Is Dark Chocolate Vegan? (Ingredients + Best Brands)

Ever wondered about the magic of vegan dark chocolate? It’s not just a treat; it’s practically a superfood that ticks all the boxes: indulgent, healthy-ish, and maybe even a bit romantic. While many dark chocolates are naturally vegan-friendly, sneaky animal ingredients can sometimes slip into the mix, so it pays to be label-savvy.

Despite their deep, dark appearance, some chocolate bars might still harbor non-vegan surprises. Look out for ingredients like milk solids or butterfat, which can find their way into even the darkest varieties. Choose brands that are explicitly labeled as vegan or checking for certifications like ‘certified vegan’ or ‘plant-based’ can simplify your chocolate hunting. That way, you’re guaranteed your sweet indulgence is both good for you, the animals, and the planet.

Remember, the joy of chocolate should be guilt-free and delicious, so take the time to find the perfect vegan chocolate option that satisfies both your sweet tooth and your values!

What Is Dark Chocolate?

Once upon a time, all chocolate was dark chocolate. Fermented and roasted cacao nibs were turned into a drink that was strong, bitter, and used primarily for Mayan ceremonies.

And chocolate comes from a plant, after all! The cacao tree is a tropical evergreen rainforest-dwelling tree that produces large bulbous fruit pods, each filled with dozens of cocoa beans. These beans (which are technically seeds) are collected, processed, and transformed into cocoa powder, cocoa butter, and chocolate.

Chocolate is typically a mixture of cocoa butter, cocoa solids, and sometimes other added ingredients (such as milk and sweeteners).

Dark chocolate can have anywhere from 55 percent to 100 percent cacao solids. Sweeteners, flavors, and stabilizers make up anything outside of that percentage. That means that a bar with 70 percent cacao will be sweeter than one that’s 90 percent for example. But both are considered to be dark chocolate.

Is Chocolate Vegan?

It would make sense to reason that all dark chocolate is vegan, but that’s not true. Sometimes manufacturers will add a small amount of dairy into the mix, especially if it has a low percentage of cacao solids in the first place.

Not all vegan chocolate is dark chocolate either; now there are innovative oat milk, rice milk, coconut milk, and other alternative milk chocolates that are completely vegan. You can even find vegan white chocolate bars and chips, too!

Ingredients That Are Not Vegan In Chocolate

Aside from odd inclusions like bacon, the primary culprit that might be ruining your chocolate bar is milk. Dairy products come in many forms and go by just as many names. Here are a few words to keep an eye out for if you’re avoiding animal products:

• Milk
• Milkfat
• Butterfat
• Butteroil
• Whey
• Casein
• Lactose

Despite the potentially confusing name, cocoa butter is completely plant-based! It’s naturally found within the cacao bean and is responsible for the luscious texture that melts in your mouth. And, along those same lines, cocoa powder is also vegan.

Vegan Dark Chocolate Brands

From everyday to gourmet, there’s a dark chocolate out there to suit all moods, cravings, and diets. Many mainstream brands include a dairy bar, but to really treat yourself, splurge on the very best with an entirely plant-based, high-quality, ethical, and downright decadent confections. You can’t go wrong with any of the following artisan companies:

• Dandelion Chocolate (bars only)
• Lagusta’s Lucious
• LuLu’s Chocolate
• Missionary Chocolates
• Raaka Chocolate
• Rose City Vegan Chocolatier
• Sjaaks
• Taza
• Wei of Chocolate

For more mainstream brands, consult our complete vegan chocolate guide.

How to Enjoy Dairy-Free Dark Chocolate

These ideas are sure to elevate your vegan dark chocolate experience, whether you’re indulging solo or sharing with friends and family!

• Straight-Up Snacking – Grab a square (or two, or three!) of your favorite vegan dark chocolate and enjoy it as a simple, guilt-free snack. Let it melt on your tongue and savor the rich, chocolatey goodness.
• DIY Dipped Delights – Melt vegan dark chocolate and dip fresh strawberries, banana slices, or pretzels for a delightful homemade treat. Get creative with toppings like chopped nuts (like these sweet candied walnuts), coconut flakes, or sea salt for an extra flavor punch.
• Decadent Desserts – Use vegan dark chocolate in baking to create decadent desserts like vegan brownies, chocolate cookies, vegan chocolate donuts, vegan chocolate cakes, or even chocolate bowls. The intense flavor of dark chocolate adds a luxurious touch to any sweet treat.
• Smoothie Booster – Blend vegan dark chocolate into your morning smoothie for a rich, chocolaty twist. Combine it with banana, almond milk, and a scoop of peanut butter for a nutritious and indulgent breakfast or post-workout refuel.