NOMO

How ethical is NOMO?

NOMO is a vegan and free-from chocolate company owned by Zertus GmbH 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 NOMO do?

NOMO is a UK-based vegan and free-from chocolate brand launched in May 2019 by Kinnerton Confectionery, a subsidiary of German food company Zertus GmbH (founded 1826). The brand was created with the mission “No Missing Out,” specializing in chocolate that is completely dairy-free, gluten-free, egg-free, and nut-free. NOMO operates from a unique nut-free manufacturing facility in Norfolk, making it one of the few confectionery companies offering truly allergen-safe chocolate. The brand has become the UK’s number one free-from chocolate brand and is stocked across all major UK supermarkets including Tesco, Sainsbury’s, Morrisons, Asda, and Waitrose, alongside specialty retailers like Holland & Barrett and Ocado. NOMO offers an expanding range of chocolate bars and treats designed to provide inclusive chocolate experiences for consumers with allergies, intolerances, or plant-based diets.

Why does NOMO fail to meet the benchmark?

NOMO’s below-benchmark performance stems from significant gaps in ethical sourcing standards, particularly regarding fair trade practices, organic certification, and environmental reporting. Despite being recognized as an ethical innovator for its inclusive approach to allergen-free chocolate, the brand has not achieved the independent certifications necessary to demonstrate ethical sourcing commitments to consumers.

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

NOMO also 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.

The company receives a bottom rating for environmental reporting. Poor environmental reporting suggests insufficient transparency regarding the brand’s environmental impact, supply chain sustainability, or manufacturing practices. For a company operating a specialized manufacturing facility, comprehensive environmental disclosure would demonstrate commitment to responsible operations.

NOMO also lacks Ethical Accreditation from The GOOD Shopping Guide, which would provide independent verification of ethical practices. The brand has achieved an Ethical Innovator rating, recognizing its innovation in creating accessible chocolate for consumers with allergies and dietary restrictions. This is genuinely valuable work. However, this innovation does not extend to ethical sourcing practices. Additionally, NOMO’s palm oil sourcing achieves only an acceptable rating, suggesting incomplete commitment to palm oil-free or certified sustainable sourcing.

What does NOMO do well?

NOMO demonstrates strong performance on social and animal welfare criteria. The brand achieves good ratings for animal welfare, avoids involvement in armaments and fossil fuels, practices responsible marketing, maintains neutral political donation practices, and has no documented public record criticisms. The brand’s core innovation in creating inclusive, allergen-safe chocolate is genuinely valuable for consumers with allergies and dietary restrictions.

What can NOMO 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 safe working conditions.

NOMO should pursue organic certification for chocolate ingredients and dramatically improve environmental reporting with transparent disclosure of manufacturing sustainability and supply chain practices. The company should also commit to palm oil-free or 100% certified sustainable palm oil (CSPO) sourcing across all products, clearly communicating this on packaging.

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.