How Much Dark Chocolate Per Day Should You Eat? - Whitakers Chocolates | Our Blog (2024)

Raise your hand if you’re a fan of dark chocolate (both of mine are raised!).

There’s just something about the smooth, velvety texture and rich, slightly bitter taste that sends my taste buds into overdrive.

But as much as I adore indulging in this decadent treat, I know that being healthy is important too.

So, how much dark chocolate can you eat in a day without feeling guilty? Let’s dig into this delicious dilemma and find out!

Table of Contents

How Much Dark Chocolate Per Day Should You Consume?

According to health experts, consuming around 30-60 grams of dark chocolate per day is a healthy amount for most people.

That’s about two to four small squares of your favourite chocolate bar.

Now, don’t go overboard and think that just because it’s “dark chocolate”, you can scoff down a whole block guilt-free.

Remember, everything in moderation! Plus, dark chocolate is still high in calories and sugar, so it’s important to keep tabs on your intake.

But a little indulgence never hurt anyone, right? Enjoy your daily dose of dark chocolate and savour every moment!

(If you love eating chocolate but want to stay healthy, you might like to read about how many calories in a chocolate bar?)

How Many Squares Of Dark Chocolate Per Day?

Ok so, let’s break it down! How many squares of dark chocolate can you indulge in each day?

Well, the answer depends on the size of the square. On average, a single square of dark chocolate weighs around 10 grams.

So, if we go by the recommended daily intake of 30-60 grams, that means you can have anywhere from three to six squares of dark chocolate per day.

Of course, the exact number of squares will depend on the size of the bar and the weight of each square.

But as a general rule of thumb, three to six squares is a healthy amount to satisfy your chocolate cravings without going overboard.

So go ahead, savour each bite, and enjoy your daily dose of deliciousness!

(Click here if you are interested in a post looking at the question: what is dark chocolate?)

What Happens if You Eat Too Much Dark Chocolate?

Look, as much as we all love indulging in dark chocolate (trust me, I know, work in a chocolate factory, and I literally eat chocolate every day), overdoing it can have some less-than-ideal consequences.

Eating too much dark chocolate can lead to a range of issues, including an upset stomach, nausea, diarrhoea, headaches, and jitteriness.

Plus, let’s not forget about the high calorie and sugar content, which can lead to weight gain and other health problems if consumed in excess.

So, while a little bit of dark chocolate can be a great treat, it’s important to keep it in moderation and stick to the recommended daily intake of 30-60 grams.

Your taste buds will thank you, and so will your body!

Note – You might also find this post interesting: How many carbs in dark chocolate?

Is it Safe to Eat Dark Chocolate Every Day?

Good news for all you chocoholics out there: it is generally safe to eat dark chocolate every day!

In fact, studies have shown that consuming moderate amounts of dark chocolate can actually have some health benefits, including lowering blood pressure and reducing the risk of heart disease.

Of course, it’s important to keep your intake in check and stick to the recommended daily amount of 30-60 grams.

Also, keep in mind that while dark chocolate does have some health benefits, it is still high in calories and sugar, so it should be consumed as part of a balanced diet.

So, go ahead and treat yourself to a small square of dark chocolate each day, and enjoy the delicious taste and potential health benefits!

(You might also enjoy looking at this blog post talking about how to stop eating chocolate).

What is the Nutritional Content of a Bar of Dark Chocolate?

Dark chocolate is not only delicious, but it also contains a variety of important nutrients that can contribute to a healthy diet.

Whilst all brands slightly differ in ingredients, on the whole, dark chocolate is a good source of important minerals like iron, magnesium, copper, and manganese.

However, it is also high in calories and saturated fat, so it should be consumed in moderation and as part of a balanced diet.

Here is a breakdown of the nutritional content of our Whitakers standard bar of dark chocolate:

Laboratory AnalysisTypical values per 100g
Energy2212 kJ / 531 kcal
Fat31.9g
Of which saturates19.3g
Carbohydrates48.9g
Of which sugars44.0g
Fibre9.1g
Protein7.4g
Salt0.03g

We like to keep our ingredients to a minimum, with no GMOs or anything artificial, just 100% natural.

