10 Best Dark Chocolates in 2022 (Registered Dietitian-Reviewed)
Dark chocolate has become one of the most beloved desserts around the world due to its rich and complex taste. Depending on the cocoa content, different dark chocolates will have varying levels of sweetness and bitterness. Many brands like Hershey's, Ghirardelli, and ChocZero also incorporate fruits, almond, macadamia, and other nuts into chocolate to bring in more complex flavor as well as interesting texture.
With such a variety of options, you may find it somewhat difficult to choose products that suit your palate. To save you some time thinking about which dark chocolate to buy, we compiled a list of the 10 best dark chocolates as well as a buying guide to help you make your choice. Our favorite was Taza Chocolate Sea Salt & Almond for its high cocoa content, low amount of processing, and crunchy, roasted almonds. Take a look for more of our picks!
Quick List - Top Dark Chocolates
Rachel Binkley is a registered dietitian who helps individuals develop healthy habits that fit into their lifestyle. She recommends adequate intakes of all micronutrients to help prevent deficiency as well as chronic conditions that may arise. You can keep up with her recipes, lifestyle, and more on Instagram or her blog, S'more Satisfaction.
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How to Choose Dark Chocolate - Buying Guide
With the plethora of dark chocolate options currently available on the market, it may be difficult to know which chocolate product is of high quality. We've outlined what you should check for in our buying guide below. Hopefully, this guide can help you in your quest of finding a dark chocolate product that can satisfy your palate!
A Higher Cocoa Content Means More Health Benefits But a More Bitter Flavor
When choosing a dark chocolate product, the first thing that you should pay attention to is its cocoa percentage, or how much cocoa beans are included. Cocoa butter is usually added to help make the final product become smooth and more flavorful, and it is counted towards the percentage as well.
For example, if you have a dark chocolate bar with a cocoa content of 80 percent, it means that 80 percent of its recipe is made up of chocolate liquor, cocoa butter, or cocoa powder. The remaining 20 percent comes from fillers such as added sugar.
In general, it's recommended to choose a dark chocolate with a cocoa content of 70 percent or more. This percentage is associated with several health benefits, such as improved heart health and brain function. They are also typically lower in sugar, which means they're dark and bitter. If health is your first priority when choosing a dark chocolate, though, we recommend a higher content!
Ingredients Like Milk and Sugars Can Make It Tastier But Won't Provide Health Benefits
The dark, bitter flavor of high-cocoa-content dark chocolates can make it hard for some people to consume. Ingredients like milk and sugar will make the flavor better for many, although this isn't the greatest choice health-wise.
Excess sugar can lead to an increase in the risk of heart disease and milk adds saturated fat, and they both will add extra calories. Additionally, their presence means less of the bar is cocoa by volume and less cocoa means fewer of cocoa's nutrients, such as antioxidants.
If dark chocolate is too bitter for you, try to strike a balance between palatability and nutrition. These additions aren't great for weight loss and overall health, but in small amounts, it may help you include great nutrition like dark chocolate in your diet.
Look for Sweet Additives Like Fruit for a More Palatable Taste
No matter how many health benefits dark chocolate may have, you’re not going to eat it if you don’t like it, right? If you want to reap the health benefits of dark chocolate without the strong bitter taste or a high sugar content, look for dark chocolates that have sweet additives like dried fruit, or buy some yourself to eat with it!
Milk and sugars may have more calories; however, it is not a large amount when comparing chocolate bars of the same size. Other chocolate flavored desserts may be a different story.
Dried fruit can also have added sugar. There are unsweetened varieties, however this may not cut the dark chocolate taste as much if you are not a fan. Dark chocolate covered strawberries or pineapple may be an even sweeter option, as well as a fun activity if you make your own.
Opt for Dark Chocolate With Minimal Processing for More Health Benefits
During each step of production from roasting the cocoa beans to making the chocolate itself, the cocoa has the potential to lose a number of antioxidants, nutrients, and flavonoids. Dutch-processed chocolate, also called alkalized chocolate or "cocoa processed with alkali", is a processing method that involves treatment with alkali.
