What is White Chocolate? Learn the Ingredients and Differences to Choose Authentic, Body-Friendly Chocolate
White chocolate differs from regular brown chocolate, offering a sweet and mellow flavor. The taste variations among chocolates stem from significant differences in ingredients and sugar content.
However, many commercially available white chocolates contain high amounts of sugar, vegetable oils, and additives. Those aiming for a healthier diet should be mindful when selecting these products.
This article explains the ingredients of white chocolate, how it differs from brown chocolate, and key points for selecting authentic, body-friendly chocolate. We also introduce low-sugar, body-friendly chocolate recommendations from NATUVIEW, a keto-food specialty brand. Please use this as a reference.
Table of Contents |
What is white chocolate?
White chocolate and regular brown chocolate differ in color, but their main ingredients and components also vary. This chapter explains in detail the main ingredients of white chocolate and the differences in color and composition between each type of chocolate.
Main ingredient of white chocolate
The main ingredient in white chocolate is the same cacao bean used in regular brown chocolate. Cacao beans are found inside large pods called “cacao pods.” Freshly harvested beans have a sticky texture, much like natto. A single cacao pod contains about 30 to 50 cacao beans.
Chocolate is made by fermenting and roasting cacao beans. After roasting, the fermented cacao beans are processed into cacao nibs (cacao mass), cocoa butter, and cocoa powder.
Cocoa butter is a plant-based oil extracted from cacao nibs, appearing milky white. White chocolate is white because it is made using only this cocoa butter.
Furthermore, chocolate's smooth melt-in-the-mouth texture and flavor come from the properties of cocoa butter. Since cocoa butter melts at a temperature lower than body temperature, it melts visibly the moment it enters your mouth.
The Difference Between White Chocolate and Chocolate
Regular brown chocolate uses dark-colored cocoa mass and cocoa powder. Cocoa mass is made by removing the outer shell from roasted cacao beans, grinding the resulting small pieces called cacao nibs, and then pulverizing them into a paste.
The ratio of dark-colored cocoa mass or cocoa powder to milky-white cocoa butter determines the color. This results in dark chocolate's deep brown hue or milk chocolate's lighter brown color, which blends white and brown tones.
The Difference in Ingredients Between White Chocolate and Chocolate
White chocolate and brown chocolate also differ in their ingredients. For example, regular chocolate contains a higher percentage of cacao than white chocolate. The higher the cacao content, as in dark chocolate, the more pronounced the bitter and astringent flavors of the cacao become.
The bitter and astringent taste of chocolate is due to the polyphenols contained in cacao. Polyphenols are one of the components found in fruits and vegetables, and are said to have antioxidant effects when consumed.
White chocolate, on the other hand, is made primarily from cocoa butter, so it has less bitterness and a sweeter taste than regular chocolate.
What is “real chocolate” with nutritional value?
Many commercially available chocolates contain high proportions of sugar, artificial sweeteners, and milk, while reducing the cocoa content. As a result, you may not be getting the nutrients inherent to chocolate.
This chapter explains in detail the characteristics of “real chocolate” that is rich in nutrients.
High cocoa content
The higher the cocoa content, the closer it is to real chocolate. Cocoa contains key components that determine chocolate's flavor, aroma, and texture.
Chocolate is made using a cocoa-derived ingredient called “chocolate liquor” as its base. This liquor comes in three main types.
1. Basic Type
Contains at least 35% cocoa solids, of which at least 18% is cocoa butter. There are no specific restrictions on milk solids content.
2. Type with Dairy Added Instead of Cocoa
Cocoa solids content is 21%, cocoa butter is 18% or more. Additionally, it contains a combined total of 35% or more of milk solids and cocoa solids, with milk fat at 3% or more.
3.Milk Chocolate Dough
Cocoa solids content is 15% or more, cocoa butter is 3% or more. Milk solids content is optional, milk fat is 18% or more.
