Best Dark Chocolate For Your Health

Do you crave chocolate? If so, you’re not alone. In fact, according to some estimates, up to 90% of people have a love affair with chocolate. But what kind of chocolate should you eat if you want the best health benefits? 

It turns out dark chocolate is the way to go. Keep reading to learn more about why dark chocolate is good for your health and find out which brands are the best bets for your diet.

Health Benefits Of Dark Chocolate

As anyone with a sweet tooth knows, there’s nothing quite like a rich, dark chocolate bar. In addition to being delicious, dark chocolate may have several health benefits. However, not all dark chocolate is created equal. Be on the lookout for added sugar, high fructose corn syrup, and unnecessary added ingredients.

Below are a few key benefits that you may notice if you decide to indulge in high-cocoa dark chocolate:

1. Dark chocolate is packed with antioxidants. These nutrients help to protect cells from damage and may help to reduce the risk of some chronic diseases.

2. Dark chocolate can improve heart health. Studies have shown that people who eat dark chocolate regularly have lower blood pressure and a reduced risk for heart disease.

3. Dark chocolate can help to improve cognitive function. One study found that people who ate dark chocolate every day for four weeks performed better on memory and attention tests than those who didn’t eat chocolate.

4. Dark chocolate can aid in weight loss. Though it may seem counterintuitive, dark chocolate can help you lose weight. Dark chocolate can help to increase feelings of fullness and reduce cravings for other snacks.

5. Dark chocolate could be a positive prevention key to cancer growth. Dark chocolate antioxidants may help protect cells from damage and reduce the risk of some types of cancer.

6. Dark chocolate can improve skin health. The antioxidants in dark chocolate can help protect the skin from damage caused by the sun and pollution and may even help reduce wrinkles.

7. Dark chocolate can boost brain function. The caffeine content in dark chocolate can help to improve focus and alertness, while flavonoids may help to improve memory and cognitive function.   

What Is The Best Dark Chocolate?

Dark chocolate is a type of chocolate that contains a higher percentage of cocoa solids, we like to focus on chocolates that are greater than 70% cocoa. It is also typically less sweet than milk chocolate, making it a popular choice for baking and cooking. In addition to its culinary uses, dark chocolate is also thought to have health benefits, as it contains antioxidants and flavonoids that can help to protect against disease. 

While dark chocolate can be enjoyed in many different ways, it is important to choose a high-quality product in order to get the most benefit. Look for dark chocolate with a minimum cocoa content of 60%, and check the label for added sugars or other unwanted ingredients. With its bold flavor and healthful properties, dark chocolate is an enjoyable and nutritious treat that can be enjoyed anytime.

Considering the benefits, we find these to be the Best Dark Chocolates:

1. Hu Dark Chocolate

Hu Dark Chocolate is our top choice. Made with cocoa butter and Fair Trade cocoa beans, Hu Dark Chocolate bars are some of the best dark chocolate bars on the market. And because they’re made without refined sugar, they’re much healthier for you.

Besides being delicious, Hu Dark Chocolate bars also have a number of health benefits. Cocoa butter is known for its hydrating properties, and dark chocolate is rich in antioxidants. So not only will you enjoy the taste of Hu Dark Chocolate, but you’ll also be doing your body a favor.

Top Features

• Only three ingredients – cacao beans, coconut sugar, and cocoa butter. 
• Made with unrefined organic coconut sugar – no added refined sugar or dairy. 
• Lower glycemic index than other dark chocolates due to the coconut sugar content. 
• Fairtrade and certified organic ingredients. 

Pros

1. The Hu dark chocolate brand uses only high-quality dark chocolate.
2. The dark chocolate bars from Hu are also very smooth and creamy.
3. The packaging of Hu dark chocolate is also very sleek and stylish.
4. Hu dark chocolate is also gluten-free, which is great news for those with gluten sensitivities or celiac disease.

Cons

1. It is relatively expensive

2. Pascha

Pascha dark chocolate is a brand of dark chocolate that is made from raw cacao beans. The beans are roasted and ground into a paste, which is then combined with cane sugar and natural flavor. The resulting dark bar is then cooled and formed into dark chocolate squares.

Pascha dark chocolate has a rich, dark flavor that is perfect for those who appreciate the taste of dark chocolate. The brand also offers dark chocolate bars in a variety of flavors, including mint and raspberry. Whether you’re a dark chocolate lover or simply looking for a new brand to try, Pascha dark chocolate is definitely worth checking out.

Top Features

• Pascha dark chocolate is made with high-quality cocoa beans, so it has a rich, complex flavor.
• In addition to cocoa beans, Pascha dark chocolate contains cocoa butter, and vanilla extract, with no soy lecithin.
• Pascha dark chocolate is darker than most other dark chocolates on the market, with a minimum cocoa content of 70%.
• Pascha dark chocolate is available in both bar and chip form.
• Most dark chocolates contain around 10% sugar, but Pascha’s dark bars contain only 5%. This makes them a great choice for people who are watching their sugar intake.

Pros

1. It has a natural taste
2. It doesn’t include the dutch process in the making
3. There is no soy lecithin

Cons

1. The taste can be quite bitter and overpowering.
2. Cocoa powder can cause stomach upset in some people.

3. Alter Eco

Alter Eco makes some of the best dark chocolate around. It is one of the most popular dark chocolate brands on the market. If you’re a milk chocolate lover, their dark chocolates will convert you. They make a few different kinds of dark chocolate, but my favorite is the Blackout Chocolate. It’s true dark chocolate, made with 72% cacao beans.

