Is Dark Chocolate Vegan
Dark chocolate is completely vegan, as its ingredients are mainly from the cocoa plant. It is made up of about 70% or more cocoa content. Dark chocolates are less likely to contain dairy products, and though there are different recipes for different dark chocolate products, the ingredients are always labeled. Do well to avoid dark chocolate products without their ingredients labeled on them.
When purchasing, you would want to look out for some natural and basic ingredients like cocoa beans, sugar, an emulsifier like soy lecithin to preserve texture, and no excess additives such as milk solids, preservatives, butter, etc. These ingredients should make up dark chocolate in addition to the higher cocoa content. You should also know that the more cocoa and less sugar dark chocolate has, the more bitter it will taste, and a small amount is considered a healthy snack.
Can Vegans Eat Dark Chocolate
Well, yes, dark chocolate can be eaten by vegans, provided that there is no dairy product added to it. Dairy products are avoided by vegans. You should always check the chocolate labels before you purchase. If milkfat is added to the dark chocolate, it will be mentioned on the label.
Dairy products like milk are not an ingredient in traditional dark chocolate, though there are a few that are made with milk. It is always important to check the ingredient labels, as non-vegan ingredients are also added to some dark chocolate.
Dark Chocolate For Vegans
Dark chocolates are vegan-friendly because they are made without using animal products. As sweet as it is, dark chocolate actually has health benefits as it is made from cocoa beans, sugar, and cocoa butter. These ingredients, in a way, can benefit the body. It is an excellent choice for vegans, not only because it is animal-free but also because it adds a whole lot of nutrients. Some of the health benefits of dark chocolate for vegans include:
- It is high in antioxidants.
- It has been shown to lower blood pressure.
- It improves brain function.
- It reduces the risk of heart disease.
- It is also a good source of iron, magnesium, and zinc.
Dark chocolate is considered vegan-friendly because most of it is made without milk. Though many chocolates are made without milk, there are a few that are made with honey and other animal products. It is also a great source of plant-based protein. One ounce of dark chocolate contains about 3 grams of protein, which is about the same as a serving of tofu. This makes it a great choice for vegans who need to incorporate more protein into their diet.
As mentioned earlier, the one thing to keep in mind while purchasing dark chocolate is to make sure to read the label and look for brands that are vegan-certified. This ensures that the chocolate is made without any animal products. Another thing to look out for are brands that use ethical and sustainable sourcing practices, as cocoa is often grown using child labor and other unethical practices.