Is Organic sea salt 70% dark chocolate Vegan?

The Ingredient Breakdown

When analyzing the ingredients list for Organic sea salt 70% dark chocolate, the first few items pass the vegan test with flying colors. Ingredients like cocoa beans*, cocoa butter*, and ground vanilla bean* are all derived directly from plants. Cocoa butter is the natural fat extracted from the cacao bean, making it a staple in vegan baking and confectionery. Similarly, sea salt and vanilla are mineral and plant-based flavorings, respectively.

However, the specific ingredient that raises a red flag for the vegan community is sugar*. In the United States, a significant portion of refined white sugar is processed using a method that involves bone char. Bone char is a filter medium made from the charred bones of cattle. While the bone char does not end up in the final sugar product, its use in the filtration process renders the sugar non-vegan. Because the label simply says 'sugar' and does not specify that it is unrefined, organic, or explicitly 'vegan certified,' there is a high probability that the sugar used in this chocolate bar is not vegan.

Furthermore, the term 'Organic' on the label, while excellent for reducing pesticide exposure, does not guarantee that the sugar processing method was bone-char-free. Organic sugar is often simply raw cane sugar, but unless the manufacturer explicitly states that their sugar is vegan, the verdict remains MAYBE.

Nutritional Value

From a nutritional standpoint, Organic sea salt 70% dark chocolate is a moderate calorie density food. A standard serving typically contains between 150 and 170 calories, derived primarily from fats and carbohydrates. The cocoa butter provides a high concentration of saturated fats, though these are plant-based and distinct from animal fats.

The 70% cacao content suggests a respectable amount of fiber and antioxidants (flavanols), which are beneficial for heart health. However, the sugar content is the primary nutritional concern. In a 40g serving, you can expect roughly 12-15g of sugar. While this is lower than milk chocolate, it is still a significant amount of added sugar. For those on a strict vegan diet focused on whole foods, the sugar content might be a secondary concern to the processing method, but for general health, it is the main factor to watch.