Why Is Dark Chocolate Considered Healthier Than Milk Chocolate?
Dark Chocolate vs Milk Chocolate: A Health Comparison Explained The core difference in the dark chocolate vs milk chocolate health comparison comes down to cocoa content. Dark chocolate typically contains 50% to 90% cocoa solids, while milk chocolate ranges from just 10% to 50%, with the remainder filled by sugar, milk solids, and additional fats. This higher cocoa concentration directly translates to more beneficial plant compounds, making dark chocolate nutritionally superior. Processing also plays a crucial role. Milk chocolate undergoes more extensive refinement and includes dairy ingredients that dilute the cocoa's natural benefits. The addition of milk proteins can actually interfere with the absorption of antioxidants present in cocoa, reducing the overall health impact. From a scientific perspective, studies consistently show that dark chocolate provides measurably higher levels of flavonoids and polyphenols, the compounds responsible for most chocolate related health ben...