The Best Vegan Chocolate Bars – Listed and Reviewed
When I first turned Vegan, researching about vegan chocolate was at the top of my list because I literally can’t live my life without chocolate. I have a sweet tooth indeed. And as you know general chocolates aren’t vegan (check reason here). So, I had to find vegan chocolate asap.
And just as I was having doubts (the same as when I was looking into vegan dairy-free milk) I wasn’t quite sure how good vegan chocolate would taste. So how does it taste? To my surprise I was blown away to find out that it had an uncanny resemblance too….normal chocolate…hooray!
The Vegan Chocolate Story!
I am having a blast ever since I turned towards the Vegan door. There is literally everything that plants give you. It makes me think maybe it was the intent of nature to place things like that. We should have consumed plants in the first place, it was our purpose.
As I dug in deeper, I found a gamut of vegan chocolate options waiting for me on a silver platter. Yes, there were so many dairy-free chocolate options that I couldn’t help drooling. It led me to some of the best chocolates that I have ever tasted in my entire life, and I must say if you put them on a tasting competition with normal chocolate, the former are going to beat them hands down.
I take have them all the time in my bag, be it a daily trip or a vacation. I love to have them as my healthy vegan travel snack with all the other snacks!
Dairy Chocolate: Good At What Cost?
If you have been eating chocolate made of dairy, I would want you to stop right there. You must be wondering what’s wrong with that? Some might be even wondering chocolate comes from a plant which makes it vegan? No.
I would like to break it to you, sadly the chocolate that you have been indulging in, probably all your life, isn’t vegan. You see, as it makes its way from a tree to the chocolate factory a lot of additives get added to improve its taste. That entails addition of sugar and milk.
As you know anything that entails these, isn’t vegan. I get it. You don’t want to hurt animals whilst you chew on your chocolate? There’s a better way. It’s the vegan way. It’s by eating a healthier vegan chocolate.
Why Should You Eat Vegan Chocolate?
If you try to count the benefits of vegan chocolate on your finger, frankly the list is huge. Here are some of the most important benefits to keep in mind.
- It doesn’t entail animal killing or bereave any animal of their innate rights.
- It plays on your mood to fill you up with happy feels owing to increase in serotonin levels.
- Everything you get in Vegan chocolates is natural, like homemade vegan milk chocolate which you can prepare easily.
- A dairy free vegan chocolate helps to supplement your diet with essential fats that help in regulating blood pressure
- Vegan chocolate helps to strengthen your immune system
- It facilitates proper liver functioning
- It is great for those who are planning to lose weight.
- Its low carbohydrate property is great for people with diabetic conditions.
- It is protein-rich which makes it ideal for bodybuilders and nutritionists.
- It brings down your stress levels.
- It increases intelligence, alertness and performance. It boosts your brain functions.
- It packs in nutrients like flavonoids and antioxidants.
- It reduces risks of heart attack and strokes.
- It fends off illness.
- It improves cell functioning.
- A perfect dessert alternative after a meal.
- It retains anti-ageing benefits.
- It has potassium, calcium, and plenty of vitamins and minerals.
- It is believed to mend broken hearts.
- It assists in arterial flow.
You would be surprised to find out that eating vegan chocolate such as Rescue Chocolate helps in actually rescuing animals. All the profit earned goes to rescue organizations. While we are discussing about chocolates, we also want to know whether our favorite candies and chocolates are vegan or not. Check this article on Is sour patch kids candies vegan, Are Starburst Vegan, Is Nutella Vegan and Are Twizzlers vegan in the vegan FAQs section.
If you want one good reason to find the best vegan chocolate, I can give you a never-ending list!
Apart from the delicately sweet and bitter taste, which instantly uplifts your mood, chocolates are known to have multiple health benefits. From protecting the beauty of your skin to stimulating your brain for improved alertness, chocolates additionally have phytonutrients known as flavonoids- a plant chemical that acts as an antioxidant for your overall wellness. But despite cacao being a plant product, not all commercial chocolates are vegan!
