Chocolate’s Health Benefits (Yes, We’re Biased)

Chocolate’s health benefits have long been praised and questioned in equal measure. However, a recent article from the New York Times adds fuel to the fire (or chocolate to the tempering machine?) that dark chocolate may reduce the likelihood of developing Type 2 diabetes. 

How is that possible? Researchers studied the diet of a group of health professionals over three decades. Over time, they noticed that people who ate at least five servings of any kind of chocolate each week had a 10% lower risk of developing Type 2 diabetes when compared with people who hardly or never ate chocolate. However, breaking down the data based on chocolate type showed that people who ate at least five servings of dark chocolate each week had a 21% lower risk of developing Type 2 diabetes compared to people who ate dark chocolate less than once a month. 

Others Agree

But it’s not just the New York Times. An article from Georgia State University’s Byrdine F. Lewis College of Nursing and Health Professionals also highlights dark chocolate’s health benefits. A clinical trial in Japan found that people who frequently ate dark chocolate over a four week period reported less fatigue and demonstrated better problem-solving, focus, and memory. 

So, basically, a bit of dark chocolate a day keeps the doctor away (no offense to all the apples in the room, y’all are great too). 

Make the Most of These Sweet Findings

Now that we’ve established dark chocolate’s health benefits, you might be wondering what dark chocolate products you should be adding to your diet. We’re no doctors, but we can speak to a few of our own offerings that the dark chocolate lovers flock to:

• Maine Sea Salt Squares: 70% dark chocolate with a dusting of Maine Sea Salt. Like getting a big ol’ chocolatey hug on the beach. 
• Mini Maine Moose: Perfect for the little ones (or moose fanatics) in your life, these critters come in packages of all dark, all milk, or a combination.
• Double Dark truffle: A 56.9% dark chocolate ganache coated in 70% dark chocolate, a box of these truffles are crowd pleasers for any occasion.
• Midnight 80 Squares: For the ultra dark chocolate fanatics, it doesn’t get better than our 80% squares. 
• Double Dark hot chocolate: There’s no better way to spend the final days of winter than sipping on a big mug of our darkest hot chocolate. Just add milk, cream, or your favorite milk substitute (but please, please, never water). 

Any of these offerings are guaranteed to satisfy your dark chocolate cravings and come with all the health benefits discussed above. 

What about Milk Chocolate? 

Though milk chocolate doesn’t offer as many direct benefits as dark chocolate, the research above shows it still provides a moderate boost in preventing Type 2 diabetes. Plus, we chocolatiers don’t judge. If you love milk chocolate, it too can be a healthy part of your diet. Some of our best-selling milk chocolate items include: 

• Au Lait Au Lait Squares: A staple for any milk chocolate lover, these milk chocolate squares make for a perfect afternoon treat (or morning, or evening…like we said, chocolatiers don’t judge).
• Milk Vanilla Buttercream truffle: There’s a reason this truffle comes in our Top Seller assortment. Silky smooth vanilla buttercream meets decadent milk chocolate…what’s not to love?
• Milk chocolate dipped Oreos: A new addition to our lineup and undoubtedly a staff favorite, the sweetness of milk chocolate pairs perfectly with the dark Oreo cookie (did we mention they’re gluten free too?)
• Graham Cracker Crunch Squares: Think of this as the deluxe version of our Au Lait Au Lait Squares, with graham crackers mixed into milk chocolate for the ultimate textural experience. 

White Chocolate, On the Other Hand…

Again, we don’t judge. We love white chocolate, too. However, white chocolate isn’t actually chocolate at all—it’s a mix of cocoa butter, sugar, and milk solids. So, if you’re eating chocolate for its health benefits, white chocolate is iffy at best. That being said, eating something you love is sure to brighten your mood, so if white chocolate is your version of choice, here are a few products we think you’ll love:

• White Mocha hot chocolate: This hot chocolate contains both white and dark chocolate, making it a great way to indulge in what you love along while still enjoying some health benefits. 
• White London Fog truffle: This truffle is perhaps the best showcase of our offerings. A bergamot-infused dark chocolate ganache meets vanilla buttercream, all of which is coated in white chocolate. 
• Lavender Honey Squares: If you’re a fan of floral flavors, look no further! White chocolate pairs wonderfully with dried lavender and honey, resulting in a taste as soothing as any spa day. 

It’s All about Balance

Even before these studies came out, we chocolatiers have known our products make people’s lives better. Walk into any chocolate shop, and you’ll see it’s a place where it’s nearly impossible to be upset. The rich scent wafts over you, and suddenly you couldn’t care less about that upcoming work deadline or recent family spat. There’s just you and a big room full of chocolate. Of course, we’re not saying you should give up on fruits or vegetables or trying to reach 10,000 steps a day. But with more studies coming out showing chocolate’s health benefits, isn’t it nice to hear that a healthy lifestyle doesn’t mean giving up on all the things that make our time together so sweet?