---
title: "Dark Chocolate's Glycemic Index"
url: https://stacklist.com/card/a0805883-dd39-4d6a-913e-3409e18686bd
source_url: "https://www.signos.com/foods/dark-chocolate-glycemic-index"
stack: https://stacklist.com/c/food/stack/e334c21b-c80b-4c7f-b0af-cfc3bca6d578
summary: "Dark chocolate has a low glycemic index of approximately 23, attributed to its healthy fats, minimal sugars, and notable fiber content, making it a potentially suitable option for blood sugar management. The article details its nutritional profile per 100g serving, including 393 kcal, 45g carbs, 11g fiber, and significant amounts of iron, magnesium, and copper, along with research suggesting benefits for insulin sensitivity."
tags: "dark-chocolate, glycemic-index, nutrition, blood-sugar, antioxidants, insulin-sensitivity, diabetes"
key_entities: "Brittany Barry (person), Signos (organization), European Journal of Clinical Nutrition (organization), glycemic index (concept), glycemic load (concept), insulin sensitivity (concept), dark chocolate (concept)"
classification: "reference"
content_hash: "sha256:45e1573467c6a728224f915047f91bc05432f6ddd3fad1f7298ec9576fb27095"
acp_version: "0.2"
token_counts_approximate: 3473
visibility: public
agent_accessible: true
status: "final"
---

# Dark Chocolate's Glycemic Index

Save 25% wITH TAKE25 at checkout. Shop Join the Defiants Sign up to be the first to know about special offers and exciting Signos news. Thank you! Your submission has been received! Oops! Something went wrong while submitting the form. June 23, 2023 | Foods | 5 min read | Written By Brittany Barry Dark Chocolate Glycemic Index: Nutritional Facts Dark chocolate, often celebrated for its rich flavor and potential health benefits, presents a unique twist in the realm of glycemic indexes. While commonly associated with sugary confections, dark chocolate surprisingly boasts a low glycemic index due to its composition of healthy fats, antioxidants, and minimal sugar content.  ​ Dark chocolate contains essential nutrients such as iron, copper, and magnesium, making it a potential dietary addition for individuals aiming to manage their blood sugar levels.¹ Furthermore, recent research from the European Journal of Clinical Nutrition suggests that consuming moderate amounts of dark chocolate might improve insulin sensitivity and reduce the risk of cardiovascular complications in individuals with diabetes. ​ This article aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of the nuanced impact of dark chocolate on glycemic control, offering insights into its potential benefits beyond mere blood sugar management. Join the Defiants Sign up to be the first to know about special offers and exciting Signos news. Thank you! Your submission has been received! Oops! Something went wrong while submitting the form. Glycemic Index Table Dark chocolate, a delectable treat often enjoyed for its complex flavors, has a low glycemic index of approximately 23.² With a serving size of 100g, it contains around 45g of carbohydrates.¹ Considering the glycemic load (GL) of dark chocolate, which accounts for both the quantity of carbohydrates in the food and its glycemic index, the GL per serving is approximately 10.  ​ The glycemic index indicates how quickly a particular food can raise blood sugar levels, with values under 55 considered low. Dark chocolate's low glycemic index can be attributed to its composition, which includes healthy fats, minimal sugars, and notable levels of fiber. While cooking or processing may influence the glycemic index of some foods, dark chocolate generally maintains its low glycemic index across various forms, making it a potentially suitable option for individuals seeking to manage their blood sugar levels.  ​ This comprehensive understanding of dark chocolate's glycemic index and the calculation of key nutritional values sheds light on the potential benefits of incorporating this delectable treat into the diets of individuals aiming to maintain stable blood sugar levels. Glycemic Index 23 Serving Size 100g Carbohydrate* per Serving (g) 45 g GL per Serving 10 Nutritional Facts With its rich and intense flavor, dark chocolate is not just a delightful treat but also a source of various essential nutrients. It is known to be rich in antioxidants, particularly flavonoids, contributing to its potential health benefits. Additionally, dark chocolate contains significant amounts of minerals such as iron, magnesium, and copper, making it a potentially valuable addition to a balanced diet.  ​ A standard serving of 100 grams of dark chocolate contains approximately 11 grams of fiber, 67% of the recommended daily intake of iron, 58% of magnesium, and 89% of copper, highlighting its nutritional density and potential health-promoting properties.¹ ​ The nutritional information below is for 100 g of dark chocolate.