Guilt-free indulgence: Local chocolatier provides vegan delights that help fund fight against malaria

We often think of chocolate in terms of an indulgence, or even a guilty pleasure.

However, one local company has 'sweetened' the deal so to speak, producing delicious chocolate it says provides 'guilt-free pleasure'.

Nova Chocolate's Wessel van der Merwe, a former merchant banker, explains that they have two ranges - their dark chocolate range is vegan, while the milk chocolate range does not contain added sugar.

Added to that, Nova has partnered with the non-profit organisation Goodbye Malaria, to contribute to the fight against the disease.

They teamed up to launch a range of 'sugar-free, fat-free, taste-good, does-good, artisanal dark chocolate' that uses ethically sourced ingredients called 'Every Bite Counts'.

The initial two existing dark chocolate flavours have helped raise much-needed funds for priority malaria elimination programmes in Southern Africa, as well as, created increased advocacy through the sales of the chocolate bars. 

Since then Nova has gone on to launch an additional two milk variants to the Goodbye Malaria range.

The deliciously named 'Salted Caramel & Chilli Flavour' and 'Coconut Flavour', have also contributed to their funding and awareness raising initiatives.

There you have it - a range of chocolate that is better for you than many commercially produced varieties, and you get to do some good.

Scroll up to the audio player to hear more from van der Merwe