Skip to Content Skip to Navigation Accessibility Policy Click to login to your Account
NEW enhanced coffees with functional benefits to suit your lifestyle Shop Now
Shop All
Featured New Arrivals Subscribe & Save Deals of the Week Build Your Own Bundle
Shop by Category Coffee Mix-Ins MCT Oil Supplements Collagen Protein Bars On-The-Go Accessories & Apparel
Not Sure Where to Start?
Not Sure Where to Start?
Take our quiz to get product recommendations tailor-made for your wellness goals. Plus, score 20% off! Take the Quiz
Shop All Products
Best Sellers
Coffee The Original Ground Coffee The High Achiever™ Enhanced Coffee The Original Coffee Pods
Supplements Greens Vitamins A-D-K Apple Cider Vinegar Max Gummies Sleep Gummies
Mix-Ins Bulletproof Original Creamer Brain Octane C8 MCT Oil Unflavored Collagen Peptides InnerFuel Prebiotic
Create Your Custom Bundle
Build Your Own Bundle
Save up to 20% when you stock up on your go-to product or mix and match all your Bulletproof favorites. Bundle & Save
Shop All Best Sellers
Coffee
Shop by Form Ground Coffee Whole Bean Coffee Coffee Pods
Shop by Roast Light Roast Coffee Medium Roast Coffee Medium-Dark Roast Coffee Dark Roast Coffee
Enhanced Coffee The High Achiever™ The Maximizer™ New The Original + Collagen Coffee Pods New Keto Coffee Pods
The Maximizer™
The Bulletproof difference
Make your morning routine work harder with premium coffee plus metabolism and gut health support. Shop Now
Shop All Coffee
Supplements
Shop by Form Capsules & Softgels Gummy Vitamins Powders
Shop by Benefit Daily Wellness Immune Support Stress & Sleep Gut & Digestive Health Energy Support Brain Health Bone & Joint Support
Your Wellness, Your Way
Save 20% with the Daily Wellness Bundle
Create your custom supplement bundle, and save on everything you need to feel your best. Bundle & Save
Shop All Supplements
MCT Oil
MCT Oil Brain Octane C8 MCT Oil MCT Oil
Products with MCT Oil Brain Octane Softgels CoQ10 Energy Apple Cider Vinegar Max Gummies Energy Gummies Coffee Creamer Keto Coffee Pods Bulletproof Starter Kit
What is MCT Oil?
What are MCT Oils?
Learn more about the quality fat that supports sustained energy, boosts metabolism and provides brain fuel.† Learn More
Shop All MCT Oil
Mix-Ins
Coffee Creamer Original French Vanilla Hazelnut
Quality Fats Brain Octane C8 MCT Oil MCT Oil Grass-Fed Ghee
Powders Unflavored Collagen Energy Collagen InnerFuel Prebiotic Greens
Build Your Perfect Cup
Save 20% On Your Custom Coffee Routine
Save up to 20% on everything you need to make Bulletproof Coffee when you build your own bundle. Bundle & Save
Shop All Mix-Ins
Collagen
Collagen Peptides Unflavored Chocolate Vanilla
Collagen Plus Support Gut Health Energy Sleep
Products with Collagen The Original + Collagen Coffee Pods New Collagen Protein Bars Collagelatin
What is Collagen?
What is Collagen?
Learn more about this amino acid rich protein that helps support glowing skin, flexible joints and strong bones.† Learn More
Shop All Collagen
Protein Bars
Collagen Protein Bars Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Vanilla Shortbread Fudge Brownie Lemon Cookie
Protein Crisp Bars Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Coconut Chocolate Chip Salted Caramel Chocolate Mint Chip
Bundle Your Favorite Bars
Bundle Your Favorite Bars & Save 20%
Can’t choose just one? Get all your favorites and save up to 20% when you build your own bundle. Bundle & Save
Shop All Protein Bars
About
Company Our Story Contact Us Store Locator
Learn The Bulletproof Diet Books Recipes Blog
Online Exclusives Subscribe & Save 20% Earn Bulletproof Rewards Become An Ambassador
The Recipe That Made Us Famous
Bulletproof Coffee Recipe
What exactly is Bulletproof Coffee? How do you make it? Get the answers to all your butter coffee questions. Learn More
Learn More
Deals
Bundle & Save Build a Bundle (Save 20%) Starter Kits (Save 10%)
Ways to Save Subscribe & Save 20% Give $15, Get $15 Earn Bulletproof Rewards Sign Up For Email & SMS Free Shipping Orders $49+ & Subscriptions*
All Benefits. No Hassles.
Current activation
Subscribe to your favorite products and never run out, get 20% off every order, change or cancel anytime and get 10% off order add-ons. Subscribe & Save
Shop All Deals
Subscribe & Save 20% Learn More Search Account Cart
Search

