Indulging in chocolate isn’t just a treat for your taste buds; it turns out, it’s also good for your health! But the key is to choose your chocolate wisely. In this article, we take a closer look with nutritionist, Anthony Berthou.
Understanding what goes into chocolate
Chocolate is made from cacao beans harvested from cocoa trees. It has three main ingredients:
- Cocoa mass: Also known as chocolate liquor, it is made from ground cacao beans. Cocoa mass naturally contains 55% cocoa butter and 45% cocoa solids.
- Cocoa butter: It is obtained by cold pressing cacao beans, which separates the cocoa butter from the cocoa solids.
- Sugar
The cocoa percentage given on chocolate bars reflects the amount of cacao contained in the chocolate, namely, the cocoa mass (a mix of cocoa butter and cocoa solids) and cocoa butter.
Extraordinary antioxidant powers
Cacao has extraordinary antioxidant powers, so it contributes to the prevention of cardiovascular diseases, neurodegenerative disorders and even cancer (read our post about antioxidants).
Its protective benefits are concentrated in the cocoa mass, or cocoa powder, which is rich in polyphenols, the most powerful antioxidants. Therefore, the higher the cacao content in the chocolate, the greater its antioxidant properties. This is why dark chocolate packs the most antioxidants. A single square of 70% dark chocolate contains twice as many polyphenols as a glass of red wine and just as much as a cup of green tea that has been steeped for a long time. The antioxidant content of milk chocolate, however, is rather low and white chocolate has none because it does not contain any cocoa solids.
Consuming 0.7 oz (20 grams) of at least 70% dark chocolate each day (or two small squares) gives the body a valuable dose of antioxidants and works as a precious health food. The best time to enjoy it is with an afternoon snack.
Additional benefits of chocolate
Chocolate is also very rich in magnesium thanks to its cacao content. Dark chocolate contains nearly twice as much magnesium as milk chocolate. Magnesium deficiency is relatively common: nearly 70% of the adult population may not get enough magnesium. These shortfalls can result in fatigue, sleep disorders and irritability.
Because chocolate also contains sugar, it optimizes the action of serotonin, a neurotransmitter that is a key determinant of mood. It encourages feelings of calm and wellness. Cacao may also play a part in mood regulation through the presence of a special compound, theobromine.
Finally, some of the antioxidants contained in chocolate (flavonols) may promote the growth of intestinal bacteria that are good for our health, meaning they may be beneficial to the intestinal flora.
What about chocolate’s environmental impact?
Chocolate is a hallmark of the holidays and a favorite for gift giving and indulgence, which means worldwide demand for chocolate continues to grow. To meet this soaring demand, forests are being cleared to plant new cacao trees. The chocolate industry may be the leading cause of deforestation in Côte d’Ivoire and Ghana. Furthermore, growing cacao trees takes a heavy toll on water resources.But the situation is starting to improve: several large chocolate companies and cacao brokers are shifting toward “zero deforestation” policies.
Thus, it is best to limit your chocolate intake – and especially to avoid consuming the low-quality chocolate that is widely gifted around holidays. Whenever possible, opt for fair trade chocolate, which imposes somewhat stricter environmental criteria.
Choosing chocolate wisely
Here are some factors to consider to choose a chocolate wisely:
 | Pick a dark chocolate that contains at least 70% cacao, because the cocoa powder contains all the benefits of chocolate. Ideally, try to make a gradual transition to 90% chocolate. |
 | Check the list of ingredients. Chocolate only requires basic ingredients: cocoa mass (or liquor), sugar and cocoa butter. Avoid chocolate that contains flavorings or additives such as lecithins. |
 | Choose "pure cocoa butter" chocolate. Some mass manufacturers use less expensive fats such as palm oil or shea butter. |
 | Opt for organic chocolate because cacao bean plantations are also susceptible to extensive use of pesticides. |
Chocolate is still a high-calorie food that contains fat. So, you should limit your intake to two or three squares of 70% dark chocolate per day: that is enough to reap its benefits. One interesting option is to eat raw cocoa powder, which has very little sugar and fat. You can sprinkle it over your dishes or desserts.
