Semisweet Chocolate

Semisweet chocolate is a type of dark chocolate with a moderate sugar content, typically containing at least 35% cacao solids. It is made from roasted cacao beans, which are ground into a paste called chocolate liquor. This liquor is then mixed with sugar, cocoa butter, and an emulsifier like lecithin, and further processed to achieve its smooth texture.

Manufacturers add semisweet chocolate primarily for its rich chocolate flavor and texture. It is a popular ingredient in baked goods such as cookies, cakes, and brownies, and is also used in candies, ice cream, and as a topping.

Semisweet chocolate is generally recognized as safe (GRAS) by the FDA when used as a food ingredient. The primary components, cocoa and sugar, contribute calories and carbohydrates. While moderate consumption of dark chocolate, which has higher cacao content, has been linked to potential cardiovascular benefits in some studies, the overall health impact depends on the amount consumed and the sugar and fat content of the specific product. JECFA has evaluated cocoa and chocolate products. Evidence regarding health effects is mixed and depends on the specific formulation and quantity.