Chocolate is not typically regarded as a health food, given its high sugar content and limited nutritional value — yet one variety bucks that trend considerably. Dark chocolate, which contains a high percentage of cocoa solids and little to no milk, is considerably better for you than milk or white chocolate, according to nutrition experts.
Cocoa Bean Compounds Deliver Health Benefits
Nutrition experts attribute the benefits to phytochemicals in the cocoa bean that have anti-inflammatory, anticancer, and antihypertensive properties, says Whitney English, a registered dietitian at Whitney E.RD speaking to TODAY.com. "The more cocoa solids a product contains, the more nutritious it is. Dark chocolate contains the most cocoa bean solids and therefore is the most nutrient-dense," she added.
Dark chocolate also boasts a greater concentration of flavanoids, naturally occurring compounds associated with numerous health advantages. Specialists recommend opting for chocolate with a cocoa content exceeding 70% when seeking a more wholesome treat.
Expert Advice on Choosing Healthy Chocolate
"If you go for very high cocoa content, then you're less likely to get anything that's unhealthy. Pick something with the minimum number of ingredients on the label, and then you know you're going to get something that is really natural with very little taken away," says Professor Tim Spector, founder of ZOE. Put simply, the higher the cocoa content, the greater the health benefits.
Top Recommendations for 100% Cocoa Chocolate
Hamilton's Chocolatiers explain: "Imagine diving into a pool of antioxidants; that's what indulging in 100% cocoa chocolate is like. Cacao is packed with polyphenols, substances that fight oxidative stress and have the potential to quell inflammation. The high flavanol content in dark chocolate, particularly at 100% cocoa, can also promote a surge in heart health benefits."
Popular options include Hotel Chocolat's 100% Dark Chocolate Batons - Rare and Vintage, Montezuma's Dark Chocolate (available at Sainsbury's, suitable for vegans), and Firetree rich volcanic chocolate, which contains 14g of protein. According to Firetree's website: "The unique and complex flavours of this 100% cocoa are teased out during the long, slow process of whole bean roasting. This drives out any bitterness to reveal a deeply complex flavour that will surprise and delight the most refined chocolate palates."
It's worth keeping a close eye on the ingredients list to ensure the chocolate contains minimal amounts of sugar and milk.
