Does Squares Dark Chocolate Mint contain dairy or gluten?

It contains milk fat and tree nuts, but it is free from gluten ingredients.

Is Squares Dark Chocolate Mint good for weight loss?

No, it is high in calories and added sugars (corn syrup, beet syrup) and should be eaten sparingly.

Where can I buy Squares Dark Chocolate Mint?

This product is distributed by Ghirardelli and is typically available at major grocery retailers and online marketplaces like Amazon.

Is Squares Dark Chocolate Mint safe for kids?

It is generally safe for children, but it contains caffeine from the cocoa and is high in sugar.

Is Squares Dark Chocolate Mint Gluten Free?

Yes, Squares Dark Chocolate Mint is gluten-free. Based on the ingredient list provided, there are no wheat, barley, rye, or oat ingredients listed that would trigger a gluten reaction. While the product contains milk and tree nuts, it is safe for those avoiding gluten.

The Ingredient Breakdown

As a food scientist, I look past the marketing claims and go straight to the formulation. For the Squares Dark Chocolate Mint, the verdict on gluten is clear, but there are other important dietary flags to consider.

The primary ingredients—sugar, unsweetened chocolate, and cocoa butter—are naturally gluten-free. These form the base of the chocolate square. The sweeteners used, including beet syrup and corn syrup, are also free from gluten.

Where we need to pay attention is in the additives. The peppermint oil provides the distinct flavor, and pure essential oils do not contain gluten. However, the ingredient list also includes soy lecithin (likely a typo for lecithin in the source data), which is a common emulsifier in chocolate. Soy is naturally gluten-free. The preservative system mentioned includes extracts of oregano, flaxseed, plum, and green tea; these are botanical ingredients and are not sources of gluten.

The most critical flag on this label is not gluten, but rather milk fat and the explicit allergen statement that the product contains milk and tree nuts. If you have a dairy allergy, this product is not safe for you. But for the specific question of gluten, the formulation is clean.

Nutritional Value

From a nutritional standpoint, Squares Dark Chocolate Mint is a confectionery item, meaning it is designed as a treat rather than a health food. The primary macronutrients are sugars and fats.

The base of unsweetened chocolate and cocoa butter provides saturated fats and a small amount of fiber. However, the addition of sugar, beet syrup, and corn syrup drives the carbohydrate count up significantly. This combination creates a rapid spike in blood glucose, which is typical for candy.

While dark chocolate often contains antioxidants, the high sugar content here dilutes those benefits. It fits into a diet only as an occasional indulgence. For those strictly monitoring sugar intake or managing diabetes, this product would likely exceed recommended limits for a single serving due to the multiple forms of added sugar listed.