Is 72% Dark Chocolate Vegan?

The Ingredient Breakdown

When evaluating a standard 72% dark chocolate bar, the ingredients list tells the real story. The primary components are UNSWEETENED CHOCOLATE (liquor), COCOA BUTTER, and SUGAR. The cocoa mass and butter are strictly plant-based, derived from the cacao bean. However, the trouble for vegans usually begins with the sweetener.

The specific flag here is SUGAR. In many regions, particularly the United States, refined white sugar is frequently processed using bone char—a granular material made from animal bones—to bleach it white. While not an ingredient itself, the processing method renders the sugar non-vegan for many strict adherents. Additionally, the presence of SUNFLOWER LECITHIN is generally considered vegan, as it is a plant-derived emulsifier used to maintain texture and flow, unlike soy or dairy-based alternatives.

Finally, we must address the generic [EMULSIFIER] tag. If this refers to PGPR (polyglycerol polyricinoleate), it is plant-derived. However, if the manufacturer uses MILK FAT or WHEY under the guise of an emulsifier to smooth out the mouthfeel, the product is immediately non-vegan. Cross-contamination is also a risk; many facilities that process dark chocolate also process milk chocolate, leading to trace amounts of dairy.

Nutritional Value

From a nutritional standpoint, 72% dark chocolate is a dense source of energy and fat, but also beneficial antioxidants. A standard serving (approx. 40g) typically contains around 220 calories, with a significant portion coming from fat—roughly 14g, of which 8g is saturated. While COCOA BUTTER is a plant fat, it is high in saturated stearic acid, which is neutral regarding cholesterol but caloric.

The sugar content is the primary health concern. In a 72% bar, the remaining 28% is mostly sugar, meaning a serving can contain 15-20g of added sugar. This causes a moderate spike in blood glucose, though the fat and fiber in the cocoa help blunt the insulin response compared to pure candy. It fits into a balanced diet as a treat, but the caloric density means portion control is vital for weight management.