Here’s the ingredients breakdown of our dark chocolate bar:

Ingredients: Dark Chocolate 99% (cocoa mass, sugar, cocoa butter, emulsifier: SOYA lecithin, vanilla flavour).
Dark Chocolate contains: Cocoa solids 55% minimum.
Allergen Info: See ingredients in BOLD. Product may also contain milk and nuts

Note – You might also like to read this post looking at: Can a vegan eat dark chocolate?

An Expert’s Opinion

As someone who works at a chocolate factory, I’m surrounded by temptation all day and every day.

Imagine being constantly surrounded by the sweet, delicious aroma of chocolate and having to taste it as part of your job – talk about a dream come true!

However, I know that it’s important to enjoy chocolate in moderation, even when you’re surrounded by it all day.

I make a conscious effort to limit my chocolate intake and savour each bite rather than mindlessly snacking on it throughout the day.

After all, a little bit of indulgence can be a great treat, but it’s all about balance.

What Are the Main Health Benefits of Dark Chocolate?

Who knew that indulging in a little bit of dark chocolate could actually be good for you?!

Here are some of the main health benefits that have been associated with eating moderate amounts of dark chocolate:

  1. Heart health: Dark chocolate is rich in antioxidants called flavonoids, which have been shown to reduce inflammation and lower the risk of heart disease.
  2. Blood pressure: Studies have found that consuming dark chocolate can help lower blood pressure and improve blood flow, which can reduce the risk of heart attack and stroke.
  3. Brain function: The flavonoids in dark chocolate may also have benefits for the brain, improving cognitive function and reducing the risk of neurodegenerative diseases.
  4. Mood booster: Dark chocolate contains phenylethylamine (PEA), which is a natural mood booster and can help increase feelings of happiness and well-being.
  5. Anti-inflammatory: The antioxidants in dark chocolate have also been shown to have anti-inflammatory effects, which can help reduce the risk of chronic diseases such as cancer and diabetes.

Of course, it’s important to remember that dark chocolate should be consumed in moderation and as part of a balanced diet.

But hey, with all these health benefits, there’s no need to feel guilty about indulging in a little bit of chocolatey goodness each day!

Final Notes on How Much Dark Chocolate You Should Eat Per Day

So, there you have it. As much as we all love indulging in dark chocolate, it’s important to keep your intake in check and enjoy it in moderation.

Stick to the recommended daily amount of 30-60 grams and savour each bite, knowing that you’re not only treating your taste buds but also reaping some potential health benefits.

From improving heart health to boosting brain function and mood, dark chocolate truly is a delicious superfood.

But as with anything, too much of a good thing can be detrimental, so it’s important to find the right balance.

As I say (and try to stick to every day!), enjoy your chocolate in moderation and savour each bite!

How Much Dark Chocolate Per Day Should You Eat? - Whitakers Chocolates | Our Blog (2024)

FAQs

How Much Dark Chocolate Per Day Should You Eat? - Whitakers Chocolates | Our Blog? ›

As much as we all love indulging in dark chocolate, it's important to keep your intake in check and enjoy it in moderation. Stick to the recommended daily amount of 30-60 grams and savour each bite, knowing that you're not only treating your taste buds but also reaping some potential health benefits.

What is the recommended amount of dark chocolate per 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.

Is Whittakers dark chocolate good for you? ›

Quality dark chocolate, such as that crafted by Whitakers, is imbued with numerous health-promoting compounds, antioxidants, minerals, and flavonoids. These contribute to cardiovascular well-being, cognitive health, and overall longevity.

How much 72% dark chocolate a day? ›

An ounce or 2 per day is more than enough to get the health benefits. Chocolate bars vary in size and weight, so check the label to see how many ounces are in one portion. And note other ingredients, like caramel, that can add extra sugar and fat. Some dark chocolate bars contain lead and cadmium.

Can too much dark chocolate be bad for you? ›

New research from Consumer Reports shows that dark chocolate contains cadmium and lead, two heavy metals that can lead to health problems. Experts say it's okay to eat dark chocolate this Valentine's Day if it's limited to a one-ounce serving. Choosing a brand with lower lead and cadmium is also recommended.

