There’s a good reason why you find most chocolate bars in the ‘Candy’ aisle in most stores. That is because they are not actually ‘real’ chocolate. A package labeled as a 65 percent bar of chocolate may contain some actual cacao and taste like chocolate, but that is where the similarities between ‘real chocolate’ and ‘fast chocolate’ end.

Unwanted Ingredients in Fast Chocolate

Like any fast food product, supermarket chocolate contains many ingredients most people would prefer not to eat, nor can they pronounce.

Sugar Substitutes

●        Large corporations choose to substitute pure sugar with cheaper sweeteners in their products to save money. There is also typically an increased amount of sugar or sweetener, which causes you to eat more.

 

●        One of the most popular sugar substitutes is high fructose corn syrup (HFCS). HFCS is tied to obesity and a greater risk of developing type-2 diabetes and hypertension.

Partially Hydrogenated Oils

 

●        Many chocolate brands use partially hydrogenated oils to extend the shelf life of their products.

 

●        This type of oil contains trans fats. Studies show trans fats can increase bad cholesterol while decreasing good cholesterol. Partially hydrogenated oils may lead to a higher likelihood of developing certain diseases.

Artificial Colors and Flavorings

 

●        Due to low-quality ingredients, many corporations use artificial colors and flavorings to enhance the appearance and flavor of their products.

 

●        Some varieties of food coloring contain cancer-causing dyes and can increase hyperactivity in kids. A few of the large producers of chocolate makers have recently promised to remove artificial colors from their chocolate, but most big brands continue to use them.

 

●        Most chocolate makers don't have to reveal which artificial flavors are in their products on their list of ingredients. Therefore, consumers never know for sure what they are eating.

Real Chocolate Provides Health Benefits

What we love most about chocolates is that it’s a sweet treat. However, the problem with artificial chocolate is its heavy amount of sugar. When chocolate is loaded with sugar, it takes away from all the health benefits real chocolate provides.

 

Real chocolate hosts a bevy of nutrients such as iron, magnesium, copper, and manganese. Real chocolate has over half or nearly all your daily recommended value for these minerals. In addition, real chocolate is a significant source of fiber, helping you keep your digestive system in pristine working condition.

 

Real chocolate also contains amounts of potassium, phosphorus, zinc, selenium, and antioxidants that help prevent heart diseases, cancers, and a litany of other ailments.

 

Lastly, real chocolate may even help you lower your blood pressure and improve your overall blood flow. Dark chocolate can help stimulate the lining of your arteries to increase the production of nitrous oxide. The more nitrous oxide your body produces, the more your arteries relax, reducing your blood pressure and overall cardiovascular health.

Taste Matters

Anyone who has ever eaten a waxy, stale, or overly sweet chocolate bar can tell you supermarket chocolate often doesn't taste good. Even world-famous luxury chocolate brands can disappoint a chocolate fanatic. The best chocolate comes from the makers who care about what goes into your body and create their delicacies from only the finest ingredients.

 

Choose Legacy Chocolates for an Authentic Chocolate Experience

Legacy Chocolates in downtown St. Paul offers hand-crafted, real chocolate. The staff of Legacy Chocolates devotes their time to bringing back the art of making artisan chocolate to Minnesota.

 

Customers can choose their favorite truffles or chocolate bark to take home or enjoy in the store along with a fresh cup-at-a-time hand-poured coffee. All chocolate is free from artificial flavorings coloring and only contains the finest all-natural ingredients. There are never any preservatives added, so all the chocolate displayed in the store is kept in refrigerated cases.

 

Feel better about the chocolate you eat. Stop by the store, order online at www.legacychocolates.com, or give us a call at 651-340-5252 today!