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Dark chocolates are delicacies preferred by most. Often consumed to satiate a sweet craving or used as an ingredient in desserts,dark chocolates have multiple health benefits (1). These decadent chocolates have higher amounts of cocoa than the other chocolate variants, making them slightly bitter than regular milk chocolates.
Though they are more expensive than regular sweet chocolates, their health benefits make them worthwhile. Read to know more about this classic treat with our list of the best dark chocolates in India.
Top Picks
Health Benefits Of Dark Chocolates When Consumed In Moderation
Let us look at the health benefits of consuming dark chocolates.
- They stimulate the arteries’ endothelium to produce nitric oxide, which relaxes the arteries and decreases blood pressure (2).
- Dark chocolates raise the levels of High-Density Lipoproteins (HDL) in the body. The HDL are good fats, which reduce the amount of Low-Density Lipoproteins (LDL) responsible for increased blood pressure and other dietary related heart problems (3).
- They are instant mood up-lifters as they increase the production of the happy hormone serotonin in our body due to their high polyphenol flavonoid content (4).
- Dark chocolates are rich sources of antioxidants that fight against harmful free radicals in our body and reduce inflammation (5).
- They improve focus and attention. Hence,are perfect midnight snacks for night owls (6).
- Dark chocolates have less sugar and fat than milk chocolates that make them comparatively healthier (7).
- They are good for hair and skin due to high antioxidant levels and an excellent source of magnesium, iron, and copper (1) (8).
- They reduce metabolic stress in the body and improve cognitive function (9).
13 Best Dark Chocolates In India
1. Amul Cacao Ultimate Dark Chocolate
The popular Indian brand Amul,known for its dairy products, has been gaining popularity for its inexpensive range of dark chocolates. As this chocolate bar is purely vegetarian, it can be consumed by people with varied dietary patterns. With no added sugar, the intense chocolate makes an ideal dessert treat for those conscious about weight gain.
Features
- 99% cacao
- Rich cocoa taste
- No added flavors
- Free from milk
- No milk solids and vegetable fats
Ingredients
Cocoa Solids, Permitted Emulsifiers (E322, E476)
2. Cadbury Bournville Rich Cocoa Dark Chocolate
The Cadbury Bournville is the most common dark chocolate range in India. If you’re someone who prefers chocolates on the less bitter side with low sugar content, this bar can be the right choice for you. These premium chocolates are made with the finest cocoa beans.
Features
- 50% cocoa
- Available in many flavors and variants
- Rich and smooth taste
- 100% vegetarian
Ingredients
Sugar, Cocoa Solids (40%), Cocoa Butter (10%), Milk Solids, Emulsifiers (442, 476), Lactose
3. KetofyDark Keto Chocolate
If you follow the keto diet and are looking for an ideal dessert, this low-carb dark chocolate for diabetes is a healthy option. With no added preservatives, this vegan and gluten-free chocolate bar is made with high-quality cocoa beans. It is rich in antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals, making it an ideal choice for health-conscious people.
Features
- 60% cocoa
- No added sugar and hydrogenated oils
- Diabetic-friendly and free from milk
- Can be consumed by people on various diets
Ingredients
Cocoa Butter, Cocoa, Sweetener (Erythritol), Natural Vanilla Extract, Artificial Flavor
4. Lindt Excellence Supreme Noir Chocolate Bar
This premium dark chocolate brand takes the finest cocoa beans from around the world to give you a rich taste. Its bittersweet flavor melts quickly and leaves a lingering feeling in your mouth to enjoy a bit longer. As this brand has a lower cocoa content variant, one can choose the richness of chocolate as per their preference.
Features
- 90% cocoa
- Pack of two
- A blend of ingredients
- Created by master chocolatiers
- Suitable for vegetarians
Ingredients
Cocoa Mass, Cocoa Butter, Cocoa Powder, Sugar, Bourbon Vanilla Beans
5. Zevic Belgian Sugar-Free Dark Chocolate
With the inclusion of Stevia, this dark chocolate bar from Zevic can help you enjoy great taste without compromising on health. It has varied cocoa content with irresistible flavor additions offering a gourmet taste. With its fine ingredients, this sugar-free chocolate bar is ideal for weight-conscious people.
