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Summer is filled with temptation - sumptuous ice creams, cream teas, and candy floss at summer fairs. And while it’s fun to indulge occasionally, eating them every day is unhealthy. So, what can you have without consuming high-sugar snacks? We have the answer - dark chocolate.
We’re letting you in on why dark chocolate is so deliciously good for you and this summer’s best dark chocolate. We’re also sharing our favourite dark chocolate snacks and different ways to use dark chocolate for healthy summertime treats.
What are the benefits of eating dark chocolate every day?
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You can eat dark chocolate little and often and get wonderful benefits. Here are some of the positive effects of this superfood:
- Abundant in antioxidants
- Tasty source of iron
- Helps blood circulation
- Contains zinc, potassium and magnesium
- Lightly caffeinated for focus
- Balances high cholesterol
- An excellent anti-inflammatory
- Great alternative to high-sugar snacks
What dark chocolate is good for you?
Dark chocolate that is low in sugar or combined with other health-enhancing ingredients is great for your body. To get the benefits, make sure you choose a high percentage of dark chocolate (70% and above), not a milk chocolate and dark chocolate blend.
The best dark chocolate bars
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At Grape Tree, we’re passionate about stocking up on high-quality and nutritious ingredients. So, we’ve chosen the best dark chocolate for health to boost your wellness.
Sugar free dark chocolate
Dark chocolate without sugar is an incredible option if you’re trying to live sugar-free or lower your risk of diabetes. Our dark chocolate no sugar bars range is a tasty staple in any household. Check out the best no-added sugar dark chocolate bars below:
Luxury dark chocolate
Add a bit of luxury to your life with Lite’s silky smooth dark chocolate. Bite into refreshing mint or enjoy a zesty twist of orange to brighten your summer day.
Vegan dark chocolate
Dairy-free dark chocolate is ideal if you follow a vegan lifestyle or want to do your bit for the environment. Montezuma’s organic dark chocolate has a citrusy zip paired with a floral blend of geranium:
Healthy dark chocolate snacks
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Dark chocolate bars are luxuriously velvety, but sometimes you want to switch up the texture and flavour. Check out our selection of amino-acid nuts wrapped in a whirl of dark chocolate. Or opt for Grape Tree’s dried fruit draped in chocolate to sneak in some extra fibre.
- Dark Chocolate Peanuts - These dark chocolate-covered peanuts combine salty, nutty goodness with rich dark chocolate for a boost of amino acid.
- Dark Chocolate Brazils - Crack into these chunky chocolate covered brazil nuts to improve your immune system and get a dose of magnesium.
- Dark Chocolate Cashews - We couldn’t resist pairing the sweet, nutty taste of cashews with the complimentary bitterness of dark chocolate.
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- Dark Chocolate Walnuts - These chocolate covered walnuts are full of fibre and abundant in omega-3, which are good for heart health and increase blood circulation.
- Dark chocolate covered raisins - If you’re looking for a dark chocolate treat that you can take on the go, chocolate covered raisins are the ideal snack. Enjoy a handful of juicy raisins swathed in a layer of dreamy dark chocolate.
- Dark Chocolate Ginger - Our ginger dark chocolate candy isn’t one to miss out on. Relish in soft, crystallised ginger with a fiery kick, wrapped in smooth dark chocolate, for the ultimate anti-inflammatory treat.
How to use melted dark chocolate
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Dark chocolate isn’t limited to bars. You can push the boat out and make your own decadent dark chocolate desserts and snacks with these summer dark chocolate ideas:
Dark chocolate covered cherries
There’s nothing more satisfying than the pop of juicy cherries beneath a lavish layer of dark chocolate. Melt your chosen dark chocolate in a pan and pour into a ramekin. Dip your fresh, tart cherries into the melted chocolate for a chocolate fondue-style dessert.
Dark chocolate strawberries
Melt a bar of dark chocolate in a saucepan on low heat, stirring constantly. Once melted, dip in fresh strawberries. Make sure to give the fruit a good coating for delicious dark chocolate covered strawberries.
You can eat the strawberries while the chocolate is still warm or place them on baking paper and pop them in the fridge to harden.
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Dark hot chocolate
If you're craving hot chocolate on a chilly summer evening but don’t want the high-sugar content, switch to dark hot chocolate. Gently heat milk over the hob (dairy or nut milk works perfectly). Grate in two squares of dark chocolate and stir until it’s melted for a sumptuous dark chocolate treat.
Finish with a sprinkle of mini marshmallows and sip around the fire pit in the glow of the evening summer sun.
Dark chocolate covered almonds
Almonds contain all nine essential amino acids, are full of healthy fats, and abundant in fibre. They also have a sweet, nutty taste that pairs beautifully with the deep notes of dark chocolate.
Select your favourite dark chocolate and melt it in a saucepan, stirring constantly so it doesn’t burn. Stir in your almonds, then remove them using a fork. Place the nuts on baking sheet paper, and put them in the fridge to harden for a crunchy dark chocolate snack.
How much dark chocolate should you eat a day?
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Dark chocolate is high in good fats. But, like anything in life, it’s best to consume it in moderation. The recommended daily amount of dark chocolate is 30-60 grams or approximately two squares (depending on the size of your chocolate bar).
Sink into decadence with Grape Tree’s selection of dark chocolate this summer
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Put the high-sugar sweets aside and snap into a bar of healthy dark chocolate this summer. Relish is tangy twists of mint and orange or the floral smoothness of geranium. Switch up the ice creams and instead experiment with fruit and nut dark chocolate candy. Nourish your body with the best dark chocolate and enjoy a decadent summer with Grape Tree.