Thus, while all types contain a certain amount of cocoa solids, the “basic type” chocolate in particular has a higher cocoa ratio, allowing you to enjoy the flavor of the ingredient itself. Only chocolate that allows you to fully appreciate the authentic flavor of cocoa can be called the real thing.
I'm cutting back on sugar and artificial sweeteners.
Most chocolates considered authentic avoid using artificial sweeteners in their ingredients. Commonly available commercial chocolates often contain sugar or artificial sweeteners, resulting in a pronounced sweetness. In such products, the proportion of sweetening agents can sometimes exceed that of the actual chocolate base.
Artificial sweeteners include types like aspartame and sucralose. They not only add sweetness but are also expected to enhance a food's shelf life. However, concerns have been raised about their potential effects on the body, such as allergic reactions, drowsiness, and fatigue. Those concerned about safety should exercise caution.
To check if chocolate contains artificial sweeteners, examining the ingredient list on the product packaging is effective. Ingredients are listed in descending order of quantity. If sugar or artificial sweeteners appear near the top, it's likely they are the primary components.
If you want to choose chocolate that's gentler on the body, opt for products that minimize the use of sugar and artificial sweeteners and have a higher proportion of chocolate base.
Contains no unnecessary additives
The primary ingredients in standard chocolate are cocoa mass, cocoa butter, and sugar, with no unnecessary additives. Any other listed components may be food additives. Food additives are substances used for food processing or preservation. Food additives used in chocolate include sweeteners, emulsifiers, and flavorings. Emulsifiers are used to uniformly mix liquid cocoa butter with powdered cocoa mass and sugar, enhancing the melt-in-the-mouth texture. Flavorings are food additives used for aroma. Additionally, some white chocolates contain a coloring agent called titanium dioxide to achieve their white color.
Food additives used in chocolate meet national standards deemed safe for health. However, caution is advised as the potential health effects of consuming multiple additives simultaneously have not been confirmed.
NATUVIEW, the keto food specialist brand, delivers “authentic chocolate that's gentle on your body.”
NATUVIEW, a brand specializing in keto foods, offers authentic chocolate that's gentle on the body. All products feature low sugar content, use carefully selected ingredients, and are crafted with a commitment to deliciousness. Let's take a closer look at each feature.
All low-carb products
NATUVIE, a brand specializing in keto foods, offers products made with low-carbohydrate recipes to support the ketogenic diet. The ketogenic diet is a dietary approach that replaces carbohydrates with fats as the primary source of energy from food. When practiced correctly, it is expected to help reduce body fat. The daily carbohydrate intake for those following the ketogenic diet is approximately 70g.
While carbohydrates are an important energy source for the human body, excessive intake can lead to increased body fat and potentially cause lifestyle-related diseases. Choosing low-carbohydrate foods is a good option if you want satisfying meals and snacks while limiting carbohydrates. In this regard, all NATUVIE products are low-carbohydrate, making them recommended for those wanting to try the ketogenic diet.
Using carefully selected ingredients
NATUVIEW, a brand specializing in keto foods, offers products that are not only low in carbohydrates but also made with carefully selected ingredients. Examples include grass-fed butter and erythritol. Grass-fed butter is made from milk sourced from cows raised freely on vast pastures. Erythritol is a natural sweetener derived from corn, used as a strategy to reduce sugar content.
Additionally, NATUVIEW products contain soluble dietary fiber, which is believed to slow carbohydrate absorption in the digestive tract. Because NATUVIEW products use such carefully selected ingredients, they offer peace of mind for those seeking to incorporate gentle foods into their diet.
Low-carb yet delicious
NATUVIEW, a brand specializing in keto foods, develops products based on the principle that “low-carb foods must be delicious to be worthwhile.” Therefore, we not only use high-quality ingredients but also place strong emphasis on texture, cooking methods, and visual appeal. NATUVIEW also offers a wide range of products, from sweets to pet food, covering everything from snacks for when you're feeling peckish, to accompaniments for your evening drinks, to treats for your beloved dog.