- http://www.sante-et-nutrition.com/chocolat-nutrition/
- Katz DL, Doughty K, Ali A. Cocoa and chocolate in human health and disease. Antioxid Redox Signal. 2011;15(10):2779–2811.
- https://ciqual.anses.fr/
- Martín-Peláez S, Camps-Bossacoma M, Massot-Cladera M, Rigo-Adrover M, Franch À, Pérez-Cano FJ, Castell M. Effect of cocoa's theobromine on intestinal microbiota of rats. Mol Nutr Food Res. 2017 Oct;61(10).
- Magrone T, Russo MA, Jirillo E. Cocoa and Dark Chocolate Polyphenols: From Biology to Clinical Applications. Front Immunol. 2017 Jun 9;8:677.
- Nanetti L, Raffaelli F, Tranquilli AL, Fiorini R, Mazzanti L, Vignini A. Effect of consumption of dark chocolate on oxidative stress in lipoproteins and platelets in women and in men. Appetite. 2012 Feb;58(1):400-5.
- Rev. Med. Suisse, 2009, 239, 34716.
- J. Pharm. Belg., 2002, 57, HS2, 29-34.
- Etude SU.VI.MAX (SUpplémentation en VItamines et Minéraux Anti-oXydants), Dr S. Hercberg , 1994 -2003.
- https://www.notre-planete.info/actualites/1865-chocolat-environnement-deforestation
- http://www.mightyearth.org/wp-content/uploads/MEO_001_Chocolate-Report_french_FOR-WEB.pdf
- https://waterfootprint.org/en/
Co-Author
Anthony Berthou
Registered nutritionist, specialist in systemic food issues, teacher to healthcare professionals.
Extra interesting info and factors . Good job 👍
I think you should write about and address also the problem of presence cadmium and lead inside dark chocolate.
“Green and Black” which is adveertised as being “Organic” has a high level of both (cf Califiornia government study published a year ago)
https://www.consumerreports.org/health/food-safety/lead-and-cadmium-in-dark-chocolate-a8480295550/
Thank you love you more
Thanks so much for your efforts of providing beneficial information. You fill in the gap that I needed. All the best. Paul
I love these extra informational pieces that you present. Love Yuka and have told many others about it. Now I have an informed reason to eat chocolate.
I’ve heard Dutch method of extraction is not healthy also??
My favourite of all time is Waitrose’s own brand. The 90% is absolutely delicious… so much so that I usually eat a whole one in one setting! 😯
Excellent article!
You haven’t mentioned 100% chocolate which is available supermarkets though not widely and you haven’t mentioned cocoa powder to make ‘hot chocolate’ or any other dessert…
There is a consumer review article about lead and other heavy metals in dark chocolate. After reading that I question if the pros are worth the cons.
👍 information on chocolate! Thank you so much, very informative 😃
I use Green & Black’s organic 85% cocoa chocolate BUT have seen a study that says it and many other dark chocolate has high levels of lead and cadmium in it
I don’t eat it anymore
As always great information
I eat 4 squares of Montezuma Absolute Black every day. It’s 100% cocoa with nothing added. It’s not very nice! But it’s SO good for you and if it were sweeter I wouldn’t stop at 4 squares.
Surprisingly it only gets 60/100 on the Yukascale. It’s not organic, for sure, which loses it a few points, and ‘too fatty’. But to me that’s like saying Olive Oil, or say, butter is ‘too fatty’. A disappointing score, worth a re-rate I think.
this is very good for me because I love chocolate and knowing which is best for my health I can make better choices.
The Coop produced a dark chocolate (60% I recall) high we bought every week last year and it was very nice. Sadly it isn’t in stock this year and the substitute dark cooking chocolate isn’t so good.
Thanks for the very informative info, I always felt Dark high quality chocolate was beneficial for health!!
Thanks for your App which I check every single food/cosmetics against.
Thank you for the article!
Which are the best healthiest brands of chocolate to buy?
Already a member. Excellent info. Good article. Only thing to remember is the best is always the priciest. Still worth it.
Thank you for the article! The heavy metal content in chocolate is an important aspect to keep in mind. Many organic brands are failing miserably with regards to toxicity.
