What are the ingredients in Trader Joe's 72% dark chocolate?

December 22, 2025 •

5 min read

With a high cacao content of 72%, Trader Joe's dark chocolate offers a rich and deep flavor profile for enthusiasts. However, the exact ingredients vary slightly depending on the specific product, so knowing precisely what are the ingredients in Trader Joe's 72% dark chocolate is important for dietary reasons and preference.

Quick Summary

Several variations of Trader Joe's 72% dark chocolate exist, featuring different cacao sources and emulsifiers like soy or sunflower lecithin. Core ingredients include cocoa mass, sugar, and an emulsifier, while some variations add cocoa butter or vanilla. Differences between the Pound Plus and Single Origin versions are particularly notable.

Key Points

Soy vs. Sunflower Lecithin: Trader Joe's uses different emulsifiers in its 72% dark chocolate varieties, with the Pound Plus bar using soy lecithin and the Single Origin bar using sunflower lecithin.
Single Origin Flavor Profile: The Colombian-sourced Single Origin 72% dark chocolate has a distinct fruity and citrus flavor, unlike the classic Belgian Pound Plus bar.
Allergen Variation: Allergen warnings for shared equipment vary by product, so it's essential to check the specific packaging for information on milk, soy, nuts, and other potential cross-contaminants.
Key Ingredients: The fundamental ingredients are cacao solids (unsweetened chocolate or cocoa mass), sugar, and an emulsifier, which provide the base for all the 72% products.
Different Product Lines: The article clarifies that "Trader Joe's 72% dark chocolate" refers to several products, including the Pound Plus bar, Single Origin bar, and chocolate chips, each with a unique ingredient list.

The Core Components of 72% Dark Chocolate

Dark chocolate with a 72% cacao content indicates that at least 72% of the product's weight is derived from cacao solids and cocoa butter. The remaining percentage is typically made up of sugar and other minor ingredients. In all of Trader Joe's 72% dark chocolate variations, the fundamental ingredients remain a combination of cocoa, a sweetener, and an emulsifier to achieve a smooth texture. The variation lies in the specific type of cocoa component and the emulsifier used.

The Pound Plus 72% Cacao Dark Chocolate Bar

One of Trader Joe's most popular and long-standing items, the Pound Plus bar from Belgium, features a concise list of ingredients designed for rich flavor and easy melting.

Unsweetened Chocolate: This is the primary cacao solid, providing the intense, deep chocolate flavor.
Sugar: Sweetens the chocolate, balancing the bitterness of the high cacao content.
Cocoa Powder: Adds to the chocolatey richness and density.
Soy Lecithin (Emulsifier): Acts as an emulsifier to ensure a smooth, uniform texture.

The Single Origin 72% Cacao Dark Chocolate Bar

A more artisanal option, the Single Origin bar sources its cacao from Casanare, Colombia, offering a different flavor profile with hints of citrus and berries. This product uses a different type of emulsifier.

Unsweetened Chocolate: Cacao solids from a single origin provide the unique flavor of the region.
Sugar: Sweetens and balances the chocolate.
Cocoa Butter: Contributes to the bar's exceptionally smooth and melt-in-your-mouth texture.
Sunflower Lecithin (Emulsifier): An alternative to soy lecithin, serving the same function of creating a smooth consistency. This is a crucial distinction for those with soy allergies.

Trader Joe's 72% Dark Chocolate Chips

The 72% Cacao Dark Chocolate Chips are another variation, often used for baking but also suitable for snacking. They feature a slightly different ingredient list.

Dark chocolate: Comprised of unsweetened chocolate, cane sugar, sunflower lecithin, and vanilla extract.
Cane Sugar: Provides sweetness.
Sunflower Lecithin (Emulsifier): Ensures proper emulsification for smooth melting.
Vanilla Extract: Enhances the overall flavor profile with a familiar vanilla note.

The Role of Lecithin in Chocolate

Both soy and sunflower lecithin are emulsifiers that prevent the cocoa and cocoa butter from separating, ensuring a consistent and creamy texture. Lecithin is derived from either soybeans or sunflowers and is a standard ingredient in much of the chocolate industry. The choice between soy and sunflower lecithin is primarily a manufacturing decision, but it has a significant impact for consumers with soy sensitivities or allergies.

Potential Allergens and Shared Equipment

For individuals with food allergies, it is critical to pay close attention to the allergen warnings. The ingredients list for different 72% dark chocolate products at Trader Joe's may vary, and so do the allergen warnings regarding shared equipment.

