Monty Bojangles

How ethical is Monty Bojangles?

Monty Bojangles is a premium chocolate confectionery company which has not achieved The GOOD Shopping Guide’s ethical benchmark on our Ethical Chocolate Ratings Table and therefore cannot be classed as an ethical company based on its current practices and policies.

We recommend consumers consult our Ethical Chocolate Ratings Table to find companies above the benchmark with Ethical Accreditation.

What does Monty Bojangles do?

Monty Bojangles is a UK-based premium chocolate company founded in 2009 by Andrew Newlands. The brand specializes in cocoa-dusted truffles, chocolate bars, and gift boxes, with its mascot and namesake based on Newlands’ cat. The company distributes products through major UK supermarkets and specialty retailers, with some international availability. In recent years, the company has expanded product lines through licensing partnerships with brands including Robinsons and Fruit Shoot via Britvic, extending into new confectionery categories.

Why does Monty Bojangles fail to meet the benchmark?

Monty Bojangles’ below-benchmark performance stems from significant gaps in ethical sourcing standards, particularly regarding fair trade practices, palm oil sourcing, and organic certification. Despite stated commitment to “ethical sourcing,” it lacks independent certifications to verify these claims.

The most critical gap is Monty Bojangles’ bottom rating for Fairtrade certification. Chocolate relies heavily on cocoa from developing countries where farmers face economic challenges. Fairtrade certification ensures farmers receive fair wages, safe working conditions, and community investment. Without it, consumers cannot verify cocoa farmers are fairly compensated.

Monty Bojangles also lacks palm oil-free sourcing. Palm oil production drives rainforest deforestation and endangers species including orangutans. Companies committed to sustainability either eliminate palm oil or source it sustainably. Monty Bojangles’ absence of this commitment suggests insufficient environmental prioritization.

The company receives a bottom rating for organic certification. Organic ingredients ensure production without synthetic pesticides or GMOs, supporting sustainable agriculture. This is particularly significant for cocoa sourcing, where organic certification improves farming practices and environmental stewardship.

Monty Bojangles also lacks Ethical Accreditation from The GOOD Shopping Guide, which would provide independent verification of ethical practices. The company has made limited steps toward sustainability: it is an RSPO Supply Chain Associate Member and has launched some Rainforest Alliance-certified products and vegan options. However, these efforts remain limited rather than comprehensive across the entire product range.

What does Monty Bojangles do well?

Monty Bojangles achieves good ratings for animal welfare and offers verified vegetarian and vegan options. The company performs well on environmental reporting, fossil fuels stance, armaments avoidance, responsible marketing, and political donations. It has no documented public record criticisms.

What can Monty Bojangles do to improve?

The most urgent priority is achieving Fairtrade certification for cocoa sourcing across its entire range, ensuring cocoa farmers receive fair wages and work in safe conditions.

Monty Bojangles should implement comprehensive palm oil-free sourcing or commit to 100% certified sustainable palm oil (CSPO) across all products, clearly communicating this on packaging.

The company should pursue organic certification for chocolate ingredients and expand Rainforest Alliance certification and vegan options across the full product range.

Consumers seeking ethically-sourced chocolate should consult companies above the benchmark on our Ethical Chocolate Ratings Table, particularly those with Ethical Accreditation. Find out more about how we rate brands on ethical criteria.