Also, some times coming across items that passed your scrutiny and managed to achieve good rating but not I would still not consider them as ok. Latest example, Mentos gum pure fresh tropical. It contains aspartame, maltodextrin… It can’t be good.
Thank you for a, very clear explanation I do buy and enjoy Dark Chocolate but didn’t realise the need to look for the word pure cocoa butter.
Myself and my 9-year-old son are obsessed with your App and we have given up our 0/100 favourite caramel ice cream and are now experimenting with other varieties and flavours (which is fun) but we are yet to find any that are Good or Excellent but we continue to try!
Hi I was looking for chocolate brand, 70% plus, majority of them has warning of pesticide and contaminated spray, could you recommend the brand? Organic etc. Thank you
Pasquale
How do you pronounce the name of your company? Is it “you-ka” or “Yucka”? We keep telling friends about your company.
Thanks, Joe
Love your APP! Now I check everything. Have told so many friends and family about it. Keep up the good work!
I love your app and it has 100% changed my life. We have shared your app with so many family and friends. We started January 1st on a mainly WFPB diet. We use the app on every single thing we use. It has opened our eyes to so many things we were eating and using that were bad for us. Thank you so much for this creation.
I know dark chocolate is a superfood and I eat it every day.
I love YUKA app and enjoy your articles!!!
I recommended your app to many people!!!
Thank you YUKA! 😊
Love Yuka…I share it with complete strangers at the grocery store and Costco. Most folks are very receptive. Thanks Yuka…
Thanks 😊
Very informative like always, I’m looking forward for your emails.
Thanks so much for the information! I love the YUKA app.
Thank you for this information. I really appreciate it.
Love to support app
Good info. Thank you. I’ve always tried to eat dark chocolate, but with this info, I can be more discriminating.
I am a chocolate lover too (especially dark varieties) but sadly gave it up some time ago after reports about high heavy metal levels in most brands – you don’t mention this issue and I would like to hear your views on this (only a few specific brands came out with acceptable levels-none of which I can readily access)
I love chocolate and know that dark chocolate has some very healthy aspects. Your article does not mention the lead and cadmium that is found in many brands of dark chocolate and thus makes it a risky food to eat.
YUKA has change my life for better I tell everyone about it and how amazing it is 😊I am a devoted and forever YUKA USER AND SWEAR BY HOW GOOD IT IS❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️🥰
Except that consuming the purest chocolate can also increase the risks of being exposed to cadmium and lead.
I recently started drinking Dr Gundry’s Proplant Complete chocolate Shake which YUKA has rated 78%. It’s very healthy because it’s made from hemp. But now I guess also because it contains cocoa powder.
I’m also concerned about too much lead!!
Julie, great article (as usual) but looks like the issue of heavy metals (lead, cadmium, …) has been overlooked. Would be worth doing a follow up to clear it up!
I was just listening to Jim Kwik on The Ultimate Human podcast, and this is one of the 10 super foods for brain health. Thanks for saving me some research on what kind to buy!! LOVE Yuka!
Thanks I didn’t know this, very informative thanks again
Great. Thank you
Sugar has become “the enemy”,avoid it as much as possible
Fantastic note
Than you
Woo hoo! This is the best news ever! Thank you! Now the trick is to keep it to 2-3 squares! 🤣🤣🤣
Consumers report wrote of the chocolate with an acceptable amount of lead Ghirardelli with 85per cent cacao led the list
Thank you!
Thank you, Julie, Anthony and Yuka. This is a great article. I’m a favor of dark chocolate and now I know how to pick it better when I purchase.🤗❤️
have heard about traces of lead. The darker the chocolate, the more lead. Anyone know anything about this?
Great app. My son showed it to me and I thought I was making healthy choices but with the Yuka app I am really making healthier choices now.🥕
I have heard about cadmium and lead contamination of chocolate. I believe they are present in the soil and or the processing. Is it a concern and if so,how can it he mitigated?
