Omnom’s chocolate sculptures unite design, taste and sustainability from bean to bite

Chocolatier Omnom and designer Theodóra Alfreðsdóttir present 'Merge', a tasty Icelandic project exploring how to reduce waste within the chocolate-making process

Omnom and Theodóra Alfreðsdóttir chocolates on husk sculptures
Omnom and designer Theodóra Alfreðsdóttir’s ‘Merge’ project turns waste cacao husk into mini sculptures to display chocolates
(Image credit: Studio Frae)

Omnom and Theodóra Alfreðsdóttir whip up a harmonious blend of chocolate and design, creating a showcase of delectable confectionary morsels that taste as good as they look.

Omnom, a small-batch Icelandic chocolatier, united with product designer Alfreðsdóttir to think of a solution to reduce waste within the chocolate-making process. Husk is a common by-product of the cacao bean, with six kilos of husk collected every day at Omnom alone.

Merge by Omnom and Theodóra Alfreðsdóttir

Omnom and Theodóra Alfreðsdóttir chocolates on husk sculptures

(Image credit: Studio Frae)

Merging their creative minds, the impactful team tapped into the cacao shell's potential. As a result, their collaboration aims to create a circular system within the chocolate industry, where the by-product and end product meet in the form of small husk sculptures that display tasty chocolate shapes.

Omnom and Theodóra Alfreðsdóttir chocolates on husk sculptures

(Image credit: Studio Frae)

Omnom and Theodóra Alfreðsdóttir chocolates on husk sculptures

(Image credit: Studio Frae)

The partnership came about on the occasion of Design March, the annual Icelandic design festival, which hosts more than 100 events across the city of Reykjavik, held in late April over five days. The project was exhibited at the Omnom Chocolate Factory, where visitors could immerse themselves in the story of chocolate’s origin, from bean to bite.

Omnom and Theodóra Alfreðsdóttir chocolates on husk sculptures

(Image credit: Studio Frae)

Through flavours, Omnom nods to its Icelandic roots, with birch, barley, liquorice, and rhubarb chocolate bonbons. The larger rectangular chocolate blocks feature speckled detailing that is inspired by surrounding landscapes. Alfreðsdóttir shares the same Icelandic connection, channelling her adoration for her country through the sculptural husk plinths the chocolate sits on, which touch on personal memories for the London-based designer.

Omnom and Theodóra Alfreðsdóttir chocolates on husk sculptures

(Image credit: Studio Frae)

Much like the flavours, the designs are inspired by Icelandic nature and culture. In Alfreðsdóttir's notable geometric style, they come in a variety of shapes, from smooth spheres, to pointed cone shapes, and curved crisp-like forms.

omnomchocolate.com

theodoraalfredsdottir.com

Tianna Williams is the Editorial Executive at Wallpaper*. Before joining the team in 2023, she has contributed to BBC Wales, SurfGirl Magazine, and Parisian Vibe, with work spanning from social media content creation to editorial. Now, her role covers writing across varying content pillars for Wallpaper*.