What is 100%?

Well, technically I can’t even call it chocolate as that needs to have 1% of sugar in a bar to legally call it Chocolate. So, it should really be called a Cocoa Bar.

When tasting this for the first time, don’t even think about chocolate as its soo savoury compared to a normal chocolate bar. Try to be open-minded about this and it will grow on you – I promise! When people talk about chocolate being healthy for you, they are talking about anything from 70% cocoa upwards.

So, what does it mean – chocolate being healthy? Well, we’d all like to believe that we can stuff our faces with all the good things and it won’t have an adverse effect on our health. Unfortunately, that isn’t usually the case. However, 100% cocoa bar does have some good things going for it and here are just a few: -

Unlike caffeine which spikes and then crashes, the natural stimulant found in cocoa, Theobromine, will keep you on more of a level-headed alertness which is far better for you. Instead of having lots of cups of coffee or tea for those all-nighter studies, why not nibble on my 100% shards – you won’t need much as a little goes a long way. (There will always be small traces of caffeine in chocolate.) If I have an extra busy day, I make myself a 100% hot chocolate which gives the same effect as a shot of espresso – I get the energy needed without the crash! An excellent choice for an energy hit.

I have created some 100% cocoa shards with dried mango and cranberries on top to give a natural hit of sugar - this just ever-so-slightly takes the savoury taste off it.

I picked cranberries as they are packed with antioxidants and vitamins. Mangos for their rich source of vitamin A and E. It’s aesthetically pleasing to look at, too – so pretty!

So, some more benefits of 100%.....

It’s rich in iron, magnesium and zinc and the cocoa contains antioxidants called Flavonoids. The flavanols in dark chocolate stimulate nitric oxide production in the body and this, in turn, causes the blood vessels to dilate or widen. This improves blood flow and lowers blood pressure.

I’m not going to labour too much on the medical side of things but there have been studies done which show that dark chocolate can help lower cholesterol levels, lower the risk of heart disease and, best of all, improve brain function! Now wouldn’t that be good! A note of caution though – be aware that dark chocolate is high in fat and calories so, as, with everything in this life, moderation is the key!

Please give it a go – you won’t regret it.