Dark chocolate contains a slightly sweet, robust flavor and often a dark color. Chocolate is made from cocoa powder, cocoa butter, sugar and flavorings.
Dark chocolate is available from 35% to 99% cocoa mass (Lindt Excellence Noir).
According to British standards contains pure chocolate:
- At least 35% cocoa solids (including cocoa butter);
- Less than 18% cocoa butter;
- Less than 14% fat cocoa solids;
- Up to 65% sugar.
What is generally regarded as good, pure cocoa contains up to 1.8% cocoa shell residue. The higher the cocoa mass, the more intense and richer taste.
Dark chocolate is the type most commonly used in cooking, both sweet and savory dishes.
