Two Belgian chocolatiers have launched ‘tooth friendly' chocolates using a new chocolate variety developed by a Swiss cocoa and chocolate supplier. 

Belgian chocolate maker Daskalidès has launched chocolate bars with praliné filling, while peer Chocolaterie Smet has produced Hopla chocolate figurines.

Both companies have used chocolate supplied by Barry Callebaut that has been awarded the ‘happy tooth' label by Toothfriendly International, a non-profit organisation dedicated to improving dental health.

‘We only give the Happy Tooth seal of approval to products that are guaranteed safe for teeth. All sweets that carry this logo have been scientifically tested by recognised and independent academic institutes for dental health. Their tests demonstrate that the product does not cause dental caries or tooth decay,' Dr Albert Bär, director Toothfriendly International, explained.

Barry Callebaut said that the new tooth friendly chocolate has been developed using a special production process and unique ingredients.

For instance, milk proteins have replaced milk powder and isomaltulose, a natural sugar that can be found in small concentrations in honey and sugar cane, is used as a substitute for sugar.

Barry Callebaut said that consumer research revealed a high level of support for the tooth friendly chocolate from parents, with 73% stating that they felt the purchase of this chocolate to be 'justified'.

Meanwhile, children also liked the taste, with 82% of 6- to 12-year-olds rating it as 'delicious' or 'very delicious'. Article from www.Dentistry.co.uk, 3rd Dec 2008