Limited edition Loss Zero chocolate reborn through food upcycling

Loss Zero Co. Ltd. is a company that aims to reduce food waste by using surplus ingredients. In line with this mission, the company has created a new product, “Re:You Kesennuma Minato Strawberry” Milk Chocolate, which is made with surplus white chocolate and non-standard strawberries from farmers in Kesennuma City.

“Re:You Kesennuma Minato Strawberry” Milk Chocolate is a limited-edition product and is only available on the official website of Loss Zero. The chocolate has a rich, intense flavor as it is made with 44% cacao, which is a high-quality chocolate preferred by patissiers. The combination of just the right amount of sour strawberries and the fragrant milk chocolate creates a unique and delicious taste.

Japan generates about 5.22 million tons of food waste annually, and it is estimated that a significant amount of food waste comes from the chocolate market, which amounts to approximately 550 billion yen per year. To combat this, Loss Zero used unused milk chocolate raw materials from a confectionery material company with expired dates during the busy season of Valentine’s Day from October to February.

The creation of “Re:You Kesennuma Minato Strawberry” Milk Chocolate was a collaborative effort. The product was developed as part of Loss Zero’s upcycled brand “Re:You,” established in January 2021 with the aim of bringing new life to discarded resources. This product is a result of the combined efforts of several individuals, including a designer from Japan, a representative of Seaside Farm Namiji, a strawberry farm, and a member of Kesennuma University Management Council who acted as a bridge between Loss Zero and the strawberry farmers.

The farm produces hundreds of tons of strawberries every year that cannot be shipped due to irregular shapes and sizes. To make the best use of these strawberries, Loss Zero used the non-standard ones and freeze-dried them to create a block of chocolate and strawberry. The result is a unique product that has a message of positive utilization and reduction of food waste.

In June 2022, “Re:You Kesennuma Minato Strawberry” Milk Chocolate won the “JR East Award” at the upcycled product contest and was also chosen as a return gift for Kobe City’s hometown tax. With its limited quantity, rich flavor, and important message, this product is a must-try for anyone who loves chocolate and wants to support the reduction of food waste.

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