When Diwali, the festival of lights, rolls around, there’s no denying the central role sweets play in the celebration. However, while traditional Indian sweets like laddoos and soan papdis are beloved, they can become somewhat redundant year after year. Among various Diwali Gifting options, sweets have always been a popular choice. This festive season, let’s explore newer, healthier, and unique diwali dessert options that not only tantalize your taste buds but also align with ethical and sustainable principles.
The Redundancy of Traditional Diwali Dessert
For generations, Indian sweets have been the heart and soul of Diwali dessert. From the mouthwatering mithais to the ever-popular laddoos, these sugary confections have become an integral part of our festivities. However, their omnipresence has led to a quest for fresh and innovative diwali dessert choices. The sameness of these traditional sweets is beginning to lose its charm. People today are seeking variety, health-conscious alternatives, and something distinct for their festive tables.
Exploring Ethical Chocolates
One way to introduce novelty and ethics into your Diwali dessert platter is through ethical chocolates. Ethical chocolates are produced by brands that prioritize social responsibility, sustainability, and the ethical treatment of workers. These chocolates aren’t just delicious; they are produced with care for the environment and the communities that cultivate the cacao beans.
According to industry statistics, the demand for ethical chocolates is on the rise. More consumers are opting for chocolates that are certified organic, fair trade, and sustainable. These chocolates support cacao farmers, promote sustainable farming practices, and contribute to improving the livelihoods of communities involved in cacao production.
Healthy Diwali Dessert Options
As the awareness of health and wellness grows, there is an increasing demand for healthier dessert options. Many people today are conscious of their sugar intake and opt for low-sugar or no-sugar-added desserts. High-protein desserts and vegan options have also become quite popular among fitness enthusiasts and health-conscious individuals.
For instance, sugar-free sweets are being embraced by those who want to indulge without the guilt. Healthy dessert brands offer a range of options such as sugar-free chocolates, sweets sweetened with natural alternatives, and even low-carb, protein-packed dessert bars.
Brands Leading the Way
Fortunately, several brands are at the forefront of this diwali dessert revolution. These brands offer eco-friendly, ethical chocolates, and healthier dessert alternatives. This Diwali, you can savor chocolates that not only taste heavenly but also contribute to the welfare of cacao farmers and the planet.
On the other hand, healthy dessert brands are catering to the growing demand for nutritious yet indulgent options. These brands provide a variety of low-sugar, high-protein treats that let you enjoy Diwali desserts without compromising on your health goals.
1. Mason & Co
Mason & Co is said to be India’s first bean-to-bar chocolate brand. The existence of the company took place in Auroville. They have built a skilled female workforce after facilitating training sessions for the local village women. Apart from chocolate bars, Mason & Co also have a range of baking chocolate, chocolate spreads, drinking chocolate, etc. at the company; one can also get special gift sets for family and friends.
2. Naviluna Artisan Chocolate
Naviluna Artisan Chocolate Company is focused on a ‘terroir-centric’ approach to the making of chocolate. This is a Mysore-based company that is one of the first Indian brands to adopt the bean-to-bar procedure. The diverse flavors and attractive packaging available under the Naviluna Artisan Chocolate Company were an instant hit. This Chocolate Company won a Silver award at the International Chocolate Awards – the Asia Pacific in 2018, along with many more awards.
3. Pascati
Pascati is an artisan brand that sources its cacao beans from select plantations in Kerala. The company oversees the entire process of achieving complex flavors. If we talk about the flavors of the chocolates, then they include fruit-based inclusion bars like Raspberry Hibiscus, Blueberry Walnut, Orange Cinnamon Hazelnut or center-filled inclusion bars like Guava, Chilli and Sea Salt, Paan, Strawberry, and Honey, etc. Pascati is India’s first USDA Organic & Fairtrade chocolate maker company.
4. Paul and Mike
Paul and Mike is again an Indian artisan chocolate brand to win at the International Chocolate Awards this season (2020-21). This Paul and Mike chocolate company believes that ‘farming and fermenting cocoa is both arts as well as science. They cultivate the cocoa at their own farms in Kochi and Coimbatore. Their mind-blowing range of products will leave you with several choices. One can also go for a farm-to-bar tour and meet their chocolate makers.
5. Soklet
Soklet not only makes handcrafted artisan chocolates but also has a wide range of chocolate-based creative products. At this chocolate company, Soklet, the cacao grows as an intercrop along with coconut, nutmeg, pepper, and banana, creating a melange of interdependent fauna – the cornerstone of permaculture. Later they include the flavors and nuances of the cacao beans. The flavors have an amazing variety, from Desi Rabdi to Bhut Jolokia Chili.
6. Darkins
If you are a dark chocolate lover, and nothing goes in your mind beyond dark chocolates, then Darkins is the company for you to go with the products. Darkins is a chocolate brand from Delhi; they offer handcrafted and vegan bean-to-bar chocolate that is made with cocoa which they source directly from farmers in Andhra Pradesh. One can pick from options like 75% Dark Chocolate, 85% Dark Chocolate with Blueberries, and 65% Coffee Dark Chocolate. The best part about the products of Darkins is that all their chocolates are gluten free and made without added preservatives.
7. Get-a-Way
Get-A-Way is a premium brand that focuses on manufacturing and selling protein-based ice creams. It is co-owned by siblings named Jash and Pashmi Shah. The stores of Get-A-Way are available in Mumbai and Pune at present. The company has a plan to make inroads into other cities after COVID-19.
8. NOTO
While working in New York in 2009 in his uncle’s diamond business, the founder of NOTO, Varun Sheth, realized that he genuinely enjoyed cooking. After pursuing a degree in culinary arts from Natural Gourmet Institute, New York, and working in a Mario Batali restaurant, he worked at the Taj Hotel in Mumbai for some time, after which he launched a catering business.
In 2018, Varun saw cooking as a business opportunity and made a quick decision to venture into the healthy dessert category. This was the point when NOTO came into existence which is a low-calorie ice cream brand.
Conclusion
Diwali is a time of joy, celebration, and, of course, delightful treats. This year, consider adding a refreshing twist to your Diwali desserts by exploring ethical chocolates and healthier options. Embrace variety and conscious choices, ensuring that your festive indulgence aligns with your values. These modern, eco-friendly, and ethical dessert options are a delicious way to celebrate the festival of lights while contributing to a more sustainable and health-conscious world.
