Dark Chocolate Vs. Milk Chocolate Taste

The difference in taste between milk and dark chocolate comes from cocoa concentrations and additives.


Many people agree chocolate is delicious, but chocolate itself comes in all shapes and varieties. From dark to milk, and inexpensive to refined, the taste variations of chocolate is based on concentration of original cocoa in the chocolate, quality of ingredients and additives used. While chocolate is frequently enjoyed alone, it also pairs well with other foods.

Dark Chocolate

Dark chocolate inherently has more original cocoa present, but even dark chocolate comes in a variety of cocoa concentrations. Dark chocolate bars have anywhere between 35 percent cocoa content -- cocoa solids with cocoa butter -- and up to 100 percent cocoa -- unsweetened chocolate without other ingredients or additives. Dark chocolate naturally has a more bitter taste than milk chocolate, but levels of cocoa higher than 80 percent make it especially bitter due to low sugar levels. Sweet chocolate-lovers often do not tolerate the taste of this high cocoa content well.

Milk Chocolate

Milk chocolate, the sweeter counterpart to dark and the basis of many popular candy bars and sweet treats, has less of the original cocoa bean than dark chocolate. Milk chocolate contains cocoa solids but is also diluted with milk solids, sugar and cream, giving it a smoother, creamier taste with less bite. The name is fitting -- milk chocolate has a milkier taste than dark. In addition to taste, milk chocolate often has a creamier texture than dark.

Chocolate Quality

The quality of your chocolate has a huge impact on the taste. Products manufactured by large, commercial companies are intended to last a long time and be relatively inexpensive for buyers. Cheap milk chocolate can often have a waxy taste. Low-quality dark chocolate can also taste harsh and offensive. Often cheap, low-quality chocolate contains artificial flavorings, which comes across in the taste. Many small, independent chocolate producers and chocolatiers aim for a more refined taste in their products.

Taste Pairings

“Fitness” magazine provides some ideas for pairing chocolate with other foods for a healthy mixture that packs a tasty punch. Fruit, low-fat yogurt, a handful of nuts and cereal all taste great with a small amount of chocolate sprinkled on top. Consider drizzling homemade dark or milk chocolate sauce over a bowl of fresh berries or low-fat frozen yogurt. Both kinds of chocolate can also be a tasty addition to milk, coffee or soy-based beverages.

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