Why is Belgian dark chocolate classified as ultra‑processed (NOVA 4) and what specific additives does it contain?

The chocolate is deemed ultra‑processed because it combines cocoa mass, refined sugar and a processed emulsifier, all of which undergo multiple industrial steps; the sole listed additive is sunflower lecithin, used to improve texture.

How do the sugar and salt levels in this chocolate affect a diabetic or hypertensive diet?

With 24.4 g of sugar per 100 g, the product can raise blood glucose and should be consumed in small portions by diabetics, while its very low salt (0.02 g) has minimal impact on blood pressure, making salt less of a concern for hypertension.

Is Belgian dark chocolate suitable for vegan, keto, or gluten‑free diets?

All listed ingredients are plant‑based, so the chocolate can be gluten‑free and technically vegan, though the sugar may be processed with animal‑derived clarifiers, making vegan claims uncertain; its 30 g of carbs per 100 g also makes it unsuitable for a strict keto regimen.

Waitrose • 180g

Belgian dark chocolate

Sugary Snacks

Product Insights

Belgian dark chocolate is a sweet snack belonging to the sugary snacks and chocolate products families. It carries a Nutri‑Score of D (score 18) and is classified in the ultra‑processed NOVA 4 group, reflecting the addition of refined sugar and an emulsifier. While it offers high fiber (16.1 g) and protein (10.6 g) per 100 g, it also contains elevated fat (39.1 g), saturated fat (22.8 g) and moderate sugar, which temper its nutritional profile.

Nutrient Levels

Traffic light indicators

Fat

high

Saturated Fat

high

Sugars

high

Salt

low

Nutritional Values

Values per 100 g

Energy Kcal547 kcal

Fat39.1 g

Saturated Fat22.8 g

Carbohydrates30 g

Sugars24.4 g

Comparative Analysis

Compared with typical sweet snack averages, this chocolate contains more fat (39.1 g vs 33.1 g), higher saturated fat (22.8 g vs 19 g) and protein (10.6 g vs 7.1 g), but significantly less sugar (24.4 g vs 40.2 g), salt (0.02 g vs 0.42 g) and total carbohydrates (30 g vs 49.6 g), while delivering twice the fiber (16.1 g vs 6 g) and a slightly higher energy (547 kcal vs 519 kcal).

Ingredients

Cocoa mass, sugar, cocoa powder, emulsifier (sunflower lecithin) Dark chocolate contains cocoa solids 72% minimum

84%

35%

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Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know about Belgian dark chocolate.

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