PAYDAY EXCLUSIVE | 15% off €35

Code:PAYDAY
 

PAYDAY EXCLUSIVE | 15% off €35

Code:PAYDAY

Buy 1 Get 1 Free: One week onlyOffersOffers HubBuy One Get One 1/2 PriceSave up to 1/2 priceBuy 1 Get 1 FreeBuy 1 get 1 free eventShort Dated2 for €74 Mix & MatchVitamins & SupplementsVitamins & Supplements HubVitamins & Supplements Shop AllCBDCollagen & SilicaHair, Skin & NailsShop all Hair, Skin & NailsHair GrowthFunctional MushroomsVitaminsShop all VitaminsMultivitaminsVitamin AVitamin BVitamin CVitamin DVitamin EVitamin KVitamin DrinksMineralsShop all MineralsMagnesiumIronZincCalciumSeleniumChromiumSupplementsShop all SupplementsFibre SupplementsAcidophilus & Friendly BacteriaPeppermint OilGrapeseed ExtractLecithinCollagen & SilicaOmega & Fish OilsPlant Sourced SupplementsSuperfood SupplementsArnicaApple CiderRaspberry KetonesAloe VeraChondroitin & MSMCo Enzyme Q10Evening Primrose OilGarlicGlucosamineGlucomannanSeaweed, Kelps and AquaceuticalsDigestive EnzymesSaw palmettoCharcoalWomen's HealthShop all Women's HealthMenopauseMenstrual SupportUrinary Tract HealthPregnancy & ConceptionMen's HealthShop all Men's HealthProstate HealthChildren's HealthConditionShop all ConditionWater RetentionCholesterolAllergy & Hay Fever CareAnxiety SupportBone & Muscle HealthMuscle Support & Joint PainBrain & Memory SupportWomen's HealthMen's HealthChildren's HealthCold & Immune SupportFatigueDigestive HealthHair, Skin & NailsHeart & CirculationLiver CareMood SupportSexual HealthSleep & RelaxationStress ReliefVisionHerbal & Licensed RemediesShop all Herbal & Licensed RemediesValerianRescue RemedyAshwagandhaEchinaceaMilk ThistleGinseng & GuaranaHomeopathic & Flower RemediesShop all Homeopathic & Flower RemediesRescue RemedyTissue SaltsFlower RemediesVegan Vitamins & SupplementsBuy One Get One 1/2 PriceBuy 1 Get 1 FreeBuy 1 get 1 free eventHolland & BarrettVitabioticsSolgarNew NordicBetterYouNatures AidBioglanGrass & Co.Bach Original Flower RemediesPE NutritionDairy FreeGluten FreeSesame Seed FreeCelery FreeCereal FreeCrustaceans FreeEgg FreeFish FreeKiwi FreeLupin FreeNew inFood & DrinkFood & Drink HubFood & Drink Shop AllEasterVegan FoodHoney, Jams & SpreadsShop all Honey, Jams & SpreadsManuka HoneyHoneyJams & ChutneysNut ButtersSpreadsPateTeas & Hot BeveragesShop all Teas & Hot BeveragesCoffee & Coffee SubstituteMushroom DrinksGreen TeaPeppermint TeaHerbal TeaFruit TeaSlimming TeaSleep & Relaxation TeaTeaDried Fruit, Nuts & SeedsShop all Dried Fruit, Nuts & SeedsNutsDried FruitSeedsMixesSuperfoodsShop all SuperfoodsSpirulinaSuperfood PowdersGoji BerriesBaobabMoringa PowderChia SeedsSnacksShop all SnacksProtein BarsLow Calorie SnacksChocolate, Cakes & BiscuitsSavoury SnacksSweet SnacksSnack BarsCrisps & ChipsFlapjacksPopcornFood CupboardShop all Food CupboardCondiments & SaucesApple Cider VinegarSuperfoodsBreakfast CerealsHoney, Jams & SpreadsTinned FoodsRice, Pasta, Pulses & GrainsBreakfast CerealsShop all Breakfast CerealsCereals, Bran & FlakesGranolaMuesliOats & PorridgeBreakfast BarsDrinksShop all DrinksKombuchaNatural Energy DrinksJuicesSoft DrinksWaterAlcohol Free DrinksCookingShop all CookingCooking IngredientsApple Cider VinegarCondiments & SaucesSoya & Meat AlternativeSoup & Ready MealsRice, Pasta, Pulses & GrainsHerbs, Spices & SeasoningGravy & StockHome BakingShop all Home BakingBaking MixesBreadFlourSweeteners & Sugar AlternativesEgg SubstitutesDairy AlternativesShop all Dairy AlternativesOat, Rice & Hemp DrinksSoya DrinksNut DrinksCoconut DrinksNutritionally Complete FoodBuy One Get One 1/2 PriceBuy 1 Get 1 FreeSave up to 1/2 priceHolland & BarrettNaturyaGrenadePukkaHeath & HeatherTwiningsMeridianOptimum NutritionNakdPhDGluten FreeDairy FreeEgg FreeWheat FreeMilk FreeMustard FreeCelery FreeCrustaceans FreeFish FreeKiwi FreeNew inSports NutritionSports Nutrition HubSports Nutrition Shop AllProteinShop all ProteinClear ProteinProtein VeganMeal ReplacementsWhey ProteinMass GainersDiet ProteinCaseinBars, Drinks & SnacksShop all Bars, Drinks & SnacksEnergy BarsProtein