Dark Chocolate
What is Dark Chocolate?
Dark chocolate is a food product made from cocoa solids, cocoa butter, and sugar. It is derived from the cacao bean and typically contains a higher percentage of cocoa solids than milk chocolate, often with little to no milk solids.
Is Dark Chocolate vegan?
Dark Chocolate is not animal-derived. Products that contain it can still include other animal-derived ingredients, so check the full ingredient list.
Is Dark Chocolate a major allergen?
Dark chocolate itself is not one of the 9 major allergens.
What is Dark Chocolate used for?
Manufacturers use dark chocolate primarily for its rich flavor, distinct texture, and color.
Is Dark Chocolate safe?
Dark chocolate is a food product and not regulated as a food additive by the FDA.
Why it's used
Manufacturers use dark chocolate primarily for its rich flavor, distinct texture, and color. It is a popular ingredient in confectionery, desserts, baked goods, and snack items, often appearing as a coating, flavoring, or solid piece.
Health notes
Dark chocolate is a food product and not regulated as a food additive by the FDA. It contains cocoa solids, which are a source of flavonoids, a type of antioxidant. It also naturally contains caffeine and theobromine. Like all foods, its nutritional impact depends on the overall diet, particularly due to its sugar and fat content. JECFA and EFSA typically evaluate specific food additives or contaminants, not whole food products like dark chocolate.
Allergen info
Dark chocolate itself is not one of the 9 major allergens. However, many dark chocolate products are manufactured on equipment that also processes milk, tree nuts, peanuts, and soy, and may contain these allergens due to cross-contamination. Consumers with allergies should check product labels carefully.
Foods that contain Dark Chocolate
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