Is Dark Chocolate Keto-Friendly? (2024)

Dark chocolate is a sweet and delicious treat. Plus, high quality dark chocolate is quite nutritious.

Depending on the cocoa content, dark chocolate can be a rich source of minerals and antioxidants and contain a decent amount of fiber (1).

However, since it contains carbs, you may wonder whether it can fit into the very low carb, high fat ketogenic diet.

This article explores whether dark chocolate can be enjoyed as part of a healthy keto diet.

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Dark chocolate is made by combining fat and sugar with cocoa.

Unlike milk chocolate, dark chocolate is made with little to no milk solids, and it contains less sugar and more cocoa.

However, sugar is typically added to dark chocolate to some extent to counterbalance the bitterness of the cocoa.

Still, not all dark chocolate is created equal. Both its percentage of cocoa and sugar content can vary drastically depending on the brand.

The proportion of cocoa in the final product determines how dark or high quality the chocolate is (2).

As a rule of thumb, high quality dark chocolate comprises at least 70% cocoa, often resulting in a product with less sugar.

High quality dark chocolate is particularly rich in flavonoids, which are powerful antioxidants found in plant foods (3).

In fact, high quality dark chocolate contains more flavonoids than many other high antioxidant foods like black tea, red wine, and apples (2).

Due to its rich flavonoid content, high quality dark chocolate has been linked to a variety of health benefits, such as a lower risk of heart disease and improved brain function (4, 5, 6, 7).

Summary

Dark chocolate is a combination of fat, sugar, and cocoa. Chock-full of antioxidants, high quality dark chocolate contains a high percentage of cocoa and less sugar than milk chocolate.

Most sweets and candies are high in carbs and likely need to be limited on a keto diet.

However, compared with other types of chocolate and candies, high quality dark chocolate is reasonably lower in carbs.

Depending on the brand, 1 ounce (28 grams) of 70–85% dark chocolate contains up to 13 grams of carbs and 3 grams of fiber, which means it has about 10 grams of net carbs (8).

Net carbs are calculated by subtracting unabsorbable carbs from the total carb content.

Fiber is a type of carbohydrate that your body doesn’t fully digest. As such, it’s not fully absorbed by your small intestine like other types of carbs (9).

Therefore, most keto experts recommend using net carbs when calculating your daily carb allotment (10).

summary

One ounce (28 grams) of dark chocolate made with 70–85% cocoa contains approximately 10 grams of net carbs.

Depending on your daily carb limit, you may be able to enjoy high quality dark chocolate in moderation.

A standard ketogenic diet typically entails restricting your carb intake to only 5% of your daily calorie intake (11).

For instance, on a 2,000-calorie diet, you would limit your carb intake to about 25 grams of carbs per day.

This means that 1 ounce (28 grams) of high quality dark chocolate would contribute to approximately 40% of your total daily carb allotment (8).

Whether dark chocolate fits into a keto diet largely depends on what else you consume throughout the day.

If you want to enjoy dark chocolate on a keto diet, consider restricting other high carb foods to ensure you don’t exceed your daily carb limit.

Also, it’s important to choose high quality dark chocolate that contains at least 70% cocoa solids.

Dark chocolate with less than 70% cocoa likely contains a higher carb content and may be difficult to fit in without exceeding your carb allotment.

Ultimately, portion control is key. While 1 ounce (28 grams) of high quality dark chocolate can fit into a keto diet, a larger serving will likely exceed your limit.

summary

Dark chocolate can fit into a ketogenic diet. However, it’s important to monitor your portions and choose dark chocolate made with at least 70% cocoa to avoid exceeding your carb limit.

Although dark chocolate is a sweet treat, it’s relatively low in carbs, compared with other types of chocolate and candy.

As long as you carefully monitor your portion size, you may be able to fit dark chocolate into a keto diet.

However, be sure to choose high quality dark chocolate that contains at least 70% cocoa to stay within your daily carb range.

Is Dark Chocolate Keto-Friendly? (2024)

FAQs

Is Dark Chocolate Keto-Friendly? ›

If you're lucky enough to find dark chocolate that contains 100% cocoa solids, that's great for your keto diet because it means that around four squares of this chocolate will result in only 2 grams of carbs being introduced into your diet.

Can I eat 100% dark chocolate on keto? ›

If you're lucky enough to find dark chocolate that contains 100% cocoa solids, that's great for your keto diet because it means that around four squares of this chocolate will result in only 2 grams of carbs being introduced into your diet.

