Unpacking the Ingredients: More Than Just 'Dark Chocolate and Fruit'
At first glance, Brookside chocolates appear to be a healthier indulgence, combining antioxidant-rich dark chocolate with 'exotic fruit' flavors like acai and blueberry. However, a closer look at the ingredient list and manufacturing process reveals a more complex picture. The core components are typically dark chocolate (sugar, chocolate liquor, cocoa butter), sugar, corn syrup, and various fruit juice concentrates and flavors.
One of the most significant takeaways is that the product is a highly processed confection. It is not simply a bar of high-cacao dark chocolate with whole, dried fruit. The 'fruit' is typically a chewy, fruit-flavored center made from juice concentrates, sugars, and thickeners like pectin. This means that the health benefits associated with whole fruits are largely absent.
The Dark Side of Brookside's Dark Chocolate
While dark chocolate is celebrated for its flavanol content and antioxidant properties, this can be misleading in commercial products. Some Brookside dark chocolates are processed with alkali, a method known as 'Dutch processing'. This process reduces the bitterness of the cocoa but also significantly strips away the beneficial flavanols and antioxidants. Therefore, consumers expecting a powerful antioxidant boost from Brookside's dark chocolate may be disappointed. Furthermore, an independent testing report by Consumer Reports revealed that certain dark chocolate products, including some from manufacturers owned by Brookside's parent company, contained detectable levels of heavy metals like lead and cadmium, though this risk is generally mitigated by moderate consumption.
A Comparison of Sweet Treats: Brookside vs. True Dark Chocolate
To better understand where Brookside stands, a comparison with a high-quality dark chocolate bar is useful.
| Feature | Brookside Dark Chocolate (Acai & Blueberry) | High-Quality Dark Chocolate (70%+) |
|---|---|---|
| Cocoa Content | Unspecified, but lower than 70% based on high sugar. | High (70-85% is ideal for health benefits). |
| Processing | Processed with alkali, reducing flavanol content. | Typically non-alkalized, preserving antioxidants. |
| Added Sugar | High, with some varieties containing 17g added sugar per 30g serving. | Lower overall sugar content, more balanced flavor. |
| Fruit Inclusion | Chewy, flavored fruit juice concentrate center. | Often includes whole, dried fruits or nuts. |
| Antioxidants | Reduced flavanol content due to processing. | Rich in potent antioxidants and flavanols. |
| Processing Level | Classified as a highly processed food. | Minimally processed; fewer ingredients. |
The Real Story on Sugar Content
For a small serving of Brookside dark chocolate, the sugar load is surprisingly high. For example, some acai and blueberry varieties contain 17 grams of added sugar per 30-gram serving. This means that over half of the product's weight is sugar. This is a crucial factor for individuals monitoring their sugar intake, such as those with diabetes or those trying to manage weight. The high sugar content largely negates the minimal health benefits gleaned from the dark chocolate. Excessive sugar consumption is linked to a higher risk of heart disease, obesity, and type 2 diabetes, which the EWG points out in its product assessment.
The Role of Moderation
This is not to say that Brookside chocolates should be completely off-limits. Like any treat, they can be enjoyed in moderation. The issue arises when consumers perceive them as a healthy, antioxidant-packed alternative to standard candy and over-consume them. The key is to manage expectations. You are eating a delicious, sugar-filled confection, not a superfood.
For those seeking genuine chocolate-based health benefits, a square or two of a high-cacao, non-alkalized dark chocolate bar (70% or higher) is a much better choice. These products retain more of the beneficial flavanols, have less sugar, and are less processed. Pairing a small amount of high-quality dark chocolate with real fruit, like strawberries or raspberries, is a superior option for satisfying a sweet tooth while maximizing nutritional value.
Conclusion: A Moderated Indulgence, Not a Health Food
In summary, while Brookside chocolates use the health halo of dark chocolate and exotic fruits in their marketing, they are ultimately a highly processed candy. The high added sugar content, alkali processing that reduces beneficial flavanols, and use of fruit juice concentrates instead of whole fruit undermine any significant health claims. They are best viewed as an occasional treat rather than a daily health snack. For true nutritional benefits, consumers should opt for higher percentage dark chocolates with minimal ingredients and sugar. Mindful, infrequent consumption is the healthiest approach to enjoying Brookside and similar confections.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Brookside chocolates made of?
Brookside chocolates consist of dark chocolate, a fruit-flavored jelly-like center made from sugar, corn syrup, fruit juice concentrates, and pectin, as well as additional flavors and glazes.
Is dark chocolate in Brookside healthy?
The dark chocolate used in Brookside is often processed with alkali (Dutch-processed), which reduces the flavanol and antioxidant content. It also contains significant sugar, making it less healthy than true, high-cacao dark chocolate.
How much added sugar is in Brookside chocolates?
Some Brookside varieties contain as much as 17 grams of added sugar per a 30-gram serving, which is more than half of the product's total weight.
Are the fruits in Brookside chocolates real?
The fruit in Brookside is typically a fruit-flavored jelly center made from fruit juice concentrates and other ingredients, not whole, dried pieces of fruit.
Are Brookside chocolates vegan?
No, many Brookside dark chocolate varieties contain milk fat and are processed on shared equipment with other milk products, making them unsuitable for a vegan diet.
How does Brookside compare to other candies?
Brookside chocolates are better than some ultra-processed candies due to the presence of dark chocolate, but the high sugar and processed nature mean they are still a candy and not a genuine health food.
What is a healthier alternative to Brookside?
A truly healthier alternative would be a small serving of a high-quality dark chocolate bar with 70% or higher cocoa content, or pairing a piece of dark chocolate with actual fresh or dried fruit.
Should I worry about heavy metals in Brookside?
While heavy metals like lead and cadmium have been detected in some dark chocolate products, including brands associated with Brookside's parent company, the risk is minimal for occasional, moderate consumers. It is a concern primarily for those who consume large quantities daily.
Can children eat Brookside chocolates?
While children can eat Brookside in moderation, the high sugar content makes it less ideal than other snacks. The American Heart Association recommends limiting added sugar intake, especially for children.
Why is my dark chocolate less bitter?
Your dark chocolate may be less bitter because it was processed with alkali, which reduces the natural bitterness of cocoa but also strips away a significant portion of its healthy antioxidants.
