references
The FASEB Journal: “Dark Chocolate (70% Cacao) Effects Human Gene Expression: Cacao Regulates Cellular Immune Response, Neural Signaling, and Sensory Perception”
United States Department of Agriculture’s FoodData Central: White Chocolate
United States Department of Agriculture’s FoodData Central: Milk Chocolate
United States Department of Agriculture’s FoodData Central: Dark Chocolate
Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health: “Dark Chocolate”
Cochrane Reviews: “Effects of Cocoa on Blood Pressure”
Dark chocolate can be part of a healthy diet so long as your bar meets a few criteria.
Image Credit: thomasandreas/iStock/GettyImages
Image Credit: thomasandreas/iStock/GettyImages
For the most health benefits per bite, dietitians we spoke to suggest seeking out dark chocolate that:
Is low in added sugars Doesn’t list “dutch” or “alkalized” cocoa, a process that can lower its antioxidant content Is sustainably- and ethically-sourced Has a short ingredient list Is fair-trade and organic, if possible Has the country of cacao bean origin listed on the label
Is low in added sugars
Doesn’t list “dutch” or “alkalized” cocoa, a process that can lower its antioxidant content
Is sustainably- and ethically-sourced
Has a short ingredient list
Is fair-trade and organic, if possible
Has the country of cacao bean origin listed on the label
To get your dark chocolate fix and help save wildlife, go for Endangered Species’ rich bar. Image Credit: LIVESTRONG.com Creative
Image Credit: LIVESTRONG.com Creative
Crush those dessert cravings with Alter Eco's brown butter bar.
Image Credit: LIVESTRONG.com Creative
TJ's bar's high cocoa content makes this a smart pick.
Image Credit: LIVESTRONG.com Creative
If you don't mind the taste of stevia, Lily's bar is a good option.
Image Credit: LIVESTRONG.com Creative
With 85-percent cacao, you can add this bar to any baked good.
Image Credit: LIVESTRONG.com Creative
If you're dairy-free, give Hu's bar a go.
Image Credit: LIVESTRONG.com Creative
This fruity bar comes wrapped in beautiful packaging and makes for a delightful gift worth the heftier price tag.
Image Credit: LIVESTRONG.com Creative
Buy it: Compartes.com; Price: $9.95 per 3-ounce bar
You'll find this dark chocolate bar in just about every grocery store and pharmacy.
Image Credit: LIVESTRONG.com Creative
This stevia-sweetened bar skips the added sugars.
Image Credit: LIVESTRONG.com Creative
The FASEB Journal: “Dark Chocolate (70% Cacao) Effects Human Gene Expression: Cacao Regulates Cellular Immune Response, Neural Signaling, and Sensory Perception”
United States Department of Agriculture’s FoodData Central: White Chocolate
United States Department of Agriculture’s FoodData Central: Milk Chocolate
United States Department of Agriculture’s FoodData Central: Dark Chocolate
Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health: “Dark Chocolate”
Cochrane Reviews: “Effects of Cocoa on Blood Pressure”
