Is Intensely 92% Dark Chocolate Bar Gluten Free?

The Ingredient Breakdown

When determining if a chocolate bar is safe for a gluten-free diet, the complexity of the ingredient list is usually the culprit. Fortunately, the Intensely 92% Dark Chocolate Bar keeps things remarkably simple, which significantly lowers the risk of hidden gluten. Let's look at the specific components.

The primary ingredient is UNSWEETENED CHOCOLATE (often sold as chocolate liquor). This is simply ground cocoa beans. In its pure form, cocoa is naturally free of gluten. It is a seed, not a grain, making it inherently safe for those avoiding wheat, barley, or rye.

To provide sweetness without sugar, this bar utilizes ERYTHRITOL and STEVIA EXTRACT. Both of these are sugar alcohols and plant-based sweeteners, respectively. They are processed without the use of gluten-containing ingredients. Unlike maltitol (which can sometimes be derived from barley), erythritol and stevia do not pose a gluten risk.

Finally, VANILLA EXTRACT is added for flavor. While some flavored chocolates can contain malt (a gluten source), pure vanilla extract is an alcohol-based solution of vanilla beans. It is universally considered gluten-free. Because the manufacturer has avoided additives like barley malt or cookie bits, this bar is a 'clean' option for gluten-free eaters.

Nutritional Value

While being gluten-free makes this bar safe, its nutritional profile makes it a strong contender for a health-conscious diet. The 92% cocoa content indicates a very low sugar load. Unlike milk chocolate, which can contain 40-50 grams of sugar per serving, this bar relies on erythritol and stevia, meaning the net carbohydrate count is extremely low.

Dark chocolate of this magnitude is also rich in healthy fats and antioxidants. The cocoa butter provides a satisfying mouthfeel and healthy monounsaturated fats. For those following a Keto or Low-Carb diet, this bar fits perfectly within daily limits due to its negligible impact on blood sugar. However, because it lacks fiber fillers, it is calorie-dense, so portion control is still key to weight management.