When it comes to different types of chocolate, everyone has a favorite type. From white and milk to dark chocolate, there is so much that goes into making chocolate. In fact, there are some chocolate ingredients that define whether the chocolate will be semisweet or bittersweet. Why people crave chocolate intensely also depends on its type. For instance, people love softer white chocolate more than creamy milk chocolate. Moreover, some people love to eat only dark chocolate. Because every kind of chocolate is different, there is so much you need to know about all the kinds of chocolate.
So, if you do not know much about chocolate types, let us enlighten you. We have the best knowledge about chocolate, its types, and everything about it. What’s more, we will share about the various flavors, compositions, and characteristics of different types of chocolate in this blog. So, whether you are a chocoholic or someone with a sweet tooth and curious mind, read on if you want to be amazed by the knowledge behind different kinds of chocolate.
Types of Chocolates in the market
Everyone is aware of the main types of chocolates in the market. For example, you must have tasted white, milk, or dark chocolate in one form or another. Gift baskets and crates are always full of these three types of chocolates. In fact, these three types of chocolate are even famously served on fresh dipped fruit as well. But there are so many other types of chocolates aside from these three main ones. Here, we will discuss all these types. From dark and white to less known kinds of chocolates. So, you better grab some chocolate truffles because this blog is going to get informatively sweet for you.
Chocolate Liquor
The base of all types of chocolate is the same. This base is called chocolate liquor. It is the ingredient that is used for making chocolates of different kinds. Moreover, people also refer to this base as unsweetened chocolate. It has a thick appearance. In fact, it looks like a dark brown paste. What’s more, it is created from the cocoa nibs – inside of the cocoa beans. First, you firmly ground these cocoa nibs into a smooth texture. Once done, heat this smooth paste to make liquid. Secondly, this resulting liquid is formed into bars and chips of chocolates.
Did you know?
Unlike its name, there is no Alcohol in the Chocolate Liquor
There are no added ingredients in the chocolate liquor. As aforementioned, it is the base of all types of chocolates. Moreover, it is 100% cocoa. If you put this paste-like liquor under high temperature, you can separate the cocoa butter and cocoa powder from this base. The powder that you make from this base is also known as cocoa solids.
White Chocolate
You can easily identify the white chocolate. After all, white chocolate has a creamy and ivory color. The ingredients of white chocolate are sugar, cocoa butter, milk, vanilla, and lecithin. Moreover, Lecithin is an emulsifier that helps in blending the ingredients together. What’s more, the vanilla in the white chocolate gives it a sweet aroma. The basic taste of white chocolate is always sweet. It is a creamy delectable that is sugary. You can think of it as a blend of condensed milk and vanilla. Additionally, it has a rich, soft, and creamy texture. Because there is high sugar and cocoa butter in white chocolate, it has a sweet and creamy texture.
Did you know?
According to the FDA definition, there must be 20% cocoa content in a white chocolate
Unlike other types of chocolate, there are no cocoa solids – cocoa powder – in white chocolate. After all, the dark color of the chocolate comes from the cocoa solids. The thick chocolatey taste also comes from these cocoa solids. Now many people say that white chocolate is not actually chocolate. But it is one of the best types of chocolate, it is made from cocoa just like the other chocolate types. But there are some white chocolate substitutes in the market as well. Because there is no cocoa in them, these substitutes are not chocolates.
- White chocolate has a shelf life of about four months
- It majorly used for cooking, baking, and decorating
- It is the best chocolate for dairy-forward flavor profile
- Most people love to pair it with coconut recipes
- White chocolate is the creamiest chocolate type
Milk Chocolate
Undoubtedly, it is one of the most classic types of chocolate. It is the flavor that we all know and love from childhood. In fact, it is the most common type of chocolate in the market. It has a light brown color, a sweet flavor, and a creamy texture. There is no doubt that it is the most popular type of chocolate in the market as well. After all, it is so easy to make this chocolate. You just must combine chocolate liquor with milk and sugar. If you want to enhance the smoothness, you can also use an emulsifier. When you break a piece of milk chocolate, its lovingly sweet aroma fills the air. This sweet aroma comes from caramelized sugar, cocoa, dairy, and vanilla.
Did you know?
According to the FDA, there must be 10% chocolate liquor and 12% milk in a Milk Chocolate
For people who love to eat white and dark chocolate, milk chocolate is the in-between. It has the creamy texture of white chocolate, and cocoa richness of the dark chocolate. But even though this chocolate has a sweeter texture, it is not like white chocolate. As for its shelf life, it can last up to 16 months without any major difference in the taste. It is a great choice if you are looking for birthday chocolates. Moreover, most people use milk chocolate in baking. If the recipe requires a milder chocolate flavor, the best pick you have are milk chocolates. Other types of chocolate will not bring the same creamy and chocolatey taste to the recipe. Dark chocolate can get too bitter while white chocolate can get too sweet.
