Which chocolate is healthiest to binge on: milk, dark or white? (2024)

FAQs

Which chocolate is healthiest to binge on: milk, dark or white? ›

But, compared to milk chocolate, dark chocolate is the healthier alternative. Dark chocolate contains less sugar and no milk while having much more cacao. The high percentage of cacao creates certain benefits from consuming dark chocolate. Flavanol is found in many plants, including the cacao plant.

Milk chocolate also has more antioxidants, less fat, and less sugar than its white cousin. It's therefore a healthier option owing to its lower amounts of sugar.

In conclusion, while white chocolate is a sweet and creamy treat, it doesn't offer the same health benefits as dark chocolate. Dark chocolate, with its higher cocoa content and antioxidant content, is generally considered to be the healthier option.

Dark chocolate is by far the healthiest form of the treat, containing the least sugar and, because of its cocoa content, higher levels of substances that protect the body's cells. If sugar is your number one concern, Allers recommends looking for higher percentages.

All three types have generally the same nutritional value, though white chocolate often has more calories. One tablespoon of each type of chocolate contains roughly 1 gram of protein, 8 grams of sugar, and 4.5 grams of fat. Milk and white have some calcium, and dark chocolate has a little bit of dietary iron.

And the winner is…

Dark chocolate! Because of its lower sugar and fat content and its higher flavanol content, dark chocolate has benefits over milk chocolate. However, both should be eaten in moderation because both contain more sugar and fat than is ideal in a heart-healthy diet.

White chocolate not only has more saturated fat than any other type of chocolate, but lacks the healthy phytochemicals found in cocoa and dark chocolate.

Due to its higher concentration of cocoa, dark chocolate is packed with compounds that can be good for your heart, such as flavonoids. Flavonoids are a type of polyphenols, which are naturally occurring chemicals found in plants.

Dark chocolate, for example, has less sugar than milk chocolate, while white chocolate has the highest. Dark chocolate bars generally have 50% to 70% cocoa solids and 20% to 30% sugar, whereas milk chocolate has 30% cocoa solids and 40% to 50% sugar.

Can I eat dark chocolate every day? ›

What is the daily recommended amount of dark chocolate? The recommended “dose” is approximately 1 to 2 ounces or 30-60g, experts say. Indulge in anything more than that, and you may be consuming too many calories. A 1.45-ounce (41 gram) Hershey's Special Dark Chocolate Bar has 190 calories.

What tastes like chocolate but is healthy? Cocoa powder can be used to add chocolate flavor to smoothies, baked goods, oatmeal, and more without any added sugar. If you're looking for easy ways to experiment with cocoa powder, try this no added sugar cocoa protein shake recipe or this chocolatey overnight oats recipe.

"Dark chocolate absolutely is considered a superfood. It has fiber, iron, magnesium, potassium, and zinc, to name a few key nutrients. It also packs a powerful antioxidant punch, containing flavanols and polyphenols among others, which have been linked to heart health.

Not only does white chocolate pair ridiculously well with any type of fruit—especially tarter ones—its delicate flavor lets ingredients shine without overpowering them (I'm looking at you, dark chocolate). White chocolate also helps mellow out dark chocolate's bitter flavor in baked goods like brownies and cakes.

Milk chocolate has nutrients like calcium that is important for building strong bones. It also has more antioxidants than white chocolate, with less fat and less sugar in general, making it healthier for you. White chocolate is sweeter than milk chocolate.

In general, dark chocolate contains less sugar than milk chocolate and white chocolate. Dark chocolate with higher percentages of cacao solids typically contains even less sugar. Sugar content varies among chocolate manufacturers, so it is advisable to check the nutrition label.

Compared to regular milk, chocolate milk does contain added sugars and added calories, both of which can contribute to obesity, which contributes to many different medical issues. So it's not the best choice if you're trying to keep your sugar and calories in-check.

Dark chocolate is healthier than milk chocolate because it contains more cocoa solids and therefore has more antioxidants (called flavanols), which may promote cardiovascular health.

Then milk chocolate, which is sweeter and smoother, is also fine, as long as it contains a high percentage of cocoa, as for example in the recipe for Venezuela 47% Milk Chocolate. White chocolate is best avoided because it contains no cocoa and a high percentage of sugar and fat.