Posted on 10/13/2006 5:17:54 PM PDT by blam
Dark times ahead for chocolate
By David Derbyshire, Consumer Affairs Editor
(Filed: 14/10/2006)
Britain's taste for chocolate is growing more sophisticated, figures out yesterday suggest.
Sales of dark chocolate have trebled in a year, while the number of dark mainstream brands has risen tenfold.
Confectionary analysts say the figures reflect a more discerning palate. They also follow several studies — some funded by chocolate makers — indicating that dark chocolate can have health benefits.
Antioxidants in dark chocolate can help lower cholesterol and blood pressure, say researchers. However, dark and milk contain the same amount of fat and sugar.
Although milk still outsells dark, the rapid recent growth of the latter has surprised many in the industry.
Woolworths, Britain's biggest confectionary retailer, reported £600,000 worth of dark sales in 2005. The figure for the first eight months of 2006 was nearly £1.5 million.
Stephen MacDavid, the company's chocolate buyer, said: "Dark chocolate is in vogue at the moment. It is fast catching milk chocolate in terms of sales and there are now over 30 dark chocolate bars on the market compared with only three last year."
Older shoppers are fuelling much of the boom. Nestlé, which launched a dark KitKat this year, said it was now the most popular variety among 34 to 45-year-olds.
Dark chocolate tastes OK, but I can't digest it. Give me a good Lindt or Cadbury milk chocolate bar.
This is a sad story. My husband loves dark chocolate. He just got diabetes this year and has had to stop eating so many of the things he loves. But he can still eat limited amounts of chocolate. But I loathe it. Give me good 'ol milk chocolate any time. I've had to endure coffee going dark. Now chocolate too? [I'm happy for my husband, but I'm in a selfish mood!]
Chocolate...I am addicted to it so of course I would click on this thread....lol. My favorite is Symphony, the one with the tofeee chips in it.
I have noticed that I am in a better mood when eating chocolate (so my husband always brings me some home....lol)
I am an absolute dark chocolate fanatic...I love it and my wife hates it! My son will eat it, though.
Can't you buy a milk chocolate bar while buying a dark one for him?
I found an awesome candy bar when I was in the UK this past spring. It's called Mars Delight. Unfortunately it isn't sold here, so I've ended up ordering it from a UK seller on eBay.
If I'm in a good mood! Seriously, my husband is picky. Actually, I buy little chocolate for myself even. I prefer a good cup of coffee, which is harder to find than good chocolate. But he will probably get some good dark chocolate in his stocking this year.
I'd probably lose 10 pounds if I stopped eating chocolate alone.
(I'm even eating chocolate ice cream as I read this thread LOL.)
Cadbury hazelnut, Hmmmmm.
Dark KitKat and Milky Way Midnight Ahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh!
Dark Russel Stover anything mmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm!
Wow...you must be very discerning on your coffee.
I'd like to try the coffee you pick out. I bet it's good.
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That depends on the type of dark chocolate. A lot of the fancy dark chocolate from Europe has been Dutched or alkalized. While this process makes the chocolate easier to dissolve in liquids and gives the chocolate a darker color, it destroys most of the antioxidants. If you are eating dark chocolate for any health benefits, look at the label and make sure it hasn't been Dutched. If you are only eating for taste, it probably won't matter.
There will always be milk chocolate - never fear.
Also the Lindor balls they sell by the checkout at our local Borders. I can never buy just a book...have to throw a handful of the Lindor balls in as well. (Raspberry or Hazelnut filled chocolate balls are wonderful.)
If it gave you a migraine headache that lasted from 12 to 20 hours you'd quit eating it. I didn't know what caused it until I had allergy test run. If I ate chocolate at night for dessert the headache wouldn't start until about 4am. what a rotten way to wake up.
Wow, desperate times call for desperate measures! :o)
I've been thinking about how to order some very special chocolate from Belgium, myself!
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