INGREDIENTS

Organic cocoa mass, organic raw cane sugar, organic cocoa butter, emulsifier (soya lecithin), natural fruit and spice extracts (orange, cinnamon, nutmeg), organic vanilla

NUTRITIONAL BREAKDOWN

Carbohydrate 56.6%; fat 34.3%; protein 6.8%; water and undeclared ingredients 2.3%

WHAT’S IN IT

At first glance, this is a high-fat, high-sugar food that has little to commend it. Almost 60 per cent of its energy comes from fat and eating a 100g bar will contribute 534 calories to your daily total. But its relatively high cocoa content — at least 55 per cent — puts Maya Gold at a nutritional advantage over bars made with vegetable fat in place of cocoa butter.

Cocoa powder is rich in a group of antioxidants known as polyphenols, which Collins notes have been associated with cardiovascular benefits. One of these polyphenols is thought to protect against LDL, the “bad” cholesterol. Experiments suggest that cocoa powder has the same effect on blood clotting as an aspirin taken at low dose to prevent thrombosis and subsequent heart attacks or stroke. The effect is particularly marked with dark chocolate and the higher the cocoa content, the better.

Cocoa beans also contain a naturally occurring compound called theobromine, a mild stimulant akin to caffeine. It is found in higher concentrations in dark chocolate, but Collins calculates that a 100g bar will have no greater effect than a cup of medium-strength coffee.

WHAT THE LABEL CLAIMS

The label gives basic nutritional information, without making any particular health claims. There are brief explanations to justify the Soil Association and Fairtrade logos. Green & Black’s literature claims that chocolate stimulates the secretion of endorphins and that it increases the synthesis of serotonin, a neurotransmitter that acts as an antidepressant. Collins does not challenge these broad claims. The website also claims that chocolate is high in nutrients, such as potassium and magnesium, and that it provides vitamins including B1, B2, D, and E.

Collins points out that a 50g portion would contain no more potassium than an average portion of fruit and that chocolate is only a “modest” source of magnesium. She is surprised at the claim for vitamin D and says that the B1 and B2 are present in “minuscule” amounts, although she accepts that chocolate is a good source of vitamin E.

GREEN & BLACK’S RESPONSE

“Our chocolate is made with cocoa butter, where some others use vegetable fat, and has a higher percentage of cocoa solids than most others on the market. We believe this makes for a better tasting chocolate. We don’t claim that our chocolate is ‘healthy’, but that our use of organic ingredients makes it of the highest quality.”

THE EXPERT’S VERDICT

Collins says: “I’d be happy to recommend it as part of the ‘naughty’ calories you’re allowed each day. It wouldn’t replace one of your five-a-day fruit and veg portions, but maybe it could be the sixth.”

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