What Chocolate Bars Have the Least Sugar?

November 6, 2025 •

4 min read

According to the World Health Organization, regular consumption of dark chocolate can be part of a healthy diet, especially varieties with lower sugar content. For those monitoring their intake, knowing what chocolate bars have the least sugar is crucial for a healthier indulgence. The options range from extremely high-cacao dark chocolate to innovative brands using natural, no-calorie sweeteners.

Quick Summary

This guide provides a comprehensive list of chocolate bars with the lowest sugar content, outlining the key differences between high-cacao dark chocolate and sugar-free alternatives. It includes specific brand recommendations, details about sweeteners like stevia and monk fruit, and explains how to read nutrition labels to make informed choices.

Key Points

Cacao Percentage is Key: Higher cacao percentages in traditional dark chocolate mean less sugar, with 90% and higher being the lowest sugar options.
Sugar-Free Alternatives: Many brands, including Lily's and ChocZero, use natural, non-caloric sweeteners like stevia, erythritol, and monk fruit to eliminate added sugars.
Read the Nutrition Label: Always check the 'per 100g' sugar content on the nutrition facts panel for accurate comparisons, as serving sizes can be deceptive.
Extremely Dark Options: Lindt Excellence 99% Cacao offers an extremely low-sugar, pure chocolate experience, though its intensely bitter flavor is an acquired taste.
Unrefined Sweeteners: Brands like Hu Kitchen use unrefined sweeteners such as coconut sugar for a lower-sugar dark chocolate alternative that avoids highly processed sugars.
Choose Based on Needs: Your ideal low-sugar bar depends on your dietary restrictions (keto vs. low-carb) and your tolerance for bitterness versus alternative sweeteners.

Understanding Sugar Content in Chocolate

When seeking chocolate bars with the least amount of sugar, the cacao percentage is the most important factor for traditionally-made chocolate. A higher cacao percentage means a more intense cocoa flavor and less room for added sugar. For instance, an 85% cacao bar will naturally have less sugar than a 70% bar. However, the landscape has expanded significantly with the advent of sugar-free and keto-friendly options that rely on alternative sweeteners instead of traditional cane sugar.

The Rise of Sugar-Free Alternatives

In recent years, many companies have developed chocolate bars specifically for health-conscious consumers and those on low-carb or ketogenic diets. These products often achieve sweetness using natural, non-caloric sweeteners and fibers that do not impact blood sugar levels.

Monk Fruit: ChocZero is a prominent brand that uses monk fruit and prebiotic fiber to create a rich, sweet chocolate experience with no added sugar or artificial sweeteners.
Stevia & Erythritol: Lily's Sweets uses a combination of stevia and erythritol to sweeten its line of no-sugar-added chocolates. Erythritol is a sugar alcohol that doesn't affect blood sugar, but some people can experience digestive discomfort if consumed in large quantities.

High-Cacao Dark Chocolate Options

For those who prefer a less-sweet, classic chocolate, extra dark varieties are the best route. The higher the percentage, the less sugar is added during processing.

Lindt Excellence 99% Cacao: One of the most famous examples, this bar contains a minimal amount of sugar, around 1 gram per 100g, making it exceptionally low in sugar. It has a bold, bitter taste that is a pure chocolate experience.
Alter Eco Super Blackout 90% Cacao: This organic, fair-trade bar has only 3 grams of sugar per 30-gram serving, making it another excellent choice.
Hu Kitchen Simple Dark Chocolate: Sweetened with organic, unrefined coconut sugar, Hu offers dark chocolate bars with less than 8g of unrefined coconut sugar per serving.

