Budget shoppers choosing a pack size
If a bar is for sharing or keeping in the cupboard, its weight matters alongside the cocoa percentage. Tesco Groceries lists the dark bars discussed here in 90g, 100g and 180g formats.
Who is this for?
Shoppers looking for a stated cocoa percentage
If you want 70% cocoa or above, check the percentage on the exact bar rather than relying on the word “dark”. The Tesco Groceries Bournville listing states 36% minimum cocoa solids; the Lindt Excellence 70% listing states 70% minimum.
Shoppers checking allergens
Check the current ingredients and allergen statement for the exact bar, including any “may contain” wording. The Tesco Groceries Bournville listing names milk and soya, while Lindt’s 70% bar carries precautionary allergen wording.
What to check when choosing
Choose the cocoa percentage you want, then compare pack weights and check the label for ingredients that matter to you.
| Priority | What to check | Your needs |
|---|---|---|
| Pack size | Check the weight of the exact bar and whether a smaller pack suits how you plan to use it. Tesco Groceries lists Bournville Classic Dark at 180g, Lindt Excellence 70% at 100g and Green & Black's 70% and 85% bars at 90g. | I’m choosing a bar to share, or I’d rather have a smaller pack for occasional use. |
| Cocoa percentage | Read the stated minimum cocoa-solids percentage. Tesco Groceries lists Bournville at 36% minimum; Lindt states 70% minimum for its Excellence 70% bar. Check the ingredients as well rather than treating all dark bars as equivalent. | A clearly stated 70% or higher cocoa level matters more to me than a dark label on its own. |
| Allergens | Read the exact pack’s ingredients, allergen statement and “may contain” wording. Tesco Groceries lists milk and soya in Bournville; Lindt says its Excellence 70% bar is not suitable for people with a milk allergy. | If an ingredient or precautionary warning affects my choice, I need to check the current pack rather than assume a dark bar excludes it. |
Common buying mistakes
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Assuming “dark” means high cocoa
A dark-labelled bar may fall below the cocoa level you want. Tesco Groceries lists Cadbury Bournville Classic Dark at 36% minimum cocoa solids, while Lindt states 70% minimum for Excellence 70%.
Decide what cocoa percentage you want, then check it on the exact bar.
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Assuming dark chocolate excludes milk or other allergens
The Tesco Groceries Bournville listing includes milk and soya and says it may contain nuts. Lindt says its Excellence 70% bar is made to a vegan recipe but is not suitable for people with a milk allergy.
Check the current on-pack ingredients and allergen statement, including any “may contain” wording.
Relevant brand ranges
Cadbury
Cadbury Bournville Classic Dark is a 180g dark bar listed by Tesco Groceries.
- Its larger pack may suit shoppers looking for a bar to share.
- Tesco Groceries states 36% minimum cocoa solids, so it does not meet a 70% cocoa requirement. Its listing includes milk and soya and says it may contain nuts.
Lindt
Lindt Excellence Dark 70% is a 100g bar with a stated cocoa percentage.
- Lindt states 70% minimum cocoa solids for this bar.
- Lindt says this 70% bar is made to a vegan recipe but is not suitable for people with a milk allergy; check its current allergen statement.
Green & Black's
Tesco Groceries lists Green & Black's Organic 70% and Organic 85% dark chocolate bars, each in a 90g format.
- The two listed bars make their different cocoa percentages clear in their names.
- Check the exact variant and its current ingredients and allergen statement before choosing.
High-cocoa bars on Joybuy
These Joybuy options are dark chocolate bars labelled 70%, 72% or 85% cocoa. Compare the stated percentage and pack weight, then check the current product label before choosing.
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Lindt Excellence 85% Cocoa Dark 100g
An option if you want an 85% cocoa dark bar in a 100g pack. Check the current pack’s ingredients and allergen statement, particularly for nuts, milk, soya and sesame.
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Green & Black's Dark Chocolate 70% 90g
A 90g choice if you want a bar labelled 70% cocoa. Check the current pack for its ingredients and precautionary wording concerning almonds, hazelnuts and milk.
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Green & Black's Dark Chocolate 85% 90g
A 90g bar labelled 85% cocoa if that stated percentage suits your choice. Check the current pack’s ingredients and precautionary allergen wording.
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Morrisons The Best 85% Cocoa Ecuador Dark Chocolate 100g
A 100g bar labelled 85% cocoa. Check the current pack for soya in the ingredients and for its precautionary allergen wording.
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Morrisons The Best 72% Cocoa Dominican Republic Dark Chocolate 100g
A 100g option labelled 72% cocoa. Check the current pack for soya in the ingredients and for its precautionary allergen wording.
Questions about dark chocolate bars
Does “dark chocolate” always mean high cocoa?
No. Tesco Groceries lists Cadbury Bournville Classic Dark 180g at 36% minimum cocoa solids, while Lindt states 70% minimum for its Excellence Dark 70% bar. Check the percentage on the exact product if you have a particular level in mind.
Is dark chocolate automatically suitable for someone with a milk allergy?
No. The Tesco Groceries listing for Bournville includes skimmed milk powder. Lindt says its Excellence 70% bar is made to a vegan recipe but is not suitable for people with a milk allergy. Read the current label of the exact bar rather than relying on “dark” or vegan-recipe wording.
What allergen details should I check on a packaged dark chocolate bar?
Check the exact pack’s current ingredients and allergen statement, including any “may contain” wording. Tesco Groceries lists milk and soya in Bournville and a precautionary nut statement; Lindt lists precautionary allergens for its Excellence 70% bar.