Two tasty treats go head to head.
But, which is best?
Surveys show that Americans tend to prefer milk chocolate over dark chocolate.
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Milk chocolate is sweeter and creamier, so its more universally palatable, especially among children.
What Is Dark Chocolate?
All chocolate, including dark chocolate, starts off as cacao.
Cacao contains beneficial compounds, includingantioxidantscalledflavonoidsandpolyphenols, which can potentially help prevent oxidative cell damage, Chun adds.
Dark chocolate typically contains 5090% cocoa solids, as well as cocoa butter and sugar.
It typically doesnt contain dairy, which makes it less creamy and sets it apart from milk chocolate.
Like dark chocolate, milk chocolate originally comes from the cacao tree.
The cacao seeds are processed into cocoa beans, which become cocoa butter and cocoa solids.
Aside from milk solids, the ingredients used to make milk chocolate and dark chocolate are pretty similar.
Whats different is the ratio in which theyre used.
Specifically, milk chocolate contains less cocoa solids and more sugar.
This results in a sweeter taste and a smoother, creamier texture, Chun says.
However, it also results in less antioxidants due to its reduced cacao concentration.
Milk chocolate is also higher inadded sugarthan dark chocolate, Chun notes.
Dark chocolate is known for providing nutrients, like antioxidants, and being lower in sugar than milk chocolate.
You should still enjoy dark chocolate in moderation, however.
Should You Eat Dark Chocolate Instead of Milk Chocolate?
Nutritionally speaking, dark chocolate is generally the healthier choice.
But that doesnt mean milk chocolate is completely off the table or devoid of nutrients.
So long as you enjoy chocolate in moderation, the choice ultimately comes down to personal preference.
https://today.yougov.com/consumer/articles/34090-americas-favorite-chocolate-milk-chocolate
