Easter is one of the biggest chocolate-buying times of the year, but not all chocolate is created equal. The cocoa industry has long been associated with deforestation, child labour, and unfair wages.
Luckily, there are plenty of ethical and eco-friendly chocolate options in Australia that let you indulge without the guilt.
Why Choose Ethical Easter Chocolate?
Most mainstream chocolate brands source cocoa from regions where exploitative labour practices and environmental destruction are common. By choosing ethical chocolate, you’re supporting fair wages, sustainable farming practices, and cruelty-free production. Look for certifications like FairTrade, Rainforest Alliance, and Australian-made brands with transparent supply chains.
You might be wondering if popular supermarket brands like Cadbury or Lindt fit the bill. While some have made improvements, like Lindt’s own sustainability program, they don’t yet meet the same ethical standards as brands fully committed to fair trade and regenerative agriculture. If you’re after mainstream brands, check for Rainforest Alliance or FairTrade certifications.
TL;DR: Ethical chocolate ensures fair wages, sustainable farming, and cruelty-free production. Look for trusted certifications when shopping.
Ethical Chocolate Brands Summary
Clear Ethical Sourcing with Certifications ✅
| Pana Organic | Ethically sourced and organic, but less detail about cocoa farm relationships. |
| Alter Eco | FairTrade, regenerative agriculture, B Corp certified. |
| Tony’s Chocolonely | FairTrade, B Corp, anti-slavery mission. |
Ethical Intentions but Limited Transparency or Certification ⚠️
| Haigh’s | Uses UTZ-certified cocoa (weaker than FairTrade or Rainforest Alliance) and limited transparency. |
| The Source Bulk Foods | Ethical sourcing claimed, but relies on supplier integrity and could improve transparency. |
| Coated Australia | Says they use ethical ingredients but doesn’t share detailed sourcing info. |
| Wildcraft Tasmania | Uses ethical language but lacks clear sourcing or certification info online. |
| Loco Love | Describes ethical sourcing but offers limited public detail. |
| Ms. Peacock | Focuses on local ingredients and sustainability but lacks third-party certification or cocoa sourcing details. |
Best Sustainable and Ethical Easter Chocolate Brands in Australia
1. Pana Organic
Pana Organic is a fantastic Australian brand known for its rich, plant-based chocolate. Their Easter collection includes organic chocolate eggs and bunnies, all dairy-free and made with ethically sourced ingredients.
They use recyclable and compostable packaging to reduce their environmental impact. You can find Pana Organic in supermarkets, as well as health food stores and online.
To strengthen their sustainability, we would love to see Pana Organic:
- Invest in initiatives like regenerative agriculture
- Increase support for cocoa-farming communities to deepen their sustainability commitment
TL;DR: Pana Organic makes dairy-free, organic Easter chocolate with ethical ingredients and eco-friendly packaging, found in supermarkets and online.
2. The Source Bulk Foods
This zero-waste store chain offers a selection of ethical, package-free chocolate, including seasonal Easter treats. Their chocolate is sourced from reputable, sustainable producers and sold in bulk to help reduce packaging waste. It’s a great option if you’re looking to shop plastic-free this Easter.
To strengthen their sustainability, we would love to see The Bulk Source Foods:
- Work directly with ethical chocolate makers
- Introduce more seasonal transparency about their suppliers
TL;DR: The Source Bulk Foods sells ethical chocolate in bulk to cut packaging waste, perfect for a zero-waste Easter.
3. Haigh’s Chocolates
A beloved Australian chocolatier, Haigh’s is committed to using UTZ-certified cocoa and sustainable production methods. Their handcrafted Easter eggs and bunnies offer a premium, ethical treat.
Haigh’s chocolates are Australian-made and known for their high quality, but they are on the pricier side compared to supermarket options. You can find them in Haigh’s stores and online.
To strengthen their sustainability, we would love to see Haigh’s:
- Offer more transparency on cocoa sourcing
- Expand certifications beyond UTZ
TL;DR: Haigh’s uses UTZ-certified cocoa and sustainable methods to make premium Australian chocolate, available in stores and online.
4. Coated Australia
Coated makes artisanal chocolate using ethically sourced ingredients and recyclable packaging. Their handcrafted Easter products are rich, indulgent, and made with care in Australia. They focus on small-batch quality and beautiful, eco-conscious presentation.
To strengthen their sustainability, we would love to see Coated:
- Offer more transparency around ingredient sourcing
- Expand their use of compostable packaging options
TL;DR: Coated offers small-batch, handcrafted ethical chocolate with sustainable packaging, made locally in Australia.
