DO VEGANS EAT CHOCOLATE?

 Ah, chocolate. It's no surprise that one of the first questions asked by individuals considering an animal-friendly way of life is "can vegans consume chocolate? " with its plethora of positive qualities.


The answer is a resounding YES!


Keeping them in mind is all it takes. But first... Before we go any further, there are a few simple rules I'd want you to remember.




The world of chocolate is extensive and varied, but most chocolates fall into one of three categories:


Dark Chocolate: Dark chocolate has a lot of cocoa, which makes it deep and sophisticated. It's also the healthiest and most vegan-friendly alternative since to its high antioxidant content, low sugar, and lack of dairy.

Milk Chocolate: Milk chocolate is made of cocoa solids, milk products, and sugar. This chocolate alternative is rarely vegan-friendly unless there is specific wording on the package to the contrary. Here are a few alternatives you should think about.

White chocolate is a confection that isn't actually made from chocolate but contains cocoa solids. Despite the name, "white chocolate" isn't really a "chocolate," since it doesn't include cocoa solids. Because white chocolate sometimes includes dairy products, double-check the label.

In general, people who live a vegan lifestyle should consume dark chocolate. However, scan the list for inclusions such as caramel, toffees, and other similar things that might contain milk; they may be present.




Dairy products may be hidden under a variety of clever names. If these terms appear in the ingredient list, vegans should pick another chocolate instead of “milk”:


Casein and whey are milk derivatives, as is lactose.

“Contains milk” is included in the list of allergens.

Because cholesterol is only found in animal products, hyperlipidemia (high cholesterol) requires a cholesterol level above 0 percent.

Although cocoa butter is called "cocoa butter," it is 100 percent dairy-free and vegan. It's derived from the fatty part of the cocoa bean and contributes to that wonderful melt-in-your-mouth feel in chocolate.




Look for chocolates with a minimal ingredients list; this suggests a healthier and higher-quality product. The Certified Vegan logo is used by certain chocolate companies to identify their vegan candies.


The chocolate label states, "Certified Vegan," implying that this sweet is dairy-free and ideal for vegans. Those with allergies to milk should verify the allergen statement. The bar shown was produced on equipment that also processes milk (which explains the Kosher-dairy, U-D, symbol that appears alongside the Vegan logo).


There is, without a doubt, a place for chocolate in a plant-based diet. Going vegan doesn't mean you have to forgo the pleasure of snacking on a delicious chocolate bar when so many delectable dairy-free options exist in nearly every chocolate aisle.


Read our blog about How to Eat Vegan at a Breakfast & Brunch Restaurant!

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