Chocolate is always a guilty pleasure for many. It is a go-to favourite because of the wide range of ways we use it such as coating over our favourite fruits or simply as a bar. Chocolate- whether dark, milk or any type can be easy to overdo. But, did you know that different types of chocolate can be healthier than others? To understand the health benefits chocolate provides, you have to know which chocolate offers the most amount of nutrients and the least amount of fat and sugar.
But, before knowing the healthier alernative, let’s know what milk and dark chocoaltes are.
What Is Milk Chocolate?
Talking about milk chocolate, Dietician Garima Goyal said, “It is a type of chocolate that includes milk solids in addition to cocoa solids and sugar. The milk solids typically consist of milk powder, liquid milk, or condensed milk. This addition gives milk chocolate a creamier texture and a sweeter taste compared to dark chocolate. Milk chocolate is often the most popular choice for confectionery and is widely used in various chocolate products, including bars, truffles, and candies.”
What Is Dark Chocolate?
Speaking about this, Garima said, “Dark chocolate is made primarily from cocoa solids, sugar, and cocoa butter. It contains little to no milk solids, resulting in a more intense cocoa flavour and a darker colour. Dark chocolate is known for its rich and sometimes slightly bitter taste, attributed to the higher cocoa content. The cocoa content in dark chocolate can vary, with some varieties having as much as 90% cocoa. Dark chocolate is also recognised for potential health benefits due to its higher levels of antioxidants and minerals.”
Difference Between The Two:
In this regard, Nutritionist Harleen Gill chalked out the difference between Dark and Milk chocolate:
She said, “The main difference between dark and milk chocolate lies in their ingredients. Both chocolates are made from ingredients derived from cacao plants. Dark chocolate contains about 50-90% cacao, while milk chocolate contains only 10-50% cacao. The higher the cocoa higher the nutritional quality. Cocoa is a fabulous source of flavonoids, a special class of antioxidants that are the primary reason chocolate can be considered good for your treat. Dark chocolate is typically more bitter than milk chocolate because the difference in the percentage of cocoa accounts for the taste in both.”
“Another difference between the chocolates is the milk content. Milk chocolate must contain at least 12% milk solids to be labelled as “milk chocolate”.
The milk can be in the form of liquid, fat or powder. On the other hand, dark chocolate does not contain milk. Cocoa butter is used to make the chocolate smooth. The butter is derived from a cocoa bean,” she continued to say.
In addition to these, sugar is also a key ingredient in both types. There is more sugar in milk chocolate which gives it a sweeter taste, while dark chocolate contains less sugar to keep its bitter taste from the cocoa.
Health Benefits Of Dark Chocolate:
Subhadeep Dasgupta, who is the Business Head at Gritzo said, “Talking about different varieties of chocolate flavours available, dark chocolate is one of the best options. Known for its array of advantages, it has the potential to enhance bodily functions, contribute to skin rejuvenation, improve cognitive processes, and provide an energy boost.
Explaining this in detail, Garima first mentioned the following nutrients that are present in dark chocolate:
- Rich in flavonoids and antioxidants, which may have cardiovascular benefits.
- Beyond antioxidants, dark chocolate provides essential minerals –
- Iron – Supports red blood cell formation.
- Magnesium – Aids in muscle and nerve function.
- Copper – Contributes to overall health.
She then went on to say how these nutrients benefit children:
- Learning And Memory: Some research suggests that the flavonoids in dark chocolate may have positive effects on learning and memory, potentially benefiting cognitive development in children.
- Potential Cardiovascular Benefits: Some studies suggest that the antioxidants in dark chocolate may have positive effects on cardiovascular health, including improved blood flow and reduced risk of heart disease.
- Mood Enhancement: Dark chocolate contains compounds that can stimulate the production of endorphins, the “feel-good” hormones, potentially contributing to an uplifted mood.
- Brain Health: Flavonoids in dark chocolate may have neuroprotective effects, potentially supporting brain health and cognitive function.
Health Benefits Of Milk Chocolate:
Talking about its calcium content Garima said, “It contains milk solids, contributing to calcium intake for bone health. In addition to that, it is often more popular among kids due to its milder taste and smoother texture.”
“Some commercially available milk chocolates may contain additional ingredients like artificial flavors and preservatives, which should be considered,” she went on to say.
Which One Is A Better Option?
Talking about this, Harleen said that neither is exactly healthy food but compared to milk chocolate, dark chocolate is a healthier alternative. Explaining this, Garima said that for kids, dark chocolate is generally considered a better option due to its lower sugar content and potential health benefits, such as antioxidants.
Thus, while dark chocolate offers potential health benefits due to its higher cocoa content, both types can be part of a balanced diet. Parents should consider individual taste preferences, dietary restrictions, and monitor overall sugar intake to ensure a healthy and enjoyable chocolate experience for their children.