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Dark Chocolate Gets Sweeter Every Day

Milk chocolate's healthier sibling grows more popular than ever

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(Newser) – Overall chocolate sales are down, but Americans are increasingly indulging their sweet tooth with dark chocolate. The bitter, coffee-flavored treat is on the rise: Last year, dark chocolate sales surged 15% while sales of more popular milk chocolate dipped 5.5%. And boosted by claims of health benefits, dark chocolate accounted for 63% of all new chocolate products in 2006.

One doctor tells the LA Times studies linking improved cardiovascular function to dark chocolate are “intriguing” but require more research. Americans would probably be happy to help—while making the US the world's largest chocolate market, they've embraced pricey premium confections with pedigrees that wouldn't be out of place in a coffee bar or wine shop.

Dark Chocolate is distinguished by it's mild bitter taste and accents of coffee and berries.
Dark Chocolate is distinguished by it's mild bitter taste and accents of coffee and berries.   (KRT Photos)
Dark chocolate's sales have risen steadily while overall chocolate sales have fallen, possibly due to association with health benefits.
Dark chocolate's sales have risen steadily while overall chocolate sales have fallen, possibly due to association with health benefits.   ((c) Velo Steve)
While conventional wisdom dictates that candy should be avoided, dark chocolate in moderation might actually be good for your heart.
While conventional wisdom dictates that candy should be avoided, dark chocolate in moderation might actually be good for your heart.   (Shutterstock.com)
The antioxidants in dark chocolate make it a desirable treat for heart-healthy consumers, although scientists stress more research is needed to confirm possible benefits.
The antioxidants in dark chocolate make it a desirable treat for heart-healthy consumers, although scientists stress more research is needed to confirm possible benefits.   (Shutterstock.com)
FOOD BOUTIQUECHOCOLATE 4 AK
FOOD BOUTIQUECHOCOLATE 4 AK   (KRT Photos)
___UPF_START_OF_TABLE___Document NameFOOD NTR-SUPERFOODS 5 KCDocument DateFeb/8/2006PhotographerTammy LjungbladFormat2000 x 2000 Color JPEGCategoryAKeywords2006, diet, fitness, fruit, healthy, krt2006
___UPF_START_OF_TABLE___Document NameFOOD NTR-SUPERFOODS 5 KCDocument DateFeb/8/2006PhotographerTammy LjungbladFormat2000 x 2000 Color JPEGCategoryAKeywords2006, diet, fitness, fruit, healthy, krt2006   (KRT Photos)
Dark chocolate Shown To Boost Heart-Protecting Antioxidants in the blood.
Dark chocolate Shown To Boost Heart-Protecting Antioxidants in the blood.   (Getty Images)
Chocolate.
Chocolate.   ((c) Lisamorgan)
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A demonstration of how chocolate is made.   (Caloudylou (YouTube))

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