I am relatively new to Yuka, and appreciate notices of potentially dangerous additives. But, to have an article about chocolate with no mention of lead or cadmium – the leading heavy metals found in the majority of chocolate out there for public consumption? Looks like you dropped the ball on this one! Check out this for more details – ‘Organic’ does not solve the problem :
https://www.consumerreports.org/health/food-safety/a-third-of-chocolate-products-are-high-in-heavy-metals-a4844566398/#:~:text=But%20adults%20can%20also%20experience,the%20most%20problematic%20in%20chocolate.
I love the Yuka ap and I have passed it on yo many,vsuch fun, getting educated and healthier.
Thank you!
Very good. Love it
Interesting! I adore 100% pure chocolate, but can the caffeine be problematic?
Yes. I can’t have the DARK chocolate because of the caffeine content. It gives me a migraine. I can tolerate some milk chocolate, though.
I heard that some chocolate Lindt has a lot of lead and cadmium
Yes that is what I’ve heard also. I’ve stopped eating it because of this lead and cadmium. I read there were also lawsuits against Trader Joe’s and Hersey chocolates due to this.
What is cost to upgrade? 15 C means what?
Thanks for the great advice
Thank You Very Much For The Information About Different Types Of Chocolate.
Going for the Organic!! Will definitely keep an eye out for those lecithins. Excellent article.
Thus article on chocolate did not address the problem of cadmium and lead with many brands of organic chocolate exceding daily limits on these toxic heavy metals.
I saw a video on youtube that many chocolate brands contain high levels of lead.
About 1 year ago i read several articles that stated watch out for heavy metals found in most chocolate bars. These metals come from the soil where cocoa beans are grown. Should i be concerned? How would i know which ones are safe to eat?
Good information on chocolate and its benefits. Always good with organic choc.
Thanks for the article – good to know. I gave up sugar the beginning of this year and that was a huge health improvement. I think I’ll try the organic chocolate – I’ll have to investigate the sugar content.
Been using the app quite a bit lately – certainly helpful to make the right choices. Thanks again dee
What do people with Diabetes2 do?
Dont a high number of dark chocolate bars contain high levels of metals, which is a health hazard??
Very interesting info! Now I know why I feel less guilty treating myself to dark chocolate! I truly appreciate your app and promote it whenever possible!
Thank you 🙏
Thanks for the information! I always felt good about choosing dark over milk chocolate. Now that I know what ingredients to avoid when buying a chocolate bar, I will feel confident that I am helping my body.
Thanks for the info on chocolate.
Thank you very good info
My family and I love your App , thanks for all the information!
I’ve been sprinkling a teaspoon or two of straight cocoa powder on my breakfast non dairy yogurt parfait for quite a while. Add some berries and whole grain, low sugar granola and you have a super food. A similar amount of ground flax seed makes it even more powerful.
Very cool information..
Will take your advice and change from eating milk chocolate.
Thanks fir the info.
Good Article, thank you so much for your App, I tell everyone about it!
Good article. Trick to any treat, of course, is moderation. Hard to do with chocolate. Best not to have too much laying around.
If it’s not chocolate, it’s wasted calories!
This was a very enlightening article. I’ll be yet more discerning about my choices. Thank you for the continuing education!
Thanks. Interesting, I just watched a Bryan Johnson, the guy that wants to live a really long time on YouTube. He has that company, way to live…whatever called Blueprint. He is selling a very expensive chocolate on his site. Maybe I will just take my app and check out my cocoa at the grocery store.
Feeling less guilty indulging in dark chocolate! Thank you!
Great article!
Is the comment Rebecca posted about high levels of lead and cadmium true?
Yes. Search Google for consumer reports heavy metals in chocolate
Love this article. I work in a very popular food store I purchase only our 70% dark chocolate candy bars. We also carry the 90% did not try that yet but our chocolates are the best. Glad to read this information knowing is very important for physical health.
Oops, I posted a few seconds ago, aside from lead and/or arsenic
Don’t dark chocolate have high concentrations of lead and sometimes lead?
Great article! It would be helpful if you could provide some examples of good chocolate brands and products. While I know I can scan products at the store, having this information in your article would be a real time-saver. I am constantly using your app and sharing it with many people. Please continue the excellent work!
