Delicious Low Calorie Chocolates - Healthy Dark Chocolate Bars

The Benefits of Low Calorie Chocolates

Chocolate is one of life's simple pleasures that many people enjoy on a regular basis. However, traditional chocolate bars and candies tend to be high in calories, sugar, and fat. The good news is that in recent years, many companies have started offering delicious low calorie chocolates that allow chocolate lovers to enjoy their favorite treat without overdoing it on calories.

Dark Chocolate is Packed with Antioxidants

Studies have shown that dark chocolate with a high cocoa content contains potent antioxidants called flavonoids. These antioxidants have been linked to many health benefits including lower blood pressure, improved cholesterol levels, better cognitive function, and more. The higher the cocoa content of the chocolate, the more antioxidants it contains.

Look for High Cocoa Percentages

When selecting low calorie chocolates, be sure to check the label for the cocoa percentage. The higher the percentage, the darker the chocolate and the more antioxidant benefits it offers. Health experts recommend choosing dark chocolate with a minimum of 70% cocoa to maximize the flavonoid content while keeping calorie and sugar content low.

The Importance of Cocoa Flavanols

Cocoa flavanols are a type of flavonoid found naturally in cocoa beans. They have been widely researched for their significant health benefits. These compounds have been shown to lower blood pressure, improve blood flow, and make blood platelets less sticky. This may help reduce risk factors for heart disease. Low calorie chocolates that contain a high percentage of cocoa bean ingredients supply a rich source of flavanols.

Tips for Choosing Low Calorie Chocolate

When selecting low calorie chocolate, be sure to assess the nutritional information. Many seemingly healthy chocolate options can still be high in less desirable ingredients like sugar, fillers, and hydrogenated oils. Here are some tips for choosing the best and healthiest low calorie chocolate treats:

Check the Calorie Count

Pay attention to the serving size and calories per serving listed on nutrition labels of chocolate products. As a general rule, quality dark chocolate contains around 100-150 calories for a 1 ounce serving. Very low calorie chocolate options clock in at 80 calories or less per serving.

Assess Added Sugars

Added sugar should not exceed more than 6 grams per 1 ounce serving of chocolate. Consuming excess added sugars can undermine the potential health benefits. Focus on chocolate made with natural sweeteners like honey or maple syrup whenever possible.

Mind the Ingredients List

Scan the ingredients list and watch out for things like palm kernel oil, hydrogenated vegetable oils, high fructose corn syrup, and artificial flavors or sweeteners. Quality chocolate should contain mainly chocolate liquor or cocoa, cocoa butter, sugar, soy lecithin, vanilla, and milk ingredients if it's milk chocolate.

Health Benefits of Low Calorie Chocolate

Dark chocolate containing at least 70% cocoa offers proven positive health effects while satisfying your sweet tooth. Here is an overview of some of the top health benefits offered by low calorie chocolate products:

It's Good for Your Heart

The flavonoids in cocoa have been shown to reduce blood pressure and increase blood flow to the heart and brain. Eating chocolate may also help lower LDL cholesterol levels and reduce risk of blood clots.

May Improve Brain Function

The flavanols in cocoa are thought to have positive effects on neurons and blood flow in regions of the brain related to learning, memory, and mood. This may help reduce risk of dementia and enhance day-to-day cognitive abilities.

Contains Anti-Inflammatory Effects

The antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activity of dark chocolate may help reduce systemic inflammation and oxidative stress on a cellular level. This can have wider implications for many aspects of health from immunity to skin aging.

Delicious Low Calorie Chocolate Options

Fortunately, it's easier than ever to find delectable low calorie chocolate options made from premium ingredients. Here is an overview of 11 delicious and nutritious low calorie chocolate bars dietitians recommend:

Hu Dark Chocolate Crunch Bars

Hu Kitchen makes fair trade organic 70% dark chocolate bars wrapped around crunchy quinoa crisps. Each hearty half bar contains only 4 grams of sugar. Their dark chocolate vegan bars are also certified gluten-free and paleo.

Alter Eco Dark Blackout Bar

This USDA Organic and Fair Trade 85% cocoa bar is richly dark and intense. Sweetened only with coconut sugar, it has a low glycemic index and makes for a gut-healthy treat thanks to its prebiotic chocolate ingredients.

Equal Exchange Organic Very Dark Chocolate

For those who prefer beyond dark, Equal Exchange makes an 88% cacao organic Very Dark bar that's wonderfully bitter. It's also soy-free, gluten-free, Non-GMO Project Verified and Fair Trade.

Endangered Species 72% Cacao Bar

This brand offers premium bean-to-bar chocolate while contributing 10% of net profits to wildlife conservation. Their 72% bar is rich and velvety smooth, with low sugar and soy lecithin as the only additive.

Pascha Organic Dark Chocolate Chips

Pascha makes low glycemic and allergy-friendly dark chocolate baking chips sweetened exclusively with organic coconut palm sugar. Their 70% cacao chips work perfectly for making your own healthy chocolate trail mixes or low sugar cookies.

Lily's Dark Chocolate Baking Chips

Lily's sugar free and gluten free Stevia-sweetened chocolate chips offer the perfect way to bake low carb, high cocoa recipes. Their bittersweet and semi-sweet calorie-free chips retain intense chocolate flavor despite having no added sugar.

ChocZero Milk Chocolate Bar

ChocZero specializes in premium sugar-free chocolate for low carb diets. Their synthetic sugar substitute-sweetened bars taste identical to the real thing. Try their ultra-creamy 48% milk chocolate bar for just 1 gram of net carbs per serving.

Raw Cacao & Coconut Mylk Chocolate

For the health nut chocolate lover, Raw Cacao & Coconut makes dairy-free, soy-free, gluten-free, vegan chocolate sweetened with coconut sugar. It's also raw, organic, and stone ground for maximum antioxidant levels.

Green & Black's 85% Dark

Green & Black's makes certified USDA Organic 85% cocoa dark chocolate bars that are delightfully bittersweet with rich chocolate intensity. Bars are Non-GMO Project Verified and the brand uses ethically-sourced cacao beans.

Chocolove Strong Dark Chocolate

Chocolove's 70% cocoa Strong Dark chocolate offers a nice balance of rich chocolate flavors with roasted nutty notes. Bars are certified gluten-free and use ethically-sourced Rainforest Alliance cacao beans.

CaPao Superfood Chocolate

CaPao adds extra nutrition to their 72% organic dark chocolate bars by blending in antioxidant-rich superfood ingredients like goji berries and almonds. Every batch is stone ground and enzyme treated to maximize health benefits.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.