Hershey's Chocolate vs. Alter Eco Dark Chocolate Bars: Which Is Better?

What Is the Difference Between Hershey’s Chocolate and Alter Eco Dark Chocolate Bars?

Hershey's Chocolate and Alter Eco Dark Chocolate Bars offer distinctly different chocolate experiences. Hershey's Milk Chocolate is a classic American treat characterized by its smooth, creamy sweetness and iconic flavor, achieved through a blend of milk and cocoa. One 1.55 oz. bar contains 25 grams of sugar, 8 grams of saturated fat, and 35 milligrams of sodium, making it a richer, more indulgent choice with a relatively higher sugar content. The primary ingredients in a Hershey’s Milk Chocolate Bar are:

• Sugar: The largest component, providing the characteristic sweetness of the chocolate. It contributes significantly to the overall calorie content.
• Milk: In the form of milk chocolate, Hershey's uses milk as a key ingredient, typically in the form of milk fat and milk solids. This addition helps create the bar's creamy texture and rich flavor.
• Cocoa Butter: This is the fat derived from cocoa beans, used to give the chocolate its smoothness and to help it melt evenly.
• Cocoa: Hershey's uses cocoa mass (also known as cocoa liquor), which provides the chocolate flavor. It is processed to achieve the desired balance of taste and color.
• Lecithin: An emulsifier, often soy lecithin, that helps blend the cocoa and milk ingredients smoothly, preventing them from separating.
• PGPR: Polyglycerol polyricinoleate, a type of emulsifier that further aids in maintaining texture and consistency.

On the other hand, Alter Eco Dark Chocolate Bars, such as the Total Blackout Organic Dark Chocolate, are crafted with a focus on organic and fair-trade ingredients. These bars emphasize a higher cocoa content—around 85%—contributing to a more intense, less sweet flavor profile. The ingredients in an Alter Eco Total Blackout chocolate bar differ greatly from its competitors with only two main ingredients: organic cacao beans and organic cocoa butter. 

Cacao beans are the raw, unprocessed seeds from the cacao tree (Theobroma cacao), forming the foundation of high-quality chocolate. Cacao beans are associated with several health benefits, including: 

• Antioxidant Properties: The high levels of flavonoids and polyphenols in cacao beans have strong antioxidant effects, which can help protect cells from damage caused by free radicals, reducing the risk of chronic diseases such as heart disease and cancer.³
• Improved Heart Health: Regular consumption of cacao has been associated with improved cardiovascular health. The flavonoids in cacao help lower blood pressure, improve blood flow, and reduce cholesterol levels.^{3, 5}
• Enhanced Mood and Cognitive Function: Theobromine and other compounds in cacao can enhance mood and cognitive function. They have been linked to improved mental performance and emotional well-being.⁴
• Better Digestive Health: The fiber in cacao beans supports digestive health by aiding in bowel regularity and promoting a healthy gut microbiome.³
• Supports Bone Health: The magnesium and iron in cacao beans contribute to bone health and overall vitality.

The Alter Eco Total Blackout Chocolate Bar is also free from dairy and gluten, catering to those with specific dietary restrictions or preferences. Price-wise, Alter Eco tends to be more expensive due to its premium ingredients and ethical sourcing practices. 

Which One Is Better: Hershey’s Chocolate or Alter Eco Dark Chocolate Bars?

When evaluating which is better, Hershey's Chocolate and Alter Eco Dark Chocolate Bars, you should consider the type of chocolate each candy uses: milk chocolate (Hershey’s) and dark chocolate (Alter Eco). Milk chocolate and dark chocolate differ primarily in their cocoa content, sugar levels, and overall health benefits.

Milk chocolate typically contains a lower percentage of cocoa solids and more sugar and milk products. This results in a sweeter, creamier taste that many people enjoy. However, the higher sugar content and added milk fats can lead to increased calorie intake and potentially higher blood sugar levels. Milk chocolate might not be the best choice for individuals managing their health, especially those concerned with blood sugar, due to its higher glycemic impact and added sugars.

‍Dark chocolate, on the other hand, generally contains a higher percentage of cocoa solids and less sugar compared to milk chocolate. The increased cocoa content means that dark chocolate is rich in flavonoids, antioxidants known to have various health benefits, including improved heart health and better regulation of blood sugar levels.⁵ The lower sugar content of dark chocolate makes it a more suitable option for those with diabetes. It has a lower glycemic index, meaning it has a lesser impact on blood sugar levels than milk chocolate. Dark chocolate can help regulate blood sugar levels better and improve insulin sensitivity.³

From a health perspective, dark chocolate is generally considered better due to its lower sugar content and higher cocoa levels, which provide more antioxidants and have a milder impact on blood sugar levels. For those living with diabetes, dark chocolate is preferable because it affects blood sugar less dramatically compared to milk chocolate, making it a more suitable option for managing glucose levels.

Nutrition

When comparing Hershey's Chocolate and Alter Eco Dark Chocolate Bars, several factors influence which candy is considered healthier. With its 21 grams of sugar and 3.5 grams of saturated fat per serving, Hershey's Milk Chocolate provides a sweeter, creamier taste but contributes more to calorie intake and can lead to higher blood sugar levels. In contrast, Alter Eco Dark Chocolate Bars, featuring about 7 grams of sugar and 4 grams of fiber per serving, offer a richer flavor with fewer sugars and more beneficial nutrients like antioxidants due to the higher cocoa content.

The main takeaway is that Alter Eco Dark Chocolate Bars are healthier than Hershey's Milk Chocolate. The lower sugar content, higher fiber, and higher cocoa levels in Alter Eco make it a better choice for managing blood sugar levels and providing additional health benefits, such as improved heart health and antioxidant support.

Glycemic Index

The glycemic index (GI) measures how quickly a food raises blood sugar levels, which can vary significantly between different types of chocolate. Hershey's Milk Chocolate has a higher GI due to its higher sugar content, which can lead to a more rapid increase in blood glucose levels. Typically, milk chocolate has a GI range of 42-49, reflecting its substantial sugar content and potential for impacting blood sugar levels more significantly.

In contrast, Alter Eco Dark Chocolate Bars, particularly those with 85% cocoa content, have a much lower GI, usually around 23. The lower GI of dark chocolate is attributed to its reduced sugar content and higher cocoa solids, which help stabilize blood sugar levels and provide a slower, more gradual release of glucose into the bloodstream. This makes dark chocolate a better option for maintaining stable blood sugar levels and managing diabetes than milk chocolate.

Learn More About Healthy Eating and Nutrition With Signos’ Expert Advice

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