Nukoko's Innovative Cocoa-Free Chocolate Alternative

Döhler has purchased Nukoko, a UK technology business that specialises in cocoa-free chocolate substitutes. The acquisition broadens Döhler's capabilities in cocoa-free chocolate alternatives, combining a fava bean-based approach with a sophisticated biotechnology platform to address cocoa supply instability, cost pressures, and the growing demand for sustainable ingredient solutions.

Scaling Next-Generation Chocolate Alternatives

Nukoko has developed a cocoa-free chocolate substitute based on fava beans, adding to Döhler's diverse array of plant-based ingredients and integrated solutions. Its technology platform, created by biotechnology specialists, cocoa experts, and process engineers, combines advanced biotechnology with traditional cocoa processing and craft techniques to create chocolate alternative ingredients that provide a strong sensory experience without using cocoa as the primary raw material.

The fava bean is fundamental to Nukoko's strategy. As a hardy crop that can be grown in Europe and has a reliable global supply, it provides a solid platform for scalable, next-generation chocolate alternatives.

Creating value for customers across applications

Customers will benefit from the combination of Nukoko technology and Döhler's substantial flavour and ingredient knowledge. Samples will be available for a variety of applications beginning in August 2026, including:

• Chocolate alternatives and confectionery: Promoting cocoa-free concepts with exceptional flavour and sensory performance.

  
  

• Bakery and cereals: Adding chocolate-like flavour profiles and inclusions to baked goods, as well as cereal-based meals and snacks.

  
  

• Ice cream, coatings, and fillings: Enabling luxurious applications where flavour, texture, and processing performance are key.

Powered by the Döhler Global Innovation Platform

The integration demonstrates Döhler's entrepreneurial attitude to innovation and value generation. Döhler's combination of natural ingredients, modern biotechnology, and client co-creation allows manufacturers to go from early-stage ideas to market-ready concepts with greater speed and confidence.

"By bringing Nukoko into the Döhler Group, we are addressing one of the category's biggest challenges: delivering great-tasting, scalable cocoa-free alternatives that help reduce exposure to volatile cocoa markets," stated Kerstin Bergander-Kleinert, Head of BU CNP at Döhler. "Supported by Döhler's global ingredient, R&D and application expertise, we can help customers create resilient, future-oriented product concepts without compromising sensory experience."

Enabling customer trials and future applications

Döhler and Nukoko will collaborate closely with clients to create application-specific solutions that combine excellent flavour, supply chain resilience, formulation flexibility, and economic viability.

"Nukoko's technology now has the platform to be delivered at scale around the world," creators Kit Tomlinson and Ross Newton stated. "I am very excited to join the Döhler team. With its global reach and trusted industry expertise, we can develop novel solutions that are not currently available on the market."

Together, the companies hope to advance the future of cocoa-free chocolate alternative innovation while also assisting clients in navigating one of the food industry's most important raw material concerns.

Source: Döhler