29/01/2023
The Types of Chocolate:
Dark Chocolate
Dark chocolate can be broken down into two types: bittersweet chocolate and semi-sweet chocolate. The FDA requires that dark chocolate contain at least 35% cacao and less than 12% milk solids. After that, it is up to the manufacturer to label their chocolate as bittersweet or semi-sweet. Typically, bittersweet has a higher percentage of cocoa than semi-sweet and is the less sweet of the two types.
Milk Chocolate
Milk chocolate is characteristically mild, sweet, and creamy in flavor. The FDA requires that milk chocolate must contain at least 10% chocolate liquor, 3.39% milkfat, and at least 12% milk solids. Because it contains more sugar and milk solids, milk chocolate is sweeter than semi-sweet chocolate and should not be used as a substitute in recipes.
White Chocolate
The FDA requires that white chocolate is made up of at least 20% cocoa butter, 3.5% milkfat, and 14% milk solids. White chocolate is unique in that it does not contain any cocoa solids, which is what gives dark and milk chocolate its brown color. Because it is very sweet, white chocolate shines with bitter, tart, or nutty flavors that offset its sweetness.