This article is remiss in discussing the fact that most chocolate contains high levels of lead and cadmium. Sugar and fat are one thing, but heavy metals are another.
You are very helpful all the things we put in or on my body. Thank you so much!:) There’s a big change in what I buy now ,really appreciate all those texts
Please address the heavy metals found in chocolate
I’ve been promoting 72% and up dark chocolate, discouraging the consumption of milk chocolate and vilifying white chocolate for decades. I’m happy to see Yuka spread the news while supporting it with science. It’s easy to pass on chocolate desserts at most restaurants because they do not differentiate between these three types. I get especially irritated when they call that white nonsense “chocolate’. It is just fat and sugar. You’d be better off eating cotton candy; at least then you wouldn’t be consuming harmful fats.
You really missed the recent Consumer Reports study about mainstream and “health-food” chocolate brands and high heavy metal content (Lead and Cadmium!)? Also much of cacao is harvested with child labor. I like you and use the app, but this is a very limited “systemic” food issue address.
Love your app and articles!! Thanks. I scan EVERYTHING possible!!
Thank you! Very informative! Is the a brand of c cocoa powder that is best?
love this app love your articles very easy to read
Thanks for your great App. However, in the article re chocolate – you make no mention of the presence of lead and cadmium, which seems to be in many kinds of chocolate, even organic?
Amazed at the quality and layout of these articles. Easy and quick to read and packed with info. No rambling on and on. Keep up the great work!
As far as the app, even though I’m a conscious consumer, I’ve still slowly been making healthier changes to my food and cosmetics choices. Thank you!
I love this app. It is so interesting, and so helpful. It is also very eye opening on what foods and products are not good. It’s almost fun to scan items and find out how you can improve the good choices you can make regarding your health. Medical and reference material to back up the information given. It also informed you if what the bad ingredients and fixings actually are and what they do to you. I do absolutely love it.
Love Yuka.It was the best app I’ve ever used
That’s berry good I love dark chocolate and do the best 4 eating more healthy every day Thanks
Ustedes son los mejores Dios les bendiga
Love, Yuka app…Amazing Stuff…Huge Thank You, to Your, Top Notch TEAM, sending Hugs to All Your Beautiful Hearts 💕
Hello YUKA,
My name is Augustus Gloop and I Loooove chocolate so much so that it almost cost my life when I was a chubby little boy in England. You see, it all began that fateful day I had hoped to find rarest of all tickets…the Golden Ticket. …well long story short my family has a history of coronary disease, but of course I have never had an issue was such ailments of the heart and I attribute this good fortune directly in proportion to my love of CHOCOLATE…mostly the 70%+ cocoa bean, organic variety.
I love your app and use it to select healthy cosmetics, sun lotion and foods. Thank you!
It’s so good to know those attributes of the yummy cocoa😃💕! No wonder why we crave it so much sometimes! And I’m so happy to know that we can get it from a fair trade brand, and thank you! For all the beneficial articles and purposes of Yuka!!!!🤗💜
So interesting. Thank you. Use your app all the time. Like daily! Would like some suggestions of dark chocolate bars available for purchase in Canada.
Can you recommend any brands that meet your standards? I don’t always have time to read all the labels since there are so many brands of chocolate available now.
Thanks so much for that information on dark chocolate it was very helpful l.
Love this app. Thank you 🙏. It is so helpful. I use it everyday !
Good stuff! We love your app!
This is awesome
Thank you!!
Thank you for the work you do I use this map a lot.
I’ve read in Consumer Report that chocolate has lead and cadmium even if it is organic. I use to use a teaspoon of cacao in my coffee every morning until I read about it being toxic. What do I do?
I read the same thing,what to do?
You can online search for brands that heavy metal test. Try The Health Ranger Store. I shop that site a lot. He also tests for glyphosate and microbiology.
Read the consumer report on Chocolate, Ghiradelli’s example is the safer choice.
https://www.consumerreports.org/health/food-safety/lead-and-cadmium-in-dark-chocolate-a8480295550/
Thank you , I. Needed this.
I’ve no excuses not to eat it now!!! Ha ha great information, greatly researched
I just love this app! Best app ever for helping me and others to understand what’s in your food. Thank you for making it possible to see the truth about the food we eat.
