> ## Content Index > Fetch the complete content index at: https://thechocolatelife.com/llms.txt > Use this file to discover other available public pages before exploring further. # 2026: A Look Ahead at the Year in Chocolate & Cocoa | #PSC 171 - URL: https://thechocolatelife.com/2026-a-look-ahead-at-the-year-in-chocolate-cocoa-psc-171/ - Published: 2025-12-30T02:32:00.000Z - Updated: 2025-12-30T16:18:21.000Z - Description: Updated: Episode 171 of #PodSaveChocolate is a look forward at the stories and trends that will shape the Year in Chocolate, 2026. - Author: Clay Gordon - Tags: PodSaveChocolate, Live Stream **When and Where to Watch** 🗓️ This stream begins at 11:00 ****MST** (10:00 PST, 12:00 CST, 1:00 pm EST), on Tuesday, Dec 30th, 2025. Links below to watch LIVE and to view the archived episode. This ****YOUTUBE** link is shareable. 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[Watch this episode on Facebook ](https://www.facebook.com/share/17tNcTnq1D/) --- ## **Overview - Episode 171** Episode 170 of PodSaveChocolate examined stories about chocolate and cocoa that I found consequential, underreported, or just plain fun in 2025\. Click the card below for that intro. [2025: A Look Back at the Year in Chocolate & Cocoa | #PSC 170 \[updated\]Episode 170 of #PodSaveChocolate is a look back at the stories that shaped the Year in Chocolate, 2025\. In Episode 171, I will look ahead to 2026\. \[updated\]![](https://thechocolatelife.com/content/images/icon/JR_Pods60x60FavIconCutoutButtons-351.png)The Chocolate LifeClay Gordon![](https://thechocolatelife.com/content/images/thumbnail/Ep-170-LookingBack2025---Featured1920x1080.jpg)](https://thechocolatelife.com/2025-a-look-back-at-the-year-in-chocolate-cocoa-psc-170/) In this episode, I will gaze into my crystal ball and take a look at stories and trends that will be consequential (or not) in 2026. ### Not-Trend Stories to Follow in 2026 **1️⃣ the price of cocoa** 1️⃣🅰️ **the EUDR** 1️⃣🅱️ **alt.cocoa & alt.chocolate** 1️⃣ ⋯ 🔤 **sustainability, traceability, CSR, etc.** **2️⃣ heavy metals/**[**food safety**](https://www.food-safety.com/articles/11003-top-ten-food-safety-scientific-studies-of-2025?ref=thechocolatelife.com) ### **Trends to Watch (or not) in 2026** > *TL;DR: The lists *tend* to be outlet-centric, but overall, trend reports tend to focus on* **wellness** (plant-based, functional ingredients like adaptogens, botanicals), **sensory experiences** (rich textures, bold global flavors like pistachio, nostalgic "newstalgia"), and **purposeful indulgence** (traceability, sustainable packaging, mini formats for portion control), with an emphasis on multi-sensory, story-driven, and ethically conscious treats that blend health with indulgence. 1. Whither Dubai (pistachio)? (The importance of understanding artificial scarcity and the [LTO](https://www.snackandbakery.com/articles/114781-hersheys-reveals-dubai-inspired-chocolate-bar?ref=thechocolatelife.com).) 2. Functionality – Life extension (theobromine)? Collagen? Protein and (vs) Fiber? Vitamins? 3. **Tech**: Will new [replacements](https://www.confectionerynews.com/Article/2025/12/19/whos-ahead-in-the-race-to-replace-palm-oil/?ref=thechocolatelife.com) (GRAS v novel) for palm oil hit the market? Is a new understanding of [Fermentation](https://www.nature.com/articles/s41564-025-02077-6?ref=thechocolatelife.com) a (the) key? A [replacement tech](https://www.nature.com/articles/s41597-025-06314-9?ref=thechocolatelife.com) for visual cut tests? 