It’s rich and flavorful, with just the right amount of sweetness. And it’s also dairy-free and gluten-free. But what really sets Alter Eco apart is their commitment to social and environmental responsibility. Their cacao is sourced from small farmers in Peru, who are paid a fair wage for their products.

The company also offsets all of its carbon emissions, so you can feel good about indulging in its delicious chocolate without harming the planet. So if you’re looking for some truly delicious dark chocolate, Alter Eco is the way to go. Just be warned – you might become addicted!

Top Features

• It’s made with single-origin chocolate. This means that the cocoa beans come from a single source, which results in a more consistent flavor.
• Second, Alter Eco dark chocolate is semi-sweet. This means that it’s not too bitter but still has a rich flavor.
• The dark chocolate bar is made with organic ingredients.
• Alter Eco dark chocolate is Fair Trade certified.

Pros

1. Alter Eco chocolate is made with fair-trade cocoa beans and organic sugar, so you can feel good about supporting sustainable and ethical practices.
2. The chocolate has a deep, rich flavor that is perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth.
3. Alter Eco dark chocolate is perfect for baking or making chocolate ice cream – the possibilities are endless!
4. The cocoa butter in Alter Eco dark chocolate gives it a smooth texture and prevents it from being too sweet.
5. The small size of the bars makes them perfect for snacking or sharing with friends.

Cons

1. The flavors can be hit or miss. Some people love Alter Eco’s unique flavor profiles, while others find them too adventurous.
2. Some people prefer to avoid it for dietary reasons. If you’re lactose intolerant or vegan, make sure to look at the ingredients in Alter Eco before consuming.

4. Lindt Dark Chocolate

The Lindt Dark Chocolate Bar is a salty dark chocolate bar that is perfect for those who crave something sweet and salty at the same time. This bar chocolate is made with 72% cocoa, making it a great choice for those who want to get their daily recommended intake of cocoa.

The Lindt Dark Chocolate Bar has a smooth texture that melts in your mouth, making it a great choice for those who want a delicious and indulgent treat. This bar chocolate is also an excellent source of antioxidants, which can help to protect your cells from damage.

Top Features

• Rich, Intense Flavor: Perfect for dark chocolate lovers, the Lindt chocolate bar has a deep, complex flavor that is sure to satisfy.
• Touch Of Sea Salt: The addition of sea salt helps to balance the sweetness of the chocolate and creates an addictive flavor contrast.
• Generous Size: This bar is larger than your average chocolate bar, making it perfect for sharing… or not!
• Unprocessed Cocoa: The Lindt chocolate bar is made with unprocessed cocoa, which means it retains more of its natural antioxidants and flavonoids.
• Less Sugar: With less sugar than other dark chocolate bars on the market, the Lindt chocolate bar is a slightly healthier option.

Pros

1. The Lindt chocolate bar is a favorite among dark chocolate devotees.
2. It’s made with unprocessed cocoa and has less sugar than other brands, giving it a rich, dark flavor.
3. The bar is also sprinkled with a few flakes of sea salt, which enhances the sweetness of the chocolate.
4. One of the best things about the Lindt bar is that it’s big enough to share – but we often find ourselves devouring the whole thing in one sitting!

Cons

1. At 70% cocoa, it is on the dark side, which may not be to everyone’s taste.
2. Second, the whole bar is coated in a layer of dark chocolate, which can be a bit too much for some.
3. The Lindt bar contains sea salt, which some find to be an unwelcome addition.

5. Ghirardelli Intense Dark

The Ghirardelli intense dark chocolate is designed for those who love to taste dark chocolate. The chocolate is made with a blend of fair-trade cocoa beans, which gives it a rich and intense flavor.

The chocolate is also free of artificial flavors, colors, and preservatives. Ghirardelli Intense Dark is perfect for milk chocolate lovers who want to try something a little darker and more intense.

Top Features

• Ghirardelli dark chocolate bars are made with a blend of Dutch-processed and natural cocoa beans. This creates a deep, complex flavor that is perfect for dark chocolate lovers.
• The dark chocolate bars come in a variety of interesting flavors, including Sea Salt Soiree (which won a Sofi Award in 2018), Toffee Interlude, and Espresso Escape.
• Ghirardelli dark chocolate is perfect for baking. The intensity of the flavor means that you can use less chocolate while still getting a rich, delicious result.
• This chocolate is also available in miniature squares, perfect for satisfying your dark chocolate craving without overindulging.

Pros

1. Ghirardelli Intense Dark is a line of dark chocolate bars that are made with Dutch-processed cocoa.
2. The cocoa is sourced from various regions, including Ghana, Ecuador, and the Dominican Republic.
3. Each bar has a unique flavor profile that is designed to showcase the different characteristics of cocoa beans.
4. The bars are also all 72% cacao, making them some of the darkest chocolate bars on the market.

Cons

1. Ghirardelli Intense Dark chocolate bars are made with Dutch-processed cocoa, which can give them a more bitter flavor than other dark chocolates.
2. However, some of these flavors may be too intense for some dark chocolate lovers.

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Final Thoughts

So, what’s the verdict? Eat more dark chocolate!

It’s one of the best sweet snacks and has amazing health benefits. Make sure you pick a good quality dark chocolate with at least 70% cocoa and minimal sugar. Next time you’re tempted by a dessert that you know hasn’t treated you well in the past, reach for the dark chocolate instead!