Raw

The Merriam-Webster Dictionary defines the term “raw” as “not cooked,” “being in or nearly in the natural state,” “unprepared or imperfectly prepared for use,” “not protected,” and “marked by absence of refinements.” But its meaning becomes unclear when you look at it through the lens of the chocolate industry.

It’s hard to say what the fanciest food was at the Fancy Foods Show that recently wound up in San Francisco, especially with many new brands showing less dressed-up products that intentionally range from raw or minimally processed to “I dare you to eat that” kind of ingredients like bugs and kelp. Editor-in-Chief Jeff Klineman and Founder/CEO John Craven cover what they saw at this year’s show.