FIND OUT ABOUT WHAT DAIRY-FREE TREATS ARE AVAILABLE TO GIVE TO FRIENDS AND FAMILY THIS EASTER
One in 6 Australians are now dairy-free, according to a new study by the government research body, the CSIRO. The two main reasons are either that they feel better without or because of ethical reasons.
Whatever the reason, the trend away from dairy products means you’re more likely to encounter non-dairy eaters during the Easter season, and, of course, you won’t want to leave them out of the festivities.
Fortunately, there are plenty of non-dairy options around for Easter treats. You can find a good choice of dairy-free Easter eggs in the supermarket or, if not, in good health food shops.
Just keep in mind that some products may contain traces of dairy. Check the label or contact the manufacturer if you have any concerns.
The following is a run downof some of the best products on offer:
LINDT
The classic Lindt gold bunny is dairy-free providing you choose the dark chocolate bunny.
Lindt also offers Excellence 70% Cocoa Gifting eggs.
GREEN & BLACKS
Chocolate manufacturer Green & Blacks is well known for providing ethically sourced chocolate. They have good quality Fairtrade dairy-free Easter goodies and chocolate bars on offer this Easter.
LOVING EARTH
You can enjoy Loving Earth’s beautiful range of raw chocolate and know you’re doing your bit for the environment too.
This Australian company are known for making generous donations from their profits to support their environment and have recently dedicated 50% of their profit from sales of certain products to support the protection of Victoria’s Mountain Ash forests.
Loving Earth chocolates contain sustainable and ethically-sourced raw ingredients such as evaporated coconut nectar, raw cashews and cacao butter.
They have beautifully-packed trio chocolate bar gift sets, which make great Easter presents.
PANA CHOCOLATE
Australian chocolate manufacturers Pana make high-quality raw dairy-free chocolate in plain, mint and unique flavours, such as Fig and Wild Orange, Sour Cherry and Vanilla.
They offer a beautiful Easter gift box containing a selection of their most popular chocolate bars.
If you’re entertaining at Easter, Pana also sells beautiful raw ganache bars. These rich chocolate blocks can be cut into thin slices and served as an after-dinner or picnic treat.
Flavoursinclude: orange, pistachio and quinoa; raspberry and almond; and dark maple.
ONLINE GIFT HAMPERS
Some Sydney-based gift hamper company’s offer a variety of non-dairy hampers, which include many delicious treats and goodies that will even impress the fussiest.
MAKE YOUR OWN DAIRY-FREE CHOCOLATE
Homemade chocolate is popular amongst the raw food movement but it’s very easy to make and better for you.
It will be more chocolatey as the commercial products but it has more depth of flavor that is worth acquiring.
INGREDIENTS
100 g cacao or cocoa
100 g cacao butter, normal butter, or coconut oil
1 tbsp agave syrup
METHOD
1. Melt cacao butter, butter or coconut oil gently in a pan.
2. Turn off heat and stir in cocoa (or cacao).
3. Add agave syrup to taste and add more if you need to.
4. Add any optional extras listed below.
5. Pour into mini-muffin cases or a chocolate mould if you have one.
6. Place in the fridge to set.
Optional extras: You can add nuts, rose petals, vanilla extract, orange, rose or peppermint oil if you want.
Read More:
FUN GET-AWAYS AND EASTER ACTIVITIES FOR THE GROWN-UPS
CELEBRATE EASTER AND MAKE IT SPECIAL