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Finding a truly satisfying bar of high-percentage dark chocolate can be a challenge. You're looking for that intense, rich cocoa flavour without excessive sweetness, but the sheer number of options can be overwhelming. Whether you're a connoisseur seeking complex flavour notes, a health-conscious shopper looking for a low-sugar treat, or someone who values ethically sourced ingredients, making the right choice matters.
This guide is designed to help you navigate the world of 85% dark chocolate. We'll outline what to look for when you're buying and share some of our top recommendations to help you find a bar that suits your palate.
Before we get to our picks, here are a few practical points to consider when selecting an intense dark chocolate.
The percentage on the wrapper refers to the total amount of cocoa solids (cocoa mass and cocoa butter) in the bar. An 85% dark chocolate offers a robust and typically bitter flavour, a popular choice for those who have moved beyond sweeter dark chocolates. For an even more powerful experience, some may prefer a 90% dark chocolate. However, the flavour isn't just about bitterness. The origin of the cocoa beans plays a huge role, creating notes that can be fruity, earthy, nutty, or spicy.
A high-quality dark chocolate bar should have a simple ingredients list. Look for cocoa mass (or cocoa liquor), cocoa butter and a small amount of sugar. Some may include an emulsifier like soy lecithin for a smoother texture or a hint of vanilla to round out the flavour. If your priority is finding a low sugar chocolate, a higher cocoa percentage is generally a good indicator. Always check the nutritional information to compare sugar levels between different brands.
For many shoppers, how a chocolate is made is as important as how it tastes. Certifications can provide assurance about production standards.
Here are a few standout options that deliver on intensity, quality and flavour.
Why It Stands Out: This bar from Green & Black's is notable for being both organic dark chocolate and Fairtrade certified. It uses sun-dried cocoa beans to build its intense flavour, which is then balanced with a touch of Madagascan vanilla. This small addition helps to soften the inherent bitterness, making it a very approachable yet deeply flavoured 85% bar.
Why It Stands Out: This bar showcases the unique characteristics of single-origin cocoa. Made exclusively with Arriba beans from Ecuador, it offers a more complex tasting experience than blended chocolates. The product description notes flavours of tropical fruit and a hint of cinnamon, providing a distinctive character that sets it apart.
Why It Stands Out: For those who find 85% isn't quite enough, this 90% dark chocolate from Lindt offers a step up in intensity. It is exceptionally robust and profound, with a smooth texture that Lindt is known for. With only 7g of sugar per 100g, it is one of the lowest-sugar options available, making it a favourite among purists.
While these three bars represent excellent choices in the high cocoa dark chocolate category, they are just the beginning. If you're looking for a different cocoa percentage, flavoured bars, or options specifically for baking, there is a wide world of chocolate to discover.
Explore our full range of Chocolate and Sweets to find the perfect treat for any occasion.
Compared to milk chocolate, 85% dark chocolate is significantly higher in cocoa solids and lower in sugar. Cocoa is a natural source of compounds called flavanols. While it can be part of a balanced diet, it is still a treat that is high in fat and calories, so it's best enjoyed in moderation.
It has a strong, rich and intense cocoa flavour. The primary taste is bitter, but good quality bars will also have complex secondary notes that can be fruity, earthy, nutty, or even floral, depending on the origin of the cocoa beans. It is not very sweet at all.
Yes, you can. Using 85% dark chocolate in recipes like brownies, mousses, or ganache will result in a very rich and deeply flavoured dessert that is less sweet than one made with standard baking chocolate. You may find you need to adjust the amount of sugar in the recipe to balance the bitterness, depending on your preference.