What Is Dark Chocolate?

Dark chocolate is produced by adding fat and sugar to cocoa. It differs from milk chocolate in that it contains little to no milk solids.

It also goes by other common names, including bittersweet and semisweet chocolate. These differ slightly in sugar content, but can be used interchangeably in cooking and baking.

Usually the simplest way to know if your chocolate is “dark” or not is to select one with a 70% or higher total cocoa content.

What is the benefits of dark chocolate?

1. Very nutritious

If you buy quality dark chocolate with a high cocoa content, then it’s quite nutritious.It contains a decent amount of soluble fiber and is loaded with minerals.

A 100-gram bar of dark chocolate with 70–85% cocoa contains :

• 604 calories
  

• 7.87 g of protein

• 43.06 g of fat

• 46.36 g of carbohydrates

• 11.00 g of dietary fiber

• 24.23 g of sugar

• 12.02 milligrams (mg) of iron

• 230.00 mg of magnesium

• 3.34 mg of zinc

In addition, it has plenty of potassium, phosphorus, zinc, and selenium.

Of course, 100 grams (3.5 ounces) is a fairly large amount and not something you should be consuming daily. These nutrients also come with 600 calories and moderate amounts of sugar.For this reason, dark chocolate is best consumed in moderation.

2. Source of antioxidants

Cocoa and dark chocolate have a wide variety of powerful antioxidants. In fact, they have way more than most other foods.

3.Improve blood flow and lower blood pressure

The bioactive compounds in cocoa may improve blood flow in the arteries and cause a small but statistically significant decrease in blood pressure.

4.Reduce heart disease risk

The compounds in dark chocolate appear to be highly protective against the oxidation of LDL.In the long term, this should cause much less cholesterol to lodge in the arteries, resulting in a lower risk of heart disease.

5.Raises HDL and protects LDL from oxidation

Dark chocolate improves several important risk factors for disease. It lowers the susceptibility of LDL to oxidative damage while increasing HDL and improving insulin sensitivity.

6.Protect your skin from the sun

The bioactive compounds in dark chocolate may also be great for your skin.Studies show that the flavanols from cocoa can improve blood flow to the skin and protect it from sun damage.

 7.Improve brain function

Cocoa or dark chocolate may improve brain function by increasing blood flow. It also contains stimulants like caffeine and theobromine.

Best Dark Chocolate Buying Guide

For starters, a true dark chocolate will never list sugar as one of its primary ingredients. Let’s look at a few more factors that will help you mark off authentic dark chocolates.

• What Should You Consider When Buying Dark Chocolate?

1.Nutrition

When it comes to breaking ties between milky chocolates, dark chocolates, and hardcore dark chocolates, you simply do that by comparing the amount of fat and sugar in the ingredients. Normally, you’ll find dark chocolates to be nutritionally similar all over; saturated fat, cocoa, some sugar to fight the natural tartness of cocoa, etc. However, it’s the amount of fat and sugar that’ll help you choose the best dark chocolate – the lesser the better!

2.Clean Cocoa

So, the percentage of cocoa in a truly dark chocolate bar is over 80% or at least greater than 70%. Plus, the cocoa must not have gone through the dutch process (it’s when alkalizing agent is used to reduce the natural acidity of cocoa, giving it a less bitter taste). It’s basically another layer of processing – certainly not good for your ideal dark choco.

3.Texture and Taste

Dark chocolate is anything but pale or chalky! It’s always rich, creamy, and silky-ish in texture. This happens due to the unprocessed cocoa and less sugar in the chocolate mix.

• What Are The Traits of a Healthy Dark Chocolate?

When choosing a healthy dark chocolate for eating, here are the qualities to look for in a healthy bar.

1. High cacao content

2. Low sugar content

3. Few additives and overall ingredients

4. No added flavor

5. No preservatives

6. Not “dutched” or processed with alkali

7. Processed at a low temperature.

If your chocolate says “processed with alkali” on the nutrition label, then it’s going to have fewer flavanols. Processing with alkali is called “Dutching“, and is done to reduce acidity, and makes the chocolate a darker color (and arguably improves the flavor). 

