The white chocolate trend has left many wondering what it really is. Since it lacks the main ingredient of the regular chocolate – cocoa powder, its chocolate nature has been rightfully questioned. White chocolate is made of cocoa butter, the fat is removed from cocoa liquor after it’s pressed giving it its ivory color, 14% total milk solids, 3.5% milk fat, and no more than 55% sugar or other sweeteners. Apart from not containing addictive caffeine like dark chocolate, white chocolate has many other health benefits since its main ingredient cocoa butter. It doesn’t contain carcinogenic mycotoxins and aflatoxins and it has a positive impact on platelet function.
White chocolate nutrition profile
Nutrition fact for a serving size of 170g
- 100.7g Carbs
- 54.6g Fat
- Saturated fat 33g
- Monounsaturated fat 15.5g
- Polyunsaturated fat 1.7g
- 10g Protein
- 916.3 Calories
- Vitamin B12 1μg 40%
White chocolate health benefits
White chocolate has been getting bad rep due to sugary commercial options that are quite unhealthy. Original white chocolate actually has many health benefits
1. Less oxidation
During cooking and storage process, white chocolate undergoes remarkably little oxidation, which makes it a safe, non-carcinogenic option. Another study has found that cocoa butter shows better improvement of resistance to oxidation on rats than vegetable oil.
2. Can help prevent fatty liver condition Endotoxemia
A study conducted on rats has shown the positive impact of saturated fats on endotoxemia. Being high in saturated fats, white chocolate could possibly have the potential to protect against fatty liver condition.
3. Doesn’t contain mycotoxins and aflatoxins
According to a research study out of Health Canada, cocoa butter found in white chocolate doesn’t contain carcinogenic mycotoxins and aflatoxins, unlike dark chocolate that showed existence of the toxins during analysis.
4. Positive effect on platelet function
In a trial at Aberdeen University in the U.K. analyzed effects of white and dark chocolate on platelet function on men and women. The results showed significantly improved platelet function in men consuming white chocolate compared to the effects of dark chocolate.
5. Reduced chances for allergies
Unlike caffeine and theobromine rich dark chocolate that has the potential to cause allergies and pose life threat to cats and dogs, white chocolate is a much safer choice, since it has been proven to contain low levels of theobromine.
White chocolate side effects
While there are no particularly harmful side effects of eating white chocolate in moderation, it is important to emphasize that its nutritional value, health benefits, and side effects vary greatly depending on the product. Make sure to check for high levels of cocoa butter (around 30%), and no more than 55% of sugar for best white chocolate quality.
Recommended daily consumption
Due to the high levels of added sugar in white chocolate, over-consumption can lead to weight gain, tooth decay, type II diabetes, and heart disease. In order to avoid negative side effects of added sugar, the American Health Association suggests that women limit daily intake to 100 calories per day (25 grams or 6 teaspoons), while for men the maximum amount of added sugar daily are 150 calories per day (37.5 grams or 9 teaspoons).
Healthy white chocolate recipes for you to try at home
If you have decided to join the white chocolate trend, here are some healthy and simple white chocolate recipes that you can try at home.
Sugar free white chocolate
Unlike most commercial white chocolate, the sugar free white chocolate recipe suggests minimum amount of sweetener that keeps the dessert healthy while still providing original white chocolate taste.
4-Ingredient Vegan White Chocolate Recipe
Creamy and rich white chocolate coating for seasonal fruits will enrich your deserts while keeping them healthy and allergy free.
White Chocolate Chips (Dairy, Sugar, and Soy Free)
One of the best recipes for anyone who wants to enjoy the rich white chocolate taste minus the sugar, dairy or soy usually found in commercial options.
Healthy Low-Carb White Chocolate
Keto- and paleo-friendly sugar free white chocolate that can be used to make bars, fudge, coating for truffles. and hot chocolate.
4-ingredient vegan white chocolate + vegan raspberry white chocolate bunnies
Healthy yet rich and creamy white chocolate recipe that blends perfectly into Easter table.
White hot chocolate – caffeine free
Healthy hot beverage to enjoy during the cold winter days without unhealthy additives or caffeine.
Healthy no bake white chocolate raspberry protein cookies
Easy to make, vegan-friendly sugar free and gluten free cookies that provide great choice for a healthy protein snack.
Healthy White Chocolate Paleo Fudge
Smooth and decadent, white chocolate paleo fudge is another healthy, raw, white chocolate desert you can easily make at home and enjoy anytime.
Paleo White Chocolate
Healthy, rich and creamy, here’s a paleo-friendly desert that brings out the original white chocolate flavor perfectly.
White Chocolate, Strawberry, and Oatmeal Cookies
These low-calorie, rich in fiber cookies provide a healthy white chocolate snack for entire family.
Featured photo credit: Pixabay via pixabay.com
