Dark Chocolate Vs Milk Chocolate: Which One Is Healthier For Kids

What is milk chocolate? It includes milk solids, which typically consist of milk powder, liquid milk, or condensed milk in addition to cocoa solids and sugar resulting in a creamier texture and a sweeter taste.

What is dark chocolate? Dark chocolate is made primarily from cocoa solids, sugar, and cocoa butter and contains little to no milk solids, resulting in a more intense cocoa flavour and a darker colour.

Difference Between The Two: 1. Dark chocolate contains about 50-90% cacao, while milk chocolate contains only 10-50% cacao.

2. There is more sugar in milk chocolate which gives it a sweeter taste, while dark chocolate contains less sugar to keep its bitter taste from the cocoa.

Health benefits of dark chocolate: Rich in flavonoids and antioxidants, which may have cardiovascular benefits. Also contains iron, magnesium and copper.

Health benefits of milk chocolate: It contains milk solids, contributing to calcium intake for bone health.

Which one is healthy? Neither is exactly healthy, but compared to milk chocolate, dark chocolate is a healthier alternative.

For kids, dark chocolate is generally considered a better option due to its lower sugar content and potential health benefits, such as antioxidants.

At the same time, while dark chocolate offers potential health benefits due to its higher cocoa content, both can be part of a balanced diet.

Parents should consider individual taste preferences, dietary restrictions, and monitor overall sugar intake to ensure a healthy and enjoyable chocolate experience for their children.

Inputs by: Dietician Garima Goyal, Nutritionist Harleen Gill, Subhadeep Dasgupta, who is the Business Head at Gritzo