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14 Best 70-100% Cocoa Dark Chocolates 

1.73% Nicaragua - 60gr Icelandic Bean To Bar Chocolate by Omnom Chocolate

Price and where to buy:$17.99（@Amazon）

When you really want to savor chocolate’s terrior, you need to find a single-source chocolate, like this Nicaraguan 73 percent bar from Omnom. The chocolate is organic, the sugar is organic cane sugar, and the bars are made in Iceland. Omnon has been making bean-to-bar chocolates there since 2013; many including Icelandic milk powder.The packaging is worth noting, with fanciful origami-like animals on the cardboard wrap, and even the bars are scored whimsically. 

Key Features

• Made from organic, single origin Nicaraguan cocoa beans

• Made in Iceland

• Single Origin Craft Chocolate

• Bean to Bar

• Made with organic cane sugar

Pros 

• Eye-catching packaging

• Rich dark chocolate flavor with tart undertones

• Pairs well with wine

Cons

• Not for those who like sweet, lighter dark chocolates

2.Divine Chocolate 85% Dark Chocolate Bar

Price and where to buy:$17.99（@Vitacost + 2% cashback）

This dark chocolate contains 85% cocoa and is hands down one of the best you’ll ever taste. It comes loaded with a silky-smooth texture and at the same time it’s not bitter. It neither has palm oil nor soy; contains no artificial flavors. However, it may contain a bit of milk, nuts, and coconut.

Key Features

• Each bar weighs around 3 oz and measures 19.6” x 6.6” x 6.6”

• Each bar is almost two servings; each serving has 16g carb, 4g protein, 6g fiber, 6g sugar, and a total of 36g fat

• This dark chocolate may contain milk and nuts

Pros

• This dark chocolate is healthy, creamy, and delicious

• It comes at a great price and offers good nutrition

Cons

• It will not always be dairy-free;

• may contain milk, wheat, almond, hazelnut, and coconut

3.Godiva Signature 72% Cacao Dark Chocolate Mini Bars

Price and where to buy:$47.40（@Godiva + 5% cashback）

Unwrap the decadent taste of Godiva chocolate with our Signature 72% Dark Chocolate Mini Bars. Crafted in the Belgian tradition of chocolate making, with attention to roasting and blending using the highest quality ingredients, these scrumptious chocolate treats offer a delicious, complex flavor. Enjoy intense cacao notes and a luxuriously smooth texture, with a fruity cacao finish. This daily indulgence is perfect for those afternoon chocolate cravings or for sharing with a friend.

Key Features

• Each Godiva Signature Chocolate Mini Bars package features 8 perfectly portioned mini bars, individually wrapped in gold foil and placed in a resealable carton packaging

• Unwrap a perfectly portioned Signature Mini Bar to experience the wonder of Godiva Belgian style chocolate.

• Enjoy 8 individually wrapped mini bars of rich and Smooth Godiva 72% Cacao Dark Chocolate

Pros

• Filling doesn't overwhelm dark chocolate exterior

• Silky, rich texture

• Slightly sweeter than comparable dark chocolates

Cons

• May be messy to eat
  

4.Hu Simple Dark Chocolate 70% Cacao

Price and where to buy:$17.99（@Target）

Hu’s Simple Dark Chocolate bar is made with only 3 simple, organic ingredients. Simple Dark uses organic house-ground 70% cacao and subtle caramel notes from organic unrefined coconut sugar. Ingredient lists have never been so simple: organic cacao, organic unrefined coconut sugar, and organic cocoa butter. Delicious dark chocolate made with No Weird Ingredients. Ever. 

