Dark Chocolate With Sweeteners
Dark chocolate itself is generally regarded as safe; sweetener choice drives the safety profile. Polyols (maltitol, sorbitol) cause osmotic diarrhea in moderate amounts, and dark chocolate may contain elevated cadmium and lead per Consumer Reports/FDA testing — primarily a concern for frequent or large-volume consumers.
What it is
Dark chocolate sweetened with non-sugar sweeteners (typically polyols like maltitol or non-nutritive sweeteners like stevia or sucralose) instead of sugar.
Confectionery for reduced-sugar/diabetic-friendly markets.
Why it's flagged
- polyol-induced GI upset
- possible cadmium and lead contamination in dark chocolate
What regulators actually say
"FDA has identified dark chocolate as a food in which lead and cadmium can occur at levels of concern, and continues to monitor these heavy metals in cacao-based products."
Regulatory status
United States — FDA
Cocoa products under standards of identity 21 CFR Part 163; sweeteners individually regulated
European Union — EFSA
Authorized; cadmium maximum levels set in EU Reg. 2023/915
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