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Clinical Updates
Cocoa Powders, Dark Chocolate, Extracts, Nibs & Supplements
Erythritol Risk in Dark Chocolate?
August 15, 2024
Some dark chocolate contains erythritol, which has been linked to higher risk of stroke. Find out if the amount of erythritol in Lily’s dark chocolate poses a risk in our Dark Chocolates and Cocoas Review.
Cocoa & Afib
July 15, 2024
Did high-flavanol cocoa supplementation impact the risk of developing atrial fibrillation, a heart rhythm disorder, in a major study? Find out in the Cardiovascular effects section of our Dark Chocolate and Cocoa Review, which includes our Top Picks among dark chocolates and cocoa powders, supplements and nibs.
High Levels of Toxic Metals in Some Chocolates and Cocoas
May 24, 2024
Recent tests of common chocolates and cocoas sold in the U.S. identified several with disturbingly high levels of the toxic metals cadmium and lead. For details, see the Update in our Dark Chocolate and Cocoa Review. Also see our Top Picks among dark chocolates and cocoas.
Dark Chocolate for Focus?
January 16, 2024
Did eating dark chocolate improve attention in a recent study? Find out in the Memory and Cognition section of our Dark Chocolates & Cocoa Review, which includes our Top Picks among dark chocolate bars and cocoa products.
Also see: Do any supplements, foods or lifestyle modifications help with brain function, like memory and cognition?
Also see: Do any supplements, foods or lifestyle modifications help with brain function, like memory and cognition?
Bad News for Banana & Chocolate Lovers
December 08, 2023
Mixing cocoa or chocolate with foods like bananas (as in a smoothie) may significantly degrade beneficial cocoa flavanols, according to a new study. Some other fruits don’t cause this problem. Get the details in the ConsumerTips section of our Dark Chocolate and Cocoa Review, and see our Top Picks among products.
How Much Caffeine in Chocolate?
December 01, 2023
Our tests of dark chocolate found roughly 40 mg of caffeine per 40 gram serving in most bars, but there are outliers -- one had more than double that amount. See the amounts of caffeine we found in each bar in the 3rd column of the Results Table of our Dark Chocolate and Cocoa Review.
Toxins in Chocolate and Cocoa
October 27, 2023
Like ConsumerLab, Consumer Reports recently tested chocolates and cocoa products for toxic heavy metals. See our take on some of its product findings in our Dark Chocolate, Cocoa & Cacao Products Review. Also see our Top Picks among products.
Does Cocoa Lower Diabetes Risk?
October 24, 2023
Did supplementing with cocoa flavanols reduce the risk of developing type 2 diabetes? Find out what a large study found in the Blood Sugar, Insulin Resistance and Diabetes section of our Dark Chocolate and Cocoa Supplements Review, which includes our Top Picks for cocoa and dark chocolate.
Also see our article about supplements and food for blood sugar control.
Cacao Flavanols for Mood?
September 22, 2023
Did drinking a beverage containing cacao flavanols improve mood in a recent study? Find out in the Mood and Stress section of our Dark Chocolates and Cocoa Powder Review, which includes our Top Picks for dark chocolate and cocoas.
Cocoa & Exercise?
August 15, 2023
Did consuming a high-flavanol cocoa extract improve exercise capacity among older people in a recent study? Find out in the Exercise and physical performance section of our Dark Chocolates and Cocoa Supplements Review.
Also see our Top Picks among cocoa supplements and dark chocolate bars.
Copper in Chocolate?
April 28, 2023
Chocolate and cocoa can be good sources of copper, an essential mineral. Find out how much copper is in chocolates and cocoa in the ConsumerTips section of our Dark Chocolate and Cocoas Review.
Also find out how much cadmium, a toxic heavy metal, we found in popular products, and see our Top Picks among dark chocolate bars, cocoa powders, and cocoa supplements.
Cocoa for Insulin Resistance?
January 27, 2023
Did consuming a large daily amount of cocoa flavanols help women with insulin resistance in a recent study? Find out in the What It Does section of our Dark Chocolate & Cocoa Review. Also see our Top Picks among dark chocolate bars and cocoa products.
Also see: Which supplements and foods can help lower or control blood sugar?
Dark Chocolate and Blood Thinners
January 20, 2023
Does dark chocolate increase the blood-thinning effects of medications such as clopidogrel (Plavix) and aspirin? See what a recent study found in the What It Does section of our Dark Chocolate & Cocoa Review, which includes our Top Picks among products.
Also see: Are there supplements, foods, or beverages that I should avoid when taking clopidogrel (Plavix)?
Cocoa Flavanols & Blood Pressure
July 29, 2022
Do the flavanols in cocoa and dark chocolate lower blood pressure? See what a recent study found in people with normal blood pressure, as well as results for people with hypertension.
