But do you know what to look for? We do. We know how really great dark chocolate is made, the ingredients that you need to look for, and the the techniques that make one brand better than the others.
Let's start with dark chocolate and vegan chocolate- which are usually the same thing. Really high quality chocolates are usually vegan. That's why their high quality. Good dark chocolates use higher quality ingredients, and so don't need additives like milk or whey. Really rich, dark chocolate should be vegan by default. But does it still taste good? The part of chocolate that gives it it's lovely taste is the cocoa tree, not the milk usually used in the production of low-grade chocolate treats. So while we as a society are used to thinking of milk as an indispensable ingredient in chocolate, it is not naturally so.
So, yes, chocolate can be vegan.
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Organic Chocolate vs 'Regular' Chocolate- What's the difference?
You've heard of the label 'organic chocolate,' but do you know what it means? Even the label 'organic chocolate' begs the question: What is wrong with my regular chocolate? Chocolate is chocolate- how difference could it be?
Most people have a general idea that 'organic' chocolate is somehow better, more healthy or pure than whatever constitutes regular chocolate- but they don't know why. Is there really a significant difference? Other than the price, I mean. Since anything organic also has the reputation of being more expensive. But other than being pricier and vaguely healthier, there is a solid, documented difference between organic chocolate and non-organic chocolate. And the difference with shock you.
First, the health benefits to you:
*Organic chocolate packs more antioxidants and phenols that red wine and blueberries!
*Organic chocolate fires up the immune system, improves heart health, stimulates your metabolism, and cuts your risk of cancer.
*Organic (dark) chocolate contains more helpful flavanoids than green tea.
*Organic chocolate stimulates your body's production of serotonin and anandamide, which calms the nervous system and produces happy feelings.
*Organic chocolate is a higher quality chocolate, due to the higher quality ingredients used. So all the health benefits of chocolate are super-concentrated in it's organic form, undiluted by cheap and quick production practices.
Second, the benefits to the environment
*Organic chocolate is made from ingredients with few to no harmful pesticides, substitutes, or add-ins. Less toxins used in production of the chocolate means it is healthier than regular chocolate for both you and the earth.
*Organic Chocolate is usually grown and made by more eco-friendly companies that practice more sustainable farming methods and promote fair trade practices.
Bottom line- there's a taste difference, a health difference, and a quality difference between your standard cheapo chocolate and organic chocolate. For the good stuff (and all chocolate aficionados agree that good organic chocolate is 'the good stuff'), why not splurge on quality? Get all the health benefits of chocolate without the nasty industrial add-ins. Your body will thank you.
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Where do you look for chocolate truffles this holiday season?
You want to give the gift that keeps on giving...cavities. You want to give friends and family a gift that they will want to hide and hoard. You want to give chocolate truffles or chocolate bars this holiday season. But how? Where do you go?
Thankfully, you can order the top-quality chocolate truffles, brownies and bars online, get them shipped to your door, and be the hero of the season, with a gift that no one would ever re-gift. Look online for quality chocolate, and you're sure to find several options that will get you exactly what you need and a few things that you never knew existed. Just remember that time is of the essence- chocolates have a pretty short shelf life, so it's got to be quick to your door and quick to their...hands. However you like to give gifts, make sure you don't miss giving a gift to yourself. Order some premium chocolate truffles and chocolate brownies for you. After all, you deserve it.