barkTHINS

Introduction

barkTHINS is a unique brand of snacking chocolate that was founded in 2013 by Scott Semel, who drew inspiration from his experiences sampling chocolate-covered treats in Germany. His vision was to create a product that would combine the indulgence of dark chocolate with wholesome ingredients, resulting in a snack that could be enjoyed as part of a balanced lifestyle. Since its inception, barkTHINS has made a name for itself in the snack industry by focusing on quality ingredients and innovative combinations.

The philosophy behind barkTHINS centers on bridging the gap between indulgent treats and everyday snacking. The brand aims to provide consumers with a guilt-free way to satisfy their sweet cravings without compromising on quality. This is reflected in their commitment to using only high-quality, natural ingredients in their products. By promoting a healthier snacking option, barkTHINS encourages customers to enjoy life’s little pleasures while maintaining a balanced diet.

What makes barkTHINS particularly special is its ability to combine unique flavor profiles with delicious dark chocolate. Each variety features crunchy ingredients, such as pretzels, almonds, or coconut, creating a satisfying contrast of textures and flavors. The brand's playful approach to snacking is evident in its vibrant packaging and fun product names, inviting consumers to explore a range of delicious, savory, and sweet options that enhance the indulgence of dark chocolate.

Signature Products

barkTHINS offers a delightful range of snacking chocolates that perfectly reflect their innovative philosophy.

• Dark Chocolate Almond & Sea Salt : A harmonious blend of crunchy almonds and a touch of sea salt enveloped in rich dark chocolate.
• Dark Chocolate Pretzel & Sea Salt : A sweet and salty combination featuring crunchy pretzels coated in delicious dark chocolate.
• Dark Chocolate Mint : A refreshing mint-infused dark chocolate that's perfect for mint lovers looking for a unique treat.
• Dark Chocolate Coconut & Almond : A tropical twist with chewy coconut flakes and crunchy almonds, all wrapped in luscious dark chocolate.

Materials and Ingredients Used by barkTHINS

• Milk : This ingredient is a common source of creaminess and richness in chocolate products. In barkTHINS, milk is incorporated to balance the dark chocolate's bold flavors, providing a smoother texture and appealing taste that enhances the overall snacking experience.
• Peanuts : Peanuts are used in barkTHINS to add a nutty flavor and a satisfying crunch. They also contribute protein and healthy fats, making the snack more filling and nutritious. The choice of peanuts complements the sweet and salty profiles of the snacking chocolate.
• Salt : Salt is a key ingredient that enhances flavor by balancing sweetness, creating a more complex taste. In barkTHINS, it accentuates the chocolate's richness and the other ingredients, leading to a well-rounded flavor experience that appeals to consumers.
• Cocoa : Cocoa is the primary component of chocolate and is responsible for its deep flavor and color. In barkTHINS, quality cocoa is selected to create a rich chocolate base that serves as the foundation of the product, driving the indulgent chocolate experience that the brand aims to deliver.

Things to Keep in Mind When Buying From barkTHINS

Greenhouse gas emissions (Milk):

The dairy industry is a significant contributor to greenhouse gas emissions, primarily in the form of methane, which is released during the digestive processes of cows (enteric fermentation). According to the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations, the dairy sector accounts for approximately 4% of global greenhouse gas emissions. Implementation of measures to reduce emissions is crucial, as methane is over 25 times more impactful in trapping heat in the atmosphere compared to carbon dioxide.

Water usage (Milk and Peanuts):

Dairy farming is a water-intensive endeavor. It requires vast quantities of water not only for the animals themselves but also for cleaning and maintaining systems in the production facility. Additionally, water is needed to grow feed crops such as alfalfa and corn. Similarly, peanut farming can require significant irrigation, especially in arid regions. For instance, in areas where water resources are scarce, this can lead to competition with local water needs and stress on water supplies.

Animal welfare (Milk):

Animal welfare in milk production presents both ethical and sustainability concerns. Practices in intensive dairy farming often result in poor living conditions for cows, including overcrowded conditions, lack of proper veterinary care, and enforced constant milking. These conditions can lead to distress and a range of health problems for the animals, raising ethical questions and highlighting the need for more sustainable and humane farming practices.

Pesticide usage (Peanuts):

Peanuts are often grown using pesticides to control pests and diseases that affect yield quality and quantity. However, pesticide use can lead to health risks for farmers and surrounding communities through exposure to harmful chemicals. Additionally, pesticides can adversely impact biodiversity by contaminating soil and waterways, affecting both terrestrial and aquatic life. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) monitors the levels of pesticides used to mitigate these impacts, but challenges remain regarding safe application and runoff.

Soil degradation (Peanuts):

Intensive peanut farming can lead to soil health degradation through erosion and nutrient depletion, especially when sustainable practices are not employed. This can result in reduced land productivity over time and require increased input such as fertilizers, further impacting the environment. Crop rotation and sustainable soil management like cover cropping are strategies to mitigate these effects, but not all farmers have the resources to implement these methods.

Habitat degradation (Salt):

Salt mining, particularly in sensitive coastal and inland areas, can cause large-scale habitat degradation. The environmental footprint of extracting salt involves disturbing ecosystems and can change the natural landscape irreversibly. This degradation can lead to reduced biodiversity and the disruption of local communities that depend on these ecosystems for their livelihoods.

Energy consumption in mining (Salt):

The process of extracting and refining salt is energy-intensive, contributing to carbon emissions and fossil fuel use. Mining operations often require heavy machinery and processing plants that consume large quantities of energy. Reducing energy use and improving energy efficiency in the salt mining industry is crucial for lowering its environmental impact.

Worker safety (Salt):

Workers in the salt mining industry often face unsafe working conditions, including exposure to high amounts of salt dust, which can lead to respiratory issues. Moreover, they might be exposed to operational hazards due to inadequate safety measures in mining operations, increasing the risk of accidents and health problems in the workforce.

Deforestation (Cocoa):

Cocoa production is a substantial driver of deforestation, especially in West African countries like Ivory Coast and Ghana, which are major cocoa suppliers. Farmers often clear vast areas of forests to create new cocoa plantations, leading to habitat loss and increased carbon emissions. Initiatives like agroforestry that integrate cocoa cultivation with tree planting can mitigate deforestation, but adoption among farmers varies.

Child labor (Cocoa):

Child labor in cocoa production remains a profound social issue, particularly in West Africa. Many families in cocoa-growing regions live in poverty, and children often work in hazardous conditions to support household income. Efforts such as certification programs aim to address this issue, but enforcement and compliance challenges persist across the supply chain.

Biodiversity loss (Cocoa):

The expansion of cocoa farms can lead to biodiversity loss as natural ecosystems are converted to monoculture plantations, reducing habitat availability for various plant and animal species. This loss has ripple effects on ecosystem services and local cultural values tied to biodiversity, necessitating the implementation of biodiversity-friendly practices in cocoa agriculture.

Fair trade concerns (Cocoa):

The cocoa industry has come under scrutiny for inequitable trade practices that often leave farmers with a minimal share of the profit. Fair trade programs aim to address these disparities by ensuring better prices, working conditions, and community investment. Nonetheless, the effectiveness and transparency of these initiatives can vary, prompting calls for more rigorous standards and broader implementation.

Note: Each issue identified here plays a role in the sustainability and ethical profile of barkTHINS’ supply chain. Addressing these challenges is essential in aligning with sustainable and responsible production practices.