The Canadian Encyclopedia — neutral, cited, updated
September 11, 2026Sources cited
Canadianwire.
Canada’s encyclopedia & explainer
Home›Culture & Lifestyle›Food›Ruby chocolate
Culture & Lifestyle • Food

Ruby chocolate

Ruby chocolate is a pink-hued chocolate product introduced commercially in 2017 by Barry Callebaut, a Swiss-based cocoa company.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated September 11, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

Ruby chocolate is a pink-hued chocolate product introduced commercially in 2017 by Barry Callebaut, a Swiss-based cocoa company. It is marketed as a distinct type of chocolate with a fruity, tangy flavour and no added colourants or fruit flavourings. Its status as a separate chocolate category has been described as controversial by some sources.

History

Ruby chocolate was unveiled in 2017 after years of research by Barry Callebaut. Several sources describe it as the first new chocolate type to be introduced in decades, following white chocolate.

Appearance and flavour

Ruby chocolate is known for its natural pink colour and its berry-like, tangy taste. Descriptions often compare its texture to white chocolate while noting a sharper, fruitier flavour.

Manufacturing claims

Barry Callebaut says ruby chocolate is made from selected cocoa beans processed in a way that preserves pink tones and fruity flavour compounds. Other sources note that the exact process has not been fully disclosed.

Classification debate

Ruby chocolate is often promoted as a distinct chocolate category, but some commentators question whether it should be considered a separate type or a variation of flavoured chocolate.

Key facts

  • Ruby chocolate was launched commercially in 2017 by Barry Callebaut.
  • It is commonly marketed as the fourth type of chocolate after dark, milk, and white.
  • Its pink colour is described by the manufacturer as coming from specially processed cocoa beans rather than from added colouring.
  • Sources describe its flavour as fruity, berry-like, sweet, and lightly tangy.
  • Some writers note that its classification as a distinct chocolate type has been disputed or described as controversial.
🍁
Canadian context

Ruby chocolate is available in Canada through specialty chocolatiers and imported confectionery products, and it is relevant to Canadian consumers as a relatively recent premium chocolate category.

Frequently asked questions

What is ruby chocolate?
Ruby chocolate is a pink-coloured chocolate product introduced in 2017 and marketed as a distinct type of chocolate with a fruity, tangy taste.
Who created ruby chocolate?
It was developed and commercialised by Barry Callebaut, a Swiss-based cocoa company.
Why is ruby chocolate pink?
Its manufacturer says the colour comes from specially processed cocoa beans and not from added colourants.
What does ruby chocolate taste like?
Sources describe it as sweet, berry-like, lightly tangy, and smooth, with notes often compared to raspberry or strawberry.
Is ruby chocolate considered a real type of chocolate?
Barry Callebaut markets it as the fourth type of chocolate, but some writers describe that claim as controversial.

References

  1. Callebaut — https://www.callebaut.com/en/5-colours-chocolate-ruby-chocolate
    Supports: Company description of ruby chocolate as the fourth type of chocolate and claims about its colour and no added colourants
  2. Barry Callebaut — https://www.barry-callebaut.com/en-US/manufacturers/5-faqs-about-ruby-chocolate
    Supports: Manufacturer’s description of ruby chocolate, its flavour profile, and its origin from ruby cocoa beans
  3. MICHELIN Guide — https://guide.michelin.com/en/article/features/what-is-ruby-chocolate-sg
    Supports: Commercial availability since 2017, natural pale pink hue, and sourcing claims
  4. The Chocolate Professor — https://www.thechocolateprofessor.com/blog/ruby-chocolate
    Supports: 2017 introduction, Barry Callebaut development, and positioning as a fourth chocolate type
  5. Chocolaterie Brussels — https://www.chocolaterie.brussels/blogs/news/ruby-chocolate/
    Supports: Controversy around classification, 2017 unveiling, and ingredient-style descriptions
  6. Hotel Chocolat — https://www.hotelchocolat.com/uk/blog/chocolate-knowledge/what-is-ruby-chocolate.html
    Supports: Berry-fruitiness, smoothness, and general consumer description of flavour