Dark Chocolate Products Research Articles

Environmental Impact Analysis to Achieve Sustainability for Artisan Chocolate Products Supply Chain

Small-scale artisan chocolate producers target environmentally conscious consumers and must work with their supply chain partners to measure and improve their environmental impacts. This research evaluates the environmental impact along the supply chain of artisan dark chocolate products in Indonesia and creates an action plan to reduce environmental impact. The Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) methodology was used. The analysis considers cocoa production from the farm level to the processing of cocoa beans into bars in three stages for 1 kg of dark chocolate: the farm maintenance and harvesting stage; post-harvesting stage; and processing stage. At the farm maintenance and harvesting stage, the significant contributions are 72.5% of total abiotic depletion (AD), 47.2% of total global warming (GW), 80.2% of total eutrophication (EU). The significant contributions at the post-harvesting are 31.2% of total AD, 51.8% of total GW, 83% of total EU, 26.4% of total ozone layer depletion (ODP), 20.1% of total cumulative energy demand (CED) and non-renewable fossil (NRF), and 36.9% of total CED renewable biomass (RB). And at the processing stage, the significant contributions are 20.5% of total AD, 15% of total GW, 4% of total ODP, 13.1% of total acidification (AC), 12% of total EU, 10% of total fossil resource scarcity (FRS), and 1.6% of total CED NRF. Changes to the farm maintenance and harvesting stages contributed the most to environmental impact reduction by improving waste utilization and the treatment and selection of environmentally friendly materials.

Physicochemical, and microbiological characteristics of probiotic dark chocolate bar sweetened with palm sugar and coconut sugar

Dark chocolate is considered a nutritious food due to its high polyphenol and antioxidant activity. The improvement of chocolate functionality can be conducted by enriching it with probiotics. Replacement of sucrose in probiotics-enriched chocolate with palm or coconut sugar serves as a probiotic protective agent and increases its functional value. The addition of probiotics and sugar replacement will change the physical, chemical and microbiological properties of dark chocolate products. This research aimed to investigate the physical, chemical and microbiological characteristics of probiotic dark chocolate with sucrose replacement by coconut sugar and palm sugar. The viscosity, colour, melting profile and surface microstructure were investigated for physical properties of probiotic dark chocolate. Total phenolic content was measured by Folin-Ciocalteu method, and the antioxidant activity was quantified by the DPPH radical method. Total lactic acid bacteria were evaluated for microbiological properties of chocolates. As a reference, probiotics enriched dark chocolate with sucrose were also studied. The results showed that the viscosity of all the samples was significantly different, and chocolate sweetened with coconut sugar was the most viscous. Based on the DSC profile, chocolate sweetened with sucrose had a lower melting temperature than chocolate sweetened with coconut and palm sugar. The antioxidant activity of chocolate sweetened with palm sugar was significantly higher than that of chocolate sweetened with coconut sugar and reference. Probiotic dark chocolate sweetened with coconut sugar and palm sugar had significantly higher total polyphenols than reference. Sugar replacement did not significantly influence the calorie value, but palm sugar was proven in reducing the calorie of the probiotic dark chocolate. Dark chocolate provided suitable protection in fulfilled adequate viability for being claimed as a probiotic food, i.e., 6.88, 6.94, 7.16 log CFU/g respectively. Microscopy visualization showed that sugar agglomeration happened in both probiotic dark chocolates sweetened with coconut sugar and palm sugar. In general, the replacement of sucrose with palm and coconut sugar slightly increases the total phenolic content and antioxidant activity of probiotics-enriched dark chocolate.

Projective mapping of preferences on milk and dark chocolate bar fortified nanocapsules Arthrospira carotenoid

The characteristics in milk or dark chocolate Arthrospira products require testing before the product is released to the market. The purpose of this study was to use the Projective Mapping (PM) method to determine the characteristics and preferences of consumers toward milk or dark chocolate Arthrospira carotenoid products compared to commercial milk or dark chocolate products on the market, and to analyze the factors that can influence consumers’ purchasing intention. The chocolate samples tested were Arthospira milk chocolate and ten commercial milk chocolate samples (SQ, DF, LD, DV, CB, MG, VH, BB, TB, and WD). The dark one compares to ten commercial dark chocolates (SQ, M5, M6, M7, DC, WD, TB, BB, LD, and DV). The factors that influence consumers’ purchasing intentions are identified through an online survey and analyzed using chi-square. A total of 159 people (68 PM respondents and 91 non-PM respondents) took part in the milk chocolate poll, while 92 people (41 PM respondents and 51 non-PM respondents) took part in the dark chocolate poll. PM test shows consumers perceive milk chocolate and dark chocolate fortified with nanocapsules Arthospira carotenoid to be similar in taste, appearance, texture, and price to some commercial chocolate bar products, implying that both chocolate products fortified with nanocapsulesArthospira carotenoid can compete in the market. The results of the chi-square test for milk chocolate show that for PM respondents, socio-demographic factors, consumer habits of buying chocolate bars, knowledge of Arthrospira, and the benefits of consuming Arthospira influence their buying interest, whereas for non-PM respondents, consumer habits of buying chocolate bars influence their buying intention. The results of the dark chocolate chi-square test show that respondents’ knowledge of the benefits of consuming chocolate bars and the emotion conducted to consume chocolate bars and influence their purchasing interest.

