Top 5 Best Dark Chocolate For Health 2024
By Editorial | September 12, 2024
Dark chocolate tastes **amazing** and is super **healthy**! Full of **antioxidants** and vitamins, it provides a bunch of health benefits. Uncover the top dark chocolate choices for your well-being and find some cool tricks for picking the best bar.
When it comes to dark chocolate, the higher the percentage of cocoa solids, the better it is for you. Look for chocolate with at least 70% cocoa solids to get the most health benefits. Dark chocolate is rich in flavanols, which are antioxidants that can help to lower blood pressure, improve blood flow, and reduce the risk of heart disease.
Another important factor to consider when selecting dark chocolate is the quality of the ingredients. Look for chocolate made with organic cocoa beans and minimal added sugars. Avoid chocolate that contains hydrogenated oils, artificial flavors, or other additives.
When it comes to selecting the best dark chocolate for health, it’s important to remember that moderation is key. While dark chocolate can provide health benefits, it’s still a high-calorie food that should be enjoyed in moderation as part of a balanced diet. So go ahead and indulge in a square or two of high-quality dark chocolate, and enjoy the many health benefits it has to offer.
Best Dark Chocolate for Health
We all love indulging in chocolate treats every now and then, but did you know that dark chocolate can actually be good for your health? Packed with antioxidants and nutrients, dark chocolate has been linked to a variety of health benefits, including improved heart health and brain function. In this article, we’ve rounded up the best dark chocolate options for those looking to boost their health while satisfying their sweet tooth.
Bouchard Premium Belgian Dark Chocolate with 72% Cacao | Individually Wrapped Pieces (2 LB) Dark 72% 2 Pound (Pack of 1)
If you are looking for a delicious, healthy, and guilt-free dark chocolate option, Bouchard Premium Belgian Dark Chocolate with 72% Cacao is a great choice.
Pros
- Bouchard chocolate is made in Belgium with real, quality ingredients and contains no soy or vanilla. It is an excellent source of natural flavonoids and other antioxidants, making it a healthy treat.
- This dark chocolate is vegan, keto-friendly, diet-friendly, kosher, non-GMO, and gluten-free. It is also alkaline-free and an excellent source of fiber and iron.
- Each piece of Bouchard chocolate contains only 28 calories and 50% less sugar than Bouchard Milk Chocolate, making it a perfect snack for those who are watching their calorie intake.
Cons
- The Bouchard chocolate bar is quite large, which may be an issue for some customers who prefer smaller-sized treats.
- Some customers may find the taste of Bouchard chocolate too strong or too bitter for their liking.
- The price of Bouchard chocolate is higher than some other brands on the market, which may be a concern for those on a budget.
Bouchard Belgian Dark Chocolate is a delicious and healthy treat that we highly recommend. The chocolate is made with real, quality ingredients and contains no soy or vanilla, making it a great option for those with food sensitivities. Additionally, it is vegan, keto-friendly, diet-friendly, kosher, non-GMO, and gluten-free, making it a perfect snack for those who are watching their calorie intake. Each piece of Bouchard chocolate contains only 28 calories and 50% less sugar than Bouchard Milk Chocolate, making it a guilt-free indulgence.
ChocZero 70% Cocoa Special Keto Dark Chocolate Bark
If you’re looking for a healthy yet delicious dark chocolate, then ChocZero 70% Cocoa Special Keto Dark Chocolate Bark is definitely worth considering.
Pros
- The 70% cocoa content gives it a balanced taste that’s not too bitter nor too overpowering.
- It’s sweetened with monk fruit, which is a natural, zero-calorie sweetener that doesn’t spike blood sugar levels.
- It’s low-carb and low-calorie, making it perfect for those on keto or other low-carb diets.
Cons
- It’s a bit expensive compared to other dark chocolate brands.
- The pieces are small, so you might end up eating more than you intended.
- Some people might find it too dark for their taste.
ChocZero 70% Cocoa Special Keto Dark Chocolate Bark is a great option for those who want to indulge in a sweet treat without compromising their health. The chocolate is smooth and velvety, with a subtle sweetness that’s not overpowering.
