If you were to ask any candy-lover the difference between milk and dark chocolate, you might get the same reply, somewhere along the lines of milk chocolate tasting sweeter. But if you were to ask someone in the wellness industry, you’ll find out that milk and dark chocolate have an extensive list of differences that goes well beyond their unique tastes!
If you love chocolate yourself but are mindful of your nutrition, you’ll be pleasantly surprised to know that eating chocolate every day might be beneficial to your health. However, not all chocolate is created equal, and understanding the differences can make or break your nutrition. Here’s our take on the health benefits of consuming chocolate and what sets milk and dark chocolate apart!
What’s the Difference?
Milk Chocolate
All chocolate derives from the cacao tree and in its natural form, it contains high levels of protein, fiber, minerals, antioxidants, and the list goes on.
Milk chocolate contains smaller amounts of cacao, anywhere from under 10% up to over 50%. This is because there needs to be enough room for the sugar and milk content, which are the two ingredients responsible for that super sweet taste. While there is some research to show that milk chocolate can be associated with stress relief, the cacao content is not usually high enough to optimize your wellness.
Dark Chocolate
On the other hand, dark chocolate can contain up to 100% cacao, with the most popular versions being around 75%. The wellness industry adores dark chocolate so much because it curbs that sweet tooth we all get midday, and it actually benefits our health at the same time.
Since dark chocolate contains high amounts of cacao, it’s considered a superfood that can be used to balance out our hormones, get enough antioxidants and magnesium, and even hydrate our body from within!
Which is The Healthier Chocolate Option?
If you already guessed dark chocolate, you’re absolutely right. Dark chocolate is by far the healthiest form of chocolate that you can consume, and if it’s organic, that’s even better. A common myth within the fitness industry is that in order to reach your goals, you need to throw out all the candy and chocolate. At Lulu’s Chocolate, we eat organic dark chocolate every single day because it not only tastes like a treat, but it helps us reach our fitness goals and is filled with essential nutrients.
How Much Dark Chocolate Should You Eat?
Whether you start eating dark chocolate as your daily brain food or to satisfy your sweet tooth, it’s still important to consume in moderation. We recommend keeping your daily dose of organic dark chocolate around 1-3 ounces. It’s the perfect amount to take on a daily basis, without over-consuming or overindulging. That being said, if you ever feel like you need a little more or less on any given day, make sure that you do what’s best for your body. Cheers to having incredible health AND delicious chocolate!