Share

product
https://www.bulletproof.com/diet-articles/is-chocolate-healthy/ article-900068257 Is Chocolate Healthy? 8 Surprising Answers to Questions About Chocolate https://www.bulletproof.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/Blog_Template_0000s_0003_Chocolate-Bar162020_19-300x160.jpg 1 USD InStock Diet Chocolate article
Home / Diet
|January 31, 2022

Is Chocolate Healthy? 8 Surprising Answers to Questions About Chocolate

By Austin Lozano
Reviewed by Emily Gonzalez, ND for Scientific Accuracy

Is Chocolate Healthy? 8 Surprising Answers to Questions About Chocolate

  • Chocolate is considered unhealthy by some and a superfood by others. (We consider it delicious.) But is it good for you or not?
  • Chocolate can be a nutritious snack or dessert, but quality matters. It’s important to read nutrition labels, double-check ingredients and keep an eye out for added sugar.
  • So, is chocolate healthy? Below, you’ll find the surprising answers to some common questions about this delicious superfood.

There’s so much to love about chocolate. That rich taste, signature smell and many different flavors are what keep people coming back for more. But chocolate isn’t healthy for you because it’s loaded with sugar…right? Not exactly. In fact, you can think of certain types of chocolate as a legit health food.

There’s a lot more to know about chocolate than you think. Below, you’ll find the surprising answers to common questions about chocolate, plus tips to enjoy more of chocolate’s health benefits.

Table of Contents

  • 1. What percentage of dark chocolate is healthy?
  • 2. Is chocolate good for your skin?
  • 3. Does chocolate give you energy?
  • 4. Does chocolate relieve stress?
  • 5. How much chocolate is too much?
  • 6. Is cocoa butter chocolate?
  • 7. Is white chocolate good for you?
  • 8. Is it OK to eat chocolate every day?

1. What percentage of dark chocolate is healthy?

Bars of white, milk and dark chocolate

“Percentage” refers to the amount of cocoa in a piece of chocolate, not the amount of chocolate you consume. You reap more nutritional benefits when you enjoy chocolate that contains a higher percentage of cocoa and minimal extra ingredients, like added sugar, dairy and vegetable oil.

In comparison to milk chocolate, dark chocolate contains more cocoa, which naturally contains in flavonoids. It’s also higher in fiber and various vitamins and minerals, like iron, potassium and magnesium.[1] We recommend consuming dark chocolate with a higher percentage of cocoa (which can be found by reading the packaging) in order to reap more of the health benefits of chocolate.

A Bulletproof Sea Salt Dark Chocolate Bar contains 63% cocoa, MCT oil for sustained energy and no artificial sweeteners or sugar. Whether you break off a few squares for nibbling or you use it to make a batch of Keto Thin Mint Truffles, you truly can’t go wrong.

2. Is chocolate good for your skin?

Woman touching face while looking in mirror

There are plenty of skincare routines out there, but have you ever tried chocolate? (No, this isn’t your cue to start rubbing chocolate on your cheeks.)

