NOTCH

NOTCH is a food company based in Denmark that functions as a producer of a cocoa-free chocolate alternative. Unlike traditional chocolate makers, the company focuses on creating a product that replicates the sensory experience of chocolate without the use of cacao beans.

The core of their process involves the use of upcycled ingredients. The product is derived from brewer's spent grain, which is a by-product of beer brewing composed primarily of barley. By repurposing this grain, the company addresses the waste generated by the beer industry, where millions of tons of spent grain are produced on a global scale annually.

The operational philosophy centers on innovation in food technology rather than traditional bean-to-bar craftsmanship. By utilizing barley as a primary ingredient, the maker provides a functional alternative to conventional chocolate, aiming to reduce environmental impact through the reclamation of agricultural materials that would otherwise be discarded.