Creamy, rich, and irresistibly smooth—chocolate spread has long been a pantry staple loved by consumers around the world. Traditionally enjoyed on toast, sandwiches, and waffles, this indulgent treat has evolved far beyond breakfast. Today, chocolate spread is being reimagined by foodservice professionals as a versatile ingredient across both sweet and savoury menus.
Its ready-to-use format brings flavour, texture, and convenience to a wide range of applications—from baked goods and desserts to beverages and modern savoury pairings.
As we celebrate World Chocolate Day, it’s the perfect time to spotlight how chocolate—not just in its traditional forms but also as spreads—is driving innovation across the food industry. Whether layered into pastries, infused into gourmet drinks, or combined with spices in creative dishes, chocolate spread delivers indulgence, familiarity, and functional value in one.
For foodservice professionals, chocolate spread presents a versatile opportunity to elevate menus with minimal prep and maximum impact.
Exploring the Delicious Varieties of Chocolate Spread
Classic Flavour Favourites
When it comes to chocolate spread, timeless favourites like dark chocolate, milk chocolate and hazelnut chocolate continue to dominate the market. These familiar flavours are widely loved for their smooth texture and indulgent taste, making them a go-to choice for consumers across all age groups.
Nut-Based and Alternative Chocolate Spreads
Nut-based and alternative chocolate spreads are gaining traction among health-conscious consumers and those with specific dietary needs. These innovative options often feature nutrient-rich bases like almonds, cashews, or sunflower seeds, offering a flavourful twist on traditional spreads. Many of these products also cater to clean-label trends, using minimal added sugars or natural sweeteners to appeal to consumers seeking better-for-you indulgences.
Textured and Specialty Chocolate Spreads
These include crunchy, malt-infused spreads with crispy bits, as well as layered spreads that combine different textures and flavours for a multi-sensory experience. Think chocolate spreads with biscuit pieces, or swirls of peanut butter or caramel. Ovomaltine Crunchy Cream is a great example, blending chocolate with a malty crunch to enhance both taste and texture.
How Chocolate Spreads Are Used Across Foodservice Menus
Pastries
Chocolate spreads are a popular choice for enhancing pastries with rich flavour and appealing texture. They can be used as fillings for croissants, buns, Danishes, or as a layer in puff pastry twists and rolls. Their smooth consistency makes them easy to apply, while their chocolatey aroma adds a touch of indulgence to any baked good.
Desserts
From layered parfaits and tarts to cheesecakes and mousse, chocolate spreads bring depth and richness to dessert creations. They can be swirled into batters, used as toppings, or layered between ingredients to add both visual and flavour appeal. Their versatility makes them ideal for both plated desserts and grab-and-go.
Beverages
Chocolate spreads are also finding their way into beverage menus. Blended into milkshakes, frappes, or hot drinks, they create a creamy and satisfying texture with a bold chocolate profile. Some variations even provide added texture, offering a fun and indulgent twist to traditional drinks.
Ovomaltine Crunchy Cream
While classic chocolate spreads have long been a staple in many households, consumer preferences today have shifted beyond the ordinary. In a market flooded with similar offerings, palates have evolved. Consumers are no longer satisfied with just sweetness — they now crave texture, depth, and a multi-sensory experience.
Ovomaltine Crunchy Cream answers that demand with its unique blend of crispy malt pieces and smooth Swiss chocolate2. Every spoonful delivers a satisfying contrast of crunch and creaminess, offering something refreshingly different.
Its ready-to-use format fits seamlessly into foodservice operations, ideal for everything from breakfast spreads and pastry fillings to dessert toppings and blended drinks. Whether used to elevate classics or create new favourites, it brings convenience and creativity together in one step.
Ovomaltine Crunchy Cream is made with Rainforest Alliance Certified cocoa, supporting responsible sourcing and adding value for both chefs and consumers1. It offers a unique twist with its malty crunch and smooth chocolate, making it a convenient choice for kitchens looking to add texture and flavour in one step.
At DPO International, we are proud to support foodservice professionals with dependable products that bring creativity and efficiency to every menu.
