What do 70%, 85% or 90% actually mean, and does a higher cocoa percentage necessarily make the chocolate a better choice? Dark chocolate is making waves in the health and wellness space, especially as more people turn to it as a way to satisfy their sweet cravings. However, what often confuses consumers is the cocoa percentage listed on the label. Understanding these numbers can help you make a more informed pick the next time you reach for a bar. In an interview with HT Lifestyle, Vimal Sharma, founder and CEO of SMOOR, explained the difference between varying cocoa percentages.
Vimal Sharma highlighted that cocoa percentage is not a quality score. It is a measure of composition, and understanding that distinction is essential to understanding chocolate. Broadly, the percentage represents the proportion of cocoa -derived ingredients in the chocolate, with the balance typically coming from sugar and other ingredients.
A 90% bar sounds more sophisticated than an 85% one, which sounds more serious than 70%.
