NutriPledge Rates Lindt EXCELLENCE 85% Cocoa Dark Chocolate Bar: Is It Really Heart-Healthy?

NutriPledge Rates Lindt EXCELLENCE 85% Cocoa Dark Chocolate Bar: Is It Really Heart-Healthy? - Friday Food Talk

Dark chocolate has long been praised for its potential health benefits, particularly for heart health. Like many, I’ve indulged in dark chocolate now and then, believing it to be good for my heart. After all, dark chocolate is rich in antioxidants—specifically flavonoids like flavanols—that help improve blood flow and reduce inflammation. But is it truly heart-healthy? Today, I decided to take a closer look by evaluating the Lindt EXCELLENCE 85% Cocoa Dark Chocolate Bar using our Food Coach rating system.

Our Food Coach Rating: Red Dot | Caution Advised

This product falls under our Red Dot | Watch Out category due to certain qualities that may negatively impact health if consumed in excess.

The Good:

✅ Moderate in Calories – A reasonable calorie count per serving for a snack
✅ Balanced Nutrient Profile – Offers a good balance of carbohydrates, sodium, added sugars, and dietary fiber (14% of daily value).
✅ Rich in Iron – Provides 15% of the daily value per serving.
✅ No Artificial Additives – Free from artificial flavors and colors.

The Bad:

⚠ High in Fat – Contains 14g of total fat (18% of the daily value) per serving.
⚠ Saturated Fat Concerns – Packs 8g of saturated fat (40% of the daily value) per serving, which can be concerning for heart health.

The Caution:

⚠ Added Sugars – Each serving includes 4g (~1 tsp) of added sugar (8% of the daily value).
⚠ Serving Size Matters – A serving is 3 pieces (30g), but each bar contains 3.5 servings. Overeating can quickly increase fat and sugar intake.
⚠ Heavy Metal Exposure – According to Consumer Reports, this chocolate was found to contain high levels of lead (166% of daily limit) and cadmium (80% of daily limit). (Reference #1)

Is Dark Chocolate Really Heart-Healthy?

While dark chocolate does contain heart-friendly antioxidants, it also has drawbacks that should not be overlooked.

1️⃣ Saturated Fat & Heart Disease: A diet high in saturated fats is linked to atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) due to its role in raising LDL (bad cholesterol) levels. Health authorities recommend limiting saturated fat intake, especially for individuals with existing heart conditions, high cholesterol, or diabetes. (Reference #2)

2️⃣ Heavy Metals & Health Risks: Chronic exposure to lead, cadmium, and arsenic—commonly found in food, water, and soil—is associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular disease, as highlighted by the American Heart Association. (Reference #3)

Conclusion: Balance Is Key!

While dark chocolate offers antioxidant benefits, portion control is crucial. It’s easy to overindulge, which can increase your saturated fat and sugar intake beyond recommended limits.

🔹 The American Heart Association (AHA) recommends that saturated fat should make up less than 6% of total daily calories. For a 2,000-calorie diet, that’s about 13g or less of saturated fat per day. Consuming more than one serving (3 pieces) of this chocolate can push you over the limit.

🔹 Added Sugars: The AHA suggests limiting added sugars to:
✔ Women: 25g (6 tsp) per day
✔ Men: 37g (9 tsp) per day
While 4g per serving seems low, eating multiple servings can quickly add up. (Reference #4)

Our Recommendation:

You can enjoy dark chocolate occasionally, but be mindful of portion sizes to avoid exceeding your saturated fat and sugar limits. Additionally, opting for organic dark chocolate may help reduce exposure to lead and cadmium.

Want to evaluate other packaged foods? Check out our FoodCoach to make informed, heart-healthy dietary choices!

References:

Please note this content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute an endorsement or non-endorsement of this product. It is intended to provide general dietary guidance. Individual nutrient needs may vary—consult your healthcare provider for personalized advice. Join our Wellness Workshop to learn how to make balanced food choices with confidence!

Disclaimer! Please note that this page is not medical advice. It offers only general guidance for a healthy and balanced diet. This food does not guarantee an adequate or safe intake level for any individual. Please consult your healthcare provider and explore our Medical Nutrition Therapy services for a meal plan tailored to your needs.