Moo Free's Ethics

COCOA

Back when we started Moo Free in 2015, we knew one thing for sure - we wanted to use Rainforest Alliance Certified cocoa. It wasn’t just a business choice; it was what we believed in.

Over the years, some have questioned the price of our chocolate. Not everyone cares whether their cocoa is RFA certified, and they just want a cheaper bar. We get it. But for us, staying true to our ethics while supporting cocoa farmers the right way has always been the priority.

The Rainforest Alliance exists to tackle big global challenges from deforestation, climate change, poverty, and social inequality. Their mission? To create a future where nature thrives, farmers and workers are treated fairly, and businesses operate sustainably. That’s a future we want to be part of.

Will we ever match the price of milk chocolate? Probably not. Dairy alternatives cost more, and as a small, family run business, we don’t have the bulk buying power of the big guys. But what we can promise is that we’ll always keep our prices as fair as possible while valuing the people who grow and produce our cocoa, sugar, and other ingredients.

So, when you choose Moo Free, you’re getting more than just delicious dairy free chocolate. You’re supporting ethical sourcing, protecting the environment, and making a difference - one choccy bite at a time.

PACKAGING

From the start, we've been committed to using recycled and recyclable materials whenever possible. It’s not always simple, though—chocolate can be quite particular about its packaging. To keep it fresh and delicious, we need a durable seal. Plus, chocolate tends to absorb scents, so if it comes into contact with cardboard, it might end up tasting like... well, cardboard. Not exactly the most appetising, right?

That’s why we use recycled plastic for our Advents and Easter eggs - plastic that’s also recyclable, creating a never-ending loop. Our chocolate bars come wrapped in plastic sleeves too, which are also recyclable. We’ve looked into other options, but so far, we haven’t found any environmentally friendly alternatives that can protect our chocolate the way it needs. 

Plastic has earned a bad reputation, and we get it. But when it comes to single-use plastic, the key is to remember we don’t use it at Moo Free. We’re committed to making choices that are as good for the planet as they are for your taste buds. Please read our in-depth report here.

OUR EMPLOYEES

At Moo Free, we see people as individuals, each with their own unique ways. If we can support them, we will. Back when we were in Reading, we partnered with a charity that helps people with disabilities find work and now that we’re in Devon, we’re doing the same. We keep as many people as we can and offer valuable experience to those we can’t. That means some of our team members are openly autistic, while others simply embrace who they are. To us, that’s how it should be - everyone deserves a fair chance.

We don’t care about your gender, ethnicity, disability, sexual orientation, or where you were born. What matters to us is whether you can do the job and respect those around you. In fact, our CEO and Finance Director are both women. We pay based on the role, not on gender. Plus, the longer you’re with us, the more you’re rewarded—with extra holiday days and healthcare benefits. We value loyalty and are proud to have many long-serving team members. 

At Moo Free, we're more than just colleagues – we're a community that loves to come together and have fun! Every year, we bring everyone together for a fun-filled day of activities, laughter, and team spirit. From thrilling escape rooms (masterfully organised by Mike) to pun-filled "moosic" quizzes and adventurous treasure hunts, our past events have been full of excitement. It’s our special way of showing appreciation for our amazing team.

COMMUNITY

We love supporting our local community however we can. Since moving to Holsworthy, Devon, in 2015, we’ve worked hard to be an active part of this wonderful town with its strong community spirit. Whenever there’s a call for help, we do our best to step up.

When the town needed support to provide Wi-Fi, we pitched in. When funds were needed to rebuild the sports pavilion, we contributed. We’ve proudly supported the annual St Peter’s Fair since 2016 and helped bring Christmas lights to town in 2020. We’ve also sponsored new kits for the Bude women’s team and the boys’ football team. And of course, we’ve made sure to spread a little chocolatey joy by donating to the local food bank at Christmas and Easter.

CHARITABLE DONATIONS

As you can imagine we get requests for donations every day.  We actually respond to quite a lot of these and to list everyone we have donated chocolate to would be a never ending list. We have also provided monetary donations to the Farm Animal Sanctuary and various cancer charities that are close to our hearts.