In the world of delectable treats, dark chocolate reigns supreme. It's a topic as rich and complex as the cocoa it's made from.
As chocolate experts, we wanted to write this post not only as our love language for dark chocolate but also to answer some of the internet’s most commonly asked dark chocolate questions.
So, after reading this article, you should know everything you need to know about dark chocolate.
Let’s dive in with the biggest question…
What is Dark Chocolate?
Dark chocolate is primarily made from cocoa solids, cocoa butter, and sugar. Unlike its sweeter counterparts, it contains a higher percentage of cocoa solids and less milk, which gives it a distinctive bittersweet taste.
The cocoa content typically ranges from 50% to 90% or more, with higher percentages indicating a more intense chocolate flavour.
We mentioned milk, which leads us onto one of the other most commonly asked questions surrounding dark chocolate…
Is Dark Chocolate Vegan?
The easiest way to answer this is to say - it can be.
Traditionally, dark chocolate does not need to include milk, although some manufacturers and chocolatiers may choose to include it.
It's crucial to check the product's ingredients to ensure it doesn't contain any additives, such as milk solids or other animal-derived components, as some dark chocolates may include these.
To be certain that a particular dark chocolate is vegan, look for labels like "vegan" or "dairy-free" on the packaging, and always review the ingredient list for any potential non-vegan ingredients.
A great example of vegan dark chocolate is our 70% Dark chocolate smarties. With the label ‘vegan’ on them, you can rest assured that there are no milk or animal-derived ingredients included. Plus, they’re delicious and in a delightful gift size, so they’re suitable as a treat for yourself, but you could also pick one up for someone special.
Is Dark Chocolate Healthy?
There are some who will argue that dark chocolate can be healthy for consumption. We’ll list why below. But, it’s important to remember that it’s still chocolate and one of the main, key ingredients is sugar!
But, Here are a few potential health perks associated with dark chocolate:
Rich in Antioxidants: Dark chocolate contains antioxidants like flavonoids, which can help protect your cells from damage caused by free radicals.
Heart Health: Some studies suggest that moderate consumption of dark chocolate may be linked to improved heart health, as it may help lower blood pressure and improve blood flow.
Mood Enhancement: Dark chocolate contains compounds that can trigger the release of endorphins, which are known as "feel-good" hormones, potentially improving mood.
Brain Function: The flavonoids in dark chocolate might enhance cognitive function and protect against age-related mental decline.
What’s Dark Chocolate good for?
Besides eating, dark chocolate is excellent when used in recipes that require a strong taste of chocolate. With its unique, bitter taste, you need less of it, compared to milk chocolate, to generate that chocolatey flavour that we all know and love.
What’s the best Dark Chocolate?
Everyone is going to have their preference when it comes to dark chocolate. And, there will be some who will fight to the death for their right to hate dark chocolate, preferring its fairer cousin, milk chocolate.
But we love dark chocolate. It’s the more sophisticated, refined, premium version of chocolate. It’s rich, smooth and complex, with a subtle acidity.
Here are some of our favourite dark chocolates:
Shop the dark chocolate buttons
“A delicious and decadent gift bag of dark chocolate buttons. These bite-sized chocolate buttons are the best way to enjoy our premium couverture dark chocolate.”
Shop the 70% Dark chocolate bar
“Deliciously rich, smooth 70% dark chocolate bar. Intense cocoa notes, balanced by a creamy finish. The ultimate luxury chocolate indulgence for yourself… too good to share!”
Shop the Expresso Dark Chocolate
“An individual chocolate that features -infused caramel filling in a dark chocolate cup dusted with cocoa. These are decadent and luxurious, which makes them perfect as an individual treat for yourself or as part of a gift.”