On Tuesday, September 2nd*1, AEON will launch three new products in its Topvalu “Choco?” series at approximately 5,300 stores nationwide*2, including AEON, AEON Style, and MaxValu. These sweets are made without cocoa and use a chocolate substitute derived from sunflower seeds.
AEON Expands Its Futuristic “Choco?” Line with New ChoViva Block Sweets
In June of this year, AEON launched “Choco? WITH BISCUIT,” the first confectionery in Japan to use “ChoViva,” a chocolate substitute made from sunflower seeds instead of cocoa. “ChoViva” is made from sunflowers grown on existing farmland, which means that it does not require cutting down rainforests and consumes less land and water in the production process, reducing the environmental impact compared to cocoa-based chocolate. As such, it is attracting global attention as a sustainable ingredient.*3
We have received positive feedback from customers, with comments such as, “It tastes like milk chocolate even though it doesn’t contain cocoa,” “It tastes and melts in your mouth just like chocolate,” and “It’s so delicious, I want to buy it.”
Now, with the desire to allow even more customers to experience the deliciousness of “ChoViva,” which has a cutting-edge, futuristic feel that makes you wonder, “Is this really chocolate?”, we are releasing three new block-type “Is It Chocolate?” products. You can enjoy them in a variety of ways, just like cocoa-based chocolate, such as eating them as they are or using them in homemade sweets.
AEON will continue to aim to realize a “dream-filled future” for both people and the environment through the planning and development of products that meet diverse needs, while bringing fun and excitement to the lives of our customers.
Topvalu “Is it chocolate?” Series – New Product Launch Overview
| Series name | Topvalu “Is it chocolate?” |
|---|---|
| Release date | Tuesday, September 2, 2025 *1 |
| Sales outlets | Approximately 5,300 stores nationwide, including AEON, AEON Style, and MaxValu *2 |
| Number of items | 3 items |
| Price | 298 yen (321.84 yen including tax) *4 |
| Specifications | 80g each |
Source: https://www.topvalu.net/tv-chococa/
Top Value “Chocolate? BLOCK TYPE (Plain)”
Features: A plain chocolate flavor derived from sunflower seeds.
Top Value “Chocolate? BLOCK TYPE Hazelnut”
Features: Crunchy hazelnuts mixed in.
TopValu “Chocolate? BLOCK TYPE Cereal Puffs”
Features: Mixed with cereal puffs for a light and enjoyable texture.
What is ” ChoViva” ?
This chocolate substitute was developed by Planet A Foods (Germany), a pioneer in alternative chocolate. “ChoViva” uses sunflower seeds as an alternative to cocoa, and undergoes the same fermentation and roasting process as cocoa, resulting in an aroma, taste, and melt-in-your-mouth texture that is just like that of cocoa-based chocolate. It is attracting attention worldwide as a completely new option born from innovative technology.
Recently, due to the effects of climate change and economic challenges, there has been a shortage of cocoa, the raw material for chocolate, resulting in tight supplies and high prices. As a result, efforts are being made to improve production technology and to find alternative raw materials so that chocolate flavors can be enjoyed in the future.
1. “ChoViva” is made from simple ingredients: sunflower seeds, sugar, and vegetable oil.
2. Sunflower seeds are fermented in an innovative process inspired by ancient beer brewing techniques, then carefully roasted.
3. The roasted ingredients are crushed to produce a concentrated ingredient similar to cocoa powder, with a rich, chocolate-like aroma.
4. After adding multiple ingredients and grinding repeatedly, vegetable oil is added and the mixture is kneaded. This results in a creamy and smooth “ChoViva” that can be processed in a variety of ways, just like chocolate.
First Release in the Series: Topvalu “Chocolate? WITH BISCUIT
| Product name | Topvalu “Chocolate? WITH BISCUIT” |
|---|---|
| Price | 398 yen (429.84 yen including tax) *4 |
| Specifications | 143g (approximately 12 sheets per pack / number of sheets is an estimate as it is measured by weight) |
The “Chocolate? WITH BISCUIT” product, released in June 2025, is Japan’s first confectionery to feature ChoViva, a cocoa-free chocolate substitute made from sunflower seeds. Each piece combines the crisp texture of a lightly baked biscuit with the smooth, melt-in-your-mouth taste of ChoViva. By using sunflower seeds cultivated on existing farmland, the product helps reduce deforestation and minimizes water and land use compared to cocoa, making it a sustainable option for environmentally conscious consumers.
With approximately 12 biscuits per pack, this item is perfect as a light snack with coffee or tea, and also ideal for sharing with family and friends.
Source: PR TIMES/AEON Co., Ltd.
*1: Release dates vary depending on the company.
*2: Product lineup may vary by store, and some items may not be available.
*3: From the “Choviva” website (https://choviva.com/co2). Source: ¹Poore, J., & Nemecek, T. (2018). Reducing food’s environmental impacts through producers and consumers. Science, 360(6392), 987–992. https://science.sciencemag.org/content/360/6392/987 , last accessed April 26, 2024.
*4: When purchasing a single item, the price including tax will be rounded down to the nearest whole number.
*5: From https://choviva.com/details .
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