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Top 5 Best Dark Chocolates for Health

Written by Andrew Le, MD

UpdatedOctober 18, 2024

Everybody loves chocolate, especially dark chocolate. However, it is also healthy for the body in many ways. Over the past few years, research has established that small portions of this yummy delight can, in fact, be rather beneficial to our health. Since they have anti-inflammatory properties, dark chocolates can be used to lower the adverse effects of inflammation, improve heart health, and provide other essential nutrients.

For this article, we devoted a lot of time to research and investigations of numerous brands of dark chocolate to determine which are most suitable for consumers.


Kittie Bar

Editor's Choice

Kittie Bar

Indulge in Kittie Bar's decadent dark chocolate—a perfect blend of intense cocoa and superfood nutrition. From the velvety first bite to lingering satisfaction, it's a celebration of health and taste. Choose Kittie Bar for guilt-free indulgence, elevating your snacking experience with luxury and well-being in every square.

Order Kittie Bar Now!

The Kittie Bar—1 Bar—1 Week Supply is a great option if you want to indulge in dark chocolate while managing your PMS symptoms in a tasty way. In addition to providing the health advantages of cacao, it is loaded with organic components that help relieve PMS and cramping, like ginseng, chaste berry, and 5-HTP.

Pros

  • Infused with a rich blend of premium cocoa and superfoods for a delectable and health-conscious treat
  • Artisanally crafted to ensure the perfect balance of flavor, texture, and nutritional benefits
  • Antioxidant-rich dark chocolate promotes heart health and boosts overall well-being

Cons

  • Limited availability may pose a challenge for enthusiasts seeking this exceptional dark chocolate

The Kittie Bar combines the health benefits of dark chocolate with ingredients that have been scientifically proven to address common PMS symptoms. Ingredients like chasteberry, evening primrose oil, and ginger are combined with the goodness of dark chocolate to target common symptoms. Calcium helps to stabilize mood, ginseng and B vitamins fight fatigue, and vitamin D increases energy levels.

We discovered that consuming just three Kittie Bar squares per day significantly reduces the discomfort associated with menstruation. Using chasteberry, 5-HTP, and cacao to improve mood makes a big difference in controlling irritation and mood swings. Additionally, the energy boost from B vitamins and ginseng helps fight off the usual PMS weariness. In general, it is a delicious and comprehensive remedy for anyone looking for a natural way to treat menstrual discomfort.


KIND Dark Chocolate Mocha Almond Bars

KIND Dark Chocolate Mocha Almond Bars

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We highly recommend the KIND Dark Chocolate Mocha Almond Bars for anyone looking for a delicious and healthy snack.

Pros

  • The heart-healthy almonds and dark chocolate provide a satisfying crunch and delicious taste.
  • The bars are gluten-free and made with non-genetically modified ingredients.
  • The individually wrapped bars are convenient for on-the-go snacking.

Cons

  • The bars may be too sweet for some individuals.
  • The coffee flavor may be overpowering for those who do not enjoy coffee.
  • The bars may be a bit pricey compared to other snack options.

These bars are loaded with nutrients and are a good source of protein and fiber. The appearance, smell, taste, and texture of almonds, dark chocolate, and coffee powder complement each other, making them interesting to have on the tomato sandwich. These bars are also Low-Glycemic index (GI) friendly, ideal for persons with diabetic issues or those desiring to lower their consumption of sugar.

The bars are packed in individual wrapping, so one can conveniently take them to work, school, or any other place as a snack in the middle of the day or a snack after exercising. They are made without gluten and, therefore, can be consumed by people who may have gluten intolerance.


Lindt EXCELLENCE 95% Cocoa Dark Chocolate Bar

Lindt EXCELLENCE 95% Cocoa Dark Chocolate Bar

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Pros

  • Lindt EXCELLENCE 95% Cocoa Dark Chocolate Bar features an exceptionally silky feel in a classic dark chocolate candy bar.
  • The chocolate bars are pre-portioned into squares for balanced complexity.
  • This gourmet chocolate is perfect with after-dinner drinks, as a gift, or for baking chocolate.

Cons

  • The Lindt EXCELLENCE 95% Cocoa Dark Chocolate Bar may be too intense for those who prefer sweeter chocolate.
  • The chocolate may melt easily in warm temperatures.
  • The price may be higher compared to other dark chocolate brands.

We highly recommend Lindt EXCELLENCE 95% Cocoa Dark Chocolate Bar for anyone looking for a rich, full-bodied dark chocolate with a well-balanced cocoa flavor.

This Lindt dark chocolate candy bar provides exquisite taste if you are inclined towards dark chocolate products. Its strong dark color and nice smell make it complement cabernet sauvignon. We truly appreciate that this gourmet chocolate is made using the finest quality cocoa beans sourced from the finest growing regions of the world and reflects the spirit of Lindt Master Chocolatiers.

Overall, Lindt EXCELLENCE 95% Cocoa Dark Chocolate Bar food product does live up to its name by offering a very premium, authentic, and rich chocolate bar that would suit anyone, especially people who desire a strongly cocoa-focused chocolate. The squares allow for an even distribution of the complexity in each portion, and that outstanding, melt-in-your-mouth feel makes you crave for more.


KIND Peanut Butter Dark Chocolate Nut Bars

KIND Peanut Butter Dark Chocolate Nut Bars

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If you're looking for a healthy snack that's also delicious and satisfying, you should definitely try KIND Peanut Butter Dark Chocolate Nut Bars.