5. Wildcraft Tasmania
This Tasmanian chocolate maker crafts ceremonial cacao using ethically sourced ingredients. Their cacao often incorporates native botanicals and is packaged sustainably. Wildcraft’s Easter collection is limited but special, perfect for something truly unique.
To strengthen their sustainability, we would love to see Wildcraft:
- Publish more detail about their ingredient sourcing and eco-practices
TL;DR: Wildcraft Tasmania creates small-batch, native-ingredient Easter chocolates with ethical sourcing and eco packaging.
6. Loco Love
Known for its decadent, superfood-infused truffles, Loco Love offers ethically sourced, vegan chocolate that’s as luxurious as it is good for the planet. Their chocolates are handmade in Byron Bay and wrapped in compostable packaging.
To strengthen their sustainability, we would love to see Loco Love:
- Provide clearer sourcing information
- Share more about how they support cocoa-growing communities
TL;DR: Loco Love makes luxury vegan truffles with superfoods and ethical ingredients, packaged sustainably in Byron Bay.
7. Ms. Peacock Fine Chocolates
Ms. Peacock creates artisan chocolates in small batches, focusing on sustainability and locally sourced ingredients. Their beautiful Easter range includes hand-painted eggs and bunnies that make thoughtful, ethical gifts.
To strengthen their sustainability, we would love to see Ms. Peacock:
- Expand their sustainable certifications
- Offer plastic-free, biodegradable packaging
TL;DR: Ms. Peacock crafts artisan Easter chocolates with sustainable values and locally sourced ingredients, ideal for gifting.
International Brands (worth a mention)
1. Alter Eco
Alter Eco is a Swiss brand available in Australia that focuses on regenerative farming and ethical sourcing. Their chocolates are organic, FairTrade certified, and made with carbon-neutral practices.
They support sustainable cocoa farming and use recyclable packaging to minimise waste. If you’re looking for a convenient ethical option, you’ll be happy to know Alter Eco is easy to find in major supermarkets, as well as specialty food stores.
TL;DR: Alter Eco is a FairTrade, organic brand using regenerative farming and recyclable packaging, found in supermarkets and specialty stores.
2. Tony’s Chocolonely
This Dutch brand is on a mission to make chocolate 100% slave-free. Their colourful packaging and chunky chocolate bars are a hit, and their ethical sourcing model ensures a fair deal for cocoa farmers.
Tony’s Chocolonely is FairTrade and B Corp certified, making it a strong ethical choice. It’s widely available in supermarkets, health food stores, and online, so it’s easy to get your hands on a bar or two.
TL;DR: Tony’s Chocolonely is a FairTrade certified brand committed to slave-free chocolate, available in supermarkets and online.
How to Spot Ethical Chocolate
If you’re exploring beyond these brands, here’s what to keep in mind when choosing ethical Easter chocolate. Look for certifications like FairTrade, Rainforest Alliance, or UTZ, as they indicate responsible sourcing. Brands that are transparent about where they get their cocoa and how farmers are treated are a safer bet. Sustainable packaging is another key factor, avoid excessive plastic and opt for recyclable or compostable wrapping. If you have dietary needs, many ethical brands offer options to suit you. Pana Organic caters to dairy-free and vegan consumers, while Haigh’s provides nut-free selections.
TL;DR: Check for FairTrade, Rainforest Alliance, or UTZ certification. Ethical brands prioritise fair sourcing, eco-friendly packaging, and dietary-friendly options.
DIY Ethical Easter Chocolate
If you love DIY projects, making your own Easter chocolate is a fun and sustainable option. You can source FairTrade or organic cocoa powder and cacao butter from brands like Pana Organic. Melt them down with a sweetener like maple syrup or coconut sugar, then pour the mixture into Easter egg moulds. This way, you control the ingredients, reduce packaging waste, and ensure your chocolate is truly ethical.
TL;DR: Make ethical Easter chocolate at home using FairTrade cacao, natural sweeteners, and reusable moulds to reduce waste.
Switching to ethical Easter chocolate is a small but powerful way to make a difference. Whether you’re looking for budget-friendly options at the supermarket or premium handcrafted treats, there are plenty of ethical brands available in Australia. By choosing brands that prioritise people and the planet, you can enjoy your Easter treats with a clear conscience.
TL;DR: Ethical Easter chocolate supports fair wages, sustainable farming, and eco-friendly packaging. Choose responsible brands or make your own at home.