Key Features

• Certified Organic, Gluten-Free, Paleo, and Vegan
  

• Organic 70% Cacao

• No Refined Sugar

Pros

• Organic, vegan, and paleo

• No refined sugar or dairy

• Rich, creamy, and flavorful

Cons

• Expensive
  

5.Guittard 70% Bittersweet Cocoa Baking Bars

Price and where to buy:$34.57（@Amazon）

When it’s time to make chocolate mousse, chocolate ice cream, chocolate fondue, or baked goods that require melted or chunked chocolate, these baking bars give an excellent result. They’re 70 percent bittersweet chocolate so they’re not too sweet when added to a cookie recipe that requires sugar, and they’re not too assertive for ganache or mousse. While the boxes look substantial, they each contain three 2-ounce bars, so they’re easy to cut, chop, or break.

Key Features

• Guittard Heat Sensitive Item, See Seller Details about refunds before ordering during the Summer Months

• 70% Bittersweet Cocoa

• Baking Bars

• 6oz Package

Pros

• Deep, lush flavor

• Low in sugar but not too bitter

• Also great for snacking

Cons

• Slightly pricey
  

6.Bouchard Belgian Napolitains Premium Dark Chocolate

Price and where to buy: $44.99（@Costco + $3 cashback）

Bouchard Napolitains are made with delicious Belgian dark chocolate in the city of Ghent using only the finest ingredients.  Compared to the average milk chocolate bar, our Dark 72% Napolitains may have as much as 50% less sugar.  Each Napolitain is ridged on one side. This is no accident: the ridges expose your mouth to more of that rich 72% cacao flavor.

Key Features

• It comes in 1-kg package and the chocolate contains 72% cacao 

• The Bouchard Belgian Dark Chocolate is an excellent source of iron and fiber

• It contains 50% less sugar than average chocolate bar; delivers a rich, dark chocolate experience

Pros

• It has a luxurious deep color and touch with fine ridges that give you an intense burst of flavor that you need from a dark chocolate

• It comes in a probiotic flavoring as well

Cons

• It needs to be stored well under suggested temperature conditions

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Details

7.Lindt 85% Cocoa Dark Chocolate EXCELLENCE Bar 

Price and where to buy:$3.99（@Lindt + 8% cashback）

This Lindt Excellent bar is a full-bodied extra dark chocolate that is distinguished by powerful earthiness and notes of spice, licorice, and dried fruits. It comes with variations in cocoa percentage and this exact bar contains 85% cocoa! You may utilize its richness for baking, gifting, savoring it as a whole, or enjoying the sophisticated gourmet experience of it.

Key Features

• It comes in 70%, 85%, and 90% cocoa variations and is available in a bunch of flavors

• It contains bourbon vanilla beans, demerara sugar, cocoa butter, and cocoa powder

• The dark chocolate bar with 90% cocoa goes through the dutch-process 

• Each bar is 3.5oz of dark chocolate and measures about 3.5” x 9.5”

Pros

• It’s available in a plethora of flavors, varying cocoa percentages, and premium ingredients; making it a diverse choice

• It contains caffeine and is dairy-free

Cons

• Each bar may contain traces of tree nuts, peanuts, and soybean

8.Ghirardelli  72% Cacao Twilight Delight Bar (Case of 12)

Price and where to buy:$32.95（@Ghirardelli Chocolate + 8% cashback）

One of the great things about chocolate squares (think of them as mini chocolate bars) is that they can promote mindful eating, helping you slow down and truly enjoy the treat, says Binder-McAsey. This 72 percent cacao chocolate is dark, rich, and flavorful, as well as smooth. This is the type of chocolate that you want to break off just a little bit and let it melt in your mouth before moving onto the next piece.

Key Features

• The Ghirardelli Twilight Delight Bag contains a complex blend of dark chocolate that melts slowly and for an unforgettable experience;

• Ghirardelli Intense Dark Chocolate Squares - 72% Cacao – Dark chocolate with hints of mocha, blackberry and cherry.

Pros

• Highest-quality cocoa beans;

• Luscious raspberry filling;

• Make the best gift for any chocolate lover.

Cons

• Not cheap

9.Endangered 72% Cacao Species Dark Chocolate

Price and where to buy:$23（@Amazon）

The Endangered Species Chocolate bars are available in multiple flavor mashups and contain high levels of healthful antioxidants. Each bar contains over 70% cocoa and they come with all the essential certifications. It’s also important to know that 10% of the annual net profits generated by Endangered Species contribute in protecting wildlife and at-risk species.