Features
- 70% Belgium cocoa
- Vegan and sugar-free
- Organic compounds included
- Rich flavor and healthy
Ingredients
Unsweetened Belgium Cocoa, Cocoa Butter, Stevia Extracts, Malitol, Erythritol, Emulsifiers (322, 476)
6. Bogatchi 99.99% Dark Handcrafted Chocolate
This 100% dark chocolate brand is vegan and has the highest cocoa content. It can be consumed by people on gluten-free, keto, and low-carb diets as a guilt-free dessert. As it has no sugar, this chocolate bar is diabetic-friendly and a perfect gift for cocoa lovers.
Features
- 99% cocoa
- 100% vegetarian
- Authentic taste of high-quality cocoa beans from Africa
- Available in pure, roasted almond, pumpkin seeds, and cranberry flavor
- Hand cleanser and mask included
Ingredients
Pure, Cocoa Powder, Cocoa Butter
7. Nepenthe Coffee And Dark Cacao Chocolate
Made with the finest cocoa beans, this vegan dark chocolate has low carbs and high protein,ideal for anyone on keto diets. It is also free from artificial flavors and has the goodness of whey proteins. With its perfect blend of intense dark coffee,this chocolate bar can be a good choice for mocha lovers.
Features
- 85% cocoa
- Organic cocoa beans obtained from plantations in Kerala
- Vegan and sugar-free
- Contains Brazil nuts
- Rich and silky texture
Ingredients
Cocoa Beans, Cocoa Butter, Arabica Coffee, Monk Fruit
8. Butlers Dark Chocolate Bar
The premium dark chocolate from Butlers comes in multiple irresistible flavors. With its elegantly designed box, the chocolate bar can be an ideal gift for chocolate lovers. The chocolates from the Irish brand have rich taste and texture, making them perfect, healthy treats.
Features
- 70% cocoa
- Fine blend of high-quality ingredients
- 100% vegetarian and alcohol-free
- Contains nuts
- Comes in seven different flavors
Ingredients
Cocoa Mass, Sugar, Cocoa Butter, Emulsifiers (Soya Lecithin) And Natural Flavors
9. Mojo Thins Dark Chocolate
If you’re looking for healthy desserts without compromising health, these Mojo Bars can be a good pick. Their high-quality cocoa content with the healthy fruit-and-nut combination can be a delight to the palate with no guilt. These bars are also available in gift hampers, making them ideal presents for parties.
Features
- 50% cocoa
- Gluten-free, vegan dark chocolate
- Cocoa beans are sourced from Kerala
- Available in three flavors, including almond with sea salt, hazelnut, and cranberry with cashews
Ingredients
Sugar, Vegetable Fat, Cocoa Solids, Cocoa Butter, Almonds, Sea Salt, Emulsifiers (492, 322, 476)
10. Denali Premium Dark Chocolate Compound Slab
To those who enjoy dark chocolates incorporated in cakes and cookies, Denali’s chocolate compound can be a suitable option. This compound will be a great addition to your desserts, including brownies, muffins, and mouses. Melt the chocolate bar using the double boiler method to make smooth and silky chocolate bars.
Features
- Perfect for cakes and ice cream decorations
- Made with high-quality cocoa beans
- Available in milk and white chocolate too
- 100% vegetarian
Ingredients
Sugar, Edible Vegetable Fat, Cocoa Solids, Emulsifiers And Stabilizing Agents (Ins 322, 476), Artificial Flavoring Substances (Ethyl Vanillin)
11. Morde Dark Compound Slab
With a fine blend of chocolate and fat, this dark chocolate compound slab is a perfect addition to your cakes, cookies, and ice creams. Use a double boiler to melt the chocolate for a smooth and creamy texture and enjoy its richness. The compound has additional vegetable fat and can be considered as an ingredient rather than a snack.
Features
- Ideal for baking
- Pack of two
- Can be used to make the ganache, choco lava cake, or chocolate mousse
- 100% vegetarian
Ingredients
Sugar, Edible Vegetable Fat, Cocoa Solids and Emulsifiers (492 and 322)
12. BarADay Dark Chocolate Energy Bars
The BarADay dark chocolate is a healthy replacement for your snacks as it is power-packed with seeds, nuts, and dry fruits. You can consume this chocolate bar as a pre or post-workout meal. It is loaded with the richness of omega-3-fatty acids, antioxidants and comes in a compact size to fit into your pockets while you’re on the road.
