Description:

Happy Mylk Choco is a plant-based milk chocolate brand developed to address environmental and sustainability challenges in Aotearoa. With agriculture responsible for nearly half of New Zealand’s greenhouse gas emissions, the brand replaces traditional dairy with plant-based alternatives to reduce dependence on resource-intensive animal farming and minimise the overall environmental impact of chocolate production.
The chocolate is made with locally sourced oat milk, chosen for its low environmental footprint and natural alignment with New Zealand’s fertile soil, abundant rainfall, and temperate climate. This makes it a sustainable, regionally suited alternative to dairy. The range also features other low-impact plant-based milks such as hazelnut and coconut.
At its heart, Happy Mylk Choco is guided by the principle “Love Chocolate, Love People.” The project honours both the ingredients and the communities behind them, restoring visibility and value to their sources. By blending ethically sourced Pacific cocoa with plant-based milk derived from New Zealand’s natural resources, the brand creates a product that is both sustainable and grounded in collaboration. This ethos connects indulgence with ethics, encouraging a deeper appreciation for both flavour and fairness. It reminds consumers that every bar supports a wider community and prompts reflection on sustainability and social responsibility. The intentionally altered spelling of “Mylk” distinguishes the product from dairy, reinforcing its plant-based identity.
The visual identity of Happy Mylk Choco is shaped by the concept “half + half = the whole”, this design framework symbolises the partnership between New Zealand and the Pacific. Every element, from packaging to illustrated poster pairings, reflects this balance: the top half represents New Zealand, while the bottom half highlights Pacific ingredients. This visual language honours both collaboration and the origins of each component. To reflect the handcrafted, organic quality of the product, a custom lino-cut-inspired typeface was developed with irregular, natural forms in two distinct weights: regular and filled. This typeface captures the imperfect charm of handmade production and reflects the brand’s commitment to sustainable, non-GMO ingredients.
The brand story is carried through a cohesive suite of marketing materials, including product packaging, promotional wraps, posters, and a concertina-format booklet. The packaging opens at the midpoint and features interchangeable top and bottom halves, encouraging playful visual dialogue between ingredients, cultures, and craft. In-store posters spark conversations around cocoa ethics and conscious consumption, while the booklet introduces flavour variants and offers transparent insights into sourcing and farming practices.
Happy Mylk Choco blends a playful, authentic spirit with a serious commitment to change, using its approachable voice to highlight the sustainability at the heart of its chocolate-making process.