Dark chocolate has always had its fans, but lately, 72% of dark chocolate has been popping up everywhere. You'll find it in gift boxes, on health food shelves, and across food blogs. More and more people are reaching for it instead of milk chocolate, and not just because it sounds fancier. So what does that percentage mean, and why are people making the switch?
Understanding the 72%
When chocolate is labeled as "72%," it means that 72% of the bar is composed of cocoa solids and cocoa butter. These are the rich, flavorful parts of the cacao bean that give chocolate its deep taste and smooth texture. The remaining 28 percent is typically sugar and sometimes a small amount of vanilla or an emulsifier, such as soy lecithin.
Compared to milk chocolate, which typically has only 30 to 40 percent cocoa content, 72% dark chocolate offers a significantly more intense chocolate flavor. It also tends to contain fewer additives and less sugar, making it a more straightforward and satisfying choice for many chocolate lovers.
Why People Are Choosing It
There are several key reasons why dark chocolate has gained popularity among 72% of consumers in recent years.
Rich Flavor: This percentage hits a sweet spot. It offers a bold, deep cocoa flavor without being too bitter. It's just sweet enough to satisfy your sweet tooth without overwhelming the taste of real chocolate.
Cleaner Ingredients: Many 72% chocolate bars are made with a short list of ingredients. That simplicity appeals to people who want to enjoy their treats without any additives, artificial flavors, or extra fillers.
Potential Health Benefits: Many people choose 72% chocolate because it tends to contain more antioxidants than lower-percentage options. Some believe this makes it a better-for-you way to indulge.
Our Favorite 72% Picks
If you're looking to give it a try, our Dr. Chockenstein 72% Bar is a customer favorite with a balanced intensity and smooth texture. It's also available in dark chocolate and milk chocolate, allowing you to sample the full range.
Craving a little variety? Try our 72% dark chocolate clusters and barks, available with almonds, raisins, peanuts, and more. They're perfect for sharing, snacking, or pairing with coffee or wine.
Are you curious about how dark chocolate stacks up against milk chocolate? We cover that in our post on Milk Chocolate vs Dark Chocolate Nonpareils!
Whether you're a dark chocolate diehard or just chocolate-curious, 72% is worth exploring. It offers bold flavor, clean ingredients, and a little something extra that makes every bite feel special.
Whether you're a dark chocolate diehard or just chocolate-curious, 72% is worth exploring.
It offers bold flavor, clean ingredients, and a little something extra that makes every bite feel special.
🍫 Not Ready to try 72% dark chocolate yet? Shop our complete line of Dark Chocolates here.