SIMPLE TRUTH ORGANIC Dark Chocolate receives a FoodScore of 6/100 (Avoid). Its low score is primarily driven by the **high amount of added sugar** and **saturated fat** it contains.
This dark chocolate scores 6/100, indicating it should be avoided as a regular dietary item.
It contains 31.5g of added sugar per 100g, a significant contributor to its low score.
With 25g of saturated fat per 100g, this product is high in fats that should be limited.
Compared to plain sparkling water, this chocolate offers minimal nutritional benefits and high caloric density.
Consume in very small portions, as an occasional treat, to manage intake of added sugar and saturated fat.
Scores -26 points above the beverage category average (32/100 across 3796 foods).
Fiber
5g
18% of Daily Value
Protein
5g
10% of Daily Value
Added sugar
31.5g
63% of Daily Value
Sodium
125mg
5% of Daily Value
+
What it brings to the table
Fiber (5g)+6
Protein (5g)+1
Micronutrients (Iron)+2
−
What holds it back
Added sugar (31.5g)-25
Saturated fat (25g)-15
Ultra-processed (NOVA 4)-10
Concentrated ultra-processed fat-3
Why it scores 6
SIMPLE TRUTH ORGANIC Dark Chocolate receives a FoodScore of 6 out of 100, placing it in the 'Avoid' category. This score is largely due to its nutritional profile, which includes a substantial 31.5g of added sugar per 100g serving. This amount significantly penalizes the score, aligning with dietary guidelines to limit added sugars. The product also contains 25g of saturated fat per 100g, contributing another major penalty. While it does offer some positive nutrients, such as 5g of fiber and 5g of protein, these bonuses are outweighed by the high levels of less desirable components. The presence of soy lecithin as an emulsifier and its classification as a NOVA class 4 food further contribute to its ultra-processed status, incurring an additional penalty. Compared to a reference baseline like plain sparkling water or unsweetened iced tea, this dark chocolate is significantly more calorically dense and offers far less nutritional value per calorie, primarily serving as a source of concentrated energy from sugar and fat.
Health benefits
What the nutrients in simple truth organic, dark chocolate actually do for you, grounded in established dietary science.
Source of Iron
This dark chocolate provides 6.75mg of iron per 100g, which is 38% of the Daily Value. Iron is an essential mineral crucial for oxygen transport in the blood and various metabolic processes. While not a primary source, consuming a small portion can contribute to your daily iron intake, especially for individuals who may struggle to meet their needs through other dietary sources. It is important to consider the overall nutritional context when relying on this product for iron.
Contains Dietary Fiber
SIMPLE TRUTH ORGANIC Dark Chocolate offers 5g of dietary fiber per 100g. Fiber is important for digestive health, helping to maintain bowel regularity and contributing to feelings of fullness. While this amount is a positive attribute, it's important to remember that the product also contains high amounts of added sugar and saturated fat. Therefore, while it contributes fiber, it should not be considered a primary fiber source in a balanced diet, which should prioritize whole foods like fruits, vegetables, and whole grains.
Provides Some Protein
With 5g of protein per 100g, this dark chocolate contributes a modest amount of protein. Protein is vital for muscle repair, enzyme production, and overall body function. While 5g is not a substantial amount for a single serving, it can add to your daily protein intake, particularly when consumed as part of a varied diet. However, more nutrient-dense sources of protein should be prioritized over this product for meeting daily protein requirements.
SIMPLE TRUTH ORGANIC Dark Chocolate receives a FoodScore of 6/100 (Avoid). Its low score is primarily driven by the high amount of added sugar and saturated fat it contains.
How to eat it
Dark chocolate is typically consumed as a dessert or snack, often in small squares. It's a common indulgence, sometimes paired with coffee or fruit. Due to its caloric density and high sugar content, portion control is key.
Pair a small square with fresh fruit like berries or an orange to add vitamins and additional fiber, balancing the treat.
Consider using a small amount of this chocolate as an ingredient in homemade trail mix with nuts and seeds for a more balanced snack.
Measure out a single serving (e.g., one or two squares) to avoid overconsumption of added sugar and saturated fat.
Enjoy this dark chocolate as an occasional treat rather than a daily staple to manage overall sugar and fat intake.
Things to keep in mind
This product contains soy lecithin, an emulsifier derived from soy, which is a common allergen. Individuals with soy allergies should avoid this product. While dark chocolate is often associated with health benefits, the high levels of added sugar (31.5g per 100g) and saturated fat (25g per 100g) in SIMPLE TRUTH ORGANIC Dark Chocolate warrant caution. Those managing blood sugar levels, such as individuals with diabetes, should consume this product sparingly and account for its sugar content. The caloric density (575 calories per 100g) also means that frequent or large portions could contribute to excess calorie intake, potentially impacting weight management.
SIMPLE TRUTH ORGANIC Dark Chocolate receives a FoodScore of 6/100, indicating it is not considered a healthy choice for regular consumption. This is primarily due to its high content of added sugar (31.5g per 100g) and saturated fat (25g per 100g). While it offers some fiber and iron, these benefits are outweighed by less desirable components.
How does SIMPLE TRUTH ORGANIC Dark Chocolate compare to other dark chocolates?
Compared to some other dark chocolate brands, such as Ghirardelli Intense Dark, the nutritional profile can vary. Many dark chocolates in the category will also contain significant amounts of added sugar and saturated fat. Consumers should always check the nutrition facts panel, paying close attention to added sugar and saturated fat content, to make informed comparisons.
What is 'natural flavoring' in this chocolate?
Natural flavoring is a broad term for flavorings derived from natural sources, like spices, fruits, vegetables, or animal products. In this SIMPLE TRUTH ORGANIC product, it contributes to the overall taste profile. However, the specific components of natural flavoring are not disclosed, and they do not contribute significant nutritional value.
What is a reasonable portion size for this dark chocolate?
Given its high caloric density and sugar content, a reasonable portion size would be small, perhaps one or two squares. This helps to manage your intake of added sugars and saturated fats. Consuming it infrequently as an occasional treat is also advisable to align with dietary guidelines.
Can I use this dark chocolate in baking?
Yes, you can use SIMPLE TRUTH ORGANIC Dark Chocolate in baking. However, be mindful of the added sugar it contributes to your recipe. You may need to adjust other sweeteners in your recipe to account for the 31.5g of added sugar per 100g in this chocolate, to avoid making the final product overly sweet.