Breaking Down Chocolate

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Fellow chocolate lovers, the time has come to address an age-old question, one that is foundational to our chocolateering passions: what is the difference between milk and dark chocolate?

Most simply, the difference lies in the ingredients. As the name indicates, milk chocolate contains milk products, specifically at least 10% chocolate liquor and 12% milk solids. While those percentages may not mean much to the average consumer, those milky supplements and the additional sugar content are what give milk chocolate its trademark flavor. Sweet and smooth and oh so easy to indulge in.

Dark chocolate, on the other hand, has a much lower concentration of milk and sugar. That intense, bittersweet flavor comes from the higher cocoa percentage – usually upwards of 70% of the total – that remains mostly undiluted. Dark chocolate additionally carries health benefits that aren’t present in milk chocolate. More cocoa means more flavonoids, a group of plant-based antioxidants found in cocoa solids that have been linked to overall improvements in heart and brain health.

But for many, what truly distinguishes milk from dark chocolate is the experience. The subtle, velvety feel of milk chocolate on the tongue can soothe a bad mood. Creamy bites with a quick and satisfying endorphin rush. Dark chocolate is more intense, seizing the senses. Concentrated flavors slow the bite down and allow it to be savored. In those leisurely moments, the flavor expands like fine wine, aromatic and rich and spicy, all in balance.

Now that we’ve covered the basics, it’s time to stop analyzing and start indulging.

Sources: 
Abiakar, Jana. “What Are the Differences between Dark Chocolate, White Chocolate and Milk Chocolate?” Crystal Chocolatier, 26 Nov. 2013, www.crystalchocolatier.com/what-are-differences-between-dark-chocolate-white-chocolate-and-milk-chocolate.

Bruso, Jessica. “The Health Benefits of Dark Vs. Milk Chocolate.” LIVESTRONG.COM, Leaf Group, 3 Oct. 2017, www.livestrong.com/article/355599-the-health-benefits-of-dark-vs-milk-chocolate/.  

“Food Fight: Milk Chocolate vs. Dark Chocolate.” Fitness Magazine, 2 June 2015, www.fitnessmagazine.com/blogs/fitstop/2012/01/23/healthy-eating/milk-chocolate-or-dark-chocolate/.

Hauser, Annie. “Not All Dark Chocolate Is Created Equal.” EverydayHealth.com, Everyday Health, 10 Oct. 2012, www.everydayhealth.com/diet-nutrition/1010/not-all-dark-chocolate-is-created-equal.aspx.

“What Is a Flavonoid in Chocolate?” Healthy Eating | SF Gate, healthyeating.sfgate.com/flavonoid-chocolate-8424.html.

“What's the Difference Between Dark and Milk Chocolate?” Corporate, www.thehersheycompany.com/en_us/food-philosophy/ask-and-answer/difference-between-dark-and-milk-chocolate.html.