Dark chocolate is one of those wonderfully, accidentally vegan treats. But how can you tell if your dark chocolate is vegan? We're here to help.
In this blog post, we dive into reading labels to determine if a product is vegan, our favorite vegan chocolates, and even share some of the best vegan chocolate recipes. Let's jump in!
How to Tell if Dark Chocolate is Vegan
To determine if dark chocolate is vegan, you can follow these simple steps as you're browsing through the isles:
- Check the Ingredients List: Start by examining the ingredients listed on the packaging. Look for any animal-derived ingredients such as milk, milk solids, milk fat, or any other dairy-related components. If you find any of these, the chocolate is not vegan.
- Look for Dairy-Free Labels: Some dark chocolates are specifically labeled as "dairy-free" or "vegan." These labels can be a clear indicator that the chocolate does not contain any animal products.
- Check for Cocoa Percentage: Dark chocolate typically contains a higher cocoa content than milk chocolate. The higher the cocoa percentage, the more likely it is to be dairy-free. However, this is not a foolproof method because some high-cocoa dark chocolates may still contain dairy.
- Contact the Manufacturer: If you're unsure about the chocolate's ingredients, contact the manufacturer directly. They can provide information on whether their product is vegan or not.
- Look for Vegan Certifications: Some chocolates may bear vegan certifications or symbols from organizations like Vegan Action or the Vegan Society. These certifications indicate that the product meets vegan standards.
- Be Cautious of Cross-Contamination: In some cases, chocolate may be processed in facilities that handle dairy products. If you have severe allergies or strict dietary preferences, you might want to check for potential cross-contamination warnings on the packaging.
Remember that while dark chocolate is more likely to be vegan than milk chocolate, it's essential to read labels carefully, as some dark chocolates do contain dairy or other non-vegan ingredients.
Our Favorite Vegan Dark Chocolates
Pascha Organic Semi Sweet Chocolate Baking Chips
All of the Pascha chocolate chips and chocolate chunks varieties are vegan and delicious. Varieties from barely dark to very, very dark chocolate. Non-GMO, Vegan, Organic, Gluten-free and Fair Trade certified.
Guittard Chocolate Extra Dark
Guittard chocolates have been the gold standard for baking. Stock up when you find them on sale. Non-GMO and Fair Trade certified.
Trader Joe's 72% Cacao Dark Chocolate Chips
The go-to Trader Joe's option is amazing and comes in at about half the price as the others. Dairy-free and Gluten-free.
Image from Caramel & Cashews.
70% Dark Mendiants
Just beans and sugar from Woodblock. Their double origin discs are made from Ecuadorian and Peruvian cacao. Perfect for melting to make your own fancy chocolates.
Ranger Oregon Sea Salt Dark Chocolate Bar
The Oregon Sea Salt Chocolate Bar from Ranger Chocolate is a harmonious blend of rich, dark chocolate and Jacobson sea salt.
Moonstruck Dark Chocolate Cocoa Nib Mint Bar
This mint and cocoa nib bar from Moonstruck is everything you want it to be. Try their dark chocolate hazelnut chai bar too!
JUSTIN'S Organic Mini Dark Chocolate Peanut Butter Cups
Justin's dark chocolate peanut butter cups are a staple in our pantry. Sometimes we get wild and go for the almond butter cups instead.
Our Favorite Vegan Dark Chocolate Recipes
From cookies and cakes to mousses and pies, these are the not-to-be-missed vegan dark chocolate recipes!
The New York Times’ (Vegan) Chocolate Chip Cookies
A vegan adaptation of the New York Times' perfect chocolate chip cookie. Made with bittersweet chocolate and flake sea salt, it's the essential cookie.
Easy Vegan Chocolate Mousse
This Easy Vegan Chocolate Mousse is avocado-free and naturally sweetened for a slightly healthier take on a classically indulgent dessert.
The Best No-Bake Vegan Chocolate Pie
This is a simple and versatile vegan chocolate pie. Pair it with your favorite store-bought graham cracker or Oreo crust. You can also make your own!
Best Vegan Chocolate Cake Recipe and the easiest too!
We all need a deep, dark chocolate cake recipe at the ready. Jessica in the Kitchen's Vegan Chocolate Cake Recipe is a lusciously moist and indulgent dessert that proves you don't need dairy or eggs to create a delectable chocolate masterpiece.
Vegan Triple Chocolate Cookies (Oil-Free)
The Vegan Triple Chocolate Cookies recipe from Rainbow Plant Life promises a triple dose of chocolatey goodness in every bite, making them an irresistible treat for vegans and chocolate enthusiasts alike.
Dark Chocolate Bonus: Dark chocolate is loaded with powerful antioxidants, such as flavonoids and polyphenols, which can help combat oxidative stress and reduce the risk of chronic diseases.
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