2025 isn’t over yet, but the chocolate of 2026 is already making headlines.​
At Machu Picchu Foods, we have identified future trends in chocolate: a more demanding consumer, innovative formats and an ingredient that transcends indulgence by offering a purpose.​
Do you want to know where the chocolate industry is heading? These five trends are most important.​

1. Purpose-Driven Functionality: Chocolate as a wellness partner​

Chocolate is more than indulgence. In 2026, it’s expected to serve clear functions that support physical and emotional well-being.​
 

Dairy-free chocolates: a growing category​

Perfect for vegan and flexitarian diets, with clean labels and sensory appeal.​

• Oat milk: neutral, enhances cocoa​.
• Coconut organic milk: tropical, rich texture​.​​
• Organic rice powder: light and creamy, hypoallergenic focus.​​

Protein Chocolate: Functional energy in every bite​

Ideal for active consumers or brands targeting the sport and health segment.​

• Pea protein: plant-based, easy to digest​.
• Whey protein: fast absorption, high value​.​​
• Soy protein: complete, great for dairy-free​.​​

Plant-Based Chocolate: Conscious indulgence with no animal ingredients​​

Consumers demand alternatives without compromising taste.​

• Lactose-free: for intolerant or sensitive consumers​.
• No animal ingredients: 100% vegan-friendly.​​​
• Free from common allergens: more inclusive formulas​​.​​
• Versatile applications: snacks, bars, coatings​.​​

2. Full traceability: from bean to bar​​

Traceability is no longer a differentiator. Today, it’s a requirement. And by 2026, only brands that can prove a clear and verifiable cocoa origin will meet the demands of a market that calls for radical transparency.​

At Machu Picchu Foods, we have developed a robust, verifiable traceability system that connects every cocoa bean to its specific origin—protecting the ecosystem and strengthening brand value. How do we do it?​

Our 5-step process:​

1. Geospatial data: Precise georeferencing of cocoa plots using cutting-edge GIS tools.​
2. Deforestation risk assessment: Deforestation risk analysis to ensure a sustainable origin.​
3. Identification of eligible farms: Selection of eligible farms with ethical and sustainable practices.​
4. Purchase, segregation, and storage: Cocoa purchasing and segregation, tracked in a database to guarantee quality and origin.​
5. Transport and final processing: Barcode traceability from collection to our processing plant in Pisco, all integrated into our Multitrace system.​
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This system not only complies with the strictest regulations—it goes beyond compliance. It enables our partner brands to:​

• Prevent deforestation​.
• Protect the rights of cocoa-growing communities​​​.​
• Tell real, verifiable stories​​​.
• Mitigate reputational and regulatory risks​​​​.

3. Mini formats: smart indulgence on the go​

In a fast-paced market, portion-controlled snacks are gaining ground. Consumers want something tasty, convenient, and aligned with their healthy lifestyle. That’s where mini chocolate formats come in.​

​From mini cones to bonbons, wafers, or cups, these formats offer a multisensory experience with less quantity, less guilt and more frequent consumption. They are ideal for modern trade, vending machines and travel retail.​

Want to see how we do it?​

4. Single-origin: local cocoa, global storytelling​

Today’s consumer is looking for authenticity. And few things deliver it like single origin chocolate. In Peru, we are proud to work with cocoa of unique identity and world-renowned denominations such as:​

• Criollo cocoa​
• Forastero cocoa​
• Trinitario cocoa​

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Working with origin cocoa means more than quality—it means storytelling. At Machu Picchu Foods, we connect global brands with cocoa from regions like Piura, Ucayali, Cusco, Junín and more, where each origin has a unique flavor profile and story to tell.​

5. Co-creation and innovation: the new B2B game​​

Today, brands like yours are looking for flexible partners capable of creating personalized products that turn purpose into chocolate.​
At our R&D department, we work side by side with brands around the world to develop:​

• Functional formulations​​
• Customized packaging​
• New flavors, inclusions and formats.
• Purpose-driven projects​​

From an idea to a finished product on the shelf—we’re involved every step of the way.​