Ingredient

The Following: Semisweet Chocolate

Source

Animal-derived

Allergen

Role in food

Manufacturers use semisweet chocolate primarily for its rich flavor, appealing color, and desirable texture …

This entry is a label phrase. See the main ingredient page: Semisweet Chocolate.

What is The Following: Semisweet Chocolate?

Semisweet chocolate is a type of dark chocolate that contains cocoa solids, cocoa butter, and sugar, often with added vanilla and an emulsifier like soy lecithin. It has a lower sugar content than milk chocolate, giving it a more intense chocolate flavor. It is made by grinding roasted cocoa beans into a paste, then mixing it with sugar and other ingredients before conching and tempering.

Is The Following: Semisweet Chocolate vegan?

No. The Following: Semisweet Chocolate is animal-derived, so it is not vegan.

Is The Following: Semisweet Chocolate a major allergen?

Semisweet chocolate often contains soy lecithin, which is derived from soy, one of the nine major FDA food allergens.

What is The Following: Semisweet Chocolate used for?

Manufacturers use semisweet chocolate primarily for its rich flavor, appealing color, and desirable texture in a wide range of food products.

Is The Following: Semisweet Chocolate safe?

The FDA considers chocolate and its main components (cocoa, sugar) as generally recognized as safe (GRAS) or approved food substances.

Why it's used

Manufacturers use semisweet chocolate primarily for its rich flavor, appealing color, and desirable texture in a wide range of food products. It is a popular ingredient in baked goods like cakes, cookies, and brownies, as well as in desserts, confections, and as a coating. It provides a balance of sweetness and bitter chocolate notes.

Health notes

The FDA considers chocolate and its main components (cocoa, sugar) as generally recognized as safe (GRAS) or approved food substances. Semisweet chocolate contains cocoa solids, which naturally contain compounds like flavonoids that are being studied for potential health benefits. However, it also contains sugar and fat, and excessive intake of added sugars is discouraged by the Dietary Guidelines for Americans (2025-2030), which recommend no specific amount of added sugars and at most 10 grams per meal. JECFA has evaluated sugar and set an acceptable daily intake.

Allergen info

Semisweet chocolate often contains soy lecithin, which is derived from soy, one of the nine major FDA food allergens. It may also contain milk ingredients or be processed on equipment that handles milk or tree nuts, leading to potential cross-contamination.

Foods that contain The Following: Semisweet Chocolate

Compare products →

Sort by: Sugar Protein Sodium Calories

Triatomic Environmental, Inc Greek Yogurt Cake Cakes, Cupcakes, Snack Cakes 233kcal 4.7Protein 8.1Fat 48.8Carbs Conagra Brands, Inc. Peanut Butter Cream Pie, Peanut Butter Cream Other Frozen Desserts High in saturated fat — 110% DV per serving High in added sugars — 38% DV per serving 470kcal 6.8Protein 34.9Fat 32.6Carbs Conagra Brands Inc CLAIM JUMPER Peanut Butter Cream Pie, 28 OZ Sweet Bakery Products High in saturated fat — 110% DV per serving 470kcal 6.8Protein 34.9Fat 32.6Carbs Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. Chocolate Flavored Cake, Chocolate Cakes, Cupcakes, Snack Cakes High in saturated fat — 35% DV per serving High in added sugars — 80% DV per serving 432kcal 3.7Protein 18.5Fat 63.0Carbs Target Stores Cookies 'N Creme Double Layer Cake, Cookies 'N Creme Cakes, Cupcakes, Snack Cakes High in saturated fat — 35% DV per serving High in added sugars — 58% DV per serving 373kcal 4.8Protein 15.7Fat 53.0Carbs Cookies & Creme Cake, Cookies & Creme Cakes, Cupcakes, Snack Cakes High in saturated fat — 35% DV per serving High in added sugars — 54% DV per serving 387kcal 4Protein 16Fat 54.7Carbs

Learn more

"Natural Flavors": What the Term Legally Means →

Auto-generated content. This description was generated automatically and is pending editorial review. Inaccuracies are possible. Found a mistake? Contact us.

Last updated: September 28, 2026

Note: This site presents label data from USDA FoodData Central for general information. It is not medical advice. Check the package label; formulations change.