Is dark chocolate gluten free? Is white chocolate gluten free? Before answering these questions we will see what is white and what is dark chocolate. Every one of us knows that dark chocolate is healthy. Full of antioxidants, it has a wide range of benefits for the human body.
Is dark chocolate gluten free? Is white chocolate gluten free?
What is dark chocolate?
Dark chocolate is black because it contains a lot more cocoa powder (even more than 70%). It is chocolate without milk solids added. Dark chocolate has a little bitter taste and chalky texture.
Is dark chocolate gluten free?
Pure dark chocolate that contains roasted cacao beans is considered gluten free. But on the market there is a wide range of chocolate that contains additives that may contain gluten or may be cross-contaminated with gluten. If you have coeliac disease or gluten sensitivity just be carefull. The best option is to search for certified gluten free dark chocolate. Good news – there are a wide range of gluten free chocolate brands. Also, you can make dark chocolate in your home. Internet is full of recipes how to make gluten free chocolate.
Dark chocolate health benefits
Many researches show that dark chocolate is healthy and has a lot benefits for us. Dark chocolate is very nutritious – it is a great saurce of iron, magnesium, copper, manganese, zinc, phosphorus and selenium. Some of the most important health benefits are:
- Full of antioxidants -polyphenols, catechins, flavanols and others.
- It helps to lower blood pressure and reduces the risk of heart attack and stroke.
- It contains healthy fats such as oleic acid which helps to prevent cardiovascular disease.
- Dark chocolate contains serotonin and increases the production of endorphins.
Despite of its many health benefits, dark chocolate is high-calorie food. It is best to consume dark chocolate in moderation.
What is white chocolate?
White chocolate is produced mainly from cocoa butter, sugar and milk solids. White chocolate is a chocolate derivative and do not contain cocoa powder. Due to these facts many people think that white chocolate is not a chocolate at all. It does not contain chocolate’s health benefits.
Is white chocolate gluten free?
This is not an easy question. Naturally, main components of white chocolate are gluten free foods – cocoa butter, sugar and milk solids. But white chocolate contains more additives than dark chocolate. These additives may contain gluten or may be cross-contaminated with gluten ingredients. If you have coeliac disease or gluten sensitivity, the best option is to search for certified gluten free white chocolate.
