Healthy Snack and Dessert Ideas with Fair-Trade Madagascar Cocoa
- Matana Québec
- May 3
- 3 min read
Updated: Sep 9
Cocoa is more than just a delicious ingredient; it's a superfood packed with antioxidants, magnesium, and flavonoids. When it's fair-trade, it also contributes to a fairer economy for producers. To learn more about its origin and cultivation, check out the Cocoa article on Wikipedia.
At Matana, we believe that taste can go hand in hand with values. Here, we present 5 healthy, easy-to-make dessert ideas featuring pure cocoa from Madagascar—a rare, natural, and ethical product.
Why Choose Fair-Trade Madagascar Cocoa for Your Desserts?
Although Madagascar is a small-scale producer in volume, it’s a global reference for quality.
Madagascar cocoa stands out for:
Its rarity (less than 1% of global production),
Its unique white bean with rich aromas,
Floral and fruity notes sought after by high-end chocolatiers,
Its "fine cocoa" label (the only one in Africa).
Cultivated through artisanal methods, often in agroforestry systems, Madagascar cocoa supports local producers in a fair-trade framework.
Healthy Fair-Trade Madagascar Cocoa Recipes
1. Sugar-Free Pure Cocoa Mousse – A Healthier Chocolate Delight
Kick off your healthy fair-trade Madagascar cocoa dessert series with this smooth, dairy-free dark chocolate mousse—ideal for lovers of intense cocoa flavors.
A healthy twist on a classic
Replace traditional chocolate with Matana’s unsweetened cocoa powder, plant-based milk (like almond milk), and a natural sweetener like maple syrup. Add a pinch of Madagascar vanilla for an exotic touch.
Benefits: Rich in flavonoids, lactose-free, no refined sugar.
2. Cocoa & Nut Energy Balls – A Simple and Nutritious Snack
These energy balls are one of the easiest healthy fair-trade Madagascar cocoa desserts to prepare: perfect for a nutritious snack without refined sugar.
Perfect for a healthy snack
Blend dates, cashews, chia seeds, and a generous spoonful of fair-trade cocoa. Roll into small balls and refrigerate.
Matana Tip: Add a hint of moringa powder for a nutrient boost.
3. Cocoa Oatmeal Porridge for Breakfast – Start Your Day Right
Here’s a gooey brownie-style dessert that proves healthy fair-trade cocoa desserts can be just as indulgent as traditional recipes, and gluten-free too.
An energizing start to the day
Heat oats with plant-based milk, then add pure cocoa, banana chunks, and some Matana cocoa nibs for a crunchy texture.
Top with Madagascar pink peppercorn for a surprising kick.
4. Moist Chocolate Cake with Apple Sauce – A Light Yet Decadent Dessert
This reinvented cake is an excellent way to include healthy fair-trade cocoa desserts in your breakfast routine or as a light dessert.
Light and butter-free
Replace butter with homemade applesauce, and use pure cocoa instead of melted chocolate. This cake is soft, moist, and light without compromising on flavor.
To try: Add a zest of Matana dried combava for a tangy, Madagascan twist.
5. Cocoa-Banana-Protein Smoothie – A Superfood-Powered Treat
This vegan ice cream perfectly illustrates how to create healthy fair-trade cocoa desserts by incorporating superfoods like Madagascar moringa.
The athlete’s sweet treat
Blend a ripe banana, plant-based milk, a scoop of cocoa, and a serving of plant-based protein. The result is a nourishing, antioxidant-rich, and delicious smoothie.
Tropical twist: Add a dash of Madagascar vanilla or cinnamon for extra flavor.
Why Choose Fair-Trade Cocoa from Madagascar with Matana?
Madagascar cocoa is globally recognized for its exceptional quality, fruity aromas, and low bitterness.
At Matana, we offer pure, fair-trade cocoa, cultivated using environmentally and community-friendly methods.
✔️ 100% natural
✔️ Controlled origin
✔️ Available in Canada and the United States
✔️ Promoting Malagasy expertise while supporting artisan producers
Why Fair-Trade Madagascar Cocoa is the Best Choice for Healthy and Ethical Desserts?
Choosing fair-trade cocoa means indulging in a treat while making a positive impact on the planet and its people. Thanks to Matana, responsible epicureans in Canada and the United States can discover a range of rare products from Madagascar for healthy, ethical, and exotic desserts.