Pound Plus Bar: "CONTAINS SOY. MAY CONTAIN MILK, EGG, WHEAT, ALMOND, CASHEW, COCONUT, HAZELNUT, MACADAMIA NUT, PECAN, PISTACHIO, WALNUT."
Single Origin Bar: The official product page does not list "contains" allergens, but cross-contamination is a possibility for all products manufactured in a facility with common allergens.
Belgian Bar: "Made on EQUIPMENT SHARED with WHEAT, MILK, EGGS, PEANUTS and TREE NUTS."

These warnings mean that while the core ingredients may not include a specific allergen like milk, traces could be present in the final product. Always check the specific packaging for the most accurate and up-to-date allergen information.

Comparison of Key 72% Dark Chocolate Products


Feature	Pound Plus 72% Cacao Dark Chocolate	Single Origin 72% Cacao Dark Chocolate
Cocoa Source	Belgian	Casanare, Colombia
Emulsifier	Soy Lecithin	Sunflower Lecithin
Flavor Profile	Classic, rich, and creamy	Mellow with hints of citrus and berries
Price	Value-priced per ounce due to large size	Higher-end, individually wrapped bars

How Ingredients Impact Flavor

The source of the cacao is a major determinant of the final chocolate flavor. Just like wine grapes, cacao beans from different regions, or terroirs, have unique flavor notes. The Single Origin bar highlights this, with its Colombian beans contributing a fruitier profile. Conversely, the classic Pound Plus bar, sourced from Belgium, has a more traditional, rich flavor. Additionally, the presence of cocoa butter in the Single Origin bar adds an extra layer of creaminess that might not be as pronounced in the Pound Plus bar, which uses cocoa powder.

Conclusion

While a single answer to the question "what are the ingredients in Trader Joe's 72% dark chocolate?" is not possible due to multiple product variations, the core ingredients of cacao solids, sugar, and an emulsifier remain consistent. Consumers should be aware of the specific product they are purchasing, as key differences like the type of emulsifier (soy vs. sunflower lecithin) and potential allergens from shared equipment can be significant for health and taste preferences. The Pound Plus bar offers a reliable, classic Belgian flavor with soy lecithin, while the Single Origin bar provides a fruitier, more nuanced profile with sunflower lecithin. Always check the product label for the most accurate and recent ingredient and allergen information. For specific product details, visiting the official product page is a great resource. Trader Joe's Pound Plus 72% Dark Chocolate.

Lists

Common Ingredients in Trader Joe's 72% Dark Chocolate Products

Cocoa Mass / Unsweetened Chocolate
Sugar / Cane Sugar
Cocoa Powder (in some variations)
Cocoa Butter (in some variations)
Soy Lecithin (in some variations)
Sunflower Lecithin (in some variations)
Vanilla Extract (in some variations)

Steps to Identify the Right Bar for You

Check the label: Look for the specific product name (e.g., Pound Plus, Single Origin).
Read the ingredient list: Note the emulsifier and other components.
Review the allergen warnings: Check the "Contains" and "May Contain" disclaimers.
Consider your flavor preference: Decide if you prefer a classic creamy or a fruitier profile.
Evaluate dietary needs: Choose based on vegan suitability or allergen sensitivity.

Other Items to Consider for Baking and Recipes

Trader Joe's 72% Cacao Dark Chocolate Chips: Made with sunflower lecithin and vanilla extract, these are great for cookies or melting.
Trader Joe's Organic Dark Chocolate Bar: This bar uses organic ingredients and may have different sourcing, so check the label for specifics.
Trader Joe's No Sugar Added Dark Chocolate Chips: A sugar-free alternative made with allulose.

Frequently Asked Questions

Most of Trader Joe's 72% dark chocolate varieties are made without animal products. However, some are manufactured on equipment that is shared with milk, so individuals with severe dairy allergies should review the allergen statement on the packaging carefully.

Lecithin is an emulsifier that helps bind the cocoa solids and cocoa butter together, creating a smooth and consistent texture. It prevents the chocolate from separating and becoming grainy during manufacturing and melting.

The choice of emulsifier is a manufacturing decision, often based on sourcing, cost, or a desire to offer a soy-free option. For consumers with soy allergies, the presence of sunflower lecithin in some versions is a crucial benefit.

While the ingredients themselves do not typically contain gluten, the Pound Plus bar includes a warning that it may contain wheat due to shared equipment during production. Those with celiac disease or severe gluten sensitivities should exercise caution.

No, they do not. The Single Origin bar, for example, is sourced from specific regions and has unique flavor notes like citrus and berries. The Pound Plus bar offers a more traditional, classic dark chocolate flavor.

The most accurate and up-to-date ingredient and allergen information will always be on the packaging of the specific product you are purchasing. Manufacturer websites and third-party databases are also helpful resources.

The Pound Plus 72% bar is a specific product from Belgium. However, Trader Joe's also carries other Belgian dark chocolate bars. Always check the specific packaging for the full name and ingredient details, as slight variations can occur.