When consumed, many of the nutrients found in chocolate can help your skin prosper. Take calcium, for example: Calcium helps your body repair and renew skin, and cocoa in dark chocolate naturally contains calcium.[2]

In a 2009 study published in the Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, researchers focused on antioxidants in dark chocolate and how they affect the body.[3] The study found that consuming a 20-gram serving of chocolate daily rich in cocoa flavanol antioxidants could be helpful in protecting the skin from the harmful UV rays emitted by the sun. Though it may seem odd, dark chocolate most definitely supports your skin and overall wellness.

3. Does chocolate give you energy?

Man punching heavy bag

Chocolate contains trace amounts of caffeine, but generally not enough to make you wired. In fact, unless you’re sensitive to caffeine, the amount found in your typical bar is so minimal that it shouldn’t affect your ability to fall asleep.

Chocolate also contains theobromine, a molecule related to caffeine. It can have some mildly stimulating effects, but not nearly the punch that caffeine can have.

What really contributes to a boost in energy is sugar. Some chocolate bars are packed with added sugar. Too much of the good stuff may spike insulin and lead to a subsequent crash. Not to mention, sugary foods can feed cravings, impact brain function and make you feel sluggish over time. Like with other foods, quality matters. If you’re looking for a sweet pick-me-up without tanking your energy, look for chocolate that contains little to no added sugar.

All three varieties of Bulletproof Chocolate Bars are sugar-free and equally delicious. Plus, they contain MCT oil as a source of ketone energy.

Related: Sugar Detox: What to Do When You’ve Had Too Much Sugar

4. Does chocolate relieve stress?

Sliced chocolate cake on white plate

Eating chocolate isn’t going to suddenly remove all of the stressors from your life (although, one can dream). But it might support your body’s response to stress. The ingredient to thank for that is cocoa solids, a source of flavanol antioxidants.

A 2014 study published by the International Journal of Health Sciences found that cocoa solids actually contributed to a healthier response to stress.[4] Based on surveys conducted among 60 medical students, the cocoa solids in dark and milk chocolate were associated with reduced levels of stress hormones cortisol and epinephrine. Lower levels of these stress hormones contribute to reduced feelings of stress. Pretty cool, right?

The researchers note that the sample size was small and based on self-reported information, so we can’t say for sure that chocolate definitively reduces stress. But if you want to add chocolate to your self-care toolkit, reach for high-quality dark chocolate, which is higher in cocoa solids than milk chocolate. (And skip white chocolate, which doesn’t have any cocoa solids.)

Related: A Life Coach Discusses How to Address Stress and Sleep

More Diet Tips From Bulletproof

  • Alkaline Diet
  • Foods High in Potassium
  • Post Workout Meal Ideas for What to Eat
  • Vitamin D Foods

5. How much chocolate is too much?

Variety of chocolate desserts on table

It’s possible to have too much of a good thing. Unfortunately, chocolate consumption is no different. Besides the effects consuming a large amount of chocolate would have on your diet and energy, eating copious (and we mean copious) amounts of chocolate could potentially be very harmful.

Theobromine, which is found in the cocoa beans from which chocolate is made, is a mild stimulant (similar to caffeine). It’s also a vasodilator and has some diuretic properties, which means it affects blood flow and causes the kidneys to make more urine. When you consume too much theobromine, these attributes can cause rapidly lower blood pressure and an increased heart rate.

No need to worry, though. In order to reach that point, you’d need to consume hundreds of bars of chocolate, and an upset stomach would more than likely stop you before you even made it to double digits.

6. Is cocoa butter chocolate?

Pieces of raw cocoa butter

No, cocoa butter isn’t chocolate. Also called cacao butter or theobroma oil, cocoa butter is derived from the cocoa bean. However, it lacks the cocoa solids which would define it as an actual chocolate. It’s dairy-free and considered a vegetable fat, but it’s full of stable saturated fats and delivers a chocolate-like aroma. It’s used in everything from baking to skin care.