This process reduces the bitter flavor and changes the color. However, this process significantly reduces the number of antioxidants in chocolate. For this reason, it's recommended to avoid dutched or alkalized chocolate for optimal health benefits.
Overly processed chocolates also tend to lose probiotics, good microbes that reduce harmful bacteria in our digestive system and support the growth of other good microbes. Therefore, you should look for products that are not processed intensively and use cocoa beans that are not treated with pesticides.
Consider Chocolate Brands Committed to Fair Trade
Many cocoa farms are linked to inadequate working conditions or child labor, but fair trade brands are committed to purchasing cocoa beans with an appropriate price as well as utilizing processing techniques that are not exploitative. Fair-trade chocolate is truly the guilt-free chocolate, with various health and social benefits.
To be acknowledged as fair trade, farmers and manufacturers have to abide by specific standards in order to earn more for their beans. Fair trade chocolates are often free of artificial fillers and preservatives. Ingredients are sourced carefully as well.
10 Best Dark Chocolates
Products | Image | Click to purchase | Key features | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | Green & Black's Organic Dark Chocolate | | Best Organic Dark Chocolate With a Smooth, Creamy Taste | |
2 | Taza Chocolate | | Best Vegan Dark Chocolate with Almonds | |
3 | Hu Simple Dark Chocolate | | Best Dairy-Free Dark Chocolate for Vegans and Paleo Diet | |
4 | ChocZero Dark Chocolate Almonds with Sea Salt | | Best Low-Carb, Keto-Friendly Dark Chocolate | |
5 | Lily's | | Best Dark Chocolate for Diabetics | |
6 | Jojo's | | Best Dark Chocolate for Weight Loss | |
7 | Endangered Species Strong + Velvety Dark Chocolate | | Best High Cocoa Content Dark Chocolate | |
8 | Awake Caffeinated Chocolate Energy Bites | | Best Caffeinated Dark Chocolate for an Energy Boost | |
9 | Hershey's | | Best Dark Chocolate from Hershey's | |
10 | Ghirardelli Dark Chocolate Assortment | | Best Dark Chocolate in a Variety Pack |
Best Organic Dark Chocolate With a Smooth, Creamy Taste
Pros:
- 85% cocoa content
- Organic, non-GMO, and fair-trade
- Four simple ingredients, chocolate liquor, cocoa butter, cane sugar, and vanilla extract
Cons:
- Uses Dutch-processed cocoa
Made from ethically sourced cocoa beans, this organic chocolate has a balanced, smooth, and creamy texture despite the cocoa content of 85%! They're also non-GMO and made of just four ingredients: chocolate liquor, cocoa butter, cane sugar, and vanilla extract.
However, some reviewers did find that the product upset their digestive system since it contained a high concentration of cocoa. Many reviewers who were on a low to no sugar diet recommended the product for its taste and health benefits.
Best Vegan Dark Chocolate with Almonds
Pros:
- Contains roasted almonds, giving it a crunch and an extra nutrient boost
- 80% cocoa content, not Dutch-processed
- Gluten-free, vegan, soy-free, organic, non-GMO
- Certified Direct Trade, which the company claims means they pay farmers more than fair trade
Cons:
- Some reviewers report a gritty texture
Taza Chocolate Sea Salt & Almond is a great combination of dark chocolate and nutty, roasted almonds. The company uses traditional Mexican stone mills to grind their cocoa beans right within their factory, ensuring monitored quality.
Reviewers say it's the perfect balance of sweet, salty, and nutty. Some reviews even claimed that they believe they're rather expensive but that the price is worth it. However, some people say the chocolate has a gritty texture.
Best Dairy-Free Dark Chocolate for Vegans and Paleo Diet
Pros:
- Organic, non-GMO, soy-free, gluten-free
- Only three simple ingredients: cacao, coconut sugar, and cocoa butter
- Certified vegan and paleo
- 70% cocoa content
Cons:
- Some reviewers weren't pleased with the small bar size
A vegan, paleo chocolate bar made from organic, high-quality house-ground cacao, this product contains no GMOs, emulsifiers, lecithin, or artificial sugar. It contains only three simple ingredients: cacao, coconut sugar, and cocoa butter.
