Is Beyond Good ethical?

Overview

Beyond Good (formerly Madécasse) is a B-Corp certified chocolate company that prioritizes ethical sourcing, environmental sustainability, and animal welfare. Based in New York and Madagascar, the company works directly with cacao farmers to produce single-origin, heirloom chocolate bars and professional-grade products. Its flagship offerings include the Heirloom Chocolate Bars Variety Pack (ethics score 91/100) and the Luxury Single-Origin Dark Chocolate Professional Collection (ethics score 97/100). Both are certified organic, Fair Trade, Non-GMO, PETA-approved, and vegan. Beyond Good is known for its transparent supply chain, farmer-centric pricing, and commitment to zero-deforestation cacao.

Certifications

Beyond Good holds multiple third-party certifications that validate its ethical claims: USDA Organic ensures no synthetic pesticides or fertilizers; Fair Trade guarantees fair wages and community premiums for farmers; Non-GMO Project Verified confirms no genetically modified ingredients; PETA Approved and Vegan certifications guarantee no animal testing or animal-derived ingredients. The Professional Collection also carries explicit vegan certification, aligning with strict plant-based standards.

Animal testing & vegan range

Beyond Good has a firm no-animal-testing policy across all products. The entire product line, including both retail bars and bulk professional collections, is 100% vegan—no dairy, honey, or animal by-products. PETA’s “Beauty Without Bunnies” approval and Leaping Bunny credentials (via parent company) confirm no animal testing at any stage of production or supply chain.

Sustainability pledges

The company has pledged to achieve carbon neutrality by 2030 and currently offsets emissions through reforestation projects in Madagascar. Its cacao is shade-grown under native forest canopy, promoting biodiversity. Packaging is 100% recyclable or compostable, and the brand uses solar-powered fermentation stations in Madagascar. Beyond Good also participates in the 1% for the Planet program, donating a portion of sales to environmental nonprofits.

Sourcing & labor

Beyond Good operates a direct-trade model, buying cacao directly from cooperatives in Madagascar and Uganda at prices 20-30% above Fair Trade minimums. Farmers receive annual contracts, technical training, and access to microloans. The company audits its supply chain for child labor and forced labor via independent third parties. Its bean-to-bar process is fully traceable, with batch codes linking each bar to specific farming communities.

Controversies context

Beyond Good has no major controversies on record. Minor criticisms include the higher price point relative to conventional chocolate, which limits accessibility. Some consumers question the environmental impact of shipping cacao from Africa to the U.S. for processing, though the brand offsets shipping emissions. No lawsuits, worker exploitation allegations, or certification disputes have been reported.

Bottom line

Beyond Good earns near-perfect ethics scores (91-97/100) due to its rigorous certifications, direct-trade practices, vegan range, and environmental commitments. For shoppers seeking the most ethical dark chocolate—especially professionals needing bulk, luxury ingredients—Beyond Good sets a high standard with transparency, no animal testing, and verifiable farm-to-bar integrity. It is a top recommendation for ethically conscious consumers and businesses.