Related: How to Use Cacao Butter, the Keto-Friendly Fat Your Diet Needs

7. Is white chocolate good for you?

White chocolate bars and pieces

Foods aren’t necessarily “good” or “bad,” but their ingredients make all the difference. Such is the case with white chocolate. The name is a misnomer; it doesn’t contain any chocolate at all.

Generally, white chocolate is loaded with sugar, milk products, artificial flavors, sweeteners and unhealthy oils, without any of the cocoa solids that give dark and milk chocolate its health benefits. If you enjoy and tolerate white chocolate, have it in moderation.

8. Is it OK to eat chocolate every day?

Bulletproof Chocolate Bar next to laptop

If you want to eat chocolate every day, we’re probably not talking about any old candy bars you find lying around. Before you eat it daily, take into account the amount of sugar your chocolate contains, what ingredients are used, how much cocoa is present and if the caloric intake fits into your overall health goals.

As mentioned above, dark chocolate is a veritable superfood, and because it naturally contains fiber, vitamins, minerals and antioxidants with minimal carbohydrates, it can fit into many people’s daily diets. Opt for dark chocolate with higher cocoa content and less sugar. Or, if you prefer things a little lighter, a Bulletproof Almond Milk-Style Chocolate Bar or a Bulletproof Original Milk-Style Chocolate Bar will provide that smooth and creamy deliciousness you’re seeking.

Just remember: If you enjoy sweeter chocolates or conventional candy, moderation is key.

The bottom line: Chocolate is a delicious superfood, but not all chocolate is created equal. Make sure you’re reaching for high-quality chocolate to reap more of its benefits. Pay attention to the nutrition label, and keep an eye out for ingredients like added sugars or dairy. And remember, as with all good things, moderation is key.

Now that you have a better understanding of chocolate, you can make an informed decision next time you get a sweet craving. If you want to know more, read about the health benefits of chocolate.

Join the Bulletproof Revolution

Sign up for early access to sales, product launches, the latest Bulletproof news and more!

Statements made on this website have not been evaluated by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Products sold on this website are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Information provided by this website or this company is not a substitute for direct, individual medical treatment or advice. It is the responsibility of you and your healthcare providers to make all decisions regarding your health. Bulletproof recommends that you consult with your healthcare providers regarding the diagnosis and treatment of any disease or condition.

About Austin Lozano

Austin Lozano is a copywriter based in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Lozano holds a Bachelor of Arts from the University of South Dakota. He enjoys reading, cooking, weightlifting, running, and film photography. If he’s not writing, you may be able to find him at a coffee shop near you, searching for the best cold brew. See more of his work at austinlozano.com.

References

[1] https://www.hsph.harvard.edu/nutritionsource/food-features/d...
[2] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4696435/
[3] https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/19735513/
[4] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4350893/

TAGS

Chocolate

Related Bulletproof Diet Tips

table of healthy green vegetables
Alkaline Diet
Foods High in Potassium
Post Workout Meal Ideas for What to Eat
foods containing vitamin D
Vitamin D Foods
Sign up today & save 15%
SHOP
  • Coffee
  • Mix-Ins
  • MCT Oils
  • Supplements
  • Collagen
  • Protein Bars
  • All Products
Learn
  • Bulletproof for Beginners
  • Recipes
  • Newsletters & Guides
  • Bulletproof Blog
  • Books
CUSTOMER CARE
  • Contact Us
  • FAQs
  • Shipping Policy
  • Return Policy
  • Accessibility Policy
COMPANY
  • About Us
  • Press
  • Careers
  • Customer Reviews
  • Rewards
  • Give $15, Get $15
PARTNERS
  • Store Locator
  • Wholesale
  • Ambassador Program
  • Affiliate Program
Discover What Better Feels Like
  • Instagram
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • YouTube

†Statements made on this website have not been evaluated by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Information provided by this website or this company is not a substitute for individual medical advice. | ©Bulletproof 360, Inc. 2013–2023

  • Privacy Policy|
  • Terms|
  • Reseller Policy|