The fact that it’s sweetened with monk fruit instead of sugar or artificial sweeteners is a big plus, as it means you can enjoy it without worrying about spiking your blood sugar levels.
At only 50 calories and 1g net carb per square, it’s an ideal snack for those on keto or other low-carb diets. The prebiotic fiber in the chocolate also makes it a healthy choice for your gut microbiome.
The only downside is that it’s a bit expensive compared to other dark chocolate brands. However, the high-quality ingredients and the fact that it’s specifically crafted for healthy snacking make it worth the price.
In conclusion, if you’re looking for a delicious and healthy dark chocolate, ChocZero 70% Cocoa Special Keto Dark Chocolate Bark is definitely worth trying.
Lindt EXCELLENCE 95% Cocoa Dark Chocolate Bar
If you are a dark chocolate lover and looking for a premium quality chocolate bar, then Lindt EXCELLENCE 95% Cocoa Dark Chocolate Bar could be the perfect choice for you.
Pros
- The Lindt EXCELLENCE 95% Cocoa Dark Chocolate Bar is made with premium quality ingredients.
- This gourmet chocolate bar is perfect for baking, as a gift, or for pairing with after-dinner drinks.
- The chocolate bars are portioned into squares, making it easy to enjoy a balanced complexity in every bite.
Cons
- The Lindt EXCELLENCE 95% Cocoa Dark Chocolate Bar may be too bitter for those who prefer sweeter chocolate.
- It is more expensive than other chocolate bars on the market.
- The chocolate bar may melt during shipping in hot weather.
The Lindt EXCELLENCE 95% Cocoa Dark Chocolate Bar is a full-bodied dark chocolate bar that features a deep, dark color and attractive aroma. The chocolate has well-balanced cocoa notes that are robust, but not too intense, and has an exceptionally silky feel. The sophisticated flavors in this dark chocolate candy bar make it the perfect pairing with cabernet sauvignon.
The Lindt EXCELLENCE 95% Cocoa Dark Chocolate Bars come pre-portioned into bite-sized squares, ensuring balanced complexity in each bite. The gourmet chocolate is masterfully crafted using the highest-quality ingredients from world-renowned regions, embodying the passion and craftsmanship of Lindt Master Chocolatiers.
In conclusion, if you are looking for a premium quality dark chocolate bar that is perfect for baking, gifting, or pairing with after-dinner drinks, then the Lindt EXCELLENCE 95% Cocoa Dark Chocolate Bar is an excellent choice. Although it may be too bitter for some, the chocolate’s premium quality, exceptional taste, and balanced complexity make it worth the investment.
Bouchard Belgian Dark Chocolate Gluten-Free 72% Cacao
If you’re looking for a healthy and delicious dark chocolate, Bouchard Belgian Dark Chocolate is a great option.
Pros
- The ridges on the chocolate make for a unique and enjoyable texture while also enhancing the cocoa flavor.
- Made with real, quality ingredients in Belgium, this chocolate is free of soy and vanilla.
- Bouchard Belgian Dark Chocolate is vegan-friendly, keto-friendly, diet-friendly, non-GMO, gluten-free, and an excellent source of fiber and iron.
Cons
- Some customers have reported the price being a bit high.
- The individually wrapped pieces may not be ideal for those who prefer larger bars.
- The taste may be too bitter for those who prefer sweeter chocolate.
Bouchard Belgian Dark Chocolate is an excellent source of natural flavonoids and other antioxidants, making it a great choice for those looking to indulge in something sweet while still being health-conscious. The unique ridges on the chocolate enhance the cocoa flavor and make for a fun texture.
Made with real, quality ingredients in Belgium, this chocolate is free of soy and vanilla, making it perfect for those with dietary restrictions. Bouchard Belgian Dark Chocolate is vegan-friendly, keto-friendly, diet-friendly, non-GMO, gluten-free, and an excellent source of fiber and iron.
While some customers have reported the price being a bit high, the quality of the chocolate makes it worth it. The individually wrapped pieces may not be ideal for those who prefer larger bars, but they do make for a convenient and portion-controlled snack. The taste may be too bitter for those who prefer sweeter chocolate, but for those who enjoy the taste of dark chocolate, Bouchard Belgian Dark Chocolate is a great choice.