Application of Complex Chitosan Hydrogels Added With Canola Oil in Partial Substitution of Cocoa Butter in Dark Chocolate

The complexation of polymeric materials can be an alternative to trapping oil in a physical network for formulating foods with reduced saturated fat content. In this research, we have evaluated the use of different polymer ratios of Sodium Alginate (ALG), Carrageenan predominance iota (CR1) and Carrageenan predominance kappa (CR2) complexed with Chitosan (CHI) at a fixed polymer concentration (2% w/v) to formulate complex hydrogels and assess their oil holding capacity. The objective was to determine the polymer ratios of CHI to anionic polysaccharides (75:25, 50:50, and 25:75), determining the oil retention capacity in different ratios, and how this can affect the stability, microstructure and rheology of to produce low saturated chocolate with trapped canola oil. The stability of the hydrogels was characterized, considering the water retention and retention of canola oil in polysaccharides complexes. The more stable system was the hydrogel CHI:CR2 in a polymer ratio of 25:75. This formulation, when added of 20% of canola oil presented an apparent viscosity of 0.631 Pa.s at 300 s−1, and its use as replacer of saturated fat allowed the production of dark chocolate with 16% reduction in fat content and 80% of added cocoa butter. Stability studies showed that polysaccharides complexes network can retain the edible oil in chocolate formulation for 60 days. It has been proven that polysaccharides complexes can be incorporated to partially replace the fatty phase in chocolates without considerable changes in relevant characteristics as consumer acceptance evaluated by sensory tests and rheological properties.

Evaluation of Physicochemical Properties and Sensory Products of Cocoa Liquor and Dark Chocolate High Polyphenols and Flavanoids

Objectives: This research aims to determine the comparison of cocoa beans without fermentation and cocoa beans fermented dark chocolate products that meet the criteria as a health food based on the content of polyphenols and flavonoids with the aroma and taste that is liked by consumers. Methods/statistical analysis: The parameters tested on dark chocolate and cocoa liquor product are melting properties were determined using DSC (Differential scanning calorimeter), texture (TA-XT Plus Texture Analyzer), Colour lightness was measured using Hunter method (Chromameter), and total levels of polyphenols and flavonoids. In addition, the sensory analysis of aroma and taste using difference from control test methods. Statistical analyses were carried out with Design Expert Stat-Ease Version 11 for response surface methodology (DOE). Panelist data were subjected to analysis of variance (ANOVA) followed by Duncan’s Multiple Range, with a significance level of 0.05. Findings: The results of this study showed that the content of polyphenols and flavonoids on cocoa liquor and the highest dark chocolate respectively amounted to 195.472 mg/g samples and 79.622 mg/g samples while the levels of flavonoid respectively amounted to 206.15 mg/g samples and 113.15 mg/g samples. Best quality produced from cocoa liquor and dark chocolate (100% cocoa beans without fermentation) is the viscosity of 10.49 ± 1.539 poise and 42.166 ± 14.936 poise, texture 5280 g Force/sec, color lightness 22.03 and 27.42, melting point 32.17 °C. Based on the organoleptic test, dark chocolate products with a comparison of cocoa beans without fermentation and cocoa beans fermentation 25%: 75% have a better aroma and taste and more liked by consumers compared to other products. Applications: Mixing cocoa beans fermentation and without fermentation in the making of dark chocolate can increase the aroma and taste of dark chocolate, so it not only has functional properties as a healthy food but also has aroma and flavor that liked by consumers. Keywords: Cocoa Liquor, Dark Chocolate, Fermentation, Physicochemical Properties, Polyphenols.