Can I have 70% chocolate on keto? ›

Keto-friendly chocolate should contain 70% cocoa or more. Lower cocoa percentage chocolate has a higher sugar content, which will increase your carbohydrate intake. A 3.5 ounce portion (100 g) of 70% cocoa chocolate contains 43 g of carbohydrates, 7 g of fiber, 47 g of fat, and 7 g of protein.

How much chocolate will kick you out of ketosis? ›

It's unlikely that a small piece of chocolate will kick you out of ketosis; however, this depends on the amount you eat. Chocolate with a high sugar content will significantly impact your blood sugar levels and insulin response, potentially affecting your ketosis.

How many squares of dark chocolate on keto? ›

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.

Will dark chocolate break ketosis? ›

To summarise, yes, dark chocolate can indeed be enjoyed as part of a keto diet, provided it's high in cocoa content (over 70% is ideal) and low in sugar. It's a delightful way to satisfy those sweet cravings while adhering to your dietary plan.

What chocolate puts you into ketosis? ›

A good quality dark chocolate with at least 70% cocoa solids is still keto-friendly and may be more palatable for beginners.

Is peanut butter good for keto? ›

Peanut butter can definitely be part of a keto diet, but it's best to stick to plain options that are free of extra flavors and sweeteners. Almond butter is a good choice, too, and it's slightly lower in carbs. Additionally, you should be mindful of your portion size if you're trying to lose weight.

Can you eat Hershey's dark chocolate on keto? ›

Chocolate is allowed on a keto diet as long as it's dark, sugar-free, or specifically designed for keto.

Can you eat as much as you want on keto? ›

Most people feel more satisfied after eating ketogenic meals and snacks due to the filling effects of fat and protein. However, it's entirely possible to consume too many calories on a ketogenic diet by eating portions that are too large or by snacking on high-calorie foods throughout the day.

What foods ruin ketosis? ›

Grains and Starches

One of the initial food categories to steer clear of on the keto diet is grains and starchy foods. Examples include wheat, rice, corn, and oats, which are rich in carbohydrates. These goods can have a notable impact on blood sugar levels and impede the body's ability to enter ketosis.

Can I eat anything sweet on keto? ›

Keto isn't a 'one-size-fits-all diet', and it also doesn't mean that you have to completely cut out all sweet treats from your life. In fact, with the right planning and tracking, you can still enjoy healthy, low carb sweet treats, even on a ketogenic diet.

What happens if you accidentally eat carbs on keto? ›

Why does eating too many carbs disrupt ketosis? Not following accepted ketogenic diet guidelines can disrupt ketosis because carbs are the body's preferred energy source. If your carb intake is too high, carbs may be used for fuel instead of ketone bodies, which is the main source of fuel during ketosis.

Can you eat 100% dark chocolate on keto? ›

The answer is yes! Dark chocolate not only fits into the keto diet, but it can also be beneficial to your overall health. Eating dark chocolate has been linked to lower levels of bad cholesterol, improved cognitive function, and decreased risk of heart disease.

How often can you eat dark chocolate on keto? ›

While 1 ounce (28 grams) of high quality dark chocolate can fit into a keto diet, a larger serving will likely exceed your limit. Dark chocolate can fit into a ketogenic diet. However, it's important to monitor your portions and choose dark chocolate made with at least 70% cocoa to avoid exceeding your carb limit.

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

How many net carbs are in 100 dark chocolate? ›

For example, a 1 oz (30 g) serving of 100% cacao dark chocolate may contain just 3 grams of net carbs, whereas a full bar at 70-85% may contain 35 grams[*][*].

How healthy is 100% dark chocolate? ›

It's high in iron, magnesium, copper, and manganese. It also contains calcium, potassium, and zinc, as well as traces of vitamins A, B, E, and K. An average 100-gram bar of dark chocolate has around 11 grams (or 0.39 ounces) of fiber, which is beneficial for your gut health.

Which dark chocolate is best for keto? ›

Keto friendly chocolates reviewed:
  • Better Than Good Foods - Chocolate Crunch.
  • ChocXO - Keto Snaps.
  • ChocZero Bark - Dark Chocolate Sea Salt Almonds - also comes in other nut variations.
  • ChocZero Square - 50% Dark Chocolate Cocoa.
  • Chocoperfection - Dark European Chocolate.
  • JoJo's - Goes Hawaiian.
  • JoJo's - Raspberry Dream.
Mar 14, 2021

Does 100 dark chocolate raise blood sugar? ›

Yes, in fact, this snack could lower your diabetes risk according to Endocrine Abstracts. Daily consumption of dark chocolate is associated with positive effects on insulin sensitivity and blood sugar — two key factors in developing diabetes.

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