Pros

  • These bars are nutritionally dense and lead with heart-healthy peanuts as the #1 ingredient, providing you with the nutrition your body needs with a delicious and satisfying crunch.
  • They are packed with goodness and are gluten-free with 7 grams of protein, making them a great source of healthy fibers.
  • KIND bars have a low glycemic index, which helps to better manage and improve blood sugar levels.

Cons

  • These bars contain 14g of fat per bar, which might be a concern for some people.
  • They are not suitable for people with peanut allergies.
  • Some people might find them too sweet.

The last time we attempted to make KIND Peanut Butter Dark Chocolate Nut Bars, I was happy with how tasty they were. Gooey dark chocolate offsets the crunchy textures of roasted peanuts and almonds spread across the center. It is also important to note how portable they are; they come in neat bars that are individually wrapped.

Keep in mind that these bars contain peanuts as the base, which is not good news for people with peanut allergies. They are also somewhat rich in fat, containing 14g of fat per bar. Therefore, if you are keen on your fat intake, then it is recommended that you take the bars moderately.

All in all, we can state that KIND Peanut Butter Dark Chocolate Nut Bars are an ideal healthy snack that can easily be incorporated into one’s daily diet. There are no gluten a low glycemic index, and they are made from utmost quality non-G.M. products so as to make them yummy and healthy at the same time.


Kiva Raw Organic Cacao Powder

Kiva Raw Organic Cacao Powder

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If you're looking for a healthy and delicious way to get your chocolate fix, Kiva Raw Organic Cacao Powder is a great option.

Pros

  • The cacao powder is 100% raw and organic, making it a great choice for those who are health-conscious or following a specific diet.
  • It can be used in a variety of ways, including hot chocolate, milkshakes, desserts, smoothies, and baked goods, making it a versatile ingredient to have on hand in the kitchen.
  • The cacao powder is high in dietary fiber, omega-6 fatty acids, magnesium, antioxidants, iron, and essential minerals, making it a nutrient-dense addition to your diet.

Cons

  • The resealable bag may not be as airtight as some users would like, which could lead to the powder going stale over time.
  • The powder may not dissolve as easily as some other brands, which could make it harder to mix into certain recipes.
  • Some users may find the taste to be a bit bitter or earthy, especially if they are used to sweeter chocolate products.

From our understanding and encounter, Kiva Raw Organic Cacao Powder is one of the best in the market. At the same time, we like that it is not overly processed and that the product seems to be rather natural to the bones. As for the packaging, the use of a resealable bag may not be optimal but it did not present a problem. For anyone who would love to take something chocolate but in a healthier way, there is no better product that Kiva Raw Organic Cacao Powder to recommend than this.

Buying Guide

When it comes to buying the best dark chocolate for health, there are a few things to keep in mind. Here are some features to look for when choosing a product:

Cocoa Content

Among all the ingredients used in manufacturing ordinary sweets, cocoa content is one of the most vital inputs that must be taken into consideration when purchasing dark chocolates. Choose products that contain cocoa in a percentage of at least 70 percent. There is a direct correlation here; the higher the cocoa content, the more flavanols, which are good for the heart.

Sugar Content

Though dark chocolates generally have less sugar than milk chocolates, it is advisable to consider the sugar content. Avoid foods with more than 10 grams of sugar per serving, and look for foods with less sugar.

Additives

Do not use dark chocolate products that have likely been processed with the addition of other flavors, colors, or preservatives. Instead, go for goods with short and easy-to-understand ingredient lists.

Fair Trade and Organic

It is possible to source dark chocolate that is produced fairly, traded, and certified organic to minimize the use of chemicals in its production.

Serving Size

Pay attention to the serving size and calorie count of the product. While dark chocolate can be a healthy snack, it should still be consumed in moderation.

In summary, when buying dark chocolate for health, look for products with high cocoa, low sugar, no additives, fair trade and organic certification, and reasonable serving sizes.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are some of the health benefits of consuming dark chocolate?

Dark chocolate has been linked to several health benefits, including improved heart health, lower blood pressure, and improved brain function. The flavanols in dark chocolate may also help reduce inflammation in the body and improved insulin sensitivity.

What are some of the best vegan dark chocolate brands?

Some of the best vegan dark chocolate brands include Alter Eco, Endangered Species, and Hu Kitchen. These brands offer a wide variety of flavors and cacao percentages, and are made with high-quality, ethically-sourced ingredients.

Which dark chocolate brands are the healthiest?

Some of the healthiest dark chocolate brands include Lindt Excellence, Green & Black's, and Theo Chocolate. These brands offer a range of cacao percentages and flavors, and are made with high-quality ingredients.

What is the difference between 85% and 90% dark chocolate?

The difference between 85% and 90% dark chocolate is the percentage of cacao solids. 90% dark chocolate contains a higher percentage of cacao solids than 85% dark chocolate, which means it has a more intense, bitter flavor and a higher concentration of antioxidants.

Which dark chocolate brand has the highest cacao percentage?

The chocolate brand with the highest cacao percentage is Endorfin Foods, which offers a 100% cacao bar. However, this bar is extremely bitter and may not be suitable for everyone. Other high-cacao percentage brands include Pacari and Taza Chocolateues.

Is there a recommended daily amount of dark chocolate to consume for health benefits?

While dark chocolate has several health benefits, it is important to consume it in moderation. The recommended daily amount of dark chocolate is about 1-2 ounces, or a few small squares. Consuming more than this may lead to weight gain and other health iss

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