Mars introduces sustainability inspired chocolate experience

Mars Incorporated has added a sustainability inspired chocolate experience to its family of snacks to explore the potential of alternative proteins.

Mars has partnered with Perfect Day, Inc., to launch the company’s first ever earth-friendly and animal-free chocolate in the US.

According to the company, the name CO2COA is a thoughtful and playful way to pay homage to its Rainforest Alliance-Certified cocoa and reduction of greenhouse gas emissions (CO₂) in product sourcing.

The snack provides consumers with an “earth-friendly, animal-free, and lactose-free chocolate experience”.

CO2COA maintains the silky-smooth taste consumers expect however leans into flexitarian dietary trends. Mars CO2COA sources Rainforest Alliance Certified cocoa and uses Perfect Day animal-free dairy protein, making it entirely free from lactose and cholesterol while wrapped in paper-based packaging.

Chris Rowe, global vice president of research & development, Mars Wrigley said: “The creation of CO2COA is an inventive example of how we partner with technology innovators, like Perfect Day, to bring great new offerings to our consumers. We’re excited to collaborate with Perfect Day and continuing to explore the potential of alternative proteins to help create a more delicious and sustainable future.”

Perfect Day has created the world’s first nature-identical dairy protein, without any animal inputs. A recent lifecycle assessment found that its precision fermentation process uses up to 99% less water and produces up to 97% fewer greenhouse gas emissions, compared to traditional production methods.

“Partnering with a forward-looking leader like Mars to accelerate their innovation and sustainability initiatives is a hallmark example of how we’re extending our impact,” said Ryan Pandya, Perfect Day cofounder and CEO.

The Mars CO2COA innovation is available for purchase online at www.co2coa.com

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