Ciranda expands portfolio with new allergen-free, plant-based baking chips

In a move to meet the rising demand for inclusive, clean-label ingredients, North American food supplier Ciranda has announced the launch of two new baking chip varieties: Organic Plant-Based White Chips and Organic Chocolate Chips made with Coconut Sugar.

Produced in an allergen-free facility, the new offerings are designed to help food developers create indulgent products that cater to vegan, dairy-free, and health-conscious consumers without sacrificing taste or texture.

“We’re hearing more and more from customers who need reliable allergen control, so we’re proud to offer chocolate ingredients made in facilities that are free of the top nine US allergens,” said Mariah Sandkamp, director of marketing, innovation and product for Ciranda. “These new chips give developers real flexibility to create indulgent products that are also inclusive.”

A closer look at the new products

• Organic Plant-Based White Chips: these single-origin chips provide a creamy, semi-sweet profile with subtle notes of vanilla. With 45% cocoa butter, they are formulated to deliver the smooth texture of traditional white chocolate while remaining entirely dairy-free. The cocoa butter is sourced from smallholder farmers in Peru and refined in state-of-the-art facilities.
• Organic Chocolate Chips with Coconut Sugar: offering a 70% bittersweet flavour profile, these chips utilise coconut sugar as an alternative sweetener. Unlike refined cane sugar, coconut sugar undergoes a simple evaporation process that preserves natural nutrients and provides a complex flavour depth. They also feature a uniform size for consistent melting and blending.

Sustainability and inclusivity

Both products are organic, non-GMO, kosher, dairy-free, and gluten-free. Additionally, the chips are produced in a facility that excludes the top nine major US allergens, providing a critical solution for brands navigating the growing "free-from" market.

To support ethical sourcing, Ciranda also offers these ingredients with Fairtrade America (FLO) certification upon request. This ensures that premiums from the sales are reinvested into community projects for the small-scale Peruvian farmers who harvest the cocoa beans.

The launch follows a broader trend in the food industry where over 60% of North American consumers report a preference for reducing sugar or choosing alternative sweeteners. These new baking chips are expected to see wide use in applications ranging from nutritional bars and cookie dough to frozen desserts and snacks.

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