BarsProtein ShakesProtein SnacksNutritionally Complete FoodMeal Replacement ShakesPre Workout & EnergyShop all Pre Workout & EnergyPre WorkoutAmino Energy DrinksAmino Energy PowdersIntra WorkoutKetoPost WorkoutAmino AcidsShop all Amino AcidsBCAAL-LysineGlutamineArginineCreatineShop all CreatineCreatine PowderSports SupplementsShop all Sports SupplementsTestosteroneSports CollagenRehydrationShop all RehydrationElectrolytesEnergy GelsVegan Sports NutritionShop all Vegan Sports NutritionVegan ProteinVegan Protein BarsVegan Pre Workout & EnergyVegan Amino AcidsVegan CreatineSports AccessoriesShop all Sports AccessoriesBottles & ShakersFitness GoalShop all Fitness GoalRecoveryMuscle & StrengthLean MuscleEnergy & EnduranceDiet & Weight LossKetoBuy One Get One 1/2 PriceSave up to 1/2 price2 for €74 Mix & MatchPE NutritionOptimum NutritionUSNGrenadePhDApplied NutritionFoodspringHuelSiSHigh5Dairy FreeGluten FreeSugar FreeCelery FreeCereal FreeCrustaceans FreeEgg FreeFish FreeKiwi FreeLupin FreeNew inBeautyBeauty HubNatural Beauty Shop AllAromatherapy & HomeShop all Aromatherapy & HomePure Essential OilsBlended Essential OilsBase & Carrier OilsHolisticSkincareShop all SkincarePremium SkincareFace CareBody CareSun CareTanning & BronzingEye CareLip CareFoot CareHand & Nail CareCBD BeautyHair Skin & NailsShop all Hair Skin & NailsNail ConditionsSkin ConditionsCollagenWashing & BathingShop all Washing & BathingShampoo & ConditionerBathing AccessoriesShower Gel & Body WashDeodorantDentalHand WashSoapBath Soak & OilBody ScrubBath Bombs & SaltsFeminine CareIncontinence SupportHair CareShop all Hair CareShampoo & ConditionerHair ColouringHair MasksHair Oil & SerumHair Spray, Gel & MousseHair AccessoriesMother & BabyShop all Mother & BabyBaby Skincare & ToiletriesMakeupElectrical WellnessSexual WellnessBuy One Get One 1/2 PriceSave up to 1/2 priceBuy 1 get 1 free eventDr OrganicFaith in NatureWeledaNaturtintTisserandMiaromaQ+AEthiqueTrilogyChilds FarmAlcohol FreeParaben FreeSLS FreeParfum FreePalm Oil FreeGluten FreeCelery FreeCereal FreeCrustaceans FreeEgg FreeNew inWeight ManagementWeight Management HubWeight Management Shop AllSlimming TabletsFat Burners, Binders & Appetite SuppressantsShop all Fat Burners, Binders & Appetite SuppressantsFat BurnersFat BindersAppetite SuppressantsShakes & Weight Management ShotsShop all Shakes & Weight Management ShotsMeal Replacement ShakesWeight Management ShotsDiet Food & DrinkShop all Diet Food & DrinkDiet FoodLow Calorie SnacksSlimming TeaExercise SupportBuy One Get One 1/2 PriceSave up to 1/2 price2 for €74 Mix & MatchGrenadeOptimum NutritionHolland & BarrettPulsinPhDUSNEat WaterNatures AidSlimExpertApplied NutritionDairy FreeGluten FreeSugar FreeWheat FreeNew inHealth & WellnessShop all Health & WellnessJoints Bones & MusclesGut HealthShop all Gut HealthGut Health FoodGut Health SkincareHair Skin & NailsShop all Hair Skin & NailsNail ConditionsSkin ConditionsCollagenStress AnxietyShop all Stress AnxietyEnergy SupportSleep & RelaxationShop all Sleep & RelaxationRelaxationFood & DietShop all Food & DietKeto FoodMenopauseBuy One Get One 1/2 PriceSave up to 1/2 priceBuy 1 Get 1 FreeHolland & BarrettDr OrganicVitabioticsNaturtintWeledaNew NordicSolgarHeath & HeatherOptimum NutritionEthiqueDairy FreeGluten FreeParaben FreeSLS FreeAlcohol FreeParfum FreeCelery FreeCereal FreeCrustaceans FreeEgg FreeNew inShop for your WellnessImmunityGut HealthMenopauseWomen's HealthFood & DietMuscle & Joint PainSleep & RelaxationStress ReliefHealthy HeartEnergyLow Mood & DepressionConcentration & AlertnessEye HealthSexual HealthChildren's HealthLearn about WellnessImmunityGut HealthMenopauseFood & DietJoints, Bones & MusclesSports & FitnessSleep & RelaxationHair Skin & NailsAll articlesHealthFood & nutritionGut healthImmunityJoints, bones & musclesWomen's healthWellnessHair & skinMental wellbeingSeasonalSleep & relaxationSports nutritionRecipesAll recipesGluten freeLow sugarVeganDairy freePodcast
Two friends sitting on a sofa, smiling and enjoying chocolate.