Thank you that was geo helpful ❤️ I use your app a lot when I am Food Shopping
What about the caffeine content?
What about heavy metals that is suppose to be found in dark chocolate?
Went to the Yuka app and I didn’t see any outstanding dark chocolate powders…… any suggestions
I heard that chocolate can contain high amounts of lead. This was not mentioned in your article.
Wonderful article full of important information I never knew before
I’ve been a dark, 70% or higher and organic, chocolate fan for over 40+cereal. I look for good dark chocolate with almonds or hazelnuts.
Miss the days when dark chocolte used to be cheaper till many have also discovered it’s positive properties. Also there was a shortage of cocoa trees a few years ago. I also use daily cocoa powder in my drinks, also cocoa nibs on my ceareal.
Thank you for caring and sharing about good food information and can you please send me some information on using the app offline, I thought I paid for it but too my dismay every time I visited Trader Joe’s it doesn’t work for me
Why does Yuka contradict many ratings from http://www.EWG.org? Shouldn’t you be in sink?
This is such good & valuable information.
Thx will look for organic dark 70 to 90% cocoa chocolate
But which brands of dark chocolate get a high Yuka score??????
https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B06XGBMKBN?psc=1&ref=ppx_pop_mob_b_asin_image&th=1#immersive-view_1721788932599
Is there a specific brand that’s better than another?
Thank you!
I always buying a dark chocolate 80-90%
I Love dark chocolate my favourite ones with almonds or hazelnut.
Thank you!
I always buying a dark chocolate 80-90%
Love dark chocolate!
Love this information on Chocolate. It would be nice to see recommendations for dark chocolate brands.
Did so much research on dark chocolate and the latest don’t have good reviews… metals that are dangerous. .. 2 particularly. I was so saddened because also has good stuff in it.
Nice 👍 story on Chocolate and I worked for Hershey Chocolate for 7 years and learned a few new things.
Awesome… now please share this information with Hershey.
Because they have the power to make good choices on our behalf. Thx!!
Love dark chocolate
Love yuka
Could someone please respond or send me a link as to ….How can ‘Organic” chocolate in the current case be high in lead +/- cadmium be in the product when not added to the product …via another ingredient? Does this hold true for other ‘organic’ items such as, for example, walnuts or oranges? Has anyone tested all organic items to see if they are high in an unhealthy item(s)? Something seems amiss….
In the US, a recent study by Consumer Reports discovered that chocolates could contain amounts of Lead and Cadmium. The level of these elements is related to the amount of cocoa used. I’m not sure about chocolates in the EU.
“Consumer Reports found dangerous heavy metals in chocolate from Hershey’s, Theo, Trader Joe’s, and other popular brands. Here are the ones that had the most, and some that are safer.”
https://www.consumerreports.org/health/food-safety/lead-and-cadmium-in-dark-chocolate-a8480295550/
asyousow.org gives the amount of lead and cadmium in each chocolate product
I think a stronger emphasis should be made about the fact that cocoa is truly a rare and precious resource and chocolate should be regarded and consumed as a luxury item.
The cheap chocolate we consume now has child and forced labour in the supply chains, neglect in the production phases (which leads to cadmium and lead contamination), deforestation, enormous water consumption and so so much corruption.
So I am not sure an article recommending daily use (even in small doses) is appropriate, given the profile and mission of Yuka.
Love this app
Such a great tool to use and teach people what is in all of foods we eat-
I’m a big supporter
Love it also. I use it on all my food and body hygiene products. What a great tool!
I eat Chocolate Ganache, marketed by Kroger as Private Selection. It has Cocoa, but I can’t tell how much; also has Cocoa butter, but again don’t know about its quality. Can anyone tell me more? My Yuka App notes it as Bad, 7/100
I absolutely love the Yuka app and getting all the informative emails! Toxins in our foods and other various products is something I take seriously for my health. This article was extremely helpful and you made it easy to understand! Thank you so much for all you do!
I love chocolate and used to eat dark chocolate daily. After learning about how high it is in oxalates, I’ve cut my intake down dramatically. Please investigate the oxalate content of chocolate.
