The best dark chocolate, from absolute dark chocolate to organic sea salt chocolate
It may sound too good to be true, but we’re happy to report that it’s not: Chocolate actually has health benefits. But not all bars are created equal. While vegan milk chocolate is delicious, dark Chocolate has the most nutritional benefits. But there are many brands on the market today that make rich, indulgent, and incredibly tasty dark chocolate, which gives us a win-win situation (for both our taste buds and our health). Find out more below.
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Is dark chocolate really healthy?
Studies suggest that dark chocolate, when consumed in moderation, has some health benefits. This is largely due to its antioxidant content: dark chocolate contains flavonoids, which are associated with reducing inflammation in the body.
In fact, in 2011, a study published in the Central Journal of Chemistry The study authors said dark chocolate was a better source of some antioxidants than fruit powders and juices, including blueberry and cranberry powders. “Borrowing popular media terminology, cacao nibs should be considered a ‘superfruit’ and products derived from cacao nib extracts, such as natural cacao powder and dark chocolate, should be considered ‘superfoods,’” the study authors said at the time.
Flavonoids, like those found in dark chocolate, are associated with many health benefits, including a lower risk of chronic diseases, including heart disease, type 2 diabetes, and cancer. That’s because they help fight 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, such as magnesium, iron, and zinc. For the best health benefits, research suggests choosing dark chocolate that contains at least 70% cocoa.
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How much dark chocolate should you eat per day?
Of course, health isn’t the only reason we eat chocolate. In fact, often times when it comes to this sweet treat, nutrition isn’t really at the forefront. We eat chocolate for many reasons, including pleasure and comfort. With that in mind, indulging in a bar every now and then won’t do you much harm.
However, if you’re considering dark chocolate for health reasons, experts recommend an optimal amount of around 20 grams per day. That’s because while it’s packed with benefits, 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 contain 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
Below are some of our go-to dark chocolate picks, all (of course) 100% vegan.
Ideal for dark chocolate purists
1 Montezuma
With 100% cocoa, Montezuma Absolute Dark Chocolate is one of the darkest chocolates you can find on the market. Consider drinking it with an espresso or perhaps a glass of full-bodied, strong red wine to complement its very bitter flavor.
Find it here
2 Beyond Good
Beyond Good’s Pure Dark Chocolate Bar contains 92% Malagasy cacao, making it an intense chocolate experience. One of the best things about this brand is that all the cacao beans used in its products are 100 percent traceable.
Find it here
Ideal for everyday enjoyment
3 Lindt
If you want a smooth, rich, and indulgent chocolate, Swiss chocolatier Lindt has you covered. With 90% cocoa, this bar is also quite intensely chocolatey and a little bitter, but that makes it all the more perfect for a bite-sized square every now and then.
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4 Trader Joe’s
Next time you’re at Trader Joe’s, add one of their vegan Belgian dark chocolate bars to your cart. There are several varieties to choose from, including dark chocolate with almonds and 72% cacao, but all are equally smooth 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 Dark Chocolate Raspberry, Dark Chocolate Coffee Crunch, and Extreme Intense Dark Chocolate. Just be sure to check the ingredients before purchasing, as some of its dark varieties contain milk.
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6 Theo
Based in Seattle, Theo has been specializing in organic and fair trade chocolate since 2006, and continues to thrive. Their 70% organic dark chocolate with sea salt is the perfect blend of salty and sweet. Other tasty dark chocolate flavors include cherry almond and mint.
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Ideal for supporting the environment
7 Endangered species
For delicious chocolate made with responsibly sourced ingredients, you can count on Endangered Species. Plus, 10% of the profits from the brand’s many delicious flavors, including this Almond & Sea Salt bar, go to support endangered wildlife and habitats around the world.
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8 Alter Eco
Alter Eco is another brand known for its commitment to ethical and responsible chocolate. This 85% bar, for example, is made with a handful of organic ingredients, including organic cacao 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 through conservation and reforestation projects.
Find it here
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Charlotte is a VegNews writer and editor based in sunny Southsea on the south coast of England.
At VegNews, we live and breathe the vegan lifestyle and only recommend products that we believe make our lives better. Sometimes articles may include sponsored links from which we may earn a small commission, but this in no way impacts the editorial integrity of VegNews.