Consumer PReferences for Dark Chocolate Products Fortified with Spirulina Platensis Using Analytical Hierarchy Process Method

Chocolate is a product made from cocoa (Theobroma cacao) beans and fat which is very popular because of its taste and nutrition. Dark chocolate has health benefits because of it’s contains antioxidants in the form of phenols and flavonoids. In previous study, the addition of β-carotene extract from S. platensis with a dose of 0.372% to dark chocolate products was aimed to fulfilling energy intake and vitamin A needs. Thus, it’s important to know the consumer pReferences for dark chocolate products fortified with S. platensis. This study aimed to determine the priority weight of the attributes for consumers and measure consumer pReferences for dark chocolate products fortified with S. platensis. This study used the Analytical Hierarchy Process method. Data were collected by distributing questionnaires to 100 respondents unskilled who representing the population level in Yogyakarta, using purposive random sampling. The results showed that the priority attributes of consumer in choosing dark chocolate products fortified with S. platensis are taste, sub-attribute of bitter taste (47.8%), price, sub-attribute of low price (53.3%), product benefits, subattribute of nutritional benefit (38.2%), flavor, sub-attribute of sweet flavor (64.2%), texture, sub-attribute of smooth texture (57.7%), aroma, sub-attribute of typical chocolate aroma (72.8%), and packaging, sub-attribute of packaging 2 (Lindt packaging) (25.8%). Meanwhile, the choice of dark chocolate products according to the consumer pReferences is dark chocolate product fortified with S. platensis with priority weight of 55.8%.

Uticaj dodatka lekovite gljive Coriolus versicolor i lešnika na antioksidativni potencijal i bioaktivni sadržaj crne čokolade

Oxidative stress is among the main culprits for the progression of chronic diseases such as cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, and neurodegenerative disorders. It is well known that dark chocolate possesses polyphenols as major constituents which dietary consumption has been associated to health beneficial effects. Consequently, this study aimed to analyze dark chocolate (DC) and dark chocolate enriched with medicinal mushroom Coriolus versicolor (DCC) and hazelnuts (DCH) regarding antioxidant potential and total polyphenol (TPC), flavonoid (TFC), flavan-3-ol (FLA) and proanthocyanidin (PCA) content. DPPH•, CUPRAC and ABTS•+ assays were applied for measuring antioxidant capacity. The average of all antioxidant tests for each product was used for calculating the antioxidant potency composite index (ACI). The mean values of all antioxidant assays indicated that all chocolate products contained potent antioxidants. The addition of hazelnuts to dark chocolate significantly affected its total flavonoid content. Regression analysis among results obtained with antioxidant assays revealed that dark chocolate and dark chocolate products may act in mixed mode, by direct reduction via electron transfer or by radical quenching via H atom transfer. Flavan-3ols had the most significant impact on the ability of the analyzed samples to reduce metals, while proanthocyanidins primarily acted as radical scavengers. The obtained results provided additional information regarding the value-added dark chocolates enriched with bioactive compounds of medicinal mushroom and plant origin.

The use of oven as a device to temper molten Dark Chocolate

Tempering is one of the most important processes in chocolate making. Tempering is needed to ensure that chocolate has correct melting point, hardness, snap and gloss. After tempering, cocoa butter crystallises in polymorphic form beta V, resulting in chocolate with melting point in the range of 33-34°C. This work investigated the impact of crystal maturation duration and holding time of tempering process on hardness and appearance of dark chocolate. Five durations of crystal maturation, namely 1,3,5,and 7 days and five holding time namely 3,6,9,12,15 and minutes were used as variables. The results showed that hardness of chocolate had propensity to increase as the maturation duration was prolonged. Similar trend was also observed as the holding time increased. With regard to the colour, the L*, a* and b* values tended to decrease as the duration of crystal maturation increased. The use oven method, thus, seemed to have potential for small-scale production of dark chocolate.

UTILIZATION OF LEMONGRASS EXTRACT (CYMBOPOGON CITRATUS) AGAINST THE ANTIOXIDANT CONTENT AND SENSORY PROPERTIES OF DARK CHOCOLATE PRODUCTS

The use of lemongrass extract on dark chocolate products is a diversification of processed chocolate products to increase the antioxidant content and sensory pofile. This research aims to study the effect of comparison chocolate and spice extracts, interaction chocolate and spice extracts comparison of lemongrass to antioxidant compounds and organoleptic characteristics, and to know the chemical properties of selected products. This study consisted of two phases: the first stage is to prepare lemongrass extract with the steam distillation method, the second stage is to make products that include chocolate melting, mixing and molding, then antioxidant tests and organoleptic to determine the selected products with quality sensory tasts and hedonic tests/preferences, chocolate product selected test chemical (moisture, ash, fat, protein, carbohydrate, and calories). The results of the study by testing the antioxidant different uses of chocolate on antioxidant components showed couverture chocolate types have a higher %inhibition compared to the chocolate kind of compound, the higher the addition of lemongrass extract, the higher antioxidant activity, in the organoleptic tests showed significantly different the parameters of aroma, taste and after taste, but not significantly different from the parameters of melt, interactions between different types of chocolate use, as well as the ratio of chocolate and lemongrass extract significantly influence antioxidant activity, but do not significantly affect organoleptic test results, couverture chocolate products with the addition of 0.3% spice extract are declared as selected products with antioxidant activity of 83.594%, 1.41% moisture, 1.04% ash, 20.96% fat, 3.40% protein content, 73.19% carbohydrates and total calories 495 kcal/100 grams.