Good article altho a recommendation would be nice and what about he lead and cadmium ?
Tony’s Chocolonely is the chocolate brand startup rated the most fair trade and they are on a mission to change the chocolate industry. I highly recommend their chocolate and their ethical way of doing business!
The series ‘Rotten’ on Netflix (S2 Ep.6) presents some of the huge problems and corruption in the industry. You will never look at chocolate the same way again.
Unfortunately Tony’s Chocoloney also has one of the highest levels of lead content! Check out the consumer reports study
Thank You for this wonderful Service. I always Yuka food and cosmetics before I purchase. You have made a difference in My Life!! Thank You
Does cocoa powder have dark chocolate in it?
It should specify on the label but they don’t always.
Chocolate is made with cocoa powder, like the article explains. The higher concentration of cocoa powder in a bar of chocolate, the darker it is.
What about the lead and its effects in chocolate powder ?
Thank you
Thank you so much for the info. I have read this type of info before and all of my chocolate is exactly what you are talking about. You have built my security in chocolate.
Love chocolate thank you
Thank you💐
85% Cocoa chocolate covered almonds w/sea salt – no added sugar
I agreed that dark chocolate is good for you , all. I think I understand that 85% or better dark chocolate is better?
Many popular brands of quality dark chocolate have high levels of lead & cadmium. Thought a site like this would know that.
Great article thank you Yuka👍
Thanks for the information and helpful tips
This’s good and helpful God Bless you More 🙏
I love dark chocolate and actually do treat myself to a few squares per day but “According to a 2023 Consumer Reports investigation, 23 out of 28 dark chocolate bars tested contained concerning levels of lead and cadmium, or both.” Of course my favorite chocolate bar had high levels of both. 😢
Is it possible to post a link the this report? I would like to believe that organic chocolate would address this.
Disregard. Link below 🙂 https://www.consumerreports.org/health/food-safety/lead-and-cadmium-in-dark-chocolate-a8480295550/
I love 85% or higher broken into small bits and mix into a nut mix
Thank you for the insight on deforestation. I didn’t know that fact.
thank you for the recommendation. I will buy more Dark Chocolate ❤️ and I used yuka app all the time
Thank you for this great information and I love dark chocolate
from Montreal Quebec
We really love chocolate so thanks for reaffirming what we previously thought was accurate.
Yuka is the absolute best app on our planet. I’ve shared this app with everyone.
May God Bless its founders and staff.
I heard that the best chocolate is grown in Peru. True?
How can an article on the health benefits of chocolate NOT address the highly disturbing problem of lead in chocolate?!?! We need to demand that chocolate manufacturers focus on this issue and remove lead or figure out how to reduce it. The chocolate manufacturers have known about his huge health concern for a very long time and haven’t done enough to address it. Ugh!!!
and cadmium too!
I recently read a study of the 70% and over chocolate bars, including Lindt and Ghirardelli, that said there was a higher than allowable amount of lead in them. All except the 86% Ghirardelli, which had a lower amount of lead. Do you factor lead content in your ratings? I’m sure they do not put that on the list of ingredients and nutrition! I do like YUKA and use it every week. Thank you!
Hello and Blessings,
I am a CHOCOHOLIC, especially for dark chocolate. Thank you for providing the benefits of chocolate. I will share this information with my family and friends who think chocolate is bad for our health.
Yuka is my shopping buddy. Love it
I love this! So informative and useful information. Thank you so much!
use your app all the time
Is the cocoa seeds better option
Thanks for the article on chocolate. I love the Yuka app and have recommended it to lots of people.
Yuka app is my #1 app!! I love it so much I do not shop without it . I have recommended to family members and coworkers!! Keep up the good works!! God bless !!
Great article. Thank you. Love the Yuka app. My naturopath mentioned that some dark chocolates such as Lindt carry a lot of lead. Does the app take that into consideration when fact checking? Thx
Some recommended cocoa products would be helpful. I love your breakdown. So simple and easy to understand. Thank you
I am so very happy to have heard of Yuka.
I use it in almost every shopping trip
Thank you
I always wanted this synopsis of chocolate and why? Thank you for explaining this so thoroughly for us!