Trader Joe’s 72% Cacao Belgian Dark Chocolate Bars (1 Pack of 3) Cacao 1.65 Ounce (Pack of 3)
If you are looking for a delicious and healthy dark chocolate option, Trader Joe’s 72% Cacao Belgian Dark Chocolate Bars is a great option to consider.
Pros
- This chocolate is imported from Belgium, ensuring its high quality and rich flavor.
- It is vegan-friendly, with no added dairy or animal products.
- It contains no artificial colors, flavors, or preservatives.
Cons
- The bars are smaller in size compared to regular candy bars.
- Some customers have reported that the texture can be a bit chalky.
- The packaging is not resealable, which can be inconvenient for some.
The Trader Joe’s 72% Cacao Belgian Dark Chocolate Bars are made with high-quality cacao imported from Belgium, which gives them a rich and satisfying flavor. The chocolate is also vegan-friendly, with no added dairy or animal products, making it a great option for those who are looking for a healthier chocolate alternative.
One downside to this product is that the bars are smaller in size compared to regular candy bars. However, the smaller size can be a plus for those who are looking for a portion-controlled snack. Some customers have also reported that the texture of the chocolate can be a bit chalky, but this is a matter of personal preference.
Overall, if you are looking for a delicious and healthy dark chocolate option, the Trader Joe’s 72% Cacao Belgian Dark Chocolate Bars are definitely worth considering. They are a great value for the price and offer a rich and satisfying chocolate experience.
Buying Guide
When looking for the best dark chocolate for health, there are a few things to keep in mind. Here are some features to consider:
Cocoa Percentage
The cocoa percentage in dark chocolate can range from 50% to 100%. The higher the percentage, the less sugar and more cocoa solids the chocolate contains. Look for a chocolate with at least 70% cocoa to get the most health benefits.
Quality Ingredients
The quality of the ingredients used in the chocolate can affect its health benefits. Look for chocolate made with high-quality cocoa beans and minimal added ingredients, such as sugar and milk.
Organic and Fair Trade
Choose chocolate that is organic and fair trade certified. This ensures that the cocoa beans were grown without harmful pesticides and that the farmers who grew them were paid fairly.
Dark Chocolate vs. Milk Chocolate
Dark chocolate is a healthier option than milk chocolate because it contains less sugar and more cocoa solids. However, not all dark chocolate is created equal, so be sure to check the cocoa percentage and quality of ingredients.
In summary, when choosing the best dark chocolate for health, look for a high cocoa percentage, quality ingredients, organic and fair trade certification, and opt for dark chocolate over milk chocolate.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the health benefits of consuming 70% dark chocolate?
Consuming 70% dark chocolate in moderation can provide several health benefits. It contains antioxidants that can help reduce inflammation and improve heart health. Additionally, it may help lower blood pressure and improve insulin sensitivity.
How does dark chocolate contribute to weight loss?
Dark chocolate can contribute to weight loss when consumed in moderation as it can help curb cravings and reduce appetite. It also contains compounds that can boost metabolism and increase fat burning.
Which brands offer the healthiest dark chocolate bars?
There are several brands that offer healthy dark chocolate bars, including Lindt Excellence, Green & Black’s Organic, and Theo Chocolate. Look for bars that are at least 70% cocoa and free from additives like sugar and artificial flavors.
What factors determine the healthiest percentage of dark chocolate?
The healthiest percentage of dark chocolate depends on individual preferences and health goals. Generally, a percentage of 70% or higher is recommended as it contains more cocoa and less sugar. However, it is important to consume dark chocolate in moderation as it is still high in calories.
How can you identify dark chocolate that is free from heavy metals?
To identify dark chocolate that is free from heavy metals, look for brands that conduct third-party testing and have certifications like USDA Organic or Fair Trade. Additionally, choose bars that are made with cocoa beans sourced from countries with strict regulations on heavy metal contamination.
What are the advantages of choosing organic dark chocolate?
Choosing organic dark chocolate can provide several advantages, including avoiding exposure to harmful pesticides and supporting sustainable farming practices. Organic dark chocolate is also free from genetically modified organisms (GMOs) and artificial additives.