Chocolate is a sweet treat found in everything from cake to truffles. After removing cocoa beans from their shells, they're fermented, dried, and liquefied to form either cocoa butter or solids, which can be used in various ways. Find out more about this common ingredient with these frequently asked questions.

A Quick Breakdown of Chocolate

What are the different types?

Chocolate types are determined based on the percentages of cocoa solids or butter used and the amount of sugar, milk fat, milk solids, and other ingredients. Dark chocolate contains at least 35% cocoa solids, known as chocolate liquor. Milk chocolate requires at least 10% liquor and 12% of milk solids, and 3.39% of milk fat. White chocolate doesn't contain any cocoa solids but consists of cocoa butter, a mix of sugar, milk solids, and lecithin.

Chocolate made with goat milk has increased in popularity due to its smooth taste and health benefits. It has more protein, providing energy while building and repairing muscles. Goat milk also has higher levels of potassium and calcium. Potassium reduces blood pressure and the likelihood of a stroke, while calcium enhances bone and cardiac health. 

Chocolate made with goat milk also has an impressive amount of vitamin A, reducing macular degeneration and bolstering the immune system. 

Many women switch to goat milk during pregnancy since it can prevent a vitamin A deficiency. Higher levels of the fat-soluble compound benefit fetal growth and development while reducing the chances of complications. 

How much caffeine does it contain?

Only cocoa solids contain any caffeine, so items like white chocolate will not be caffeinated. Expect items with more solids to have increasing amounts of caffeine. For instance, goat and cow milk chocolate tend to contain around 3.5 to 6 milligrams of caffeine per ounce, and dark chocolate can contain anywhere between 5 and 20 milligrams of caffeine per ounce.

What are the health benefits of chocolate?

The flavonoids found in cocoa beans are antioxidants known to prevent or slow cell damage, potentially helping to prevent cancer. The main polyphenols found in cocoa have also been reported to interfere with cancer initiation and progression.

To benefit from these findings, eat high-quality dark chocolate containing 70% or more cocoa. While other chocolates contain some cocoa, the sugar and added fat will offset any minimal health benefits they might offer.

Is goat milk chocolate better than cow milk chocolate?

The decision often comes down to taste, as both forms of chocolate offer health benefits. However, goat milk may have a tie-breaker in its favor. It has fewer micro-proteins than cow's milk and smaller fat globules. The combination makes goat chocolate easier to digest. Goat milk also contains less lactose, benefiting those with sensitive stomachs.

One way to make tasty chocolate is with goat cheese. At Surfing Goat Dairy in Kula, HI, they’ve used all-natural goat cheese to make award-winning cheeses, chocolate truffles, and soaps for over 20 years. Visit their website to order some of their chocolate truffles, pick up a gift box, or adopt a goat. Call (808) 878-2870 to book a farm tour.