As the calendar flips to a new year, many individuals feel motivated to reassess their lifestyle habits, particularly those related to health and wellness. While it might seem that indulging in sweets should be off the table, experts advise that informed, small-scale adjustments can significantly impact one’s well-being.

Insights from consumer watchdog Which? suggest that chocolate could play a role in healthier choices, albeit not in the form most might expect. Before grabbing a beloved candy bar, it’s crucial to recognize that only specific types of chocolate may offer health advantages. Research conducted by King’s College London highlights that theobromine, a natural chemical found in cocoa, may possess anti-ageing properties.

In a study published in December 2025, researchers discovered that individuals with elevated theobromine levels in their blood exhibited a biological age younger than their actual age. Professor Jordana Bell, the senior author and a specialist in Epigenomics at King’s College London, remarked, “Our research identifies connections between a primary component of dark chocolate and prolonged youthfulness.”

She added, “Though we’re not advocating for increased dark chocolate consumption, this study sheds light on how everyday foods might hold secrets to a healthier and longer life.”

In a conversation with Which?, nutrition expert Shefalee Loth clarified that in the UK, dark chocolate must contain a minimum of 35% cocoa to earn its label. However, most dark chocolate on the market surpasses this, often boasting 70% cocoa content, which is quite common.

Even though dark chocolate includes fat and sugar, it offers some health benefits. It serves as a source of antioxidants and minerals and generally contains less sugar than its milk chocolate counterparts.

Cocoa is rich in polyphenols, antioxidants known to support heart, brain and digestive health. However, many commercially produced chocolates lose a large proportion of these beneficial compounds during manufacturing.

Dark chocolate also contains important minerals such as magnesium, iron and zinc, which help support the immune system and maintain strong bones. Experts stress that chocolate should not be relied upon as a main source of these nutrients though, as these are also found in foods such as cereals, bread, meat, fish, dairy products, nuts, fruit and vegetables.

High-cocoa dark chocolate is often chosen as a way to satisfy sweet cravings while keeping sugar intake relatively low. A typical 20g portion (around two squares) generally contains between 5 and 6g of sugar, making it a lighter option than many conventional snacks.

That said, it’s essential to check nutritional labels, as some brands still contain more than 22.5g of sugar per 100g, placing them in the “high sugar” category. Speaking on BBC’s Just One Thing, hosted by the late Doctor Michael Mosley: “Studies have shown that just two squares of dark chocolate is all you need to see positive effects, and sticking to this is important.”

Will you be adding dark chocolate to your diet or replacing milk chocolate? Let us know in the comments.