It might sound too good to be true, but we’re pleased to announce that it’s not: chocolate really does come with some health benefits. But not all bars are created equally. While vegan milk chocolate is delicious, dark chocolate has the most nutritional benefits. But there are many brands on the market today making rich, indulgent, incredibly tasty dark chocolate, giving us a win-win (one for the taste buds and one for our health). Find out more below.
Is dark chocolate actually healthy?
Research suggests that, when consumed in moderation, dark chocolate does have some health benefits. This is largely to do with its antioxidant content—dark chocolate contains flavonoids, which are associated with reducing inflammation in the body.
In fact, in 2011, one study published in the Chemistry Central Journal declared that dark chocolate was a better source of certain antioxidants than fruit powders and juices, including blueberry and cranberry powders. “Borrowing terminology from popular media, cacao seeds should be considered a ‘super fruit’ and products derived from cacao seed extracts, such as natural cocoa powder and dark chocolate, as ‘superfoods,’” declared the study authors at the time.
Flavonoids, like those found in dark chocolate, are associated with a number of health benefits, including a lower risk of chronic diseases, including heart disease, type 2 diabetes, and cancer. This is because they help to tackle harmful free radical damage in the body. Free radicals are unstable molecules that can damage cells, and over time, this damage can lead to disease.
Dark chocolate also contains minerals, like magnesium, iron, and zinc. For the best health benefits, research suggests you should aim for dark chocolate that is at least 70-percent cocoa.
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How much dark chocolate should you eat a day?
Of course, health isn’t the only reason we eat chocolate. In fact, often, when it comes to this sweet treat, nutrition is pretty low on the list. We eat chocolate for many reasons, including joy and comfort. With that in mind, treating yourself to a bar every now and again isn’t going to do you much harm.
However, if you’re looking to eat dark chocolate for health reasons, experts recommend that the optimal amount is around 20 grams per day. This is because, while it is packed with goodness, chocolate is also high in calories and often contains saturated fat and sugar.
Is dark chocolate always vegan?
Dark chocolate is mostly vegan, but not always. Some varieties include milk powder, milk fat, or other dairy derivatives, and others contain added ingredients like honey, for example. Dark chocolates with minimal ingredients, often just cocoa mass, sugar, and cocoa butter, are more likely to be vegan.
Where to find the best vegan dark chocolate: 8 brands to try
Find some of our go-to dark chocolate picks below, all of which (of course) are 100-percent vegan.
Best for dark chocolate purists
1 Montezuma
At 100-percent cocoa, Montezuma’s Absolute Black Dark Chocolate is some of the darkest chocolate you can find on the market. Consider drinking with an espresso or perhaps a glass of bold, robust red wine to complement the seriously bitter flavor.
Find it here
2 Beyond Good
Beyond Good’s Pure Dark chocolate bar is 92 percent Madagascan cocoa, so again, this is going to be a pretty intensely chocolatey experience. One of the best parts about this brand is that all of the cocoa beans used in its products are 100 percent traceable.
Find it here
Best for everyday indulgence
3 Lindt
If you want smooth, rich, indulgent chocolate, Swiss chocolatier Lindt always delivers. At 90 percent cocoa, this bar is also pretty intensely chocolatey and a little bitter, but that makes it all the more perfect for popping a bite-sized square every now and again.
Find it here
4 Trader Joe’s
Next time you’re whipping around Trader Joe’s, pop one of its vegan Belgian dark chocolate bars in your basket. There are a few varieties to choose from, including Dark Chocolate with Almonds and 72% Cocoa, but all are equally velvety and delicious.
Find it here
5 Chocolove
Colorado-based Chocolove has plenty of rich, indulgent dark chocolate bars to choose from. Choose from options like Raspberries in Dark Chocolate, Coffee Crunch in Dark Chocolate, and the intense Extreme Dark Chocolate. Just make sure to double-check the ingredients before you buy, as some of its dark varieties contain milk.
Find it here
6 Theo
Based in Seattle, Theo has specialized in organic, fair-trade chocolate since 2006, and it’s still going strong. Its Organic Sea Salt 70% Dark Chocolate is the perfect mix of salty and sweet. Other tasty dark chocolate flavors include Cherry Almond and Mint.
Find it here
Best for supporting the environment
7 Endangered Species
For tasty chocolate made with responsibly sourced ingredients, you can count on Endangered Species. Plus, 10 percent of the profits from the brand’s multiple delicious flavors, including this Almonds & Sea Salt bar, help to support wildlife and at-risk habitats all over the world.
Find it here
8 Alter Eco
Alter Eco is another brand renowned for its commitment to ethical, responsible chocolate. This 85 percent bar, for example, is made with just a handful of organic ingredients, including organic cocoa beans and organic cocoa butter. It’s perfectly smooth and deliciously intense. Plus, it’s certified carbon neutral, as the brand offsets all of its emissions via conservation and reforestation projects.
Find it here
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Charlotte is a VegNews editor and writer based in sunny Southsea on England's southern coast.
Here at VegNews, we live and breathe the plant-based lifestyle, and only recommend products we feel make our lives amazing. Occasionally, articles may include shopping links where we might earn a small commission, but in no way does this effect the editorial integrity of VegNews.
