# Functional Herbal Chocolates Astor Chocolate's Herbal Collection Features Bars to Calm and Relax By Laura McQuarrie | Published 2017-11-09 | Lifestyle Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/herbal-chocolates References: [astorfoodservice](https://www.astorfoodservice.com/175-deluxe-belgian-chocolate-thins-9888.html) The majority of chocolate products on the market are formulated and branded with an emphasis on flavor, but a growing number of consumers are becoming interested in the health benefits of high-quality chocolate and other functional ingredients. Dark chocolate itself contains serotonin, a neurotransmitter that can help with relaxation. [Astor](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/the-house-of-celebration) Chocolate's Herbal Collection explores the use of both milk and [dark chocolate with potent herbal ingredients](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/chocolate-truffle-bars) like valerian root, lavender, chamomile and passionflower, each of which is individually known for its benefit as a sleep aid. The collection introduces Relax, Sleep, Calm and Serene, four different deluxe chocolate and herbal blends that have the potential to do more than just delight the senses. As well as satisfying a consumer's desire for [functional food](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/plant-people-x-raaka), each chocolate offers a novel flavor experience powered by simple, natural ingredients. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 3.2/10 - Popularity: 46% | Activity: 41% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 30% men, 70% women - Primary generations: Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Lifestyle](https://www.trendhunter.com/lifestyle) > [Health](https://www.trendhunter.com/health) ## Key Themes ### Key Themes Behind This Trend - **Functional Herbal Chocolates:** A growing interest in the health benefits of high-quality chocolate and functional ingredients presents an opportunity for the development of innovative herbal-infused chocolate products. - **Health-conscious Chocolate:** The rising demand for chocolate with health benefits opens doors for the creation of functional chocolate products that promote relaxation and wellbeing. - **Natural Ingredient Blends:** The use of potent herbal ingredients in chocolate presents an opportunity for the development of unique and flavorful blends that cater to consumers seeking natural and functional foods. ### Where This Applies - **Food and Beverage:** The food and beverage industry can tap into the trend of functional herbal chocolates by incorporating natural and relaxing ingredients into their chocolate products. - **Wellness and Supplements:** The wellness and supplements industry can explore the potential of herbal-infused chocolates as an innovative way to promote relaxation and aid sleep. - **Gourmet and Specialty Foods:** The gourmet and specialty foods industry can capitalize on the trend of herbal chocolates by creating deluxe blends that offer unique flavor experiences paired with functional benefits. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Everyday Functional Chocolates](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/functional-chocolate-co.md) - [Melatonin-Infused Chocolates](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/zenevo-sleepy-sweet.md) - [Functional Clean-Label Chocolates](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/muze-cacao.md) - [Day-to-Night Functional Chocolates](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/raaka-functional-chocolate.md) - [Stress-Fighting Functional Chocolates](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/adaptogenic-functional-chocolates.md) - [Kid-Friendly Functional Chocolates](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/funcho-kids.md) - [Pain Relief Chocolates](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/the-functional-chocolate-company.md) - [Functional Stress Relief Chocolates](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/zen-x.md) - [Functional Truffle Chocolates](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/truffle-chocolates.md)