Key Features

• It’s available in multiple flavorings and cocoa content; the Forest Mint contains 72% cocoa

• They’re non-GMO verified, fair-trade certified, and vegan certified

• This dark chocolate is available in packs of 4, 8 and, 12 and each bar weighs 3oz

Pros

• The 10% giveback policy on the Endangered Species brand helps you spend amount for at-risk species;

• It has a rich cocoa content, high nutrition, and interesting new flavors; lemon dark chocolate for instance.

Cons

• They’re not sweet at all;

• not for the sweet-toothed.

10. Lily's 70% Cocoa Salted Almond Dark Chocolate Bar

Price and where to buy:$39.99（@Amazon）

This Extra Dark Chocolate by Lily’s is a low-carb, keto-diet friendly bar with 70% cocoa. It comes loaded with its natural richness and contains stevia for sugar – a zero calorie botanical sweetener derived from the plant Stevia Rebaudiana. It contains non-GMO ingredients, is available in a couple of flavorings and is dairy-free.

Key Features

• It contains 70% cocoa and comes in a pack of 12 bars

• Each bar weighs around 2.8 oz

• This dark chocolate has low carbs, is keto-friendly, and is botanically-sweetened

Pros

• The Lily’s Dark chocolate bars are available in 4 flavors

• This dark chocolate can be utilized for baking as well as snacking

• The 70% cocoa bars are 100% vegan

Cons

• The orange flavor is negligible;

• little to no palate

11.Raaka 100% Cacao Chocolate Bar

Price and where to buy:$14.95（@Amazon）

Most chocolate starts with roasting the beans, but Raaka chocolates are made from unroasted beans. This 100 percent cacao bar is a great way to savor the chocolate without the distraction of added flavors. Despite the ultimate cacao percentage, the company notes that this chocolate is not bitter, but rather it is creamy, bright, and fruity—and many customers who prefer 100 percent dark chocolate agree, saying that it's among the smoothest and creamiest they've tried, with no bitter aftertaste.

Key Features

• RAAKA GOURMET CHOCOLATE Featuring 100% Cacao dark chocolate with no added sugar.

• FLAVOR: 100% Cacao is just that – one hundred percent pure Tanzanian cacao; 

• UNROASTED CHOCOLATE: With our Bean-to-Bar process, Raaka is devoted to making the most uncommonly delicious chocolate the world has ever known;

Pros

• Made from 100 percent organic cacao

• Creamy and bright-tasting for a very dark chocolate bar

• Works with keto and paleo diets

Cons

• May be too bitter for some
  

12.Beyond Good Toasted Coconut Dark Chocolate 70% Cocoa

Price and where to buy:$14.29（@Amazon）

Beyond Good (formerly called Madécasse) chocolate was started in 2008 by a pair of Peace Corps volunteers teaching English in Madagascar. Upon realizing that more than 70 percent of the world’s cacao comes from Africa but less than 1 percent of the world’s chocolate is actually made there, Beyond Good's founders resolved to change that. If that fact isn’t enough to get you to bite, the flavor might: In pairing fruit and chocolate, the company’s goal is to transport you to the beaches of Madagascar.

Key Features

• Package Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 7.2 x 3.86 x 2.6 inches; 9.21 Ounces

• TOASTED COCONUT – One taste of the toasted coconut combined with dark， fruity 70% dark chocolate will transport you to the Indian Ocean beaches of Madagascar.

