Healthy Chocolate: 10 Tips to Find Delicious Options You'll Love

Chocolate is one of the tastiest treats out there, conjuring childhood memories and now, as more consciousness about food is being raised, providing guilt-free pleasure. Consuming chocolate has its health benefits, but when you choose the wrong kinds of treats it can quickly turn into an unhealthy snack for both your body and the environment. What’s the solution? Fortunately, it’s easy to find healthier versions of chocolate that won’t make you feel so guilty by following a few simple tips.

1. Check the ingredients: It’s a no-brainer that one of the most important things to look out for is the ingredients in your chocolate. Avoid anything involving partially hydrogenated oils, high fructose corn syrup and any type of added sugar. The fewer the ingredients the better! Opt for organic, single-ingredient bars, or “bean to bar” bars that have as few as five ingredients. Look for brands that use fair trade, sustainable cacao and organic sugar.

2. Choose dark chocolate: Dark chocolate is typically a healthier option than other forms of chocolate due to its lower sugar content and less processed. Generally, the higher the percentage of cacao, the less sugar and additives present. The recommended amount is 70 percent or higher.

3. Bits and Pieces: Chocolate chips or chunks are great for a snack or baking, but it’s important to take note of their ingredients. If you’re looking for a healthier option, try going for organic, dark chocolate chips with a high cacao percentage.

4. Treat Yourself: If you are looking for a sweet, delicious treat, look for options like chocolate truffles or other treats made with high-quality ingredients. These types of treats typically have a higher cacao percentage, but be aware of special ingredients like liqueur and butter that can add to the calories, fat, and sugar.

5. Cocoa Powder is your friend: Cocoa powder is another form of chocolate that provides the most nutrition. Look for organic, unsweetened cocoa powder for the most health benefits. For an extra sweet treat, try using cocoa powder to make hot chocolate using nut, oat or hemp milk.

6. Opt for bars without chocolate coatings: Many types of dark chocolate bars are coated with white chocolate, nuts, coconut or other kinds of coatings. While all of these options can be delicious, they might also add a lot of extra calories and fat. If you’d like to enjoy these flavors, opt for recipes that include nuts, coconut and other ingredients on their own rather than in the coating.

7. Eat in Moderation: Just like anything, it’s important to remember that even the healthiest forms of chocolate should always be eaten in moderation. Enjoy a piece or two at a time, to savor the flavors and reap the benefits.

8. Consider Carob: If you’re looking for a healthier alternative to chocolate that still has the traditional sweetness of cocoa without the caffeine, try carob. Carob is a plant-based powder made from roasted and ground carob pods. It has a scent and flavor similar to cocoa, but it contains more protein and less fat.

9. Watch the packaging: Not only do some chocolate bars and pieces come coated with other ingredients, but some also come with extra packaging. Depending on the brand, you might be able to find options that are wrapped minimally in biodegradable, plant-based wrappers.

10. Buy sustainable: Finally, to have a more ethical experience, purchase chocolate from companies that use sustainable practices to produce and ship their products, such as making sure their cocoa beans are fair trade and that the chocolate is produced sustainably, without contributions to deforestation or labor exploitation.

Chocolate doesn't need to be a guilty pleasure. Being mindful of the ingredients and the production process can help you enjoy the treat in a healthier and more ethical way. By following these tips, you'll be able to find delicious, guilt-free chocolate options that everyone will love!