Dark chocolate
The second most popular type of chocolate is dark chocolate. Less sweet than milk chocolate, it is also referred to as black or semisweet chocolate. There are so many health benefits attached to dark chocolate. In fact, these health benefits are the reason this chocolate is so much more popular than the other types of chocolate. Moreover, this chocolate is simple in composition. Aside from the health benefits, there are so many fun facts attached to the nutritional value of dark chocolates. According to the comprehensive guide to dark chocolate, there are only two ingredients used to make it. These two ingredients are chocolate liquor – the base – and sugar. Sometimes, trace amounts of vanilla and lecithin are also added to the ingredients.
Did you know?
According to the FDA definition, there must be 15% chocolate liquor in Dark Chocolate
Most importantly, there is no added dairy in the dark chocolate. Thus, it is among the most preferred types of chocolate that vegans consume. The texture of dark chocolate is firmer. Because there is no dairy and less sugar in it, it is not creamy like milk and white chocolate. In fact, this is like half the reason dark chocolate has a satisfying snape when you break a piece. Additionally, the taste profile of the dark chocolate depends on its cocoa content. Most people prefer dark chocolates with high cocoa content. Therefore, most of the dark chocolates in the market are bitter in taste. This richness of cocoa is the reason it has so many health benefits. Lastly, if you store it properly, it can have a shelf life of about 20 months.
Bittersweet Chocolate
Bittersweet chocolate has gained a lot of traction recently. Because people have started to learn more about cocoa and cocoa percentages. In fact, you can also refer to bittersweet chocolate as extra dark chocolate. Because most people claim that you should eat dark chocolate with a cocoa content of 70% or more, bittersweet chocolate has a high demand in the market. Of all the types of chocolates, it is the most promoted one. After all, there are so many health benefits of consuming cocoa.
Did you know?
Generally, the amount of cocoa liquor in these types of chocolate is 50% at least. Because it has high cocoa content, the sugar added in it is less than that of other chocolate types. Like its name, it is a bittersweet blend of taste. As for the flavor profile, some of the bittersweet chocolates can have a fruity tang while the others might have an earthly aftertaste. The reason behind this is that the cocoa grown in different areas has a different taste. You can use bittersweet chocolate in recipes that need a rich cocoa flavor. Lastly, the shelf life of dark chocolates is 20 months if you store it properly.
Qualities and Ingredients of Different Types of Chocolates |
||||
White Chocolate |
Milk Chocolate |
Dark Chocolate |
Bittersweet Chocolate |
|
|
Texture |
Sugary |
Creamy |
Thick |
Too Thick |
|
Taste |
Sweet |
Milky |
Bitter |
Too Bitter |
|
Sugar |
High |
Moderate |
Less |
Very Less |
|
Emulsifier |
Present |
Present |
Sometimes |
Absent |
|
Cocoa |
Low |
Moderate |
High |
Very High |
Cocoa Powder
As aforementioned, it is created by heating up the chocolate liquor. For example, when you use high pressure, you can separate the cocoa solids from chocolate liquor. Then, crush these solids to make a very fine cocoa powder. Of all the types of chocolate, cocoa powder is the lesser known one. In fact, many people are aware of this chocolate type. Yet they do not consider it chocolate because it comes in a powdery form. But powder or liquid or a bar, chocolate is chocolate in all its forms, shapes, and types. Moreover, there are two types of cocoa powder available in the market.
- Natural Cocoa
- Dutch processed Cocoa
Undoubtedly, both of these cocoa powders have different characteristics. For instance, the color of natural cocoa is lighter brown. The taste is strong – often acidic. However, Dutch processed cocoa is alkalized to neutralize this very acidity. The Dutch-process gives it a deep and warm color. It also has a slightly milder flavor compared to the natural cocoa. Dutch cocoa is great for baking. It is the most used ingredient for making chocolate cookies. Moreover, it is also used for making hot chocolate because the powder easily blends with the liquid. If you store it properly, it can have a ling shelf life of about 18 months.
Ruby Chocolate
Unlike how so many people think, ruby chocolate is not white chocolate that is colored to look ruby-like. In fact, it is a legit chocolate like other types of chocolate. As aforementioned, it is a ruby-like red-pink color. Additionally, it was introduced by a Belgian chocolate maker. Barry Callebaut was the person who introduced this chocolate type in the market. The secret behind its color comes from the source of its cocoa. There is a specific type of cocoa – the ruby cocoa bean – that lends this chocolate its color. Moreover, this specific cocoa is grown in Ecuador, Brazil, and the Ivory Coast.
Did you know?
The cocoa content of these types of chocolate is 47.5%. Moreover, ruby chocolates have 26.3% milk in them. Besides, the flavor has an intensity of fruitiness and fresh sour notes. People use this chocolate in the market for making fruit-flavored chocolate. In fact, they also use it for making the colorful Instagram-worthy chocolates you see in the market. The shelf life of this ruby chocolate is about 12 months. The taste of this chocolate is a blend of fruitful goodness and cocoa richness along with milky creaminess. It is not a very largely available flavor – type – of chocolate in the market. Unlike milk chocolate, this chocolate type is not known to many people in the market. Moreover, some people also mistake it for colored chocolate. Thus, its unique color is also the reason it is not a very famous chocolate type in the market.
