From Cleveland, 72 Chocolate LLC makes dark-chocolate snacks that pair real fruit, nuts or espresso with the nutrient-rich baobab superfruit. Its 72 Snack Collection is built around all-natural ingredients and a better-for-you approach, with products described as vegan-friendly, gluten-free and free of preservatives. The company also uses its Swirl packaging partnership with artist Joseph Gormley to support an organization working to end childhood hunger in America.
NuGo NutritionNuGo Nutrition makes nutrition bars and related snacks, including its signature bars coated in real dark chocolate. Founded in 2001, the independent company says it has sold more than one billion bars and has developed nutrition products for different lifestyles, including vegan and gluten-free options.PITTSBURGH, PA
PaktlifoodsCincinnati-based Paktlifoods makes chocolate-coated Alegria snack bites that reimagine the traditional Mexican treat with puffed amaranth, quinoa and millet. Founder Seena Chriti launched the company in 2020 to recreate a childhood snack and honor her Mexican heritage, growing it from farmers’ markets into a team of seven Latina women. Paktlifoods is a certified women-owned and minority business, with organic, kosher and gluten-free offerings.CINCINNATI, OH
Morito ChocolatesFemale-founded Morito Chocolates makes cacao-driven vegan confections by hand in Brooklyn, beginning with its signature chocolate sticks and expanding into filled mini cups. The company builds each small batch from cacao, using organic, gluten-free ingredients and a short ingredient list so the chocolate’s character stays clear. Its sourcing is rooted in the Caribbean, including a partnership with Puerto Rico’s Hacienda Jeanmarie, the island’s first registered cacao hacienda.BROOKLYN, NY