Cadmium, Lead & Chocolate
July 22, 2022
A CL member recently asked how cadmium and lead make their way into cocoa and chocolate products. Find out in the Cadmium, Lead and Arsenic section of our Dark Chocolates, Cocoa & Cacao Supplements Review. Also, find out how much cadmium ConsumerLab found in cocoa products.
New Cocoa Top Pick
July 15, 2022
We've just tested and Approved three CocoaVia products through our voluntary Quality Certification Program and one is now a Top Pick. Find out how these compare to other cocoa supplements, powders, dark chocolate bars, chips, and nibs – as well as our Top Picks among these, in our updated Dark Chocolate and Cocoa Review.
Does Cocoa Lower Risk of Cardiovascular Death?
March 22, 2022
Results were recently published for the largest study to-date of cocoa extract given to older men and women. See if it helped lower the risk of cardiovascular disease and death in the Cardiovascular section of our Dark Chocolate & Cocoa Review. Also see our Top Picks among dark chocolate bars, cocoa powders, nibs, and supplements.
Tip for Nickel Sensitive Folks
December 13, 2021
Nickel can trigger an allergic dermatitis in some people, such as from consuming chocolate that is high in nickel. A CL member asked us if supplements can reduce nickel absorption. The answer is yes. Find out how in the Nickel section of our Cocoa/Chocolate Review.
Dark Chocolate for Mood?
September 24, 2021
A recent study investigated the effects of consuming dark chocolate on mood. The effect depended on cocoa level. See the results in the Mood and Stress section of our Dark Chocolate and Cocoa Review. Also see our Top Picks among dark chocolate bars and cocoa products.
Cocoa for Cognition
December 01, 2020
A new study suggests that cocoa may improve some aspects of cognitive function in healthy people and sheds some light on how this may work. See the details in the Memory and Cognition section of the Dark Chocolate and Cocoa Review. Also see our Top Picks among dark chocolates, cocoa powders and supplements.
Chocolate for Cognition?
November 21, 2020
Does eating chocolate improve cognition in postmenopausal women? See what a new study found in the Memory and Cognition section of the Dark Chocolate and Cocoa Review. Also see our Top Picks for dark chocolate, cocoa powders and supplements based on their flavanol content and purity.
Undeclared Milk in Dark Chocolates
October 02, 2020
If you're allergic to milk, be aware that about 10% of "dairy free" dark chocolate bars and chips were recently found to contain milk. Learn more in the Concerns and Cautions section of our Dark Chocolates Review. Also see our Top Picks for dark chocolate.
Chocolate to Improve Body Composition?
August 10, 2020
Can eating a small amount of chocolate every day help improve body composition? Find out what a recent study showed in the What It Does section of the Dark Chocolates, Cocoa & Cacao Powders, Nibs, and Supplements Review. Also see our Top Picks for dark chocolate, chocolate chips and cocoa powders.
Chocolate and Cancer
August 05, 2020
Can eating more chocolate reduce cancer risk? Find out what a recent study showed in the What It Does section of the Dark Chocolates, Cocoa & Cacao Powders, Nibs, and Supplements Review. Also see our Top Picks for dark chocolate, chocolate chips and cocoa powders.
Dark Chocolate for Memory?
April 04, 2020
Studies show that chocolate high in flavanols can improve cognition in people with cognitive decline. Can it also boost memory in people who are cognitively healthy? Find out in the Memory section of the Dark Chocolate and Cocoa Powders Review. Also see our Top Picks for dark chocolates and cocoa powders.
Cocoa for Artery Disease?
February 14, 2020
People with peripheral artery disease often have trouble walking. Can flavanol-rich cocoa help? Find out what a recent study showed in the What It Does section of the Cocoa and Dark Chocolates Review. Also see our Top Picks for cocoas, chocolates, chips, nibs, and cocoa supplements.
Dark Chocolate for Vision Improvement?
September 27, 2019
Dark Chocolate & Depression?
July 30, 2019
Are people who consume dark chocolate less likely to be depressed? Find out what a recent study showed in the Mood and Stress section of the Dark Chocolates and Cocoa Powders Review. Also see our Top Picks for dark chocolates and cocoa powders.
Cocoa & Physical Performance
June 14, 2019
Can a cup of cocoa a day improve physical performance? See what a recent study found in the What It Does section of the Dark Chocolate and Cocoa Review. Also see our Top Picks for cocoa powders and dark chocolates.
Does Dark Chocolate Improve Mood?
June 10, 2019
A recent study evaluated whether eating dark chocolate improved mood and reduced levels of cortisol, a stress hormone. See the results in the What It Does section of the Dark Chocolate and Cocoa Review. Also see our Top Picks among products.
