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 & 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.
Plus, eating chocolate while pregnant can have positive benefits for the mother. It can help with high blood pressure, relieve stress, and provide useful nutrients, like antioxidants.
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.
So, make a resolution. Eat better chocolate this year, next year, and forever!
Real Chocolate 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 makers who care about what goes into your body and create their delicacies from only the finest ingredients.
After all, real chocolate contains a higher percentage of cocoa solids and cocoa butter. This makes our chocolate taste richer and stays creamier than your regular store-bought brands. With better chocolate, you’re going to notice a more intense and authentic chocolate taste instead of just sugar.
Real Chocolate Is Ethically Sourced
Real chocolate made by the best chocolate makers ensures that their ingredients are ethically sourced. This means that they prioritize the ethical and sustainable sourcing of cocoa beans. This practice means farmers receive fair wages, and it helps to build the community around the cocoa farms.
Real Chocolate Must Be Stored Properly
Real chocolate needs to be stored properly. They must be stored at temperatures around 50-68 degrees Fahrenheit, which helps keep them from blooming, which is a grayish-white coating that forms over the chocolate when it is too warm. Your best bet is to store your chocolates in an airtight container in your pantry so long as your pantry remains above 65 degrees and below 75 degrees.
Real Chocolate Elevates Holidays And Events
Real chocolate is an amazing treat to share, whether you’re looking for a wedding present or treats for a wedding shower. Birthdays, Valentine’s Day, and other special occasions can benefit from sharing delicious chocolate. Chocolate makes people happy, and your special occasion will be more delightful. So, if you’re looking for a way to celebrate, choose chocolate for your next special occasion.
Real Chocolate Shows Craftsmanship
Real chocolate, like what you’ll find at Legacy Chocolates, shows the importance of craftsmanship when making chocolate. This means that the chocolates are hand-made in small batches, and ingredients are picked out based on their superior quality. When you enjoy a piece of amazing chocolate, you are supporting the people who love what they do.
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 and 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 or give us a call at 651-340-5252 today!