You can find the reason on the ingredients label. Several brands add milk, or fillers developed from dairies, such as milk fat for improving the texture and sweetness. But being vegan shouldn’t restrict you from eating these amazing foods to your heart’s content! Dairy free chocolate bars with higher cacao percentages or vegan alternatives like nut milk could be an excellent fit for vegans but where to find them?
If you wish to try some of the most heavenly vegan chocolates that are healthy as well and that reap in the aforementioned benefits. Fret not! We have compiled the 10 best vegan chocolate bars in the market, for you to enjoy cacao’s delicious savor without exploiting innocent animals or buying commodities that promote unsustainable farming.
The 10 Best Vegan Chocolates
1. Hu 70% Cacao Vegan Chocolate Bar – Simple Chocolate
Dedicated vegans have a hard time figuring out products not formulated in facilities that process egg, milk, or flesh. Even refined sugar and palm oil are a huge no-no because the process of their extraction could be cruel or exploitative.
But don’t let it get in your way of enjoying a chocolate treat! Hu Vegan chocolate bar’s special recipe neither uses palm oil, refined sugar, sugar alcohols, soy lecithin, emulsifiers, or cane sugar in its production. Hu has an amazing variety of organic vegan chocolate flavors, including Hazelnut Butter, Salty, and Vanilla Quinoa Qrispy.
Their Simple Dark Chocolate bar with 70% cacao concentration has been formulated with organic house-ground cacao. It has a rich cocoa flavor which is toned up by subtle caramel notes.
The ingredients like organic fair-trade cacao, unrefined organic coconut sugar, organic fair-trade cocoa butter, cashew butter, and organic vanilla beans have also been a testimony to why vegans must trust HU and enjoy the chocolate.
Nutrition Facts per serving:
Calories: 180, Total fat: 13g, Carbohydrates: 13g, Sugar: 9g, Dietary Fibre: 3g, Protein: 2g
PROS —
- Only organic chocolate and Fair Trade ingredients.
- A bar of healthy vegan chocolate with delicious flavors.
- They are Paleo, Vegan, Organic chocolate bars.
- Dairy-free, GMO-free, and gluten-free.
CONS —
- Expensive.
- Not free of sugar.
- Not for people allergic to nuts, algae, or seaweed-based thickeners.
- Slightly bitter to taste for 70% cacao strength.
2. Endangered Species Blueberry Natural Dark Chocolate
Chocolates are amazing food to keep you mentally alert. Studies have shown that when the elderly population was given chocolates high in flavanols, their cognitive function greatly improved.
Chocolate contains stimulants like caffeine and theobromine and also improves brain function by increasing blood flow. Endangered Species Natural Dark Chocolate with American Grown Blueberries derives its name from its composition of 72% cacao dark chocolate, cacao butter, chocolate liquor, evaporated cane sugar, and soy lecithin, vanilla.
This is one of the best dairy free chocolate bars that ignites your mind and improves your performance besides the benefit of the taste.
But you need to take notice of soy in the product, despite it being vegan and gluten-free. Additionally, most of the chocolates are plant-based, and they have a “certified vegan” symbol to make it extra clear but have been made in equipment that processes milk, peanut, and tree-nut, so it might not meet the strict vegan standards. Provided that you’re not sensitive to soy or nuts, there’s no reason why you shouldn’t go for this!
Nutrition Facts per serving:
Calories: 170, Total fat: 10g, Carbohydrates: 15g, Sugar: 9g, Dietary Fibre: 3g, Protein: 2g
PROS —
- Contains roasted coffee for added brain stimulation and flavor.
- Delicious and dark chocolate.
- Vegan and gluten-free ingredients.
- Has high protein content per serving.
CONS —
- Not suggested for dedicated vegans- treated in a facility that processes milk.
- Not recommended for people sensitive to soy and tree-nuts.
- High-calorie count and sugar per serving.
3. Taza Chocolate – 95% Stone Ground Vegan Chocolate Bar
Do you wish to have a dairy-free organic vegan chocolate that does not disturb your health goals? Taza Chocolate made of 95% stone ground cacao for true connoisseurs of dark chocolate.
