LBG Sicilia Ingredients

Natural cocoa replacer

Carob pulp transformed — pure, natural, flavorful. 

LBG Sicilia’s SOLCHOC™ is a clean label ingredient obtained by gently roasting and milling the pods of the carob fruit previously separated from the seeds.

It is a natural healthy sweet flour, with the flavor and appearance similar to cocoa.

The carob powder does not contain stimulants, like caffeine or theobromine, usually found in cocoa.

Our carob powder with its sweet taste, chocolate aroma, nuances of coffee and toffee, is suitable for both artisanal and industrial recipes. Thanks to its unique characteristics it is often utilized as a healthier cocoa alternative thanks to the very low-fat content as well as high dietary fiber rate.

It is a versatile ingredient for pastry or bakery chefs, as well as food designers, always looking to develop new healthy tasty products.

The carob pod, the complete fruit of the carob tree, is harvested once a year at the end of summer. On average, each pod contains ten seeds, which are separated from the pulp using a mechanical process.

From the nutrient-rich pulp, we produce SOLCHOC™ — our signature carob powder — through a 100% chemical-free extraction process. The result is a healthy, all-natural flour.

carob solchoc powder

Applications

Our roasted and ground carob pulp-based ingredient SOLCHOC™ can be used as an alternative or partial alternative to cocoa in several applications.

Functionalities within Cocoa preparations include:

  • Provides rich cocoa-like flavor and color without caffeine or theobromine.
  • Adds natural sweetness.
  • Supports healthy, plant-based formulations.
solchoc in bakery applications

Our carob-based ingredient SOLCHOC™ provides a natural alternative to cocoa for bakery applications.

Functionalities within Bakery preparations include:

  • Provides rich cocoa-like flavour and colour without caffeine or theobromine.
  • Adds natural sweetness and enhances golden-brown tones in baked goods.
  • Supports healthy, plant-based bakery formulations.
solchoc in bakery applications

SOLCHOC™ delivers the indulgence of cocoa with the natural benefits of carob in pastry and confectionery preparations.ications.

Functionalities within Pastry and Confectionery preparations include:

  • Provides gentle sweetness with notes of toffee and coffee.
  • Enhances structure, colour, and mouthfeel in finished products.
  • Supports balanced formulations with added nutritional value.
solchoc in bakery applications

Our carob-based ingredient SOLCHOC™ provides a natural, cocoa-like taste and colour for cereal applications.

Functionalities within Cereal preparations include:

  • Adds depth and a mild cocoa aroma to breakfast and snack cereals.
  • Provides appealing golden-to-brown hues during toasting.
  • Contributes fibre and natural sugars for balanced formulations.
  • Ideal for plant-based, stimulant-free and better-for-you cereals.
solchoc beverages

SOLCHOC™ delivers a smooth, indulgent taste profile ideal for beverage and instant drink formulations.

Functionalities within Beverage and Instant Drink preparations include:

  • Creates warm, appealing tones in instant and ready-to-drink mixes.
  • Easily dispersible in hot or cold liquids, ensuring consistent results.
  • Provides mild chocolate, caramel, and roasted notes for balanced taste.
solchoc infusions

Ideal for functional or indulgent infusions, SOLCHOC™ delivers depth of taste without caffeine or additives.

Functionalities within Infusion preparations include:

  • Contributes natural fibre and trace minerals for functional beverages.
  • Performs well in both dry mixes and ready-to-brew formats.
  • Introduces depth and smoothness to fruit and herbal blends.

SOLCHOC™ delivers natural cocoa-like flavour and balanced sweetness in ice cream and yogurt formulations.

Functionalities within Ice Cream and Yogurt preparations include:

  • Contributes to creamy mouthfeel and uniform consistency.
  • Increases fibre content and supports clean-label, low-fat recipes.
Solchoc nutraceuticals

SOLCHOC™ combines natural sweetness and functional benefits, making it ideal for nutraceutical and wellness formulations.

  • Provides natural fibre and antioxidants supporting digestive and metabolic health.
  • Smooths bitterness from plant extracts, vitamins, and minerals.

  • Cocoa substitute
  • Caffeine-free
  • Theobromine-free
  • Chemical-free
  • Allergen-free
  • Gluten-free
  • GMO-free
  • High fiber content
  • Naturally sweet

  • Rich in vitamins and minerals
  • High polyphenols content with antioxidant properties (as suggested by many studies)
  • Natural color
  • Ideal in cost-effective, yet nutritious recipes
  • Vegan
  • Kosher certification
  • Halal certification
  • Cocoa substitute
  • Caffeine-free
  • Theobromine-free
  • Chemical-free
  • Allergen-free
  • Gluten-free
  • GMO-free
  • High fiber content
  • Naturally sweet
  • Rich in vitamins and minerals
  • High polyphenols content with antioxidant properties (as suggested by many studies)
  • Natural color
  • Ideal in cost-effective, yet nutritious recipes
  • Vegan
  • Kosher certification
  • Halal certification
Appearance Fine powder
Color
(may vary from batch to batch) 		Light Brown
Carbohydrates (per 100g) 42-48 g
Of which sugar 36-38 g
Dietary fiber (per 100 g)39-43 g
Soluble dietary fiber (%) 10-15 %
Insoluble dietary fiber (%) 85-90 %
Fat (per 100g) < 1.5 g
Protein (per 100 g) < 6 g
Moisture (per 100 g) Max 4 g
Total ash Max 4% w/w
Particle size Max 2.0% (>75 micron)
Appearance Fine powder
Color
(may vary from batch to batch) 		Medium Brown
Carbohydrates (per 100g) 40-45 g
Of which sugar 25-28 g
Dietary fiber (per 100 g)40-44 g
Soluble dietary fiber (%) 10-15 %
Insoluble dietary fiber (%) 85-90 %
Fat (per 100g) < 1.5 g
Protein (per 100 g) < 6 g
Moisture (per 100 g) Max 4 g
Total ash Max 4% w/w
Particle size Max 2.0% (>75 micron)
Appearance Fine powder
Color
(may vary from batch to batch) 		Dark Brown
Carbohydrates (per 100g) 28-33 g
Of which sugar 14-16 g
Dietary fiber (per 100 g)57-61 g
Soluble dietary fiber (%) 10-15 %
Insoluble dietary fiber (%) 85-90 %
Fat (per 100g) < 1.5 g
Protein (per 100 g) < 6 g
Moisture (per 100 g) Max 4 g
Total ash Max 4% w/w
Particle size Max 2.0% (>75 micron)

Get in touch

Our team of functional food specialists are ready to answer your questions and help you create a bespoke food solution for your business.

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