Santa Barbara Chocolate's Organic 72% Dark Chocolate is made with simple ingredients for those who like their chocolate rich in cocoa but not overly sweet. Made with cocoa from the Hispaniola jungle, this chocolate has a clear label and a unique flavor profile. Here, we break down the nutritional values and offer insight into what you’re consuming with every serving.
A Closer Look at the Ingredients
The Organic 72% is made with the following:
- Organic cacao beans
- Organic cane sugar
- Organic cocoa butter
- Organic sunflower lecithin (non-GMO)
Each ingredient contributes to the final flavor and texture. No dairy products, artificial flavorings, or additives that are frequently found in traditional chocolate are present. Customers who are clean-label, dairy-free, and vegan will find this to be very helpful.
Understanding the Serving Size
A standard serving size is 1 ounce (28 grams), roughly equivalent to about one square or a few pieces depending on how the chocolate is molded. Serving sizes help you keep track of calories and nutrients in a regular way.
Caloric Value and Macronutrients
Here is a general breakdown per 1 oz (28g) serving of the Organic 72% Dark Chocolate:
- Calories: ~170
- Total Fat: 13g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
- Sodium: 0mg
- Total Carbohydrate: 13g
- Dietary Fiber: 4g
- Total Sugars: 6g
- Protein: 2g
This composition makes it suitable for individuals who prefer a higher cacao percentage and are monitoring their sugar intake. The fat in this chocolate comes from the cocoa and cacao butter, not from dairy or fillers.
Rich Source of Dietary Fiber
With 4 grams of dietary fiber per ounce, the Organic 72% Dark Chocolate contributes to daily fiber intake. People know that fiber is good for your digestive health, makes you feel full, and slows down your glycemic response.
Cacao beans naturally contain both soluble and insoluble fiber. Since this chocolate uses a high percentage of cacao solids, it retains much of this benefit. It can be a helpful addition to a fiber-conscious diet when consumed in moderation.
Low Sugar Compared to Conventional Chocolate
Conventional milk chocolate products typically contain between 12 to 25 grams of sugar per serving. In comparison, Santa Barbara Chocolate’s Rainforest 72% Organic Dark Chocolate contains just about 6 grams of sugar per 28-gram serving. This is significantly lower, and the sugar used is organic cane sugar — a less refined option compared to white sugar.
People who want to cut back on sugar without giving up chocolate will like this one because it has less sugar. It also means less likelihood of sugar crashes and a steadier energy curve.
No Dairy, Gluten, or Soy
This chocolate is dairy-free, gluten-free, and soy-free, making it suitable for a wide variety of dietary needs. Instead of soy lecithin, which is a common emulsifier in chocolate, Santa Barbara Chocolate uses organic sunflower lecithin. This alternative is gentler on digestion and preferable to those avoiding soy.
Because of its clean formulation, the chocolate is also compatible with paleo-style eating or minimally processed diets, provided sugar content is factored in accordingly.
Antioxidant-Rich Due to Cacao Content
Dark chocolate, especially with 70% or more cacao content, contains naturally occurring compounds like flavanols and polyphenols. These antioxidants are found in the cacao bean itself.
While the amount of flavanols may vary depending on processing, higher-percentage chocolates like the Organic 72% typically retain more of these compounds than milk chocolate. You should know that fermentation, roasting, and polishing can change the amount of antioxidants in chocolate. Santa Barbara Chocolate makes sure to keep as much of the natural cacao as possible.
Suitable for Vegan and Plant-Based Lifestyles
There are no animal-derived ingredients in this chocolate. This makes it a good fit for vegan diets or those aiming to limit animal products. It can be paired with fruit, nut butters, or even used in dairy-free baking recipes without compromising dietary choices.
Whether melted, chopped, or eaten straight, the Organic 72% is versatile for plant-based meals, desserts, and snacks.
Cocoa Butter vs. Milk Fat
Santa Barbara Organic 72% uses organic cocoa butter as its only fat source. Cocoa butter is the fat pressed from the cacao bean and contributes to the smooth mouthfeel and texture of the chocolate.
Unlike some conventional chocolates that blend in milk fat or other oils, this product keeps things simple. This not only keeps the flavor profile true to dark chocolate but also appeals to those avoiding dairy or hydrogenated oils.
Ideal for Baking or Snacking
The format of this chocolate allows it to be used in both sweet and savory applications. It can be chopped into chunks for cookies, melted for ganache, or paired with espresso or wine. Bakers who prefer to avoid added milk solids or overly sweet chocolate will find the Organic 72% to be a reliable ingredient.
Its firm snap and low sugar content also make it a satisfying snack straight from the package — just enough sweetness to balance the bitterness of high-percentage cacao.
Final Note on Storage and Shelf Life
To maintain the best texture and flavor, store the chocolate in a cool, dry place away from sunlight. Ideal temperature range is between 60°F and 70°F (15°C to 21°C). Avoid refrigeration as it can lead to moisture buildup and sugar bloom, which affects the surface appearance.
Properly stored, unopened packages can last 12 months or longer. Be sure to check the “best by” date on each product for accuracy.
Why Choose Santa Barbara Organic 72%?
The goal of Santa Barbara Chocolate is to make chocolate that is in line with simple, quality-focused values. The 72% Organic Dark Chocolate is made for people who want cacao-rich chocolate that is clear about where it comes from and has a clean label. It only has a few organic ingredients and no fillers that aren't needed.
Whether you’re looking for a baking ingredient, a better snacking option, or a vegan-friendly chocolate, the Organic 72% delivers with clarity and simplicity.
Take a look at our nutritional information.