4. **Mergers** (Mars/Kellanova), **Acquisitions** (Ritter/Chocolove), and **Divestitures** (Barry Callebaut)? 5. Reformulation for GLP-1 “compatibility?” 6. The general nature of “[innovation](https://www.confectionerynews.com/Article/2025/12/17/holiday-chocolate-trends-new-launches-for-20252026/?ref=thechocolatelife.com)” in industrial confectionery. --- ### **The Featured Image** ![](https://thechocolatelife.com/content/images/2025/12/matt-howard-GH7fPDHnJyw-unsplash-Large-1.jpeg) ![](https://thechocolatelife.com/content/images/2025/12/matt-howard-GH7fPDHnJyw-unsplash1920x1080edited-1.jpg) \[L\]: The original image before editing. \[R\]: The image after editing. The editing process consisted of cropping and flipping the image (in Photoshop), then (in Luminar NEO) masking the (new) right-hand side and manipulating the colors to bring out the colors of the sky in the (new) right side of the image. The result was reopened in Photoshop. --- ### **Comments? Questions?** If you have questions or want to comment, you can do so during the episode or, if you are a ChocolateLife member, add them in the Comments below at ***any*** time. --- ### **Episode Hashtags and Socials** #cocoa #cacao #cacau #chocolate #chocolat #specialtychocolate #craftchocolate #beantobar #PodSaveChoc #LaVidaCocoa #TheChocolateLife --- ### **Future Episodes** 🗓️ ****Tuesday, December 30th** **2026: The Year Ahead* 🗓️ ****Friday, January 2nd** TBD --- ### **#PodSaveChocolate and #TheChocolateLifeLIVE Archives** **To read an archived post** and find the links to watch archived episodes, click on one of the bookmark cards below. [Pod Save Chocolate Calendar and ArchiveNews, views, and conversations on topics in cocoa and chocolate streamed live to YouTube, LinkedIn, and Facebook. #PodSaveChocolate!![](https://thechocolatelife.com/content/images/size/w256h256/2020/12/JR_Pods60x60FavIconCutoutButtons.png)The Chocolate LifeClay Gordon![](https://thechocolatelife.com/content/images/2023/11/TagImageBanner-PodSaveChocTagFinal_1920x1080-5.jpg)](https://thechocolatelife.com/pod-save-chocolate-calendar-and-archive/) [#TheChocolateLifeLIVE ArchiveNews, views, and conversations on topics in cocoa and chocolate streamed live to YouTube, LinkedIn, and Facebook.![](https://thechocolatelife.com/content/images/size/w256h256/2020/12/JR_Pods60x60FavIconCutoutButtons.png)The Chocolate LifeClay Gordon![](https://thechocolatelife.com/content/images/2023/03/solen-feyissa-WG7v_wYZW4Q-unsplash-CalendarFeatured1920x1080.jpg)](https://thechocolatelife.com/thechocolatelife-live-calendar/) [PodSaveChocolateHosted by Clay Gordon, the creator and moderator of TheChocolateLife.com, #PodSaveChocolate covers a wide variety of topics in the worlds of cocoa and chocolate. The video versions of this podcast are hosted and archived on YouTube, LinkedIn, and Facebook. Click on the PodSaveChocolate link in the top nav on TheChocolateLife for the links to the post accompanying each episode.![](https://pnc.st/static/img/256x256.png)Pinecast![](https://social.pinecast.net/preview_card/podcasts/covers/d3730dca-0711-4720-9ef3-3b18918c1f0d/TagImageBanner-PodSaveChocTagFinal_1920x1080.jpg?title=PodSaveChocolate)](https://pnc.st/s/podsavechocolate?ref=thechocolatelife.com) Audio-only podcasts --- ## Not a Member? Live The Chocolate Life – Live La Vida Cocoa! Sign up for Free to comment and receive members-only content. Subscribe Email sent! Check your inbox to complete your signup. No spam. Unsubscribe anytime. Premium subscriptions available. ---