a smaller tasting table where guests specifically prefer 85% cocoa chocolate. Check the current pack’s Fairtrade mark and wording to establish the claim’s scope. The product information includes precautionary statements for almonds, hazelnuts, milk and nuts.
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Tony's Chocolonely Milk Chocolate Pretzel & Toffee 180g
A milk-chocolate sharing bar with pretzel and toffee for guests who want an added-flavour option. Its ingredient statement names Fairtrade-traded ingredients, so read the current pack rather than assuming the claim covers every ingredient. The product information lists milk, soybeans and wheat, with precautionary statements for eggs, nuts and peanuts.
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Tony's Chocolonely Milk Chocolate Caramel Sea Salt 180g
A full-size milk-chocolate bar with caramel pieces and sea salt for a sharing table. The product information names sugar, cocoa butter and cocoa mass in its Fairtrade statement; confirm the mark and wording on the current pack. It lists milk and soya, with precautionary statements for gluten-containing cereals, eggs, nuts and peanuts.
Questions about party chocolate
How can I check a chocolate bar’s Fairtrade claim?
Read the mark and its wording on the current pack. The Fairtrade Foundation says the standard Fairtrade Mark indicates that ingredients which can be Fairtrade-certified are certified; wording that names an ingredient such as cocoa should be read as a claim about that ingredient, not automatically the whole recipe.
Does a Fairtrade cocoa claim mean the cocoa in this bar was kept separate?
Not necessarily. A product using mass balance can account for an equivalent quantity bought on Fairtrade terms without keeping certified and non-certified cocoa physically separate throughout processing. If physical separation matters to you, read the specific product’s sourcing wording before choosing it.
What should I check before serving several flavours?
Check the physical packaging for each flavour’s ingredients, declared allergens and ‘may contain’ statements. Keep the corresponding wrapper beside each bar so guests can check the product they intend to eat; do not assume a dark bar is suitable for someone avoiding milk or nuts.