Comparison Table: Low-Sugar Chocolate Bars


Brand	Primary Sweetener	Cacao Percentage	Added Sugars per Serving	Key Feature
Lily's Original Dark Chocolate	Stevia & Erythritol	70%	0g (no sugar added)	Keto-friendly, no sugar alcohols
ChocZero Dark Chocolate Squares	Monk Fruit	50% to 92%	0g (no sugar added)	No sugar alcohols, wide range of cacao
Lindt Excellence 99% Cacao	Cane Sugar	99%	~1g per 100g	Exceptionally low sugar, classic option
Alter Eco Super Blackout	Cane Sugar	90%	3g per 30g serving	Fair Trade, organic
Hu Kitchen Simple Dark	Coconut Sugar	Varies	<8g per serving	No refined sugar, vegan

How to Choose the Right Low-Sugar Bar for You

Selecting the best low-sugar chocolate depends on your dietary needs and taste preferences. If you're on a strict ketogenic diet, brands using non-caloric sweeteners like ChocZero or Lily's are the safest bet, as they have zero added sugar. For those who just want to reduce their sugar intake and enjoy the pure taste of cocoa, extremely dark chocolate from brands like Lindt or Alter Eco is an excellent option. Always check the nutrition facts panel, comparing the 'per 100g' sugar content to see what chocolate bars have the least sugar, as serving sizes can be misleading.

For a truly minimalist approach, you could consider 100% cacao bars, which are essentially unsweetened. These provide a rich, bold flavor but require a refined palate and are best for people who do not want any added sweetness. For those who find the intensity too much, a bar between 85% and 90% is a great middle ground.

The Importance of Ingredients

Beyond just sugar, examining the ingredient list is vital. For traditional dark chocolate, fewer ingredients generally mean a higher-quality product. Ingredients are listed in descending order by weight, so the further down the list sugar is, the less there is overall. For sugar-free options, check for the type of sweetener used. Monk fruit and stevia are natural choices, while some sugar alcohols like maltitol can cause digestive issues for certain individuals. Many low-sugar brands are also committed to fair-trade and organic sourcing, which adds another layer of quality assurance.

Conclusion: Your Journey to Less Sugar

Exploring the world of low-sugar and no-sugar-added chocolate has never been easier. With a range of options from classic high-cacao bars to modern alternatives using natural sweeteners, you can satisfy your chocolate cravings while staying mindful of your sugar intake. Whether you're a keto dieter, managing a health condition, or simply aiming for a healthier lifestyle, there's a low-sugar chocolate bar for you. The key is to read labels carefully, understand your sweetener options, and enjoy in moderation to find the perfect balance of flavor and health.

Optional Link for Further Reading: The Science of Sugar and Health

Frequently Asked Questions

The lowest sugar traditional chocolate bar is typically a 99% or 100% cacao variety, such as Lindt Excellence 99% Cacao, which contains very little naturally occurring sugar and no added sugar. For a no-added-sugar option, look for brands like ChocZero and Lily's that use alternative sweeteners.

No, not all dark chocolate is low in sugar. The sugar content depends on the cacao percentage. A 50% dark chocolate can have significantly more sugar than a 90% bar. Always check the nutrition label for the specific sugar content.

Sugar alcohols like erythritol are generally recognized as safe, but overconsumption can cause digestive issues like bloating or gas for some people. Brands like ChocZero specifically avoid sugar alcohols in favor of monk fruit and fiber.

Keto-friendly chocolate bars achieve sweetness using natural sweeteners like stevia, monk fruit, and sugar alcohols (e.g., erythritol) that have a minimal or zero impact on blood sugar levels.

Check the nutrition facts label on the back of the packaging. Look for the 'Sugars' line, which is usually listed under 'Total Carbohydrate'. For accurate comparison across different brands, use the 'per 100g' value.

Diabetics should look for dark chocolate with a high cocoa content (ideally 70% or higher) and minimal added sugar, or sugar-free varieties sweetened with non-caloric options like stevia or monk fruit. Monitoring portions is also critical.

A high cacao percentage indicates that a larger proportion of the bar is made from cocoa solids and cocoa butter, and a smaller proportion is dedicated to other ingredients, most notably sugar. For example, a 90% cacao bar has about 10% sugar and other ingredients, compared to 30% sugar in a 70% bar.