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Dark chocolate (half square) Calories
Rich in cocoa, source of antioxidants, low sugar
In season: Winter · Spring · Summer · Autumn
CALORIES · 100 G
GI
POTASSIUM · 100 G
FIBER · 100 G
Quick answer
½ piece (half) of Dark chocolate (half square) (5 g) has 27 calories. That works out to 540 calories per 100 g. It contains 2.3 g of carbs, 0.4 g of protein, 1.8 g of fat and 0.6 g of fiber. Its 0.1 mg of Copper covers 10% of the Daily Value. Its glycemic index is 23 (low), so it raises blood sugar slowly.
Dark chocolate (half square) Nutrition Facts
Selected: ½ piece (half) · 5 g
27
KCAL / 5G
Carbs
2.3g
· 1% DV
Protein
0.4g
· 1% DV
Fat
1.8g
· 2% DV
Fiber
0.6g
· 2% DV
DV is the share of the daily value covered, on a 2,000 kcal reference diet.
Calories come from: Carbs 34% · Protein 6% · Fat 60%
Dark chocolate (half square) nutrition facts table · ½ piece (half) (5 g)
| Nutrient | Amount | % DV |
|---|---|---|
| Calories | 27 kcal | |
| Total fat | 1.8 g | 2% |
| Saturated fat | 1.08 g | 5% |
| Trans fat | 0 g | |
| Sodium | 1 mg | 0% |
| Total carbohydrate | 2.3 g | 1% |
| Fiber | 0.6 g | 2% |
| Protein | 0.4 g | 1% |
Calories: Calories measure energy. Average daily need is 2,000 kcal. Excess calories are stored as fat, too few cause weight loss.
Carbs: Your body's primary energy source. The brain runs exclusively on carbs. Daily need: 275g.
Protein: Essential for muscle repair and cell growth. Daily need: 50g. Keeps you full and boosts metabolism.
Fat: Needed for hormone production and vitamin absorption. Daily need: 78g. Limit saturated fats, choose unsaturated.
Fiber: Critical for digestive health and satiety. Daily need: 28g. Stabilizes blood sugar, lowers cholesterol.
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How Many Calories in ½ Dark chocolate (half square)?
| Serving | Amount | Calories |
|---|---|---|
| ½ piece (half) | 5 g | 27 kcal |
| 1 piece (thin) | 7 g | 38 kcal |
| 1 piece (whole) | 10 g | 54 kcal |
| 1 piece (thick) | 15 g | 81 kcal |
| 2 piece (double) | 20 g | 108 kcal |
| 1 serving (medium) | 30 g | 162 kcal |
| 1 serving (large) | 50 g | 270 kcal |
| 100 g | 100 g | 540 kcal |
| 1 pack (whole) | 100 g | 540 kcal |
Calculated from 540 calories per 100 g.
Frequently Asked Questions About Dark chocolate (half square)
Is dark chocolate good for you?
Dark chocolate provides cocoa flavanols and other plant compounds, but it is still a rich sweet food. A small portion can fit into a balanced diet; choosing a higher-cocoa option does not make unlimited amounts beneficial.
Can dark chocolate help with weight loss?
No, dark chocolate is not a weight-loss food. Its rich taste may make a small serving satisfying, but frequent large portions can add substantial energy. Treat it as a dessert rather than a way to lose weight.
Does dark chocolate contain caffeine?
Yes, dark chocolate contains caffeine from cocoa, as well as theobromine, another stimulant. The amount varies with cocoa content and serving size, so people who are sensitive to caffeine may want to avoid it late in the day.
How much dark chocolate should you eat a day?
There is no official daily amount of dark chocolate that suits everyone. Keep it to a small treat-sized portion, especially if you eat other sweets, and remember that a higher cocoa percentage does not make a large serving calorie-free.
Is dark chocolate toxic to dogs?
Yes, dark chocolate can poison dogs because cocoa contains theobromine and caffeine. Darker chocolate can be especially hazardous. If your dog eats any, contact a veterinarian promptly and share the type, approximate amount, and time eaten.
Does dark chocolate lower blood pressure?
