How Do Chocolate Products Stack Up, Nutritionally?

Title: Founding Registered Dietitian

Alumni: University of British Columbia

Last Updated on: 03/02/2021

Chocolate has come a long way over the years to become the universally-adored, versatile food ingredient it is today, not to mention one of the most popular gift choices for many occasions. But dark chocolate or milk chocolate, cocoa powder or chocolate syrup – how do some of these chocolate products compare nutritionally?

Here is the breakdown:

Table of Contents

Chocolate: A Quick Comparison of Nutrition

Chocolate Product (1 oz serving size, unless otherwise indicated)	Calories (kcal)	Total Fat (g)	Carbohydrate (g)	Sugar (g)	Calcium (mg)
Baking Chocolate, M&Ms Milk Chocolate baking bits	143	6.7	19.5	17.8	33
Baking Chocolate, M&Ms Semisweet Chocolate baking bits	147	7.5	18.8	15.1	10
Baking Chocolate, Unsweetened, squares	143	14.9	8.5	0.3	29
Candies, Milk Chocolate	152	8.5	16.9	14.7	54
Candies, Semisweet Chocolate	137	8.6	18.2	15.5	9
Candies, Special Dark Chocolate Bar	158	9.2	17.2	13.6	9
Candies, White Chocolate	154	9.1	16.9	16.8	57
White Chocolate	153	9.1	16.8	16.8	56.4
Carob, Plain	153	8.9	16	14.7	86
Chocolate Syrup, 2 Tbsp	109	0.4	25.4	19.4	5
Chocolate, Dark, 45-59% Cacao Solids	156	8.9	17.4	13.7	5
Chocolate, Dark, 60-69% Cacao Solids	165	10.9	17.4	13.7	6
Chocolate, Dark, 70-85% Cacao Solids	170	12.2	13.1	6.8	21
Cocoa, Dry Powder, Unsweetened	65	3.9	15.4	0.5	36.3
Starbucks Hot Chocolate, 2% milk, no whipped cream (8 oz)	160	4.5	26	22	20
Starbucks Hot Chocolate, nonfat milk, no whipped cream (8 oz)	140	1	27	22	20
Starbucks White Hot Chocolate, 2% milk, no whipped cream (8 oz)	210	6	31	30	25
Starbucks White Hot Chocolate, nonfat milk, no whipped cream (8 oz)	180	3	31	30	30

Chocolate: The Truth Behind the Wrapper

Chocolate is undeniably one of life’s small pleasures, and we have all heard about the possible health benefits of chocolate in the form of antioxidant flavonoids, but does this mean we should consume this delectable treat to our hearts’ content? Before you dig in, consider these important points:

Flavonoids: Healthy flavonoids may not be present in all chocolate types. Dark chocolate does contain the healthful flavonoids similar to those found in tea, red wine, fruits, and vegetables, while milk chocolate may not. White chocolate actually isn’t even considered chocolate because of its lack of nonfat cacao solids, and therefore flavonoids. In 2002, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) established a standard of identity for white chocolate which provided the use of the term ‘white chocolate’ as the common name of products made from cacao fat (i.e., cocoa butter), milk solids, nutritive carbohydrate sweeteners, but containing no nonfat cacao solids.
Calories: Dark chocolate, although it contains healthy antioxidants, does not appear to be lower in calories than its milk chocolate counterpart. In fact, most chocolate chip types, chocolate bars, and chocolate candies we compared in the table above are between 140 to 155 kcals per ounce. Because most chocolate candy has high levels of saturated fat and sugar, it is best to enjoy these treats in moderation.
Liquors and powders: Cocoa liquor, while it sounds like an alcoholic beverage, is actually pure liquid chocolate, which is made up of a combination of cocoa butter and cacao solids. Cacao solids, commonly known as cocoa powder, are the low-fat components of chocolate, while cocoa butter is the fatty component. This explains why cocoa powder has significantly lower calories than cocoa butter or chocolate liquor.

So, whether you are entertaining guests with a milk chocolate fondue, finishing a novel while sipping your white hot chocolate beverage, or simply savouring a mouthful of your favorite dark chocolate square, it is important to enjoy this delectable ingredient as part of a healthy diet and in moderation.

The Bottom Line

We all deserve a little indulgence now and again, but beware, chocolate candy has plenty of saturated fat and sugar, so it is important to enjoy chocolate in moderate amounts.

Gloria Tsang, RD

Alumni: University of British Columbia – Gloria Tsang is the author of 6 books and the founder of HealthCastle.com, the largest online nutrition network run by registered dietitians. Her work has appeared in major national publications, and she is a regularly featured nutrition expert for media outlets across the country. The Huffington Post named her one of its Top 20 Nutrition Experts on Twitter. Gloria’s articles have appeared on various media such as Reuters, NBC & ABC affiliates, The Chicago Sun-Times, Reader’s Digest Canada, iVillage and USA Today.