Chocolate is one of my favorite sweet treats. However, not all chocolate is created equally, and some distinct characteristics make chocolate labeled the way it is. Dark chocolate and white chocolate are both yummy but offer slightly different tasty experiences. Read below to learn about their differences and ways to enjoy these melt in your mouth treats.
What’s in it?
Dark chocolate and white chocolate both contain cocoa butter and are eaten as a dessert or are often used in baking or other sweet treat baking. Chocolate is derived from the bean of the cocoa plant which breaks down into chocolate liquor (the ground or melted state of the nib of the bean), cocoa butter (the fat component) and cocoa powder (the non-fat part of the cocoa bean ground into a powder). Dark chocolate is produced by adding cocoa butter to sugar and cocoa powder. Unlike milk chocolate, dark chocolate does not contain any milk solids. White chocolate contains only cocoa butter, sugar and milk solids and no chocolate liquor or cocoa powder.
Health Benefits
Is it true that a little dark Chocolate a day keeps the doctor away? Well, we can’t say for sure that it will keep you out of the docs’ office, but, eating dark chocolate has well known positive effects on health. Studies show that eating a single 1.4-ounce bar of dark chocolate can lower hormone levels that cause emotional stress and anxiety. Due to the high contents of flavanol antioxidants in the cocoa bean, dark chocolate has benefits for cardiovascular health and lowers blood pressure. So, go to your local store and stock up, since it’s good for you. White chocolate, on the other hand, does not have the same health benefits, unfortunately. It is a source of empty calories with a standard 1.4-ounce bar having 225 calories and lots of sugar and saturated fats. However, as it does not contain chocolate, it is caffeine free so ideal for those who are sensitive to caffeine, while the sugar content will still be rather high. So, if you’re trying to get a health benefit from your sweet, it’s probably best to stick with dark chocolate.
Try for Yourself
Now that you know the facts, you’ll have to let your taste buds taste the theories. While dark chocolate might offer some more health benefits, white chocolate is still an enjoyable sweet treat. While some people find dark chocolate too bitter to enjoy, it is great for baking and pairing with milk chocolate. If you’re like me, you’ll pick up a few of both kinds and enjoy their unique differences. With summer just around the corner, now is the time to stock up on chocolate for s’mores. And if you haven’t experienced with different types of chocolate, I highly recommend it.
Jazmin is an avid supporter of civil rights and is passionate about open discussions
about race, culture and current politics. She was a research assistant and loves the
pursuit of knowledge.