Pure Dark chocolates alleviate and resolve several important risk factors for disease. It lowers the sensitivity of LDL to oxidative damage besides increasing HDL. It also improves insulin sensitivity, thus, reducing the risk of diabetes. However, commercial chocolates with high sugar content can delay or even puncture these health benefits.
Taza Chocolate is one of the healthiest vegan chocolates out there with a low-carb and low-sugar composition, making it a great Paleo and Keto snacking option.
Nutrition Facts per serving:
Calories: 210, Total fat: 14g, Carbohydrates: 14g, Sugar: 2g, Dietary Fibre: 8g, Protein: 5g
PROS —
- Certified USDA Organic and Non-GMO Project Verified, Kosher Certified, and Direct Trade to ensure quality and transparency for all.
- All-Natural, Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free, Soy-Free, and Vegan.
- Minimally processed chocolate with a bold flavor and texture.
- Low carb and low sugar, ideal for keto and paleo.
- High fiber content and protein.
CONS —
- Melts faster.
- Significantly bitter and gritty.
- Costly for its international quality.
4. Lily’s Stevia Sweetened Extra Dark Vegan Chocolate Bar
Are you on a clean diet and fear that sugar-loaded chocolates can mess with it? Lily’s Stevia Sweetened Extra Dark Chocolate could be an amazing treat to your taste bud without compromising on health.
The organic dairy free chocolate bars by Lily’s uses stevia and erythritol for sweetness. Erythritol has no calories and doesn’t cause digestive troubles like maltitol, lactitol, and other sugar alcohols. It has a delicious sweet and salty taste with sea salt flavors.
Other flavors of Lily’s Dark chocolate include Coconut, Crispy Rice, Almond, Creamy Milk, Salted Almond Milk, Extra Dark, Blood Orange, and Sea Salt.
Made of Fair-trade ingredients like Unsweetened Chocolate, Erythritol, Inulin, Cocoa Butter, Stevia Extract, Organic Soy Lecithin, and Vanilla, this chocolate also has 25% iron per serving which makes it a healthy source of much-needed nutrition for vegans.
Nutrition Facts per serving:
Calories: 170, Total fat: 17g, Carbohydrates: 19g, Sugar: Less than 1g, Dietary Fibre: 8g, Protein: 3g
PROS —
- Vegan, non-GMO, gluten-free, and no added sugar.
- Organic Fair-trade ingredients.
- Fewer calories.
- Sweetened by Stevia- a plant-based source.
- High Iron content.
- Range of delicious organic flavors.
- Dark Chocolate with health benefits.
CONS —
- Has sugar alcohol, not for a low-carb diet.
- Bitter taste for 70% cacao percentage.
- Contains allergen: Soy.
- Gritty texture due to high cacao content.
- Soft and Breaks easily.
5. K’UL Gluten and Soy-free Organic Dark Chocolate
If you are aware of chocolates’ incredible health benefits and intend to re-think your relationship with vegan dark chocolates without the typical bitterness, consider going for a bar of K’UL chocolate bars.
This dairy free chocolate bar is made of simple, organic, and clean ingredients starting with only 3 simple ingredients; organic fair-trade cacao beans, organic fair-trade cocoa butter, and organic fair trade sugar. These vegan chocolates do not use emulsifiers such as soy lecithin.
However, the ingredients are processed in a facility that also processes milk, egg, almond, coconuts, and other tree-nuts which does not make it an ideal option for dedicated vegans who religiously avoid contact non-vegan items.
Controlling the chocolate bars’ standards are a small handful of skilled chocolate makers in the United States who roasts, winnows, refines, conches, and packages these yummy vegan chocolate bars inside the factory.
Nutrition Facts per serving:
Calories: 190, Total fat: 8g, Carbohydrates: 19g, Sugar: 11g, Dietary Fibre: 7g, Protein: 3g
PROS —
- 100% certified organic Fair Trade cacao, cocoa butter, Brazilian eco-sugar.
