Is Dark 85% cocoa Gluten Free?

The Ingredient Breakdown

When determining if a chocolate bar is safe for a gluten-free diet, we look at the core components. The primary ingredient in this bar is semisweet chocolate. By definition, pure chocolate (cocoa solids and cocoa butter) is naturally free of gluten. The specific ingredients listed—chocolate, cocoa butter, sugar, and cocoa processed with alkali—are all derived from plants and pose no gluten risk.

However, as a food scientist, I always scrutinize the additives. The soy lecithin used here is an emulsifier. While soy is a major allergen (and is clearly declared), it is a legume and is completely unrelated to gluten-containing grains. Similarly, vanilla powder is a flavoring agent that is naturally gluten-free.

The most critical aspect of this analysis is the allergen advisory statement. The label reads: "may contain: milk, hazelnuts, almonds, peanuts, coconut and other tree nuts". Notice what is missing? There is no warning for wheat or gluten. In food manufacturing, facilities often process multiple products on shared lines. If this bar were made on a line that also processed wheat products, the label would almost certainly include a "Contains: Wheat" or "May Contain: Wheat" warning. The absence of this warning, combined with the gluten-free nature of the raw ingredients, confirms it is safe for gluten-free diets.

Nutritional Value

Looking at the nutritional profile, this bar is a dense source of energy and fat, typical for high-cocoa dark chocolate. A single 25g serving contains 160 calories, with 12g of total fat (7g of which is saturated). While the fat content is high, it comes primarily from cocoa butter, which contains stearic acid, a saturated fat that studies suggest has a neutral effect on cholesterol levels.

Regarding carbohydrates, the bar has 9g total carbs per serving, with 3g of dietary fiber. This fiber content is excellent; it helps offset the glycemic impact of the sugars. The bar contains 3g of added sugars, which is relatively low compared to milk chocolate bars that often contain 15g+ per serving. This makes the 85% cocoa bar a better choice for those monitoring blood sugar levels. Additionally, it provides 5mg of Iron (30% DV), making it a surprisingly good source of this essential mineral.