The best dark chocolate brands for you (Not all dark chocolates are made the same!)
Food July 7, 2017 Rachel Tay 0
By now, we are all happily aware of the nutritional benefits of dark chocolate – dark chocolate has powerful antioxidant activity, benefiting our brain and heart health. In fact, it has been shown to have a greater antioxidant effect than many high-antioxidant fruits like blueberries and acai berries.
However, not all chocolates are made the same. Some brands are better than others, based on their ingredients and processing methods. Some simply fail to impress with their taste or texture. Some (well-known supermarket brands) may label themselves “dark chocolate” yet, sadly, are low in cocoa and high in sugar.
Photo: Chocolatepapa
HealthLoco has taken the liberty of sieving out the best, drool-worthy chocolates you can get here in Singapore. With short ingredient lists and four to five star user reviews, these are chocolates that deliver in both the health and taste departments. A few on this list are not cheap, but hey, if we are going to have chocolate, we are going to have some damn good chocolate.
So which chocolates are top of their game?
Lindt (4.5/5 stars)
There are many things to love about Lindt. Firstly, this brand can be found on our supermarket shelves easily. This itself sets Lindt apart from the others on this list!
Secondly, they have varying levels of cocoa content (the last we checked, they have 70%, 78%, 85%, 90%, and even 99%), which means you can try bars of higher cocoa content levels every time and slowly get your palette accustomed to the bitterness.
Thirdly, they sell individually wrapped pieces of chocolate, which means you get to satisfy your cravings yet exercise portion control at the same time.
Photo: Lindt
Amazon user review: “Not only it has a sweet-bitter taste but has a lot of body, an intense taste that will definitely let you wanting for more.” – Acid
Pascha Organic Dark Chocolate, 85% Cacao (4.5/5 stars)
Vegan and kosher chocolate that boasts the use of only the best cacao beans, the quality of which comes through in its exquisite taste.
Photo: Paschachocolate
Amazon user review: “Finally a chocolate for people with food allergies. I am so happy to stuff my face with cocoa and just the right amount of sugar. This is how chocolate should be because we get to taste the true flavour of the cocoa.” – mj hurst
Sweetriot (5/5 stars)
Celebrity-endorsed chocolate company that sells its cocoa nibs in calorie-friendly packages. While the cocoa nibs are currently unavailable, you can still get their bars online.
Photo: Amazon
Amazon user review: “Not only is this bar fair trade /organic/world friendly but it’s insanely delicious. From the minute you open the package and take a whiff you can tell it’s going to be something special. The chocolate melts in your mouth and creates a dense chocolate paste of unimaginable flavor.” – Ara
Ghirardelli Chocolate, 86% Intense Dark Bar (4.5/5 stars)
Called “intense dark” for a reason. The common thread in the comments is a warning that “you have to love dark chocolate to appreciate this.” For those who do love dark chocolate, this promises to be heaven in a slab.
Photo: Amazon
Amazon user review: “I am totally addicted to chocolate! So, when I found out my blood sugar was high and needed to cut sugar out of my diet; even tho in the past I haven’t really cared for dark chocolate, I decided to give it a try, since I soooo missed my daily chocolate fix. These are not sweet at all, although they do have a little sugar in them, but they take care of my cravings with just a square or 2. I’m growing to love them.” – Cyn57
Valrhona Araguani Dark Chocolate Bar 72% (4/5 stars)
Probably the most expensive, but is it so surprising that Valrhona makes the list? Valrhona is often the chocolate of choice for bakers and pastry chefs worldwide.
Photo: Valrhona
Amazon user review: “Long lingering after taste; heart beats stronger.” – Steven
Dark chocolate is great! But fair warning – despite its health benefits, chocolate is extremely calorific and when consumed unrestrainedly will lead to rapid weight gain. But, when consumed in moderation, it makes for the perfect, luscious treat…
Afterall, what is life without a little indulgence every now and then?
Cover photo: Thekitchn
Rachel Tay
With a cupcake in one hand, Rachel will ask whether the cup of tea you're proffering her has sugar in it. She tries to be healthy, but this is a world with carbs and chocolate galore, y'know? Ah, as they say...everything in moderation.
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