For example, Muscle Chips® are snacks made with 100% chicken breast. They are baked in the oven until crispy, not fried in oil. They are well-seasoned with spices and are recommended as a snack or appetizer.
NATUVIEW products are not only low-carb but also focused on deliciousness, so you can enjoy them without getting bored.
Body-friendly chocolate recommendations
Introducing our recommended body-friendly chocolate from NATUVIEW, a brand specializing in keto foods. We'll explain the product features and why we recommend it, so if you're looking for a body-friendly chocolate, please consider this as a reference.
Almond Chocolate (Almond SAYAMA)）
Almond Chocolate (Almond・SAYAMA) is a chocolate set featuring roasted almonds with a savory aroma, enveloped in two distinct flavors. “Almond” offers a delicate taste where the richness of almonds is enhanced by the aromatic fragrance of cocoa.
The “SAYAMA” flavor, on the other hand, is a masterpiece where the deep richness and unique astringency of matcha harmonize perfectly with the sweetness of the chocolate. We recommend Amande Chocolat (Almond・SAYAMA) because each piece contains an average of 51% less sugar while still providing sufficient fat, making it an ideal energy boost for when you feel a little hungry.
Almond Chocolate (Almond & Raspberry)
Amande Chocolat (Almond & Raspberry) is a high-cocoa chocolate with an average of 63% less sugar. This set includes two flavors: “Almond,” featuring roasted almonds encased in high-cocoa chocolate, and “Raspberry,” where roasted almonds are coated in high-cocoa chocolate and then dusted with 100% raspberry powder—free from artificial colors and flavors.
The rich aroma of cacao perfectly complements the sweet and tart flavor of raspberry. The recommended reason is that it allows you to fully savor luxurious chocolate sweets while being low in sugar and health-conscious.
Frequently Asked Questions About White Chocolate
This chapter addresses common questions and answers about white chocolate to resolve any uncertainties.
Why is white chocolate white?
White chocolate is whiter than regular chocolate because it does not contain cocoa mass. The ingredients in white chocolate are typically cocoa butter, sugar, and milk.
Since it contains more cocoa butter instead of cocoa mass, this chocolate emphasizes the natural sweetness and whiteness of cacao. On the other hand, regular chocolate derives its brown color from the higher cocoa mass content, imparting a bitter and astringent taste.
Is white chocolate a different kind of chocolate?
White chocolate is a type of chocolate. The definition of chocolate dough is as follows.
● Cocoa solids: 35% or more
● Cocoa butter: 18% or more
● Moisture: 3% or less
However, if the cocoa solids content is 21% or more, and milk solids-nonfat (like cocoa butter) are used instead of cocoa solids, then products with a combined cocoa solids and milk solids-nonfat content of 35% or more are defined as chocolate. Since white chocolate uses cocoa butter as its main ingredient, it meets the definition of chocolate and can therefore be called chocolate.
【Summary】When Choosing White Chocolate, Focus on “Ingredients” and “Sugar Content”
White chocolate is sweeter and has a smoother melt-in-your-mouth texture than regular chocolate, but there can be significant differences in ingredients and sugar content between products. Many store-bought varieties use sugar and vegetable oils to adjust flavor. To choose a white chocolate that's gentle on your body, it's important to check the cocoa butter content and select products with low sugar content and no unnecessary additives.
NATUVIEW, a brand specializing in keto foods, offers products that are all low in sugar and made with carefully selected ingredients. It is especially recommended for those seeking chocolate that is gentle on the body. If you are looking for foods that are gentle on the body, please try NATUVIEW products.
|
Related Articles ★The Challenge of Bean-to-Bar Chocolate: A Story That Begins with Knowing the Growers |
- Choosing a selection results in a full page refresh.
- Opens in a new window.