• HEIRLOOM MADAGASCAR DARK CHOCOLATE – Madagascar is home to Criollo cocoa。

Pros

• Deep chocolate flavor with the right amount of spice

• Very few ingredients that are all-organic

• Great for both making hot chocolate and snacking on

Cons

• May be messy to eat

13.Pralus Le 100% Chocolate Bar

Price and where to buy:$18.99（@Amazon）

Pralus, situated in Roanne, France, are one of the few chocolate houses creating chocolate direct from the cocoa bean. Owner, François Pralus, produces chocolate of exceptional quality, achieving accolades from The Grand Prix d’Excellence International du Chocolat and the Grand Prix du Festival International du Chocolat.This single origin, dark chocolate bar uses only organic, fine flavour, Criollo cocoa from Madagascar. A very creamy texture. This 100% dark chocolate bar contains no sugar so also suitable for diabetics.

Key Features

• Alcohol free

• No added sugar

• Organic

• Suitable for vegetarians

• Wheat & Gluten free

Pros

• organic chocolate

• chocolate candy

• Grand Cru chocolate

• 100% cocoa chocolate bar

Cons

• A little expensive

14.Guylian Belgian chocolate Dark 72% 3.53oz bar

Price and where to buy:$17.99（@Amazon）

Discover the great taste of Guylian’s Premium Dark Chocolate, containing 72% pure cocoa content, made with carefully selected ingredients. Treat yourself to the ultimate indulgence as you experience the deep cocoa flavour of Guylian’s velvety-smooth Dark Belgian Chocolate bars.

Key Features

• Belgian chocolate quality

• 72% cocoa

• 3.52 oz bar

Pros

• It comes at a great price and offers good nutrition;

• Using 100% sustainable cocoa out of respect for nature and the cocoa farmers.

Cons

• They’re not sweet at all;

• not for the sweet-toothed.

More Strongest Dark Chocolate Bars

The more cacao the bar has, the stronger the bar is. Several of the healthy brands offer really strong dark chocolate bars.

• Alter Eco 90% Super Dark

• Taza 95% Wicked Dark

• Pure 7 100% Bar

• Ghirardelli 92% Intense dark

• Pacari 100% and 101% Raw

• Vivani 92% Bar

• ChocZero 92% Ultimate Dark

• Sam’s Choice 90% Dark

What To Watch Out For When Buying Dark Chocolate?

Just like a true dark chocolate will never flaunt its sugar percentage or artificial flavor, there are a couple more factors that define an ideal dark chocolate.  if you’re aiming to claim maximum health benefits, you’d want to watch out for the following things in addition to sugar and fat content.

1.Allergens

Many a time, you’ll find dark chocolates labels saying, “It may contain milk” – this directly refers to dark chocolate being processed same as chocolate products containing milk. However, if you try hard enough, you’ll be able to find dark chocolates without milk as well – the ideal scenario if you’re lactose intolerant.

2.Peanuts

In addition to milk, some dark chocolates come loaded with traces of peanuts and may or may not have any labeling introducing so. Therefore, a good practice is to go through reviews to find out if they contain peanuts – and of course this is only suggested if you’re allergic.

3.Heavy Metals

There have been traces of Lead and Cadmium in chocolates in the recent years. However, the presence of these metals has to do with the presence of them in the soil in which cocoa is grown. This is only alarming if you’re consuming a lot of dark chocolate.

4.Genetically Modified Ingredients

Some manufacturers use GMO (genetically modified ingredients) in chocolates. This is normally soy lecithin which is a byproduct of processed soybeans and prevents water and fat from separating. Therefore, always go for non-GMO dark chocolate when you’re shopping for one.

Dark Chocolate FAQs

1.How much dark chocolate should you eat a day?

Generally used 20–30 g of dark chocolate per day. Dark chocolate with higher percentages of cacao solids typically contains less sugar but more fat. More cacao also means more flavanols, so it is best to choose dark chocolate that includes at least 70 percent cacao solids.

2.How much Cocoa is healthy in a dark chocolate?

The healthiest dark chocolate has a cocoa percentage of 70% or higher. Cocoa is not only great for your heart and brain health but also actively contributes to healthy teeth and skin.

3.What is the difference between Cocoa and Cacao?

While these both are very similar; cocoa is processed at a much higher temperature. On the contrary, cacao powder is made from non-roasted fermented beans. This makes cacao higher in protein, fiber, magnesium, and iron for obvious reasons.

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