70% is the number you will see most often on dark chocolate in Malaysia and Singapore. It is the usual first step up from milk chocolate. This guide explains what the number means, how a 70% bar tastes, and how to enjoy it.
What does 70% mean?
When you see "70% cocoa" on a chocolate bar, it means that 70% of the product comes from cocoa solids and cocoa butter. The remaining 30% is usually sugar or another sweetener, plus any other ingredients.
A higher percentage generally means:
- More cacao and less sweetener
- A stronger, richer chocolate flavour
- More bitterness and intensity
Milk chocolate often contains around 30 to 40% cocoa and a lot more sugar, so a 70% bar tastes noticeably deeper and less sweet.
What does 70% dark chocolate taste like?
A good 70% bar is smooth and balanced, with a gentle sweetness and clear cacao flavour. The exact taste depends on where the cacao is grown, how the beans are fermented, and how they are roasted. Bars made from low-temperature roasted beans keep more of the bean's natural fruity aroma, while darker roasts taste more nutty and toasty.
What is in a 70% bar?
The best dark chocolate has a short ingredient list. Our Artisan 70% Dark Chocolate has three ingredients: cacao beans, cocoa butter and organic cane sugar. If you see vegetable fat on the label, the chocolate is not made with real cocoa butter. Our post on cocoa butter vs vegetable fat explains the difference.
70% compared with 80% and 100%
- 70%: smooth and approachable. A good place to start if you are new to dark chocolate.
- 80%: deeper, more bitter and less sweet.
- 100%: pure cacao with no sweetener. Very intense.
Not sure which to choose? Read our guide to 70% vs 80% dark chocolate.
Ways to enjoy 70% dark chocolate
- On its own, one square at a time, letting it melt slowly.
- With black coffee, unsweetened tea or red wine.
- With nuts, dried fruit or fresh strawberries.
- Chopped into oatmeal or yoghurt.
- Melted into hot milk for a rich, less sweet hot chocolate.
Store it in a cool, dry place below 25°C. In Malaysia's hot weather, see our guide on how to store chocolate.
Frequently asked questions
Is 70% dark chocolate too bitter for beginners?
For most people it is not. 70% is the gentlest of the dark chocolate percentages, with enough sweetness to balance the cacao. If it still tastes strong, pair it with milk, nuts or fruit.
How much 70% dark chocolate should I eat?
A square or two is usually enough, because the flavour is concentrated. See our post on how much dark chocolate per day.
Why do two 70% bars taste different?
The percentage only tells you how much is cacao. Origin, fermentation, roasting and recipe all change the flavour.
Ready to try one? Browse our dark chocolate bars.
