Here’s How To Find Out How Healthy A Chocolate Bar Is For You

Our love for chocolate is not in doubt, but how much do we actually know about the sweet stuff? We had two experts from Voila Chocolat come by to give us an education. Watch founder Peter Moustakerski and master chocolatier Christophe Toury talk to us about where chocolate is sourced, the many varieties, and how it may actually be healthy for us!

Cacao, sugar, and “reading” chocolate
If you go to the market and you want to buy chocolate for yourself, but want to be sure it’s of a healthy, natural variety (that is, antioxidant rich), picking between the options can be difficult. Sure, you can check the nutrition facts, or the ingredients list – but there is one ingredient that matters more than most.

“Most high end chocolates tell you what percent cacao each bar has,” says Peter, which is the measure by which chocolate should be graded. Cacao describes the fruit, and the tree, from which cocoa is made. It’s the main natural ingredient in chocolate, and where most of the good qualities of chocolate (antioxidants, nutrients) are stored. “Most supermarket candy doesn’t have this information,” says Peter, and it should be the first thing to look for when picking a nutrient-rich bar.

However, a full 100% cacao bar might be a little bitter for your tastes! Try 70% cacao (which will have a little sweetener in it) to still get the nutrients you need, while not sacrificing flavor too much. “Or try a taste test!” suggests Peter.

Check out the rest of the interview with the Voila Chocolatiers here.

And be sure to visit Voila Chocolat, on 79th street and Broadway, the next time you’re in the city! Or follow their Facebook for exclusive chocolate video and photo content.

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