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Navigating the world of high cocoa dark chocolate can be a rewarding experience. If you're searching for 85% dark chocolate, you likely appreciate a bold, complex flavour and are perhaps mindful of your sugar intake. The appeal is clear: a rich, satisfying treat that feels more intentional than its sweeter counterparts.
However, the shelves are filled with options, each with different origins, certifications and flavour profiles. This guide is designed to help you understand the key factors to consider, allowing you to choose a bar that perfectly suits your palate and preferences. We will look at what makes a quality bar and highlight a few standout options available in the UK.
Before we get to our recommendations, here are a few practical tips to keep in mind when selecting your next bar of intense dark chocolate.
The percentage of cocoa is just one part of the story. The region where the cocoa beans are grown has a significant impact on the final taste. For example, beans from Ecuador (like the Arriba variety) can impart fruity or floral notes, while those from other regions might be more earthy or nutty. An 85% cocoa bar isn't just bitter; it's a complex profile waiting to be discovered. Reading the packaging for information on bean origin can give you a clue about the tasting experience ahead.
For many shoppers, the story behind the chocolate is as important as the taste. Certifications can provide useful information about the product's sourcing and production.
A high-quality dark chocolate bar should have a simple ingredients list. Look for cocoa mass (also called cocoa liquor or paste) as the first ingredient. This is followed by cocoa butter, a small amount of sugar and sometimes an emulsifier like lecithin to create a smooth texture. A bar with 85% cocoa solids will naturally be a low sugar dark chocolate option compared to milk or lower-percentage dark chocolates.
Here are a few carefully selected options that showcase the quality and variety available to UK shoppers.
Why It Stands Out: Green & Black's offers a bar that is both organic and Fairtrade certified, making it a strong choice for the ethically-minded consumer. The intensity of the 85% cocoa is deliberately softened with Madagascan vanilla, which adds a layer of aromatic sweetness to balance the natural bitterness of the sun-dried cocoa beans.
Pros:
Who is it for? This bar is ideal for those who want a truly intense dark chocolate experience but appreciate a touch of vanilla to round out the edges. It's a great starting point for someone new to the 85% cocoa level.
Why It Stands Out: This bar from Morrisons' 'The Best' range is a superb example of single-origin chocolate. It is made exclusively with premium Arriba cocoa beans from Ecuador, a variety known for its complex flavour. It is also Fairtrade chocolate, ensuring its production supports cocoa farming communities. The tasting notes are distinct, with hints of tropical fruit and a subtle warmth of cinnamon.
Pros:
Who is it for? Chocolate connoisseurs who enjoy exploring the nuanced flavours of single-origin beans and shoppers who prioritise Fairtrade certification will find this bar particularly appealing.
Why It Stands Out: For those looking to push the boundaries of intensity beyond 85%, the Lindt Excellence 90% bar is a benchmark. While slightly higher in cocoa content, it remains a relevant and popular choice for lovers of intense dark chocolate. It delivers a profound, earthy cocoa flavour and has an exceptionally smooth texture, a hallmark of Lindt's chocolate-making process.
Pros:
Who is it for? This is for the dark chocolate purist who seeks maximum cocoa intensity with a powerful, lingering finish. It's a dependable choice for those who already know and love a strong, bitter profile.
These recommendations offer a glimpse into the world of high-cocoa chocolate, but the journey doesn't have to end here. Whether you're interested in different cocoa percentages, bars with added flavours like sea salt or orange or dedicated baking chocolate, there is much more to discover.
Explore our full range in the Chocolate & Sweets category to find the perfect treat for any occasion.
Q: Is 85% dark chocolate a healthy choice? A: Dark chocolate with a high cocoa percentage, such as 85%, is significantly lower in sugar than milk chocolate and many other confections. It is also a source of naturally occurring compounds from the cocoa bean called flavonoids, as well as minerals like iron and magnesium. For individuals mindful of their sugar consumption, it can be a satisfying choice for an occasional treat.
Q: What does 85% dark chocolate taste like? A: The flavour is characteristically bold, rich and intense, with a noticeable bitterness that many chocolate lovers seek out. The specific taste profile can vary widely depending on the origin of the cocoa beans. You might detect notes that are fruity, earthy, nutty or even floral. It is far less sweet than conventional chocolate, allowing the complex character of the cocoa to be the main focus.
Q: Can I use 85% dark chocolate in baking? A: Absolutely. 85% dark chocolate is an excellent ingredient for baking, especially in recipes where you want to control the sweetness and add a deep, rich chocolate flavour. It works wonderfully in brownies, tortes, mousses and ganaches, as it balances the sugar in the recipe and provides a sophisticated, less-cloying result.