¹ Nutritional Facts Calories 393.23 kcal Carbs 45 g Protein 4.51 g Fiber 11 g Cholesterol 39.26 mg Vitamins A (57.21 µg), B12 (0.21 µg), B6 (0.07 mg), C (1.9 mg), D (11.75 IU). Sodium 92.24 mg Total Fat 28.61 g Discover how your body responds to what you eat, and make small changes to hit your health goals View Plans Is Dark Chocolate Good for Weight Loss? While dark chocolate can be a part of a balanced diet, its direct impact on weight loss might be nuanced. However, some studies suggest that the consumption of dark chocolate, when included as part of a calorie-controlled diet, could potentially aid weight loss efforts. According to research published in the Journal of the American Heart Association, the polyphenols and flavonoids found in dark chocolate might contribute to improved metabolism and reduced inflammation, which could indirectly support weight management.  ​ Nevertheless, the calorie-dense nature of dark chocolate necessitates cautious consumption within the context of an overall calorie-controlled diet to avoid potential weight gain, as emphasized by the National Institutes of Health. Therefore, while dark chocolate might have certain benefits related to weight management, it should be consumed in moderation as part of a well-rounded, calorie-controlled eating plan. Is Dark Chocolate Safe for People Living with Diabetes? Despite its slightly sweet and indulgent appeal, dark chocolate can be considered a viable treat for individuals with diabetes when consumed in moderation. According to recent studies published in the European Journal of Clinical Nutrition, the flavonoids present in dark chocolate could potentially aid in improving insulin sensitivity and reducing the risk of cardiovascular complications in individuals with diabetes.  ​ Additionally, the low glycemic index of dark chocolate, as confirmed by the American Diabetes Association, means it has a minimal impact on blood sugar levels, making it a relatively safer option for those managing their glucose levels. However, it is important for individuals with diabetes to be cautious about dark chocolate's overall carbohydrate and calorie content to maintain optimal blood sugar control. Join the Defiants Better health starts here. Sign up for tips and insights that work for you! Thank you! Your submission has been received! Oops! Something went wrong while submitting the form. Allergies Allergies to dark chocolate, although relatively uncommon, can occur and are typically associated with its components, such as cocoa and milk. Some individuals may experience allergic reactions characterized by symptoms such as skin rashes, itching, swelling, or even anaphylaxis.  ​ While pure dark chocolate does not inherently contain dairy, cross-contamination during processing or the inclusion of milk solids in some formulations can lead to allergic responses in sensitive individuals, as the American College of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology (ACAAI) notes. It is crucial for individuals with known chocolate allergies to carefully read product labels and be vigilant about potential allergens to avoid any adverse reactions. References References ​ USDA FoodData Central. (2019, April 1).  Food Details - Chocolate, dark, 70-85% cacao solids.   https://fdc.nal.usda.gov/fdc-app.html#/food-details/170273/nutrients   The University of Sydney. (2023, May 1).  Glycemic Index – Glycemic Index Research and GI News .  https://glycemicindex.com/ Brittany Barry Brittany Barry is a national board-certified health coach and NASM-certified personal trainer based in South Carolina. Table Of Contents Text Link Text Link FAQs What is Glycemic Index? The glycemic index (GI) is a measure of how quickly a carbohydrate-containing food raises blood sugar levels compared to a reference food, usually glucose. It ranks foods on a scale from 0 to 100, with higher values indicating a faster rise in blood sugar. The glycemic index (GI) scale is typically categorized as follows: Low GI [55 or less], Medium GI [56-69], High GI [70 or higher]. Foods with a high glycemic index digest rapidly and can cause dramatic fluctuations in blood glucose or glucose spikes. What is Glycemic Load? Glycemic load (GL) takes into account both the quality (glycemic index) and quantity (carbohydrate content) of carbohydrates in a specific serving of food. It is a measure of how much a particular food will raise blood sugar levels. GL is calculated by multiplying the glycemic index of a food by its carbohydrate content and dividing it by 100. It provides a more accurate representation of the overall impact of a food on blood sugar compared to the glycemic index alone. Does Dark Chocolate Spike Insulin? Dark chocolate has been shown to have a minimal effect on insulin levels. In fact, some studies have suggested that the flavonoids in dark chocolate may actually improve insulin sensitivity and glucose metabolism. However, it is important to note that consuming excessive amounts of any type of chocolate can lead to weight gain and other health issues, which can ultimately affect insulin levels. Therefore, moderation