Why Not All Dark Chocolate Is Vegan—And Why Federation Chocolate’s Is

If you’re vegan—or buying a gift for someone who is—it’s tempting to assume that dark chocolate is always a safe choice. After all, it doesn’t contain milk… right?

Not necessarily.

Despite its reputation, many dark chocolates actually contain hidden animal products, are made on shared equipment, or lack ingredient transparency. At Federation Chocolate, we do things differently—so you can enjoy bold, complex chocolate that’s 100% vegan, ethically made, and handcrafted right here in Tasmania.

What Makes Some Dark Chocolate Not Vegan?

Here are three common reasons why many dark chocolates aren’t vegan-friendly:

1. Milk Contamination or Additives

Some dark chocolates contain milk powder, butter fat, or are processed on shared equipment with dairy products. Many manufacturers don’t prioritise cross-contamination prevention.

We do.
At Federation Chocolate, our dark chocolate is made on dedicated equipment and with separate tools, helping to ensure minimal risk of dairy contact.

2. Use of Non-Vegan Sugar

Large-scale chocolate makers often use sugar filtered with bone char (animal bone ash) to make it whiter—something not suitable for vegans.

Our commitment:
We use raw Australian cane sugar, free from animal processing and proudly natural.

3. Lack of Ingredient Transparency

Without full transparency, you can’t know if ingredients like lecithin, flavourings, or even sugar are animal-derived.

At Federation Chocolate, we source with integrity and tell you exactly what’s in your chocolate. No secrets—just great ingredients.

Why Federation Chocolate’s Dark Chocolate Is Vegan

We keep it simple:
ethically sourced cacao + raw Australian sugar = honest chocolate with nothing to hide.

Made in our Coal River Valley chocolate factory, we produce small batches with purpose—not shortcuts.

✅ No dairy, no contamination
✅ No animal-processed sugar
✅ No artificial ingredients
✅ 100% vegan-friendly, always

🍫 Vegan Dark Chocolate Favourites from Federation

Looking for a plant-based treat that doesn’t compromise on flavour? These are some of our customer favourites:

74% Dark Cacao with Organic Cacao Nibs

A pure and elegant bar—smooth, rich, and naturally fruity. Made with cacao sourced from Peruvian farming cooperatives and raw Australian sugar.

Chili Cinnamon - Dark Chocolate Bar - No Added Sugar

Infused with warming cinnamon and a hint of chili, this bar offers a spicy twist on classic dark chocolate.(Federation Artisan Chocolate)

Dark Chocolate Strawberry

Combining the richness of dark chocolate with the sweetness of strawberries, this bar is a delightful treat.(Federation Artisan Chocolate)

Dark Chocolate Orange Seville

A zesty combination of dark chocolate and Seville orange, offering a citrusy burst with every bite.

Chocolate That Aligns With Your Values

When you choose Federation Chocolate, you're not just buying vegan chocolate—you're supporting:

🌱 Sustainable farming
🐾 Cruelty-free practices
🇦🇺 Tasmanian craftsmanship
💚 Conscious consumption

Explore the full dark chocolate range now:
👉 View Vegan-Friendly Dark Chocolate Collection »