Is eating a piece of dark chocolate every day good for you? ›

Regularly eating dark chocolate may help reduce a person's likelihood of developing heart disease. Some of the compounds in dark chocolate, specifically flavanols, affect two major risk factors for heart disease: high blood pressure and high cholesterol.

How much sugar is in Whittakers dark chocolate? ›

Dark Ghana Dark Chocolate
Typical ValuesPer 100gg (50g)
Saturated Fat22g11g
Total Carbohydrates52g26g
Sugars34g17g
Protein10.8g5.4g
5 more rows
Feb 13, 2020

How much cocoa is in Whittaker's chocolate? ›

Whittaker's 33% Cocoa Creamy Milk Chocolate Bar is made in New Zealand with the world's finest cocoa beans, certified by the Rainforest Alliance. We craft our 33% cocoa Creamy Milk chocolate from Ghana's finest cocoa. Then, for utter smoothness, we refine it with our Swiss 5 Roll Refiner.

Why is Whittaker's chocolate so good? ›

Local Artisan ingredients are an important part of why Whittaker's chocolate tastes the way it does. Good climate and quality craftsmanship mean we're a little spoilt for choice. But it's just an excuse to give our Chocolate Lovers something new to try!

What is the best time to eat dark chocolate? ›

Exactly when you eat chocolate could be important, too. Studies suggest that a small amount of dark chocolate in the mornings or evenings may help stabilize your blood sugar levels by limiting your sweet cravings.

What brand of dark chocolate is the best? ›

  • Best Overall: TCHO Dark Duo, 75% Amazon. Buy on Amazon $5 Buy on Tcho.com $6. ...
  • Best Value: Equal Exchange Organic Very Dark Chocolate (71% Cacao) Amazon. ...
  • Best Splurge: Amano Artisan Chocolate Dos Rios Dark Chocolate Bar 70% Amazon. ...
  • Best Allergen-Free: Pascha 85% Cacao Organic Vegan Dark Chocolate Bar. Amazon.
Mar 22, 2024

Which dark chocolate has no heavy metals? ›

The brands found to have the lowest levels of heavy metal contamination are: Mast Organic Dark Chocolate (80% cocoa) Taza Organic Chocolate (70% cocoa)

What brand of dark chocolate is safe to eat? ›

Dark chocolate: Divine 70% Deliciously Smooth Dark Chocolate and Sam's Choice (Walmart) Dark Chocolate 85% Cocoa were the safest dark chocolates while an ounce of the others tested would put you over the limit for lead, including Perugina Premium Dark Chocolate,Evolved Signature Dark 72% Cacao Chocolate Bar Sam's ...

Is dark chocolate ok for kidneys? ›

Dark chocolate has many health benefits, including lowering blood pressure, improving vascular system function, and reducing total cholesterol and LDL. These significant benefits could reduce chronic kidney disease or kidney failure complications. However, milk chocolate bars can also harm those with kidney disease.

Why do I feel weird after eating dark chocolate? ›

Dark chocolate has higher theobromine compared to milk and white chocolate. But accordingly, overindulging in chocolate (and therefore theobromine) may lead to feeling restless, headaches and nausea.

Is 2 pieces of dark chocolate healthy? ›

Enjoyed as an occasional treat, 20g of high-cocoa, minimally processed dark chocolate (about six small pieces or two large squares) may be incorporated in a varied, balanced diet. However, as dark chocolate is high in calories, saturated fat and potentially sugar, your intake should be moderated.

What does an ounce of dark chocolate look like? ›

For example, one ounce is the equivalent of three thin squares of chocolate broken off from a bigger bar. Dark chocolate is also best savored slowly — a little goes a long way.

How much is 1 ounce of chocolate? ›

In the United States, chocolate is measured in ounces, 1/16th of a pound. In other parts of the world, chocolate is measured in grams, and 28 grams is roughly the same amount as an ounce. Both of these numbers are usually included in a product's net weight. The net weight only measures the amount of product itself.

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