New law sets a minimum percentage of cocoa solids in chocolate products.

© Alexander Stein/Pixabay Chocolates marketed in Brazil will have to comply with minimum cocoa content percentages, as stipulated by law. Furthermore, manufacturers will need to clearly indicate the amount of the ingredient on the labels of products sold in the country, whether they are domestic or imported. Law No. 15,404/2026, which defines criteria for the production, classification, and labeling of cocoa-based products in Brazil, has been published in the edition of this Monday (11) of the Official Gazette of the Union. The regulation will come into effect in 360 days, during which time the industry must adapt to the new requirements. One of the main advances is the mandatory requirement to display the total cocoa content percentage on the labels. According to the law, this information must appear on the front of the packaging, occupying at least 15% of the area and with sufficient prominence to facilitate reading. The information will be presented in the format "Contains X% cocoa," according to the following percentages: Cocoa powder: minimum of 10% cocoa butter; Cocoa powder: minimum of 32% total cocoa solids; Milk chocolate: minimum of 25% total cocoa solids and 14% total milk solids or derivatives; White chocolate: minimum of 20% cocoa butter and 14% total milk solids. Chocolate drink or coating: minimum of 15% cocoa solids or 15% cocoa butter. The text also prohibits practices that may mislead consumers, such as the use of images, colors, or expressions that suggest the product is chocolate when it does not meet the established criteria. In case of non-compliance with the rules, those responsible will be subject to the sanctions provided for in the Consumer Protection Code, as well as other applicable health and legal penalties.