Everyone has a preference, whether it is milk, dark or white. But each type of chocolate has a different nutritional composition. Dietitians share what they think you should know here…
Dark chocolate
We all know that dark chocolate, while still a treat, is a healthier option than white or milk chocolate.
Like all bars, this one is made with cocoa solids (between 50 and 90 percent), cocoa butter and sugar. However, unlike milk and white chocolate, chocolate does not contain milk, making the taste more bitter and less sweet.
In addition to a different taste, dark chocolate, which has been produced since 460 AD. consumed in some form also has unique nutritional value.
Everyone has a preference, whether it is milk, dark or white. But each type of chocolate has a different nutritional composition. Calorie and sugar content based on Tesco's own white, milk and dark chocolate
Dark chocolate contains between 50 and 90 percent cocoa solids, cocoa butter and sugar, but contains no milk, making it a pure form of chocolate. Cacao is rich in iron, copper, magnesium, zinc, phosphorus and flavanols, a plant chemical rich in antioxidant activity
Although the exact value of each bar varies by brand, dark chocolate typically contains more iron, copper, magnesium, zinc and phosphorus. These minerals are vital for the production of red blood cells, the production of white blood cells, converting food into energy, wound healing and strong bones and teeth, respectively.
Milk and white chocolate may contain these minerals, but at much lower levels.
In addition, dark chocolate is rich in flavanols – substances thought to help protect the heart and boost memory – because it contains more cocoa solids than other forms.
Dark chocolate is also high in fiber, with about 10 g per 100 g.
The rich and bitter taste of dark chocolate also makes it easier to control portion size compared to milk and white options.
'Dark chocolate is more difficult to eat in large quantities due to its astringent taste,' says Dr Duane Mellor, a dietician at Aston University in Birmingham.
Tai Ibitoye, a registered dietitian based in London, said: 'Dark chocolate is more satisfying than milk and white chocolate as it has a more intense flavor due to the cocoa content.
'It has been shown that a stronger sensory signal leads to a stronger satiety response.'
Dark chocolate contains more caffeine than other types, which can lead to increased heart rate, anxiety and irritability if too much is consumed.
Dr. Mellor also noted that the flavanols in dark chocolate may not provide as much of a health boost as many hope.
'In the test tube (flavanols are) a very powerful antioxidant. However, this is not well absorbed and so is unlikely to behave as an antioxidant in our bodies,” he said.
It's vital to remember that no chocolate is truly a “health food,” added Dr. Mellor added.
Milk chocolate
Although milk chocolate contains two to three times less flavanols than dark chocolate and more sugar, the calories in each bar sold on supermarket shelves are similar.
Per 100 grams, dark chocolate can contain around 540 calories, while milk (550) and white (590) contain up to a tenth more, according to Tesco's own chocolate bars.
Milk chocolate is made with ground cocoa beans, cocoa butter, milk solids, sugar and emulsifier to give it a creamier texture.
Dr. Mellor warned that the combination of sugar and fat makes it easier to overconsume large amounts of milk and white chocolate. That's why he encourages snackers to enjoy the taste of chocolate to help moderate their intake.
Trace amounts of flavanols have been found in milk chocolate, albeit at much lower levels.
Mrs. Ibitoye said: “While 20 grams of milk chocolate contains 14 mg of flavanols, 20 grams of 60 percent dark chocolate contains almost double the amount of flavanols (34 mg).”
However, because it is made with milk, it contains calcium, which helps keep bones and teeth healthy.
But dietitians say There are of course healthier sources of this mineral, including milk itself, kale and spinach.
Although dairy varieties offer fewer physical health benefits, studies have shown that eating chocolate triggers the brain to release endorphins, also known as “feel good” hormones.
White chocolate
Creamy and sugary, white chocolate is the sweetest of the three.
Perhaps unsurprisingly, it has the fewest health benefits.
Made from cocoa butter, sugar, milk and vanilla, it contains just some of the same antioxidants thought to help control blood pressure and slow aging.
Ms Ibitoye stressed that the high amounts of fat and sugar, as well as the lack of antioxidants, mean it is probably the unhealthiest of the three.
She said: 'White chocolate contains negligible amounts of cocoa solids and therefore contains no flavanol content, although some manufacturers do add it.'
White varieties contain much more sugar (49.5 g) compared to dark varieties (42.9 g), although milk can contain even more (53.5 g).
According to the NHS, adults should have no more than 30 grams of free sugars per day and children between the ages of seven and 11 should have no more than 24 grams.
This amount of sugar can be consumed with just 50 grams – or a quarter of a large bar – of white chocolate.
It is also high in saturated fat, with 24.6g per 100g, which is more than milk (20.4g) and pure fat (20.9g). Health bosses advise women to eat no more than 20 grams a day, while for men the figure is 30 grams, to limit the risk of high cholesterol and heart disease.
But the higher amount of milk does mean it contains more calcium, which the NHS says helps keep your bones healthy.
Dr. Mellor said: 'It's best not to eat chocolate because it's good for your heart or brain.
'Instead, try to enjoy a small amount of the type of chocolate you like, try to gain control over the amount you eat and remember to enjoy it slowly and not feel guilty.'