As prices for everyone's favourite sweet treat soar - chocolate makers are searching to find cheaper alternatives

A Rabobank report reveals manufacturers are exploring ways to replace cocoa beans - including lab-grown options - as climate pressures disrupt supply and make global cocoa prices rise.

Raglan Chocolate Head Maker Mike Renfree says the commodity price of cocoa has been double what it was in 2023 - but it's mostly impacting the large multi-nationals.

He says it was two dollars a kilo in 2023, went up to 12 dollars a kilo in 2024 and 2025 - and it's now lower down to five dollars - but there's a lag in the system.