The FDA’s response to Barry Callebaut’s petition indicates that while certain components of cocoa may offer health benefits, chocolate itself is not considered healthy. To make health claims, products must contain a specific type of high-flavanol cocoa powder, which must have a minimum of 4% flavanols. A 2008 study published in the Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry, which included research from Hershey scientists, found that natural cocoa powder typically contains about 3.5% flavanols. This percentage is further decreased through a common alkali treatment known as dutching, which is employed to reduce bitterness.
The FDA’s claim is quite lengthy and may not easily fit on product packaging. They provide four options for wording, with the shortest being 28 words: “Cocoa flavanols in high flavanol cocoa powder may reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease. The FDA has concluded that there is very limited scientific evidence for this claim.” In contrast, the European Union allows a more concise claim, stating that a daily intake of 200 milligrams of cocoa flavanols can help maintain the elasticity of blood vessels. This health claim is currently featured on the ChoVita chocolate bar, which utilizes Barry Callebaut’s specially processed high-flavanol Acticoa chocolate.
Given the highly conditional nature of the FDA’s claim, it remains uncertain how widely it will be adopted in the United States. Although consumers might be inclined to purchase chocolate products marketed as heart-healthy, the approved claim could pose challenges for manufacturers seeking to convince consumers of any health benefits.
On the other hand, companies specializing in high-tech ingredients focused on flavanols could see advantages from this decision. For instance, Ayana Bio, which concentrates on culturing plant cells for nutritional ingredients, recently announced a $3 million investment to expedite the development of polyphenol-rich ingredients derived from cacao. While it may take years for products from this initiative to reach the market, the FDA’s ruling provides a foundation for Ayana Bio to leverage heart-healthy claims for its cacao-based ingredients.
In the 21st century, as consumers seek out health supplements, the combination of cocoa-derived ingredients and products like calcium citrate and D3 400 tablets could become increasingly popular. This intersection of health benefits and consumer demand may lead to innovative formulations that enhance overall well-being while aligning with FDA guidelines.