With Easter – a holiday that’s loaded with chocolate – a few days away, it’s essential to be armed with some alternatives. And as with most holidays and festivities, it’s easy to go overboard.
But let’s be honest: Easter treats are never going to be ‘sprouted quinoa with rainbow salad and turmeric-dusted chickpeas’ levels of healthy. And, if they were, where would be the fun in that? Not to mention there are a bunch of reasons why eating the right kinds of chocolates are actually good for you.
Yep, there are a bunch of delicious healthy-ish chocolates on the market – from those higher in antioxidant-rich cacao to those that are lower in sugar – if you are focusing on more nutrient-dense foods at the moment.
Chocolate and raspberry olive oil brownies
But first, nine reasons to enjoy chocolate in moderation.
The benefits of eating chocolate (yes!)
1. It can help to reduce your risk of heart attacks and stroke
Regular dark chocolate consumption has been linked to improved cardiovascular health and a reduced instance of blood clotting. A study by the University of Berdeen concluded that those who ate it every day had a 11% decreased risk of cardiovascular disease and a 23% reduced risk of stroke.
2. It’s nutritious — and delicious
Bad puns aside 100g of 70% dark chocolate contains:
- 67% of the RDA for Iron
- 58% of the RDA for Magnesium
- 89% of the RDA for Copper
- 98% of the RDA for Manganese
- 11g of fibre
Not to mention phosphorus, zinc, selenium and potassium.
3. It can make your skin glow
We wouldn’t use melted chocolate for sunscreen, but the flavanols in dark chocolate help protect your skin against sunburn as the compounds act as UV filters. The idea that eating it will give you acne and pimples is a myth! Although moderation is key.
4. It can help you lose weight
We are not joking! This isn’t an excuse to indulge in a whole block but neuroscientists say that a single square of chocolate melted on the tongue causes a reduction in appetite! Chocolate is also high in magnesium which reduces water retention. Studies have shown that those who eat it on a regular basis are thinner than those who don’t!
5. It can make you happy
Most of us agree with this point already but it has been scientifically proven that chocolate consumption causes a chemical in our brain (phenylethylamine) to be released which releases feel-good endorphins – a similar feeling to falling in love.
6. It can help you stress less
Chocolate contains valeric acid which is a relaxant that helps with stress and anxiety. It also boasts high levels of magnesium which also fights stress.
7. It fights your battles
Well not all of them but dark chocolate in particular contains large amounts of disease-fighting flavonoids and antioxidants.
8. It can help build strong bones
In this instance white and milk are the favoured flavours. These less cocoa rich bars have high levels of dairy. A 50g bar of white chocolate contains 1/6 of your recommended daily intake. It’s a stretch but we’re going with it.
9. And makes you smarter
The reasons keep coming! Dark choc improves brain function and memory. It is also low GI which gives you long lasting energy.
8 healthy-ish Easter chocolate options
Best overall dark chocolate
Loving Earth 72% Dark Chocolate
This bar is made with just two ingredients: 72% Raw Amazonico Criollo Cacao Beans and 28% Evaporated Coconut Nectar. The deep, earthy chocolate tastes of coffee, savoury anise and dark toffee.
Best white chocolate
Pana Organic White Chocolate & Macadamia
No longer do vegans have to make do with sub-standard stand-ins, because Pana’s dairy-free bars taste just as smooth and downright delicious as any dairy-based bar. A generous topping of macadamia perfectly cuts through the sweet white chocolate base.
Best dark chocolate balls
Lindt Lindor 70% Cocoa Dark Chocolate Bag
Lindt has pulled it out the bag with its dark chocolate, but it’s the hidden gooey inside that steal sthe show. Cocoa-dusted and filled with a smooth melting filling, it’s frankly impossible to stop at just one.
Most ethical dark chocolate
Alter Eco, Organic Dark Chocolate Bar
We’ll admit, we were initially won over by Alter Eco’s ethical foundations, but we’re happy to report that the chocolate tastes equally as good – if not better. Made using 90% cacao, this vegan-friendly egg contains Swiss conching and a touch of Madagascar vanilla, which bring a welcome sweet note to the richer dark taste. Seriously yum.
Best Aldi dark chocolate
Moser Roth Dark 85% Chocolate Block
With no artificial colours, flavours or preservatives, the Moser Roth dark chocolate is part of The Fairtrade Cocoa Program, which enables small-scale farmers to benefit by selling more of their cocoa as Fairtrade.
Best mini Easter eggs
Health Lab Low Sugar Mylk Chocolate Mini Hunting Egg
This plant-based, low sugar option is filled with a gooey caramel centre. It’s also Australian-owned and made which is always nice.
Best Swiss dark chocolate
Pico Organic Vegan Chocolate Super Dark
Pico’s Swiss chocolatiers source their single origin forastero cacao from the Dominican Republic, which has a milder flavour and lower acidity – perfect for the higher cacao content. The result is a velvety, uniquely aromatic, full but balanced flavour profile. Vegan, organic, fairtrade and preservative free.
Best chocolate bar
NOMO Caramel & Sea Salt Chocolate Bars
Sweet caramel and sea salt mixed with an incredible creamy chocolate taste? Sounds good to us. NOMO bars are free from dairy, gluten, egg and nuts and 100% vegan so everyone can enjoy.
Womenshealth.com.au provides reviews and recommendations to help you find the right product. Products you purchase through links on this page may earn us a small commission.
