Cacao, the raw material for chocolate, contains abundant nutrients such as dietary fiber, protein, minerals, and cocoa polyphenols, and has recently gained attention as a superfood.
The Meiji Group, which has been making chocolate for about 100 years, has embarked on an ambitious, new challenge to explore cacao's untapped potential in the field of beauty. Since successfully developing cacao ceramide, the world's first cacao-derived, beauty-support ingredient, in 2024, the company has been developing products to harness this innovative discovery. We asked Hiroko Watanabe, who is in charge of development, and Ayaka Suda, who handles marketing, about the path to commercialization and their vision for the future.
New discovery fueled by the pandemic
Meiji has been advancing its Meiji Cocoa Support (MCS) initiative since 2006 to further improve cacao quality and support cacao farmers. Researchers visit cacao-producing regions to provide hands-on guidance in cultivation and fermentation techniques. The program also supports local communities by improving living conditions and education, and by supplying essential resources such as farming tools and seedlings.
Through MCS, we have gained deeper insights into cacao. However, Watanabe reflects that the COVID-19 pandemic marked a major turning point.
"Travel restrictions made visits to cacao-producing regions difficult, so we used that time to take a fresh look at cacao itself. We began to redefine cacao not merely as a raw material for chocolate, but as a fruit with its own unique properties."
In 2022, we launched "Now Open the Cacao by Meiji," an initiative to communicate cacao's untapped potential. Through in-depth research and analysis of cacao as a fruit, we discovered that cacao husk—the thin outer layer of the cacao bean, which was usually discarded—contains a rich concentration of ceramide (specifically, human-type free ceramide).
Cacao husk
"The groundbreaking discovery of this new component has generated significant anticipation both within and outside the company. It resulted from years of accumulated cacao research and efforts to support producing regions, combined with our passion for exploring cacao's new potential."
Beauty meets chocolate—a sweet new frontier
As we age, our natural ceramide levels decline, leading to dryness and a weakened skin barrier. That's why many health and beauty experts recommend ceramide-rich foods and skincare products, which help restore hydration, strengthen the skin's defenses, and promote a healthy, youthful glow.
Classification chart of ceramides
Ceramide content (mg/g) in each plant
*Partially modified from 2004 Hokkaido Agricultural Research Center research results; cacao material measured by LC-MS/MS
Ceramides are broadly classified into synthetic ceramides and naturally- derived ceramides. Naturally-derived ceramides are further divided into animal ceramides and plant ceramides. Among plant ceramides, there are "glucosylceramides," primarily used for food applications, and "free-form ceramides." "Free-form ceramides" include "human-type free ceramides," which share the same structure as ceramides found in human skin. However, the presence of "human-type free ceramides" in plant ceramides is rare and highly valuable. Researchers have discovered that unused parts of cacao contain significant amounts of this "human-type free ceramide."
Watanabe recalls her reaction to the discovery of this rare ceramide ingredient: "Chocolate Kouka, known for its high concentration of cacao polyphenols, has earned a reputation as a health-oriented food and become the best-selling brand in Japan's chocolate market. When ceramide, known as a beauty-supporting ingredient, was found in cacao, it sparked real excitement. Perhaps we could create a new chocolate brand that blends indulgence with beauty, much like Chocolate Kouka blends taste with wellness."
Edible ceramide that tastes good?! Behind the scenes of yummy new product development
After discovering how to extract ceramide from cacao, Meiji conducted extensive research to explore using this groundbreaking new ingredient to develop new products. In January 2025, the company launched "Cacao Beauté," a chocolate containing cacao ceramide. Watanabe emphasized that taste was a key focus during development.
"We set out to create a beauty-support chocolate infused with ceramide that had a subtly sweet flavor. While dark chocolate was an option for reducing sugar content, we ultimately chose milk chocolate for its creamy, irresistible sweetness. To evoke an ‘uplifting sensation of beauty,’ we focused on aroma, selecting Peruvian cacao known for its vibrant fragrant profile."
When sales began in January 2025, Cacao Beauté Chocolate received high praise for its flavor. The strong positive response exceeded Meiji's expectations.
"Many people expressed surprise about being able to consume ceramide through chocolate, but what made me truly happy was how many people said it tasted incredibly delicious," she says.
Cacao Beauté, enriched with beauty-supporting ingredients derived from cacao
Chocolate that nurtures and cherishes yourself
When it comes to chocolate, many people buy it as a treat for themselves. However, Watanabe says she wants Cacao Beauté to be a new kind of chocolate, distinct from chocolate bought purely as a treat.
"I hope this chocolate becomes a way to nurture and cherish yourself. Because we're in an era when people can live to 100 and beyond, staying healthy is essential, but so is focusing on how to live joyfully and beautifully. Just as fashion and makeup can brighten your mood, this chocolate could become something that supports and enriches you in your everyday life."
Looking ahead, Suda says her goal is to establish a new product category called "beauty through cacao."
"Since Cacao Beauté is still relatively unknown, we need to develop marketing strategies that raise brand awareness and give more people an opportunity to experience just how delicious it is. Beyond Cacao Beauté, we aim to develop additional new products using cacao ceramide. Our mission is to firmly position cacao as a valuable ingredient in the beauty world."
Make cacao the standard for ceramides
In summer 2025, we introduced "Cacao Beauté Jelly," a limited-edition, stick-style jelly infused with cacao ceramide, our latest example of product innovation that goes beyond chocolate. Looking ahead, Suda shared her broader vision:
"We are actively exploring new applications for cacao ceramide beyond food, such as cosmetic products, through collaborations with other companies. Ultimately, we aim to strengthen cacao ceramide's presence in the inner beauty and cosmetics markets. Our goal is simple: when people hear about ceramides, we want them to think of cacao."
Watanabe says new product concepts are taking shape.
"Following the success of chocolate and jelly, we're already developing our next new product. But it's not just about product innovation for us. As we expand our cacao ceramide lineup, we're also committed to giving back—starting with improving the livelihood of cacao farmers. We aim to cultivate a cycle of well-being for everyone involved with cacao."