Features
- 70% cocoa
- Healthy and nutritious bar
- Antioxidant-rich chocolate bars
- 100% vegetarian
- No sugar or added preservatives
Ingredients
Nuts and Seeds: Almonds, Walnuts, Chia Seeds, Flax Seeds, Pumpkin Seeds, Dates, Honey, Rolled Oats, Dark Chocolate (70% Cocoa), Black Raisins, Rice Crisps
13. Rage Dark Chocolate
Made with the finest quality cocoa beans, the Rage dark chocolate comes in an elegant cover box. It is ideal as a gift to chocolate lovers and can also be incorporated into several desserts.Add it to your ice creams or cakes as a decoration or a main ingredient to enjoy its rich and delicious flavor.
Features
- 100% vegetarian
- Made with premium-quality ingredients
- Suitable for gifting on special occasions
Ingredients
Sugar, Hydrogenated Vegetable Fat, Cocoa Powder, Emulsifiers (Ins 322, Ins 476), and Salt
How To Choose The Best Dark Chocolate?
Dark chocolates are among the most preferred dessert or snacking options. People of all ages prefer them. But to pick the best one, here are a few factors you should consider.
- Organicity: Organically grown and minimally processed chocolates do not have added flavors or any other preservatives. Excess processing reduces the health benefits of cocoa beans.
- Additional ingredients: A few chocolate bars have milk solids, sugar, or hydrogenated fats added to them. These additions decrease the nutritional value and health benefits of dark chocolate.
- Cocoa content: Higher cocoa content signifies less sugar added to the bar. A dark chocolate bar with a cocoa level above 60% is suitable for daily consumption. Chocolates with high cocoa content are more filling and increase body metabolism.
- Fairtrade Chocolate: Fair Trade chocolates are made from ethically sourced cocoa. Under this practice, the farmers are paid a full fair price for the cocoa they sell to make chocolate.
- Price: Dark chocolates are expensive when compared to milk chocolates, but they are worth the price due to their health benefits. The cost of the bar also depends on the place from where the cocoa beans have been sourced. A few dark chocolates are also available at a lower price due to cheaper ingredients. Fair Trade chocolate made using organic ingredients is usually more expensive.
- Personal preference: Dark chocolates have additional ingredients such as nuts, dry fruits, or seeds added to them. You can pick any as per your choice.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How much dark chocolate should I consume daily?
To obtain the health benefits of dark chocolate, consuming it in the right amount is essential. Chocolate is good for health only when consumed in moderation as it is nutrient-dense. Even a small bite of dark chocolate has several calories and fats. Hence, excess intake can lead to weight gain. It is recommended to consume two small portions per week or a moderate serving size of 25 to 30g per day.
2. Is dark chocolate good for weight loss?
When consumed in moderation, dark chocolate decreases hunger hormone ghrelin levels, which causes reduced appetite in the subsequent meal. Due to this, dark chocolate is considered suitable for weight loss (10).
Dark chocolates are classic treats enjoyed by many, and they offer several health benefits when consumed in moderation. The options listed here are made with the finest cocoa beans grown organically and contain very few to no additional ingredients, thus making them healthy options. When choosing dark chocolate, ensure it has high cocoa content and pick between natural and flavored options based on your preference. And regardless of which chocolate you choose, make it a point to read the ingredient list and consume it in moderation.
Recommended Articles
References
1. Dark Chocolate; The Nutrition Source: Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health
2. Schewe et al.; How do dietary flavanols improve vascular function?A position paper; National Center for Biotechnology Information
3. Kristin;Dark Chocolate and Blood Flow; University of Delaware(2017)
4. Erkane; Serotonin & Dopamine: The Neurological Benefits of Chocolate; Global Food, Health and Society (2018)
5. J. Crozier et al., “Cacao seeds are a “Super Fruit: A comparative analysis of various fruit powders and products; BMC Chemistry
6. You Are What You Eat: How Food Affects Your Mood; Dartmouth Undergraduate Journal of Science
7. L. Katz et al.; Cocoa and Chocolate in Human Health and Disease; National Center for Biotechnology Information
8. Heinrich et al., Long-term ingestion of high flavanol cocoaprovides photoprotection against UV-induced erythema; National Center for Biotechnology Information
9. Eat Right, Drink Well, Stress Less: Stress-Reducing Foods,Herbal Supplements, and Teas; Explore Integrative Medicine
10. L.B.Sorensen et al., Eating dark and milk chocolate: a randomized crossover study of effects on appetite and energy intake; National Center for Biotechnology Information
