Dietitians say this is the healthiest dark chocolate brand you can buy

AOL ^ | December 10, 2025 | AOL Staff

[Diana in Wisconsin]

Downing a smooth, sweet morsel of chocolate may feel like the ultimate indulgence, but did you know that certain compounds in dark chocolate could actually be good for your heart? Yes, you read that correctly — dark chocolate is more than just a delicious treat; it has some sweet potential benefits for your cardiovascular health too. Before you start stockpiling candy bars, though, there's a bit more to the science than simply grabbing the darkest-looking chocolate on the shelf.

As a registered dietitian, here’s what I think you need to know about the potential health benefits and drawbacks of dark chocolate, plus the healthiest dark chocolate options to consider the next time you hit the grocery store.

The heart-healthy perks of dark chocolate

Dark chocolate isn't just a decadent treat. It's a delicious source of nutrients and compounds that support heart health.

Dark chocolate contains health-promoting antioxidants

"Dark chocolate has flavonoids, a type of antioxidant, which studies have correlated with heart health, improved blood flow, and potential for cancer prevention," says Amanda Goodman, a registered dietitian.

[kaktuskid]

It’s still a type of sugar.

[kiryandil]

Beats me.

[Mariner]

His theory has been discredited by current research.

High performance (efforts above 75% of VO2 max) require carbs after no more than 30mins.

If one stays below that level fat is adequate.

Not a lot of people exercise at or above 75% of max, but some of us do.

And there not a lot of things that feel worse than a hard bonk.

[Diana in Wisconsin]

[Diana in Wisconsin]

Thanks for the chocolate tip. I’m going to look into that brand. :)

[spankalib]

I didn’t know soy lecithin was bad (the label says ‘no soy lecithin’)...

[spankalib]

I sometimes mix cacao powder in a drink - no sugar.

[spankalib]

https://www.amazon.com/Navitas-Organics-Cacao-Powder-Pouch/dp/B00CEOOZK6?th=1

[Bonemaker]

[BobL]

“His theory has been discredited by current research. High performance (efforts above 75% of VO2 max) require carbs after no more than 30mins.”

I think that he found the same, hitting a wall as he called it, where the brain is being protected. But like you say, 75% is top-notch.

But I generally target my posts to the other 99.9998% of the country.

[Cold Heart]

Thanks for the tip. I looked it up. Very good habit.

[Uncle Miltie]

Three squares every night after a big bowl of wild Canadian Blueberries from Costco:

[Uncle Miltie]

Can we sue over the Food Pyramid?

[Mariner]

Most US adults over 55 cannot walk 2 miles.

[Liz]

Named as one of the best------$6 at Target.

[Fungi]

I have walked over 12,000 miles in 12 years, and not all of it looking for mushrooms.

[Mariner]

I got a new knee in March, but hope to copy your rate.

My longest so far is 3 miles.

[Fungi]

Good luck.

[Organic Panic]

I like my carbs fermented, distilled, and resting in a barrel for a decade or so.

[daniel1212]

Prices are very high, and since article says The aforementioned study got these maximum doses from California’s Prop 65 standards, and authors say that heavy metal exposure in chocolate likely doesn’t pose any real health risk for the average person when consumed in moderation, which means no more than a single 1-ounce serving per day, then there is: HERSHEY'S Natural Unsweetened Cocoa Powder Can, 8 oz Visit the HERSHEY'S Store 4.7 4.7 out of 5 stars (7,267) | Search this page 9K+ bought in past month $4.97 $4.97 $0.62 per oz( $0.62 / oz) - https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0014CSDT8?ref=ppx_yo2ov_dt_b_fed_asin_title&th=1