ÖKO-TEST’s December 2024 issue evaluated 21 dark chocolates, focusing on cocoa content and Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) practices. No product received a ‘very good’ rating; Lindt faced criticism with a grade of 6 due to harmful ingredients and inadequate CSR. The top-rated chocolate was Tony’s Chocolonely 70% dark chocolate. An affordable organic option, Lidl’s Fairglobe Organic Chocolate, also performed well. The assessment included rigorous ingredient testing and supplier evaluations on ethical sourcing and labor practices.
Insights from the latest ÖKO-TEST findings*
In the December 2024 issue, ÖKO-TEST delved into the world of dark chocolate, evaluating 21 different products from supermarkets, discount stores, organic markets, and drugstores. The chocolates featured cocoa content ranging from 66% to 75%, with ten of them proudly holding organic certifications.
The assessment included a thorough laboratory analysis of ingredients, along with an evaluation of each chocolate manufacturer’s Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR). CSR encompasses a company’s social obligations as part of sustainable practices. In this chocolate assessment, ÖKO-TEST focused on various aspects including supply chain transparency, corporate diligence, and issues related to child labor, working conditions, and environmental sustainability in cocoa-producing regions. For detailed insights into the testing methodology and evaluations, continue reading below.
Lindt Chocolate Faces Criticism with a Grade of 6
Among the 21 chocolates reviewed, none achieved a ‘very good’ rating. Five dark chocolates earned a ‘good’ mark, four of which were organic. Meanwhile, seven chocolates received a ‘satisfactory’ rating, and five barely met the criteria with a ‘sufficient’ grade.
Four chocolates did not pass the assessment, with two scoring a grade of 5, including an organic option from dm. The other two chocolates were rated with a grade of 6, notably including the renowned Lindt brand. The disappointing ratings stemmed from the presence of potentially harmful ingredients like mineral oil and a lackluster performance in CSR initiatives. It is particularly disheartening that well-established brands fail to prioritize fair labor practices and environmental stewardship.
High Cocoa Content Chocolate Test Winner
The standout conventional chocolate with a ‘good’ rating is Tony’s Chocolonely 70% dark chocolate. Although this chocolate also contains traces of mineral oil and pesticides, they are present in minimal quantities.
Among the organic selections, four chocolates received a ‘good’ rating, including an unexpected budget-friendly option from Lidl: Fairglobe Organic Chocolate Bitter, 70% cocoa, priced at approximately 1.40 euros per 100 grams.
In contrast, the conventional winner from Tony’s Chocolonely is priced higher.
For those interested in a comprehensive test report with all findings, it is available for a fee at ÖKO-TEST.
Understanding the ÖKO-TEST Chocolate Evaluation Process
ÖKO-TEST purchased a selection of 21 dark chocolates indicating cocoa content between 66% and 75%, with ten featuring an organic label. Prices for 100 grams ranged from 1.19 to 6.41 euros, sourced from supermarkets, organic shops, drugstores, and discount retailers.
To assess product quality, various laboratories conducted tests on the chocolates. They compared total amounts of sugar, fat, cocoa butter, and reported cocoa content with the declared values, revealing no discrepancies. Additional testing was performed for harmful residues such as mineral oil hydrocarbons, pesticides, and heavy metals, alongside a microbiological examination, which only found two products exceeding germ count guidelines.
Chocolates that claimed to contain (Bourbon) vanilla, vanilla extract, or natural vanilla flavor were scrutinized to confirm the use of genuine vanilla, which was validated across all samples. No significant issues regarding acrylamide, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, ochratoxin A, or aflatoxin emerged. Sensory analysts evaluated the chocolates for taste, aroma, and texture, reporting no major discrepancies. The packaging declarations were also verified to check if flavor or natural flavor had been used appropriately, and the Nutri-Scores were accurately calculated.
Finally, experts sought insights into the conditions under which the cocoa beans were sourced. They distributed a comprehensive questionnaire to all suppliers to assess their knowledge of the cocoa supply chain, adherence to corporate due diligence, and accountability for supply chain risks. Queries included the exclusion of child labor, the existence of monitoring systems, strategies for living wages, and evidence of a ban on highly hazardous pesticides and deforestation over the past seven years. Points were awarded only if suppliers could substantiate their efforts pertaining to the specific batch being tested by ÖKO-TEST.