- 100% Vegan, Soy-Free, Gluten-Free, and Non-GMO.
- Supports women’s associations and farmers for economic and organic certification aid.
- Resealable zipper packaging bag to preserve the freshness.
- Interesting flavors like Espresso & Cacao Nibs, Pure Dark Chocolate, Wild Ginger & Cayenne.
CONS —
- High sugar content and carbs.
- Not for dedicated vegans.
- Melts faster hence needs cool storage.
6. Nib Mor 80% Cacao Organic Dark Chocolate Mint Snacking Bites
The bioactive compounds present in cocoa are known to improve blood flow and cause a small but statistically significant decrease in blood pressure.
The right amount of chocolate consumption can help your arteries relax since the theobromine helps lower inflammation and potentially relieves stress. So if you have been struggling with stress or anxiety, the best vegan chocolates offered by Nib Mor could help improve your mood!
The individually wrapped daily dose of small-snack-sized organic vegan chocolates could also help you control your portion of delicious snacking. This bar of dairy-free organic chocolate is made of Organic chocolate liquor, Cane Sugar, Cacao Butter, Cacao Nibs, Organic lecithin, and Organic vanilla extract.
Nutrition Facts per serving:
Calories: 87, Total fat: 7g, Carbohydrates: 8g, Sugar: 5g, Dietary Fibre: 1g, Protein: 1g
PROS —
- 80% cacao concentration.
- Sweet, smooth, and creamy for a perfect indulgent experience.
- Certified gluten-free, non-GMO, vegan, and made with premium ingredients.
- Individually wrapped short servings.
- Interesting range of flavors.
- Has 10% iron content.
CONS —
- Contains Soy.
- Some flavors are dominantly persistent.
7. Raaka 60% Cacao Organic Dark Chocolate with Coconut Milk
The premium dark vegan dark chocolates offered by Raaka is an unavoidable delicacy if you are a luxury chocolate lover! Made from ethically sourced, single-origin, certified organic unroasted cacao crafted with indulgent recipes, the chocolates ensure a high-quality consumer experience.
Raaka offers 9 distinct vegan flavors that are prepared with organic and non-GMO ingredients. Some popular flavors include Bourbon Cask Aged, Pink Sea Salt, Coconut Milk, and Green Tea Crunch.
It has a popular cacao taste with lower tones of sweetness underlined by the brand’s delicate flavors. These are the best organic vegan dark chocolate bars for gifting your special friends and family members on celebratory occasions.
These chocolates have been specially crafted from bean to bars, in small batches of cacao artisans at Red Hook, Brooklyn. This healthy and delicious luxury is indeed a treat to have!
Nutrition Facts per serving:
Calories: 139, Total fat: 10g, Carbohydrates: 11g, Sugar: 8g, Dietary Fibre: 3g, Protein: 2g
PROS —
- Flagship fair trade, organic bars.
- Certified kosher, non-GMO, organic, vegan, and gluten-free.
- Luxury and healthy dark chocolate.
- Specially crafted from beans to bar with an expert recipe.
CONS —
- The flavors of coconut milk and raspberry are lowkey.
- Primarily bitter due to unroasted cacao.
- Soft and breaks easily.
- Expensive.
8. Trader Joe’s Dairy-free Belgian Dark Chocolate Bars
Belgium’s association with chocolate can be dated back to 1635! And by the mid-18th century, Belgian chocolate had become extremely popular in upper and middle-class circles, particularly in the form of hot chocolate.
But have you ever felt excluded from tasting Belgian Chocolate due to dairy content and the non-vegan process of manufacturing? Trader Joe’s Dairy-free Belgian Dark Chocolate Bars have got you covered!
This delicious set of vegan dairy-free Belgian chocolates can be a scrumptious snacking option besides being used in uplifting the taste of cookies, cakes, hot chocolates, and other chocolate-based recipes at home
However, you need to be extremely careful of your potions. They are high in calorie count and carbohydrate content which might sway you far from your health goals if you overindulge. Not your fault, though! Belgian chocolates, being so rich in flavor, can entice you to a luxury treat anytime a day!