Chocolate and Platelet Function?
December 17, 2018
A recent study found that eating dark chocolate affected a measure of platelet function. How important is this? Get the details in the Cardiovascular section of the Dark Chocolate and Cocoa Powders Review. (Also see our Top Picks for dark chocolate).
Cocoa for Diabetes?
October 08, 2018
Cocoa flavanols may help control blood sugar, but do they offer benefits to people with diabetes? See what recent studies are finding in the What It Does section of the Cocoa and Dark Chocolate Review. (Also see our Top Picks among products).
Cocoa and Cholesterol
September 11, 2018
Can cocoa flavanols improve cholesterol levels? See what a recent study found in the Cardiovascular section of the Cocoa and Dark Chocolate Review. (Also see our Top Picks among cocoa and dark chocolate products.)
Chocolate for the Heart?
August 27, 2018
Studies suggest cardiovascular benefits from daily intake of cocoa flavanols, as found in dark chocolate. However, a new study, focusing on heart failure, suggests more limited intake. Get the details and our analysis in the Cardiovascular section of the Dark Chocolate, Cocoa Powder, and Nibs Review. (Also see our Top Picks for dark chocolate, cocoa powders, and more.)
Intestinal Benefit of Cocoa?
June 19, 2018
Cocoa flavanols may support intestinal health, according to an animal study with a cocoa powder that acted like a prebiotic. Get the details in the What It Does section of the Cocoa and Dark Chocolate Review. (Also see our Top Picks among cocoa and dark chocolate products.)
Dark vs. Milk Chocolate for Vision?
April 28, 2018
FDA Finds High Cadmium in Cocoa Products
January 16, 2018
Researchers from the U.S. FDA recently reported finding high levels of cadmium in cocoas as well as cocoa nibs and dark chocolates — particularly in cocoas from certain parts of the world. The results are similar to what ConsumerLab has reported. For details, see the Dark Chocolate, Cocoa Powder, Nibs, Extracts & Supplements Review >>
Dark Chocolate for Memory
November 07, 2017
Short-term studies suggest that large doses of cocoa flavanols improve certain aspects of memory and cognition. A new study suggests that long-term habitual intake of dark chocolate, which is rich in flavanols, can also help. For more information, see the "What It Does" section of the Dark Chocolate and Cocoa Review >> [Also see our Top Picks for dark chocolate bars in the Review.]
Dark Chocolate & Appetite
July 04, 2017
A recent study found that women consumed fewer calories after eating dark chocolate than after eating milk or white chocolate. Dark chocolate also resulted in better blood sugar control — an effect noted in other studies of moderate consumption of dark chocolate. Get the details on this and other effects of dark chocolate in the "What It Does" section of the Cocoa and Dark Chocolate Review, which includes our tests and comparisons of popular products.
Some Concern About Theobromine in Dark Chocolate
June 27, 2017
ConsumerLab's tests of dark chocolates show them to contain about as much theobromine (a caffeine-related stimulant) as heart-healthy flavanols. So is all this theobromine good or bad? A recent study suggests that it may be an issue for people who need to control their blood sugar, while, on the positive side, it lowers LDL "bad" cholesterol. Get the details in the "Concerns and Cautions" section of the Cocoa Powders, Dark Chocolate, Extracts, Nibs, & Supplements Review, which includes comparisons of the amounts of theobromine in popular products, as well as amounts of flavanols, caffeine, and contaminants.
Heart Risk Lower with Chocolate
May 29, 2017
Eating chocolate is associated with a reduced risk of developing atrial fibrillation, according to a large, long-term study. Atrial fibrillation is associated with higher risk of stroke, heart failure and other serious problems. Details about this and other benefits of chocolate are found in the "What It Does" section of the Chocolate and Cocoa Powders Review, which includes our findings for the flavanol content and contamination levels of popular products.
Chocolate May Reduce Diabetes Risk
April 14, 2017
"Occasional" consumption of chocolate was associated with a lower risk of developing diabetes among certain postmenopausal women, according to new study. For details about this and other effects of chocolate, see the "What It Does" section of the Cocoa Powders, Dark Chocolate, Extracts, Nibs, & Supplements Review >>
Cocoa for High Blood Pressure?