is key when it comes to consuming dark chocolate or any other type of food. Is Dark Chocolate Low Glycemic? Yes, dark chocolate has a low glycemic index due to its high content of cocoa solids and low sugar content. Can People Living with Diabetes Eat Dark Chocolate? Yes, people living with diabetes can eat dark chocolate in moderation as it has a lower glycemic index and contains less sugar than milk chocolate. However, it is important to consider the overall carbohydrate intake and to choose dark chocolate with a high percentage of cocoa solids. Consultation with a healthcare professional is recommended. You Might Also Like View All Sugarcane Juice Glycemic Index - Facts & Health Benefit Red Grapes Glycemic Index : Nutrition & Health Benefits Celery Glycemic Index - Nutrition Facts & Health Benefits Squash Glycemic Index - Nutrition & Health Benefits Turnip Glycemic Index - Nutrition Facts & Health Benefits Popcorn Glycemic Index: Nutrition Facts, Weight Loss, Health Benefits Peanut Butter Glycemic Index - Facts & Health Benefits Rutabaga Glycemic Index : Nutrition Facts & Health Benefits Glycemic Index of Corn : Nutrition Facts & Health Benefits Thank you! Your submission has been received! Oops! Something went wrong while submitting the form. All Categories All Categories GLP-1 Wellness Weight Loss Recipes Signos 101 Podcast Nutrition Glucose Fitness Exercises Foods Compare Food Comparisons Wellness Well-Being Stress Energy Glucose Stable Blood Sugar Glucose Metabolism Glucose 101 Blood Sugar & Foods You Eat Fitness Strength Training Quick Workouts HIIT Blood Sugar & Exercise Anaerobic Exercise Signos 101 One Size Doesn't Fit All Nighttime Morning Metabolic Health Metabolic Experiments Healthy Lifestyle Glucose Tracking FAQs During the Day Doctor-recommended CGMs Weight Loss Weight Loss for Women Sleep Nutrition Protein Whole Nutrition Low-Glycemic Diet Keto Low Carb Intermittent Fasting Fruits & Vegetables Food Data & Logging Foods to Eat Foods to Avoid Diets Dinner Dietitian-recommended Counting Calories Breakfast As seen in: Don’t miss out! Sign up to be the first to know about special offers and exciting Signos news. Thank you! Your submission has been received! Oops! Something went wrong while submitting the form. Company About Careers Science Contact Product Reviews How it Works Plans + Pricing Resources Blog FAQs Help Center Health Topics Contact Support Organizations For Employers Legal Terms + Conditions Privacy Policy California Privacy Policy Copyright © 2026 Signos Inc. SIGNOS INDICATIONS: The Signos Glucose Monitoring System is an over-the-counter (OTC) mobile device application that receives data from an integrated Continuous Glucose Monitor (iCGM) sensor and is intended to continuously measure, record, analyze, and display glucose values in people 18 years and older not on insulin. The Signos Glucose Monitoring System helps to detect normal (euglycemic) and low or high (dysglycemic) glucose levels. The Signos Glucose Monitoring System may also help the user better understand how lifestyle and behavior modification, including diet and exercise, impact glucose excursions. This information may be useful in helping users to maintain a healthy weight.The user is not intended to take medical action based on the device output without consultation with a qualified healthcare professional.See user guide for important warnings and precautions. STELO IMPORTANT INFORMATION: Consult your healthcare provider before making any medication adjustments based on your sensor readings and do not take any other medical action based on your sensor readings without consulting your healthcare provider. Do not use if you have problematic hypoglycemia. Failure to use Stelo and its components according to the instructions for use provided and to properly consider all indications, contraindications, warnings, and cautions in those instructions for use may result in you missing a severe hypoglycemia (Low blood glucose) or hyperglycemia (high blood glucose) occurrence. If your sensor readings are not consistent with your symptoms, a blood glucose meter may be an option as needed and consult your healthcare provider. Seek medical advice and attention when appropriate, including before making any medication adjustments and/or for any medical emergency. STELO INDICATIONS FOR USE: The Stelo Glucose Biosensor System is an over-the-counter (OTC) integrated Continuous Glucose Monitor (iCGM) intended to continuously measure, record, analyze, and display glucose values in people 18 years and older not on insulin. The Stelo Glucose Biosensor System helps to detect normal (euglycemic) and low or high (dysglycemic) glucose levels. The Stelo Glucose Biosensor System may also help the user better understand how lifestyle and behavior modification, including diet and exercise, impact glucose excursion. The user is not intended to take medical action based on the device output without consultation with a qualified healthcare professional.