Nutrition Facts per serving:
Calories: 290, Total fat: 18g, Carbohydrates: 29g, Sugar: 21g, Dietary Fibre: 4g, Protein: 3g
PROS —
- Yummy and vegan Belgian chocolate.
- Bittersweet with 56% cacao.
- No artificial colors, flavors, or preservatives.
- Luxury chocolate.
CONS —
- High in calorie count and carb content.
- Contains high sugar content- not for those keeping blood sugar in check.
- Hard and not rich or creamy.
9. No Whey Foods – Soy-free Milkless Chocolate Bars
Wishing to taste milkless chocolates that taste like milk but are 100% dairy-free? No Whey! Foods, with their soy-free, vegan, dairy-free recipe, can treat you like never before. This is the safest and the best vegan chocolate, which is Allergy-friendly.
Neither does it contain any allergen or processed in a facility that processes any of the top 8 food allergens like milk, peanut, nut, egg, soy, wheat, sesame, shellfish, and Gluten.
The vegan chocolate brand is strict about the food standards and hence does not allow bad quality chocolates to get into the product line.
You need to worry about no added preservatives! Made of Vegan Cane Sugar, Cocoa Butter, Unsweetened Chocolate, Rice Syrup Powder, Sunflower Lecithin (An Emulsifier), Salt, Natural Vanilla, and Natural Flavor; this chocolate is vegan and certified Kosher.
Nutrition Facts per serving:
Calories: 210, Total fat: 14 g, Carbohydrates: 24 g, Sugar: 20 g, Protein: 2 g
PROS —
- Allergy-friendly, free from Artificial Colors and Flavors.
- Kosher and Vegan.
- Milkless chocolate that tastes like milk.
- Free of top 8 allergens.
- Gluten-free.
- Creamy texture and non-gritty.
CONS —
- High sugar content.
- High-calorie count and carbs.
- Soft in structure, melts faster.
10. Beyond Good 70% Pure Dark Single Origin Madagascar Heirloom Chocolate
Criollo cocoa, the most flavorful cocoa variety, is found in Madagascar. Beyond Good 70% Pure Dark Chocolate is one of those rare heirloom varieties which make it the best dairy free vegan chocolate bars.
It also has distinct notes of red fruits like cranberry and cherry to enhance the flavor and chocolate treat experience. It has low carb content compared to other brands on the list, which makes it an exceptional fit for any of your diet habits.
This all-season chocolate is known to uplift your mood and alleviates stress. Cacao can also help in providing UV protection to your skin. The presence of antioxidants ensures good overall health and healthy metabolism!
Nutrition Facts per serving:
Calories: 150, Total fat: 11 g, Carbohydrates: 11 g, Sugar: 7 g, Dietary Fibre: 2 g, Protein: 2 g
PROS —
- USDA ORGANIC, Project non-GMO verified, Kosher certified, Vegan, Gluten-Free, Soy Free.
- 70% high cacao-content.
- A high-quality baking ingredient for cakes, cookies, buns, and ice creams.
- Cocoa is grown in an agroforestry environment for healthy ecosystems and reforestation in Madagascar.
- Yummy and smooth chocolate.
CONS —
- The Salted caramel flavor doesn’t have higher tones of caramel.
- Not for sweet-tooth.
- Not the most budget-friendly option.
- Chocolate is processed with alkali- could taste sour to sensitive mouth.
Final Thoughts | Choosing the Best Vegan Chocolate Bars
The option to find a dairy-free and vegan chocolate may sound too restricted, but the varieties, listed above, ensure that you don’t have to upset your mind or taste for being a vegan! With a high cacao content, dark chocolates reduce the scope of unnecessary ingredients, making them the best ones for true chocolate connoisseurs.
However, if you are not a fan of dark chocolates, you can choose the chocolates with almonds, dried fruit, or mint, as these ingredients are often vegan-friendly. Be careful when you go for Caramel, peanut butter, truffle, or toffee filled chocolates unless specifically mentioned as vegan-friendly.