December 12, 2016
A new study in which people with mild hypertension were given a cocoa beverage and dark chocolate daily for eight weeks found that it only helped lower blood pressure when people were taking certain blood pressure-lowering medications. For more details about this and other studies with cocoa and dark chocolate, as well as our tests and comparisons of products, see the "What It Does" section of the Cocoa Powders, Dark Chocolate, Extracts, Nibs & Supplements Review >>
Cocoa Lowers Blood Sugar
October 21, 2016
In addition to potential cardiovascular, memory, and other benefits, a new analysis shows that cocoa flavanols may reduce fasting glucose and improve insulin resistance. Get the details in the "What It Does" section of the Cocoa and Dark Chocolate Review >>
Chocolate May Help Exercise
March 28, 2016
In a tasty new study, men who ate dark chocolate for several days were able to cycle somewhat further than those given a placebo (white chocolate), possibly due to the flavanols in dark chocolate -- which also appear to provide cardiovascular benefit. For details about the study and the chocolate, and ConsumerLab's tests and reviews of dark chocolates and other cocoa-based products, see the Cocoa Powders, Dark Chocolate, Extracts, Nibs & Supplements Review >>
Cocoa for Wrinkles?
November 23, 2015
A study in older women found that drinking a high-flavanol cocoa drink each day increased skin elasticity. And while wrinkles deepened among those drinking a placebo, they stayed stable in the cocoa-drinking group. For details about the amount of cocoa consumed (and its flavanol content), as well as our tests of flavanols (and contaminants) in popular cocoa powders and chocolates, see the Cocoa Powders, Dark Chocolate, Extracts, Nibs, & Supplements Review >>
Cocoa Flavanol Safety
November 10, 2015
A new study found that, even at high doses, cocoa flavanols did not cause adverse cardiovascular effects in healthy men and women. However, be aware that drug interactions and certain side effects can occur. Details are provided in the "Concerns and Cautions" section of the Cocoa Powders, Dark Chocolate, Extracts, Nibs & Supplements Review >>
Cardiovascular Benefits of Cocoa Flavanols
September 11, 2015
A drink rich in cocoa flavanols modestly improved certain measures of cardiovascular health in healthy, middle-aged men and women, according to a recent study. Get the details, including dosage, plus our tests of popular products, in the Review of Cocoa Powders, Dark Chocolate, Extracts, Nibs, & Supplements >>
Cocoa Increases Blood Flow to Brain
August 18, 2015
A small study found that drinking a cocoa drink high in flavanols significantly increased blood flow to the brain, which, the researchers propose, might have potential cognitive benefits. Get the details, including dosage, plus more about cocoa and memory, and our tests of popular products, in the Cocoa Supplements and Dark Chocolate Review >>
Does Cocoa Benefit Some More Than Others?
July 25, 2015
A recent study of natural cocoa taken daily showed potential cardiovascular benefits -- but they seemed greater for some people than others. See the details in the Cocoa and Dark Chocolate Review >>
Cocoa for Memory
June 09, 2015
Cocoa flavanols have been shown in some studies to provide a cardiovascular benefit and, in older individuals, memory improvement. A recent study in younger men and women showed that daily use of a cocoa extract had little effect on memory and no cardiovascular benefit, although it did improve mental fatigue shortly after taking the extract. Learn more about the effects of cocoa, dosage, and see our tests and reviews of cocoa products in the Cocoa Powders, Dark Chocolate, Extracts, Nibs, & Supplements Review >>
More Cocoa Benefits
January 10, 2015
A recently published study showed that hot cocoa made with a flavanol-enriched powder resulted in improvements in cognitive performance as well as reductions in blood pressure and cholesterol, and improved glucose metabolism. The study was conducted in people ages 65 to 80 who drank the cocoa each morning. More details, as well as our tests of cocoa powders, are found in the Cocoa and Dark Chocolate Review >>
Lead in Dark Chocolate
September 09, 2014
Our recent tests of cocoa-based products found problems with many popular brands of cocoa powders, which were high in cadmium and/or lead. No problem was found, however, with a widely-sold dark chocolate bar, which also had a good amount of potentially beneficial flavanols. A new report by academic researchers in Brazil shows that some dark chocolate bars do contain lead in excess of what the FDA permits (although brands were not identified.) More about this, as well as our test results for 15 cocoa products, is found in updated Review of Cocoa/Cacao Powders, Extracts, Nibs, Supplements, and Chocolate >>
Dark Chocolate Improves Walking in Peripheral Artery Disease
July 04, 2014
A new, small study found that people with peripheral artery disease who consumed dark chocolate with a high cocoa content were able to walk further than they normally could. Consuming milk chocolate did not have this effect. The improvement was seen shortly after consuming just one dose. For more details, including dosage, as well as our tests and comparisons of cocoa supplements and chocolate, see the update to the Cocoa Powders, Extracts and Chocolate (Sources of Flavanols) Review >>
Cocoa May Worsen Acne
June 10, 2014
Unlike the study we reported last week showing potential help for acne from omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acid supplements, a new study found that giving pure cocoa to men ages 18 to 35 had the opposite effect -- overall, more pimples. Get the details, along with our tests and comparisons of cocoa and chocolate products, in the update to the Cocoa Powders, Extracts and Chocolate Review >>