Some reviewers found the chocolate a bit expensive and said the bars could be a little bigger. However, many reviewers do find this chocolate a healthy snack, especially for those on a vegan diet.
ChocZeroDark Chocolate Almonds with Sea Salt
Best Low-Carb, Keto-Friendly Dark Chocolate
Pros:
- Sugar-free, sweetened with low glycemic monk fruit
- Low carb and appropriate for Keto diet
- Nutrient-packed ingredients such as almonds, hazelnuts, peanuts, or coconut, depending on the flavor
- 50% - 55% cocoa content, not Dutch-processed
Cons:
- Some reviewers don't like the added soluble corn fiber
ChocZero Keto Bark chocolate is a Keto diet-friendly treat to indulge your sweet tooth. Instead of sugar, it is sweetened with monk fruit, thus making it lower in carbs and appropriate for the Keto diet. It's also soy-free, gluten-free, and non-GMO.
Reviewers raved about how the chocolate wasn't bitter like other Keto treats and tasted like high-quality dark chocolate. Although some reviewers weren't pleased with the addition of soluble corn fiber, saying it isn't strictly Keto.
Best Dark Chocolate for Diabetics
Pros:
- 70% cocoa content, not Dutch-processed
- Sugar-free, which helps avoid blood sugar spikes for diabetics
- Non-GMO, gluten-free, dairy-free
- Eight grams of fiber is great for diabetics, as fiber improves blood sugar levels
Cons:
- Contains erythritol, which may cause digestive upset in some people
Lily's Extra Dark Chocolate is a wonderfully smooth and dark chocolate bar sweetened with zero sugar, making it perfect for diabetics who would like a sweet treat. Fiber is also beneficial to diabetics, as it helps the body absorb sugar and improves blood sugar levels.
Reviewers love being able to indulge in a treat without the sugar and many reviewers that have diabetes say that they're thrilled to be able to have chocolate without a blood sugar spike. Although, a few reviewers said they only received one bar in their shipment instead of 12.
Best Dark Chocolate for Weight Loss
Pros:
- 70% cocoa content
- Extra nutrients from pistachios, almonds, and cranberries
- Added protein from hemp, giving it five grams per serving
- Gluten-free, non-GMO, soy-free, lactose-free
Cons:
- Contains erythritol, which may cause digestive upset in some people
Jojo's Dark Chocolate is a great choice for those looking to lose weight, as it's low-sugar, high-protein, and contains additional nutrition from nuts and fruit. Protein will help you feel fuller longer as you eat a delicious dessert.
Many reviewers say it satiates their cravings and helps them maintain their weight loss diet while still having a treat. Although a few reviewers say their chocolate arrived melted, being packaged without care.
Endangered SpeciesStrong + Velvety Dark Chocolate
Best High Cocoa Content Dark Chocolate
Pros:
- 88% cocoa content, which is perfect for those who like a very dark, bitter chocolate. Not Dutch-processed
- Gluten-free, vegan, non-GMO
- The company donates 10% of its profits to protect natural habitats and wildlife
Cons:
- Reviewers say the quality can be inconsistent, sometimes receiving broken or melted bars
Produced from fair trade cocoa beans from farms in West Africa, this chocolate has a rich, bold flavor with a slight hint of fruit and spice. This chocolate has an impressive 88% cocoa content, which makes it ideal for those who love a bar of deep, bitter chocolate.
Some reviewers, however, found that the bar was a bit dry due to its high concentration of cocoa. Others were in love with the complex flavor of the bar and how easy it was to portion out.
Best Caffeinated Dark Chocolate for an Energy Boost
Pros:
- Ethically-sourced cocoa beans
- Contains the caffeine equivalent of half a cup of coffee, which is perfect for a pick-me-up
- Non-GMO, gluten-free
Cons:
- The cocoa content, at 54%, could be higher
If you need a bite to stay awake and finish your assignments, Awake's caffeinated dark chocolate bites may be a great option. Although each bite contains the same amount of caffeine as half a cup of coffee, there is no bitter after-taste.