Can I eat chocolate on a keto diet?

23 Nov 2022 • 1 min read

Indulgent, rich and creamy – chocolate is possibly the ultimate treat. But what if you’re on a ketogenic diet? Can you still get your chocolate fix – or must you learn to live without it?

Is it OK to eat chocolate on keto? 

You’ll be pleased to hear that some chocolate is permissible on a keto diet. However, before you reach for the selection box there are a couple of things to bear in mind.

What chocolate can I eat on keto? 

To ensure you retain your body’s state of ketosis, (the metabolic state during which you burn fat as fuel rather than glucose), 1 it’s important to choose a chocolate which is low in sugar and carbohydrates. This is difficult for obvious reasons – most chocolate gets its taste from sugar and milk. Milk is high in lactose, a milk sugar which causes your blood sugar to rise you the body to leave its state of ketosis. 2 Remember, when the blood sugar rises, the body no longer looks to fat as its preferred energy source. This is because a more ready source of energy – blood glucose – becomes available for the body to burn.

Is dark chocolate keto friendly? 

With some caveats, you can eat dark chocolate on keto. Compared to milk chocolate, dark chocolate is higher in cocoa solids. Cocoa solids, also known as cocoa mass, are made from a blend of cocoa powder and cocoa butter (fat extracted from cocoa beans). 3 Cocoa solids are high in fat but low sugar and contain few carbohydrates – making it suitable for a keto diet plan. Milk chocolate, on the other and, only contains around 25% cocoa solids. The rest of the bulk of milk chocolate is made up of milk solids and sugar. Milk solids are essentially dried milk bound together with a small amount of fat. 4 Milk solids contain sugar and carbohydrates in the form of lactose, meaning a milk chocolate bar of around 20% milk solids will be too high in carbohydrate to fit into a ketogenic diet. Remember, you’re allowed 5% carbs, 20% protein and 75% fat on the standard ketogenic diet. 5 This means that for an average diet of 2000 calories per day, you should only eat around 25g carbohydrates. Bear in mind that a standard 28g portion of dark chocolate - that’s only 4 squares - contains around 12.5g carbohydrates. Therefore, if you do indulge in a portion of dark chocolate you need to ensure you don’t eat too many carbohydrates throughout the rest of the day to keep your keto ratios in balance. Eaten sparingly, dark chocolate generally has the blessing of nutritionists due to its vitamin and mineral content. It’s also rich in catechins, plant compounds usually associated with green tea which offer impressive health benefits including protection against cardiovascular diseases. 6

What's the lowest carb chocolate? 