Cocoa flavanols in dark chocolate may have a modest, short-term effect on blood vessel function and blood pressure. The effect is not a treatment, and dark chocolate should not replace prescribed blood-pressure medication.
Why does dark chocolate turn white?
The pale coating on dark chocolate is usually fat or sugar bloom, caused when fat or sugar moves to the surface after temperature or humidity changes. It is generally a quality change, not a sign that the chocolate is unsafe.
How should you store dark chocolate after opening it?
Keep opened dark chocolate tightly wrapped in a cool, dry place away from strong odors and direct sunlight. Avoid temperature swings, which can cause a white bloom; refrigerate it only when the room is too warm for it to stay firm.
Can you eat dark chocolate during pregnancy?
Yes, dark chocolate is generally safe during pregnancy in moderate portions. It contains caffeine, so include it in your overall caffeine intake; if you have been told to limit caffeine for a medical reason, ask your clinician about your own limit.
Can dark chocolate contain lead or cadmium?
Yes, cocoa plants can absorb cadmium from soil, and lead can enter cocoa during harvesting or processing. Levels vary by origin and product, so avoid relying on dark chocolate as a daily staple in large portions.
Dark chocolate (half square) Vitamins & Minerals
Vitamins
B1
0mg · 0% DV
Biotin
0.1µg · 0% DV
Vitamin K
0.4µg · 0% DV
B3
0.05mg · 0% DV
Minerals
Copper
0.09mg · 10% DV
Manganese
0.1mg · 4% DV
Iron
0.6mg · 3% DV
Magnesium
11mg · 3% DV
Potassium ⭐
36mg · 1% DV
Sodium
1mg · 0% DV
Dark chocolate (half square) Glycemic Index
GLYCEMIC INDEX
GLYCEMIC LOAD
Accounts for portion size — a more realistic measure than GI alone.
How to Burn Off Dark chocolate (half square)
To burn the 27 calories in ½ piece (half) (5 g):
🚶
Walking (5 km/h)
🏃
Running (8 km/h)
🚴
Cycling
🏊
Swimming
Times are calculated with the MET equation for a 70 kg adult. Actual burn varies with your weight, age and pace.
What is Dark chocolate (half square)?
Dark chocolate is made with cocoa solids and cocoa butter, with a deeper, more bittersweet cocoa flavour than milk chocolate and typically less sugar. Here, “half square” refers to a small portion rather than a full serving bar.
Its firm snap gives way to a smooth, slowly melting texture. It is commonly enjoyed on its own with coffee or tea, or chopped into baking; in many places, a small piece after a meal is an easy way to enjoy something sweet. Dark chocolate is cocoa-rich and provides fibre, but it is energy-dense, at 540 calories per 100 g. Keep the portion modest, or pair it with fruit if you prefer a less rich snack.
How Nutritious Is Dark chocolate (half square)?
Nutrient density
Medium
How many vitamins, minerals and how much fiber this food carries per calorie. A high score means a lot of nutrition for few calories.
Satiety score
Medium
An EatBetter score computed from fiber, protein and calorie density. A high score means staying full longer on the same calories.
Both scores are calculated per 100 g and do not change with the selected portion. The satiety score is EatBetter's own calculation, not a clinical measure.
Is Dark chocolate (half square) Processed?
NOVA 3
Processed
1. Unprocessed
2. Minimally Processed
3. Processed
4. Ultra-Processed
NOVA classifies foods into 4 groups by industrial processing. NOVA 1 (unprocessed) is the healthiest.
Does Dark chocolate (half square) Contain Allergens?
No known major allergens
Which Diets Is Dark chocolate (half square) Good For?
Vegan
— Not suitable
Vegetarian
✓ Suitable
Gluten-Free
— Not suitable
Dairy-Free
— Not suitable
Mediterranean
✓ Suitable
Paleo
— Not suitable
Whole30
— Not suitable
DASH
— Not suitable
Keto
— Not suitable
Low FODMAP
— Not suitable
Dark chocolate (half square) Fat Profile
SATURATED
1.08g
MONOUNSATURATED
0.58g
POLYUNSATURATED
0.07g
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Nutrition data compiled from USDA FoodData Central and scientific sources.