How many calories does 50 dark chocolate have?

November 10, 2025 •

3 min read

The number of calories in 50g of dark chocolate varies significantly based on its cocoa content, typically ranging from 270 to over 330 calories. This variation means that a single serving can differ quite a bit in energy density, a crucial factor for anyone monitoring their intake or practicing portion control. Understanding these nutritional differences is key to making informed dietary choices.

Quick Summary

The caloric content of 50g of dark chocolate depends on its cocoa percentage, with higher percentages generally having slightly more fat and fewer carbs, influencing the total calorie count. This guide explores the typical calorie ranges and nutritional profiles for different types of dark chocolate, helping you incorporate it thoughtfully into a balanced diet.

Key Points

Variable Calories: A 50g portion of dark chocolate has a variable calorie count, typically between 270 and 333 calories, depending on its cocoa content.
Cocoa Percentage Matters: Higher cocoa percentages generally result in higher fat content (from cocoa butter) and lower sugar, which influences the total caloric value.
Nutrient-Dense Treat: Despite being calorie-dense, dark chocolate is also rich in beneficial antioxidants and minerals like iron, magnesium, and copper.
Higher Cacao, Lower Sugar: Dark chocolate with 70% cacao and above contains significantly less sugar than varieties with lower cacao content.
Portion Control is Key: Due to its high calorie and fat content, consuming dark chocolate in moderation is crucial for health benefits and weight management.
Check the Label: To get the most accurate information on calories, sugar, and fat, always read the nutrition facts on the specific dark chocolate product you purchase.

Caloric Breakdown of Dark Chocolate by Cocoa Percentage

Dark chocolate is a nutrient-dense food, and its caloric value is primarily determined by its fat and sugar content. Since the proportion of these ingredients shifts with the cacao percentage, so does the final calorie count for any given weight. For a standard 50-gram portion, the total calories typically fall within a predictable range, but checking the specific product's nutrition label is always the most accurate method. The cocoa butter, which is pure fat, and the amount of added sugar are the main variables influencing the energy value.

45-59% Cacao Dark Chocolate

Chocolate in this range contains a lower percentage of cacao solids and a higher amount of added sugar compared to darker varieties. As a result, its macronutrient profile is different, with more carbohydrates from sugar and slightly less fat. For a 50-gram serving, you can expect the following typical values:

Calories: Approximately 273 kcal.
Macronutrient Split: Higher percentage of carbs from sugar.
Flavor Profile: Milder, sweeter taste due to more sugar.

60-69% Cacao Dark Chocolate

This is a common range for dark chocolate, offering a good balance between the robust flavor of cocoa and a pleasant sweetness. The caloric density increases slightly here, primarily because the fat content from cocoa butter is higher than in less dark chocolate, while sugar decreases. A 50-gram serving will typically contain:

Calories: Around 290 kcal.
Macronutrient Split: Higher proportion of fat compared to the 45-59% range.
Flavor Profile: More complex and less sweet, with a distinct chocolate flavor.

70-85% Cacao Dark Chocolate

Many consumers seeking the health benefits of dark chocolate prefer this range. The higher cacao content means more antioxidants and minerals, but also a greater concentration of cocoa butter. For a 50-gram portion, the calorie count is typically higher, while the sugar content is notably lower. A 50g serving typically contains about 299 calories.

Calories: Around 299-300 kcal.
Macronutrient Split: Higher fat and lower sugar content.
Flavor Profile: Deeper, more intense chocolate flavor with reduced sweetness.

90% Cacao and Higher

This is the darkest, most intense chocolate available commercially. With very little sugar and a high concentration of cacao, it has the most concentrated flavor and nutritional profile. For a 50-gram serving, the calorie count can be the highest of all due to the high fat content from cocoa butter.

Calories: Upwards of 333 kcal.
Macronutrient Split: Very high in fat, very low in sugar.
Flavor Profile: Pronounced bitterness, requiring an acquired taste.

Dark Chocolate Nutrition Comparison


Cacao Percentage	Approx. Calories (per 50g)	Approx. Carbs (per 50g)	Approx. Fat (per 50g)	Approx. Sugar (per 50g)
45-59%	273 kcal	31g	16g	24g
60-69%	290 kcal	26g	19g	18g
70-85%	299 kcal	23g	21g	12g
90%+	333 kcal	15g	27g	3g

Conclusion: Navigating Your Dark Chocolate Consumption

In conclusion, the exact number of calories in 50g of dark chocolate is not a single fixed figure but rather a range dependent on its cocoa percentage. Higher percentages, while containing less sugar, are often more calorie-dense due to a higher fat content from cocoa butter. This information is valuable for anyone who wishes to incorporate dark chocolate into their diet with mindfulness towards portion control. For those managing weight or blood sugar, opting for a higher cacao percentage means less sugar per serving, but careful consideration of the total calorie load remains essential. By checking product labels, you can accurately track your intake and continue to enjoy this flavorful treat as part of a balanced and healthy lifestyle.

For more detailed nutritional information and daily recommendations, consult reliable health authorities such as Harvard's T.H. Chan School of Public Health..

Understanding Dark Chocolate and Calorie Management

When managing caloric intake, it's important to view dark chocolate not as a low-calorie food, but as a nutritionally beneficial treat to be enjoyed in moderation. Its rich flavor and healthy fats can help curb cravings, making a small portion feel satisfying. Integrating it mindfully, such as enjoying a single square after a meal, can prevent overconsumption while still delivering its potential health benefits, such as antioxidants and minerals. The key is mindful portion control and an awareness of the nutritional profile, especially the variance in sugar and fat based on cacao percentage.

Frequently Asked Questions

A 50-gram portion of dark chocolate with 70% cacao solids typically contains around 299 calories.

Not necessarily. While higher cocoa percentage often means more fat from cocoa butter, which is calorie-dense, it also means less sugar. The calorie count can sometimes be higher, but the nutritional profile is better, with more antioxidants and minerals.

Dark chocolate can be part of a weight-loss diet when consumed in moderation. Its rich flavor can promote feelings of fullness and reduce cravings, but its high calorie density requires mindful portion control.

50g of milk chocolate often has a similar, or sometimes slightly lower, calorie count but with a significantly higher sugar content and fewer beneficial nutrients than dark chocolate.

The primary source of calories in dark chocolate is the cocoa butter, which is pure fat. Since fat is the most calorie-dense macronutrient (9 calories per gram), dark chocolate naturally has a high-calorie content.

The difference is minor. 50g of 85% dark chocolate typically has around 299 calories, while 70% is very similar, at approximately 299 calories as well. The key difference is in the macronutrient ratio (fat vs. sugar).

The most accurate way to find the calorie count is to check the nutritional label on the packaging. This will provide the specific values for the brand and cocoa percentage you are consuming.