Chocolate comes in many forms – dark, milk and white, amongst others – but what is the difference?
- Dark chocolate will contain a high percentage of cocoa solids (generally at least 35%, but there is no Australian definition) and cocoa butter and little, to no milk solids.
- Milk chocolate contains a lower percentage of cocoa solids and cocoa butter along with a combination of dairy products, i.e. milk solids and full cream milk and sugar.
- White chocolate does not contain any cocoa solids and comprises predominantly of dairy products and sugar.
The taste of chocolate is based on the use of the cocoa bean – be it in the form of cacao (a raw form of cocoa), cocoa powder or cocoa butter. Many of which are used in chocolate products, either alone or in combination with each other.
Cocoa itself has some associated health benefits. For example, it contains compounds called antioxidants and flavanols. Flavanols are active ingredients that come from plants and are linked to improving aspects of heart health. So some chocolate can be better for you than others, but it should all be consumed in small quantities.
In some instances, cocoa only makes up a small percentage of the ingredients in a chocolate bar because of the addition of full cream milk, sugar, emulsifiers and flavourings. Often the full cream milk and sugar are far higher up the ingredients list than the cocoa itself. Cocoa is not naturally sweet but the addition of these ingredients can create an intense sweetness, and for many of us, this is the taste we associate with chocolate. Some of Australia’s most well-loved chocolate bars list sugar and glucose syrup as the main ingredients and also contain additives in some form.
With so much chocolate around at Easter, particularly for children, it’s a time which can be tricky for parents. Moderation is key at this time of year and if you have the time, scan the ingredients list to see what else has been added, particularly looking out for a high sugar content or a long list of additives. Or, perhaps instead, try out a small amount of dark chocolate with other foods.
- Fruits, such as banana and kiwi dipped in dark chocolate;
- Cocoa or dark chocolate with dried fruit such as, sultanas or dates (Whole Kids Barefoot Bar);
- Or even grissini dipped with dark chocolate for more savoury tastes.
By showing your children that you like these foods, there is a high chance they will give them a go too!