The lowest carb chocolate is one which is made from 100% cocoa solids. These bars usually contain only around 8% carbohydrates, meaning a 28g portion comes in at under 2g carbohydrates. This leaves you with a budget of around 23g carbohydrates still to eat during the day if you’re to keep to the 5% carbs rule of most keto diets. It’s worth bearing in mind that chocolate made from 100% cocoa solids can be an acquired taste as they’re quite bitter. A good quality dark chocolate with at least 70% cocoa solids is still keto-friendly and may be more palatable for beginners.

Our favourite keto-friendly chocolate

There are many types of keto chocolate available. Here are some of our favourites.

Keto milk chocolate

This bar utilises the sweetener maltitol as well as cocoa butter to deliver a rich, creamy chocolate experience. With 1.8g net carbs per 30g serving, it’s keto-friendly and contains no added sugar.

Keto dark chocolate

If you’re already a fan of minimum 70% cocoa solids chocolate (which is suitable on keto), it’s time to try this. Made with 93% cocoa, 7% pure cocoa nibs & a hint of orange oil, this 100% cocoa solids bar is powerful in flavour. With under 2g carbohydrates per 28g serving, this bar can be enjoyed in moderation on a keto diet.

Keto hot chocolate 

Made from 100% cocoa powder, this hot chocolate is low in carbs (around 3.7g per 30g teaspoon) with virtually no sugar. As with all 100% cocoa products, it can be a little strong on its own. We advise whipping this cocoa powder up with a sweetener such as stevia and a little coconut milk to create a creamy, sweet drink that’s suitable for your keto lifestyle.

Keto chocolate milkshake

This low sugar, low carb milkshake still manages to taste rich and chocolatey despite being both keto and vegan. With 3.7g carbs per bottle and containing coconut milk, medium-chain triglycerides (a form of plant fat) and sweetener stevia to mimic the mouthfeel of milk and sugar, this is a good bet when you’re craving chocolate on keto. Our Nutritionist says…Keto-friendly chocolate is low in sugar and carbohydrates. This means it fits into most keto diets, while making it a great way for anyone to reduce their sugar intake whilst still being able to enjoy sweet treats. Keeping refined/ free sugar intake to a minimum is important for a wide variety of health reasons. However, it’s important to over-eat these types of products, as not only can this blow your keto plan, it can lead to digestive upset from the sugar substitutes they contain.” – Alexander Thompson, Nutritionist Shop Food & Drink Last updated: 6th January 2021   Sources 1 Ketosis - What is Ketosis, Effects of Ketosis and Ketosis Levels (diabetes.co.uk) 2 https://www.bbcgoodfood.com/howto/guide/sugar-explained 3 Cocoa Solids: What They Are and Why They Matter (chocolateexpert.co.uk) 4 Homepage - IDFA 5 https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/17332207 6 Green Tea Catechins and Cardiovascular Health: An Update (nih.gov)
donia-hilal

Donia Hilal

Author

Nutritionist

Joined Holland & Barrett: January 2018

Bsc in Nutrition, Registered Associate Nutritionist and Certification in Pre and Post Natal Nutrition

Donia started her career as a freelance nutritionist, later she joined Nestle as their Market Nutritionist to help support their healthier product range, before joining the team at Holland & Barrett in January 2018.

Donia has over 6 years experience as a Nutritionist and also works with clients on a one to one basis to support their goals which include weight loss, prenatal and postnatal nutrition and children’s health.

  • Visa
  • MasterCard
  • AmericanExpress
  • PayPal
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
Copyright © Holland & Barrett Limited, 2023. All rights reserved. hollandandbarrett.ie is a trading name of Holland & Barrett Limited. Registered office: 45 Henry Street, Dublin, Dublin 1, D01 E9X8. Registered in Ireland: Company no. 79819. Registered VAT no. 4682002U.