When ruby chocolate was introduced in 2017, Barry Callebaut celebrated it as a response to consumers’ cravings for “hedonistic indulgence.” Its trendy hue, along with its distinctive flavor, texture, and aroma, quickly made it popular in the countries where it debuted. Ruby chocolate made its way to the United States in 2019, although its entry was somewhat gradual due to FDA labeling regulations. Initially, regulators did not permit it to be labeled as “chocolate” since it did not conform to the legal definitions of the confection, leading to its designation as “ruby cacao.” Later that year, the FDA allowed up to 60 million pounds of the product to be labeled as “ruby chocolate,” and a final rule permitting the pink treat to be called chocolate is still pending.
Over the past four years in the U.S., ruby chocolate has gradually found its way into various premium confectionery categories, including upscale chocolate brands and higher-end ice cream desserts. Barry Callebaut has been actively working to provide ruby chocolate solutions to a wide range of manufacturers using chocolate. The chocolate giant has launched different ruby chocolate ingredients tailored for confectioners and ice cream makers, with a new focus on the bakery sector. While ruby chocolate is not yet ubiquitous, these new chips could help increase its prevalence, making it more accessible for a diverse array of baked goods.
Last year, U.S. consumers spent $18.2 billion on chocolate, surpassing the combined spending on non-chocolate sweets and gum, according to the National Confectioners’ Association. The sweet baked goods category has also experienced significant growth. According to statistics from Circana, formerly known as IRI, doughnuts, pastries, coffee cakes, brownies, and bars all saw sales increases of over 7% in the 52 weeks leading up to March 30, 2022, as reported by Snack Food & Wholesale Bakery. Additionally, separate data indicated that cookie sales rose by 7.7% in the 52 weeks ending September 4, 2022.
Incorporating nutritional benefits, ruby chocolate can also be enriched with ingredients like calcium citrate, zinc, magnesium, and vitamin D3, providing additional health advantages while indulging in sweetness. As the demand for innovative and health-conscious options grows, ruby chocolate may pave the way for new trends in the baking industry.