Chocolate & Cocoa
Dark Chocolate (70–85%)
Overview
Why eat dark chocolate (70–85%)?
Dark chocolate is a treat first, but a genuinely mineral-rich one: a single ounce brings copper, magnesium, iron and a little fiber along with cocoa flavanols. It is also calorie-dense and high in saturated fat, so it works best as a small square enjoyed slowly rather than an everyday snack food.
Good to know: An ounce carries about 170 calories and 6.9 g of saturated fat (35% DV), plus roughly 23 mg of caffeine, so keep portions small and avoid it late in the evening if you are caffeine-sensitive.
Unusually rich in copper
One ounce supplies 0.5 mg of copper, 56% of the Daily Value, a mineral needed for iron transport, connective tissue and energy production in cells.
A real magnesium source
With 228 mg of magnesium per 100 g (54% DV), dark chocolate supports muscle and nerve function, blood pressure regulation and hundreds of enzyme reactions.
Fiber and iron together
Per 100 g it offers 10.9 g of fiber (39% DV) and 11.9 mg of iron (66% DV), supporting digestion and oxygen transport in the blood.
Overview drafted with AI from USDA FoodData Central figures. For education, not medical advice.
Nutrition facts
What’s in dark chocolate (70–85%)?
Calories
598kcal
Protein
7.8g
Carbs
46g
Fat
43g
Fiber
11g
Sugars
24g
Minerals
- Calcium73 mg6%
- Iron12 mg66%
- Magnesium228 mg54%
- Phosphorus308 mg25%
- Potassium715 mg15%
- Sodium20 mg1%
- Zinc3.3 mg30%
- Copper1.8 mg196%
- Selenium6.8 µg12%
Vitamins
- Vitamin A2 µg0%
- Vitamin E0.59 mg4%
- Vitamin K7.3 µg6%
- Thiamin (B1)0.03 mg3%
- Riboflavin (B2)0.08 mg6%
- Niacin (B3)1.1 mg7%
- Vitamin B60.04 mg2%
- Vitamin B120.28 µg12%
Other compounds
- Omega-3 ALA0.03 g
- Caffeine80 mg
- Theobromine802 mg
% Daily Value is based on FDA reference amounts for adults. Bars cap at 100%.
Side by side, per 100 g
Dark Chocolate (70–85%) vs Milk Chocolate
| Nutrient | Dark Chocolate (70–85%) | Milk Chocolate |
|---|---|---|
| Calories | 598 kcal | 535 kcal |
| Protein | 7.8 g | 7.7 g |
| Fat | 43 g | 30 g |
| Saturated fat | 24 g | 19 g |
| Sugars | 24 g | 52 g |
| Fiber | 11 g | 3.4 g |
| Calcium | 73 mg | 189 mg |
| Iron | 12 mg | 2.4 mg |
| Magnesium | 228 mg | 63 mg |
| Potassium | 715 mg | 372 mg |
| Vitamin E | 0.59 mg | 0.51 mg |
| Caffeine | 80 mg | 20 mg |
| Theobromine | 802 mg | 205 mg |
USDA’s standard nutrient data doesn’t include flavanols, the antioxidants cocoa is known for, and that’s where processing makes the biggest difference.Ask how alkalizing affects them →
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Source: USDA FoodData Central, “Chocolate, dark, 70-85% cacao solids” (SR Legacy, FDC ID 170273).View the USDA record ↗ (opens in a new tab).