“Everyone’s excited about our product because we are one of the first vegan milk chocolate companies, and we stand behind our values, which is being a company that doesn’t harm anyone.”

Vegan start-up Trupo Treats has raised almost $150,000 – after launching a second crowdfunder in April this year – for its ethical chocolate venture.

The New York-based company will use the money for the production of three new chocolate bars –  a vegan ‘KitKat’ inspired by Nestlé, a multi-layered Mylk Chocolate Wafer Bar, and a Mylk Chocolate Caramel Cookie.

Additionally, the company has its signature vegan rice crunch bar launched last year to rival Nestlé’s Crunch – complete with gluten-free rice crisps.

The chocolates are only available on pre-order at the moment.

Ethical chocolate

Trupo Treats are made from fairly traded chocolate and ethically sourced, organic, and non-GMO ingredients. In addition, the products are free of gluten, dairy, peanuts, soy, and palm oil.

The packaging is also environmentally friendly with the chocolate wrappers being made of compostable material.

Moreover, the company has pledged to donate at least 10% of its annual profits to animal sanctuaries and rescue centres.

Trupo Treats – ‘a company that doesn’t harm anyone’

Trupo Treats was founded last year by twin brothers Brian and Charlie Trupo to recreate world-renowned classics, redefine milk chocolate, and create the most ethical, sustainable, and delicious chocolate possible.

Cofounder Charlie, who went vegan seven years ago, told Daily Record: “We’re trying our best to make chocolate that benefits people, animals and the planet.

“People, because we use only fairly traded cocoa; the planet, because our packaging is compostable, and animals, because we’re vegan, but also because we’re giving ten per cent of our profits to animal sanctuaries.

“I think everyone’s excited about our product because we are one of the first vegan milk chocolate companies, and we stand behind our values, which is being a company that doesn’t harm anyone.”

The pair are looking to launch Trupo Treats in the UK this autumn.

• Read: Low-sugar vegan candy brand Yumy Bear eyes $50M IPO

Share this story: Vegan food startup raises around $150k to make chocolate that ‘benefits people, animals and the planet’.