Research & Consultancy | Shaping the Future of Chocolate

What We Do

At 80Noir Ultra, we’re redefining how the world sees and consumes chocolate. We combine academic research, consultancy, and real-world reformulation to help brands reduce sugar, enhance wellbeing, and create chocolate that is both indulgent and beneficial for body and mind.

Why It Matters

Excessive sugar is a global health challenge. Without change, high sugar fuels obesity, diabetes, and poor mental health. Our mission is to help brands anticipate the future, reformulate intelligently, and embrace chocolate that is luxurious and health-conscious.

The Research Programme

(₤333k • 12 months • 100 adults • Brunel & Roehampton)

• • Scope: Dark chocolate’s impact on focus, mood, stress resilience, gut microbiome, inflammatory markers, energy & satiety.
• • Methodology: Longitudinal, multi-phase design with validated psychometrics + physiological markers.
• • Outputs: Peer-reviewable data, white papers, executive summaries, reformulation guidance.

Future Expansion: Kids’ Study

We’re preparing a dedicated children’s research extension to explore how low-sugar, high-cacao chocolate supports focus, calm, stable energy and positive eating habits in school environments. Partners are invited to co-fund this pioneering work.

How We Help

• • Scientific Research: Brunel & Roehampton partnership on health and cognition.
• • Consultancy: Reformulation, education, and brand strategy for wellness & sustainability goals.
• • Market Insight: Actionable intelligence on “healthier indulgence” expectations.
• • Legislative Foresight: Prepare for HFSS and future sugar interventions.

Who We Work With

• • Chocolate & confectionery manufacturers seeking lower-sugar reformulation
• • Hospitality & retail brands introducing wellness-forward menus
• • Schools & family organisations improving children’s hot chocolate
• • Corporate wellbeing teams integrating chocolate into mental health & performance

🌍 The Future of Chocolate Starts Here

Our wider initiative brings together science, education and chocolate craft — from workshops and white papers to youth programmes and brand consultancy.

It’s where research meets real-world reformulation, connecting businesses, schools and wellness leaders in shaping the next era of chocolate.

• • Expert workshops for cafés, retailers & hospitality teams
• • Downloadable white papers & industry reports
• • Happy Cocoa Club educational programmes for children
• • Reformulation consultancy & corporate wellbeing training

Discover how 80Noir Ultra is creating a movement that merges indulgence with insight.

Research Deliverables

• • Comprehensive Reports: Physiological (blood glucose, inflammation, microbiome) & psychological outcomes (focus, mood, stress, sleep).
• • White Papers & Executive Summaries: Publication-ready and stakeholder-friendly.
• • Dataset Access: Aggregated, anonymised data for internal learning and innovation.
• • Reformulation Frameworks: Sugar reduction, ingredient substitution & functional enrichment.
• • Strategic Development Guidance: Clear actions for product, brand & market adaptation.
• • 1-Year Industry Consultancy: Translating findings into reformulation, NPD and go-to-market execution.
• • Publication & PR: Co-authored with Brunel & Roehampton, plus media-ready outputs.