Healthy Low Calorie Chocolate Bars and Recipes

Enjoying Low Calorie Chocolate for Health Benefits

Chocolate often gets a bad reputation as an indulgent treat, but not all chocolate is created equal. The health benefits of dark chocolate with high cacao content are well established. By choosing low calorie, high quality dark chocolate, you can satisfy your sweet tooth as part of an overall balanced diet.

The Health Benefits of Dark Chocolate

Dark chocolate contains beneficial compounds like flavonoids, theobromine, and polyphenols that provide several science-backed health advantages. Some of the researched effects of dark chocolate include:

• Boosting heart health by lowering blood pressure and cholesterol
• Increasing blood flow throughout the body including to the brain
• Providing antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activity
• Supporting healthy insulin sensitivity and blood sugar regulation
• Protecting the nervous system and enhancing cognition
• Lifting mood and reducing stress hormone levels

The key is choosing dark chocolate with at least 70% cocoa content to get meaningful amounts of these active components. Milk chocolate and products with more sugar have less benefits.

Choosing Quality Low Calorie Dark Chocolate

Read labels carefully when selecting dark chocolate to get the most nutrition for the lowest calorie cost. Here's what to look for:

High cacao percentage

Opt for at least 70% cocoa solids or more. The higher the percentage, the more antioxidants present.

Low sugar content

Select brands with little added sugar. Aim for under 20g total sugar per 100g serving.

Simple ingredients

Choose bars with a short list of recognizable ingredients like cocoa, cocoa butter, and natural vanilla without lots of additives.

Ethical sourcing

Opt for fair trade and sustainably sourced chocolate when possible to support responsible production.

Lower calorie density

Compare calorie counts and choose options under 150 calories per serving for guilt-free enjoyment.

Incorporating Low Calorie Chocolate into a Healthy Diet

The Dietary Guidelines for Americans note that there is room in a healthy eating pattern for a small amount of calories from added sugars and saturated fat. Dark chocolate can fit into an overall balanced diet when consumed in moderation. Here are some tips:

• Stick to a 1-2 ounce serving size.
• Savor slowly instead of mindless snacking.
• Pair with fruits like berries or banana for more nutrition.
• Substitute for high-calorie desserts for a treat lower in sugar and fat.
• Add dark chocolate chips or shaved bar pieces to yogurt or oatmeal.
• Use cocoa powder in smoothies or as a way to boost antioxidants in recipes.

Nutritious Store-Bought Low Calorie Chocolate Bars

You can find many delicious low sugar, higher cacao dark chocolate options both in stores and online. Here are some nutritious and indulgent tasting pre-made bars to try:

Hu Kitchen Dark Chocolate Mint

Made with 85% cocoa, this bar has no cane sugar. Sweetened with coconut sugar, it has only 5g net carbs and 80 calories per serving.

Endangered Species Dark Chocolate with Forest Mint

This 72% dark chocolate bar features organic mint grown on rainforest farms. Each 150 calorie section contains 12g sugar.

Equal Exchange Organic Dark Chocolate

With a smooth texture and salty-sweet taste, this 55% cacao fair trade bar offers antioxidants at just 100 calories per serving.

Pascha Organic Dark Chocolate Sweetened with Monk Fruit

Monk fruit sweetener allows this 85% cocoa chocolate to have just 2g sugar and 25 calories per square.

Lindt Excellence 90% Cocoa Supreme Dark Chocolate

A delightfully bittersweet option with just 5g sugar and 100 calories per serving thanks to minimal ingredients.

Ghirardelli Intense Dark Twilight Delight

With a velvety 72% cocoa blend, this classic bar contains 150 calories and 12g sugar per individually wrapped square.

Whip Up Your Own Healthy Chocolate Creations

Making your own homemade chocolate treats allows you to control the quality of ingredients for a low sugar, high cacao treat. Try some of these easy recipes:

Dark Chocolate Avocado Pudding

Blend ripe avocado with melted dark chocolate, cocoa powder, and your choice of sweetener like honey for a rich, dairy-free pudding.

Dark Chocolate Coconut Fat Bombs

Mix shredded coconut with melted chocolate, coconut oil, and coconut butter or milk for an energy boosting snack.

Chocolate Chia Seed Pudding

Whisk together chia seeds, almond milk, cocoa powder, and a touch of sweetener. Chill overnight for a satisfying high fiber breakfast.

Frozen Dark Chocolate Banana Bites

Dip banana slices in melted dark chocolate with a pinch of cinnamon, then freeze for an easy frozen treat.

Chocolate Fruit and Nut Trail Mix

Melt dark chocolate chips and drizzle over dried fruit and nuts. Let cool completely and break into pieces for homemade trail mix.

Choosing Low Calorie Chocolate Supports Your Goals

When a chocolate craving strikes, reach for a square of quality high cocoa, low sugar dark chocolate. The antioxidants can promote heart health, blood flow, anti-inflammatory activity, and other benefits. Carefully selecting cocoa-rich, low calorie options allows you to enjoy the sweet treat while still supporting your nutrition goals.

Look at the ingredients list and nutrition facts to find the healthiest options under 150 calories per serving. Pair your chocolate with fruits and nuts for extra nutrition. Finally, savor mindfully in small portions to keep excess calories, sugar, and saturated fat intake in check.

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.