Soo helpful. Appreciate this so much.
Thanks for the information. Very knowledgeable
I’m so glad to hear that. I’m a chocolate fiend! But I have been controlling my cravings to a healthier degree. Does anyone have any chocolate recommendations?
Thanks for this read. I love dark chocolate and always look for one without lecithin and palm oil.
The Yuka app is an eyeopener and the best to get the best of products for our over all well being!
Thank you for the article. I enjoy making healthy chocolate bars and candy. I give it to my friends and family for their birthdays and holidays. There are several healthy chocolate recipes on the internet to choose from.
Hi Julie,
I appreciate all the great info on chocolate. Please note that some brands are high in cadmium and lead. Consumer Reports wrote a very in-depth article about this several years ago.
oh wow; noted
Here is the article from Consumer Reports regarding lead and cadmium in chocolate. I find it concerning that this wasn’t addressed by Yuka.
https://www.consumerreports.org/health/food-safety/lead-and-cadmium-in-dark-chocolate-a8480295550/
I read this article too. I am hoping that Yuka will give us a list of the better chocolates that do not contact cadmium.
Great article. I love dark chocolate and am super happy that it is also good for your health. The only issue is that there can be high levels of cadmium and lead in dark chocolate. This is obviously not food for your health. Does Yuka know how which brands have the lowest levels of heavy metals?
Thank you! I like to use cacao in my chia pudding!
Yuka App is very good. We can find useful information for us❤️❤️❤️🥰.
Thank you. These informations are good
This is so helpful, especially since I am trying to wean myself off milk chocolate and looking for a healthier alternative.
Hi , thanks heaps for your instructive, accurate and easy to read articles, from breakfast suggestions to this one on chocolate. I appreciate your research and then presenting these on your app. And since hearing about your app it has become my go to shopping mate. 🖐️
Be careful about heavy metals in cacao beans grown in certain areas.
Thank you
Love this app! It has really taught me to scan everything!
What about the lead? Recent analysis showed lead becomes part of the chocolate because the beans are dried outdoors and become contaminated. Help us avoid lead contamination, please!
You are so wonderful Thank you for what you do How’s NY treating you Have you talked with the FDA and told them how they are killing us with their poisonous additives that they allow?! No doubt like talking to the wall
I have the Yuka app and love it! It has helped us stay on track with eating a healthy diet. I highly recommend this app to health conscious folks.
I am wondering why the lead and cadmium content is not mentioned in this article? This issue has me concerned as you recommend 2 ounces per day and Consumer’s Report says not to exceed 1 ounce per day per adult to avoid toxic levels.
I was going to comment exactly the same thing Christi. I am a dark chocolate lover and I wish we could have some info about this on the labels. The darker we go, the worse it is in terms of heavy metals level; it becomes hard to find the right balance 😉
so does that mean if I eat cocoa powder daily a tablespoon < is that bad?
I also love the Yuka app! It has been super helpful when making choices of what to buy or not. I try to eat mostly organic but it is more expensive and not always readily available. When I see that red ingredient flag, back to the shelf, lol. Just wanted to comment on the chocolate, I do a lot of research and have found that unfortunately chocolate or cacao contains heavy metals to varying degrees depending on soil conditions and where it is grown. Just a thought!
Curious why you rated my 85% dark chocolate as poor.
Also, a poor rating gor coconut oil, MCT oil and Coconut Aminos. All single ingredient products
Does yuka have a stance on chocolate produced with alkali? It has those produced that way highly rated so I’m guessing they don’t care but I thought this was a contaminant
Yuka is something, I always wanted to have by my side. I rely on this to transform my journey to healthy life for me and my family. Thank you so so much Yuka. 🙂
I ❤️ Yuka sooo much and all the good information to help people eat healthier. Thank you 😊
Thanks I loved the info
What about the cadmium and lead found in much chocolate?
Yuka, has changed my life in sooo many ways. I use the app while grocery shopping to make healthier choices and boy my eyes have been opened up to the ingredients I thought were good that aren’t. So thank you 😊
I do not go shopping without using my yuca