Does Dark 85% cocoa contain dairy or gluten?

The ingredients list does not include dairy or wheat. However, the label states it 'may contain milk' due to shared equipment. It is naturally gluten-free.

Is Dark 85% cocoa good for weight loss?

It is calorie-dense (160 calories per 25g bar) and high in fat. While the low sugar content helps, it should be eaten in small portions to support weight loss goals.

Where can I buy Dark 85% cocoa?

Based on the label details (ALDI, Batavia IL), this specific brand is sold at ALDI stores. Similar products are available at major retailers like Trader Joe's, Whole Foods, and Amazon.

Is Dark 85% cocoa safe for kids?

While safe to eat, 85% dark chocolate has a high caffeine content (from the cocoa) and bitterness that young children may dislike. It should be given in moderation due to the calorie and fat content.

Is Dark 85% cocoa Kosher?

Yes, Dark 85% cocoa is Kosher. Based on the ingredient list provided, there are no animal-derived ingredients or non-Kosher additives that would violate strict dietary laws. While the product contains soy and potential traces of dairy, these do not disqualify it from being Kosher compliant.

The Ingredient Breakdown

When determining if a chocolate bar is Kosher, we look beyond the cocoa percentage and inspect every additive. The primary ingredient is semisweet chocolate, which is a blend of cocoa solids, cocoa butter, and sugar. In its natural state, this is inherently Kosher. However, the processing aids used in mass-market chocolate require scrutiny.

The critical ingredient to verify is the cocoa processed with alkali (Dutch-processed). This step uses an alkali solution to reduce acidity and darken the color. While the alkali itself is usually mineral-based and Kosher, the equipment used for this process must be verified to ensure no cross-contamination with non-Kosher products. In this specific case, no flags were found.

Other additives include soy lecithin and vanilla powder. Soy lecithin is a plant-based emulsifier and is universally accepted as Kosher. The vanilla powder is also plant-derived. The only potential concern for those keeping a strict dairy Kosher diet is the allergen statement: may contain milk. This indicates shared manufacturing equipment, but since the milk is not an intentional ingredient, the product remains Kosher (though not necessarily Pareve).

Nutritional Value

From a nutritional standpoint, this 85% dark chocolate bar is a dense source of energy and fat. A single 25g serving contains 160 calories, with 12g of total fat (7g of which is saturated). This high fat content is typical for dark chocolate due to the cocoa butter content.

Sugar is a major component, though lower than milk chocolate. The label lists 9g of total carbohydrates, including 3g of added sugars. While 3g seems low, it represents a significant portion of the bar's weight. The 3g of dietary fiber is a positive attribute, derived naturally from the cocoa solids.

Iron is the standout micronutrient here, providing 5mg per serving, which is roughly 30% of the Daily Value. This makes it a decent supplement for iron intake. Overall, it fits into a diet focused on lower sugar intake, provided the serving size is strictly adhered to.