The Great Debate: Is it Chocolate or Candy?
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Time to read 1 min
Chocolate, candy, confections, sweet treats…we often use these terms interchangeably. After all, they’re all delicious.
But for those of us who love craft chocolate, there is a meaningful difference between chocolate and candy. It really boils down to: what’s the central ingredient?
For the Case of Chocolate
In craft chocolate, cacao is King. If we’re talking about dark chocolate, the first ingredient is cacao (listed as cacao, cocoa mass, cocoa nibs). Even when we’re thinking about milk and white chocolate, the origin of the cacao (or in the case of white chocolate, the cacao butter), matters greatly and cacao is the central, dominant ingredient. This remains true even for bars that have inclusions, such as nuts, fruits, or spices.
Cacao is also packed with naturally occurring health benefits. In addition to being full of magnesium, It’s been proven to reduce cardiovascular risk, sharpen mental clarity, and improve digestion.
How Does This Compare to Candy?
On the other hand, candy’s primary ingredient is sugar. The goal of candy is to deliver a rush of sugary sweetness, and there’s nothing inherently wrong with that. Just ask any diabetic or pro athlete who needs a quick carb boost!
Of course, chocolate and candy are not mutually exclusive. Fruition’s Passion Fruit with Elderflower & Popping Candy and Fjåk’s Raspberry Caramels are two great options that blend the best of both worlds. We love bars with candied fruit - the chewy sweetness is the perfect contrast against a dark chocolate bar. One of our favorite products is Mission's Orange Dark Chocolate bar, made with fresh oranges native to Brazil and the ultimate pairing between citrus and cacao.
The bottom line: whether you’re enjoying a craft chocolate bar or your favorite pack of candy, knowing which ingredients make up center stage will help you appreciate each for exactly what it is.
