Meet South Africa’s own Willy Wonka — Nicolas Thoenen. He’s the Swiss chocolate-lover who fell for Mzansi, brought Lindt SA to life back in the day, and now he’s blessing us again… this time with premium Spanish chocolate brand Valor.
And here’s the sweet part — dark chocolate isn’t just a treat, it’s basically a superfood that loves you back. Yes, really!
Why Dark Chocolate Is Kinda a Health Food
A proper high-cocoa dark chocolate (we’re talking the good stuff, not sugar bombs) is packed with benefits:
- Loaded with antioxidants
- Supports heart health
- Boosts brain function & may help memory
- Natural mood-booster (hello endorphins)
- High in magnesium, iron & other good minerals
- Great for gut health (cocoa = natural prebiotic)
So yes — you can have chocolate and feel smug about it.
Nicolas says it best: “High-quality dark chocolate in moderation is good for you — and delicious.”
We’ll take that as doctor’s orders.
A Growing SA Chocolate Culture
South Africans are levelling up their chocolate game — the premium chocolate market keeps growing every year. And thanks to rising health consciousness, sugar-free options like Valor’s 0% sugar bars are becoming favourites too.
Fun fact:
The global sugar-free chocolate market is expected to almost double by 2035. Clearly, people want guilt-free spoils!
Try These Indulgent (But Kinda Healthy) Treats
Perfect for summer hangs, braais, and festive season nibbling…
Chocolate-Stuffed Dates
Sweet, sticky, crunchy — and ridiculously good.
You’ll need:
- Medjool dates
- Peanut butter (or almond/cashew butter)
- Walnuts
- Valor dark chocolate (70–85% cocoa)
- Optional: sea salt or crushed nuts
How to make:
- Open dates & remove pits
- Fill with nut butter + a walnut
- Chill a bit
- Dip in melted chocolate
- Sprinkle toppings
- Chill again & enjoy
Marshmallow & Berry Braai Kebabs
Yes, chocolate at a braai. We love to see it!
You’ll need:
- Strawberries/raspberries
- Marshmallows (optional)
- Wooden skewers
- Valor dark chocolate + cream (for sauce)
Thread, lightly char, drizzle chocolate. Serve hot. Happiness guaranteed.
Chocolate Ice-Cream Sandwiches
Summer essential.
You’ll need:
- Vanilla ice-cream (or yoghurt/sugar-free ice-cream)
- Sugar-free vanilla biscuits
- Valor dark chocolate + cream (+ splash brandy if you’re feeling fancy)
Scoop, sandwich, freeze, drizzle hot chocolate sauce. Try not to eat them all.
Find Valor & Stay Connected
Bring a bit of European chocolate magic to your pantry:
- Website: www.swissdiversitas.com
- Facebook: @valorchocolatesza
- Instagram: @valorchocolates_za
- LinkedIn: Swiss Diversitas Group (Pty) Ltd
Chocolate + sunshine + summer joy?
We’ll cheers a choc-block to that.