Some reviewers commented that the product melted upon arrival but overall, many people liked how each piece was wrapped individually, making it perfect for on the go.
Best Dark Chocolate from Hershey's
Pros:
- Certified organic, fair trade, and non-GMO
- Contains no gluten or soy ingredients
- Contains only five simple ingredients, chocolate, sugar, cocoa butter, vanilla extract, and milk
Cons:
- Dutch-processed
- Low cocoa content, at 45%
An incredibly iconic brand of chocolate, Hershey's now has an organic option in their lineup. Certified non-GMO and organic, it also features a very short, simple ingredient list.
Many reviewers say they taste just like regular Hershey bars, but with the benefit of being organic and fair trade. However, a few people say they're crumbly and waxy. But some reviewers were impressed that they use no lecithin!
Best Dark Chocolate in a Variety Pack
Pros:
- 60% to 72% cocoa content depending on the flavor
- Four flavors in a large pack, which is great if you'd like a variety
- Ethically-sourced cocoa
Cons:
- Contains a fair amount of additives
Produced from high-quality cocoa beans that are surveyed, as the company says, "from bean to bar", Ghirardelli carefully monitors their chocolate production. This variety pack in particular is a great option for those who like a variety in flavor choice since it contains four flavors.
Some people did find the chocolate squares easily broken and crushed. But many more reviewers loved how the product was shaped in thin squares since they can perfectly enjoy them without over-consuming a large amount.
A Dark Chocolate Recommended By a Dietitian
Registered dietitian Rachel Binkley grabs these 72 percent cocoa squares whenever she's in the mood for chocolate. Give them a try!
Rachel says, "This is the brand I'll reach for most often. I don't usually choose a percentage higher than this simply out of preference.
The ingredients are simple and I know it will satisfy my chocolate craving every time. I'd recommend choosing a reputable brand in a cacao percentage that you actually enjoy."
Frequently Asked Questions
Rachel helped us fact-check our article, and was kind enough to answer some of the most commonly asked questions about dark chocolate.
Is dark chocolate good for diabetics?
Rachel says, "One serving of Hershey's milk chocolate contains about 19 grams of carbohydrates. One serving of Hershey's dark chocolate contains 19 grams of carbohydrates as well. Dark chocolate has 2 grams of fiber, while milk chocolate has 1 gram. Dark chocolate has 16 grams of sugar, while milk chocolate has 17 grams.
The difference is very small when it comes to carbohydrates, and this is the nutrient that affects your blood sugar most. I would recommend that an individual with diabetes eat any type of chocolate in moderation and, ideally, combined with a source of protein or healthy fats."
How much dark chocolate should I have a day?
Rachel says, "There is no perfect answer to this question. It will depend on your body and what feels good. When you are eating chocolate, I'd suggest starting with one piece and waiting a little while to see whether or not it satisfied your craving. Your cravings will be stronger the longer you avoid a certain food. All I can say is try not to overeat until you're uncomfortable. Too much of anything can be a problem."
What are some health benefits of dark chocolate?
Rachel says, "Dark chocolate tends to have a little more fiber and less sugar than milk chocolate varieties. It also contains antioxidants that protect against free radicals. Free radicals can cause illness and aging. Incorporating a variety of foods rich in antioxidants can decrease your risk of developing chronic diseases. That being said, eating a ton of dark chocolate will not automatically improve your health."
Looking for More Snacks Options to Treat Yourself?
If you want to have more healthy options that can satisfy your craving while not sabotaging your diet, check out our suggestions.
Top 5 Dark Chocolates
No. 1: Green & Black's ｜Organic Dark Chocolate
No. 2: Taza Chocolate｜
No. 3: Hu ｜Simple Dark Chocolate
No. 4: ChocZero｜Dark Chocolate Almonds with Sea Salt
No. 5: Lily's｜
View Full RankingThe descriptions of each product are referenced from content available on manufacturer, brand, and e-commerce sites.