The Sensory Quality and Volatile Profile of Dark Chocolate Enriched with Encapsulated Probiotic Lactobacillus plantarum Bacteria.

Cocoa and dark chocolate have a wide variety of powerful antioxidants and other nutrients that can positively affect human health. Probiotic dark chocolate has the potential to be a new product in the growing number of functional foods. In this study, encapsulated potential probiotic Lactobacillus plantarum 564 and commercial probiotic Lactobacillus plantarum 299v were added in the production of dark chocolate. The results show very good survival of probiotic bacteria after production and during storage, reaching 108cfu/g in the first 60 days and over 106cfu/g up to 180 days. No statistically significant difference (p > 0.05) in chemical composition and no major differences in the volatile profiles between control and experimental chocolate samples were observed, indicating no impact of probiotic bacteria on compositional and sensory characteristics of dark chocolate. The sensory evaluation of control and both probiotic dark chocolate samples showed excellent sensory quality after 60 and 180 days of storage, demonstrating that probiotics did not affect aroma, texture and appearance of chocolate. Due to a high viability of bacterial cells and acceptable sensory properties, it can be concluded that encapsulated probiotics Lb. plantarum 564 and Lb. plantarum 299v could be successfully used in the production of probiotic dark chocolate.

Dark chocolate with a high oleic peanut oil microcapsule content.

In accordance with the market demand for healthier indulgent food products, the present study aimed to determine the viability of the industrial production of dark chocolate with microcapsules of high oleic peanut oil content. Microcapsules of high oleic peanut oil were added to a control formulation using variations of mixing time. The chocolates presented a rheology characterized by a pseudoplastic behavior adjusted to the Casson model (r > 0.98) and calorimetric behavior indicating melting onset (21 °C), peak melting (32 °C) and melting end (41 °C); caramelization peak (183 °C); and carbonization peak (237 °C), being considered thermal stable. The mixing time and the amount of microcapsules added to the control chocolate did not significantly influence the flow limit (11.09 ± 1.73 Pa) or the physical characteristics of the chocolate: pH (6.74 ± 0.14), maximum particle size (0.019 ± 0.001 mm), water activity (0.358 ± 0.023) and brittleness (18.61 ± 3.74 N). However, the addition of microcapsules with a high oleic peanut oil content significantly increased the chocolate whiteness index, thixotropy and Casson's plastic viscosity, although it did not have a significant influence on the mixing time. The products obtained have a desirable quality and physical properties, being suitable for industrial production. © 2018 Society of Chemical Industry.

Effect of Inulin DP on Various Properties of Sugar-Free Dark Chocolates Containing Lactobacillus paracasei and Lactobacillus acidophilus

Abstract In the present study, the effect of different polymerization degree of inulin on the quality parameters of conventional and sugar-free dark chocolate products as well as on the vitality of probiotics used in the chocolates were investigated. To produce sugar-free dark chocolates prepared with the addition of maltitol, Lactobacillus paracasei/L. acidophilus and inulin with DP higher than 23 and lower than 10 were used as probiotic and prebiotic agents, respectively. After 90 day of storage, more than 6 log cfu/25 g probiotics were observed in the chocolates produced by supplementing of 9 log cfu/25 g probiotics. Considering the probiotic level for both conventional and sugar-free dark chocolate, the highest probiotic level was observed in the samples prepared from L. acidophilus and inulin with DP<10. In addition, inulin with DP<10 was found as more suitable in terms of rheological characteristics of the samples. Other quality parameters (texture, colour, melting profile and water activity) changed in narrow range which was allowable when compared with the control samples. Consequently, sugar-free chocolate containing L. paracasei and L. acidophilus could be produced which might satisfy the expectations of the consumers and appropriate to industrial production similar to conventional chocolate. The findings of the present study highlighted the importance of the selection of the most suitable prebiotic/probiotic combination for maximizing probiotic level in the chocolate products.

A Limited Survey of Dark Chocolate Bars Obtained in the United States for Undeclared Milk and Peanut Allergens

Undeclared allergens in chocolate products have been responsible for numerous allergen-related recalls in the United States. A survey was conducted to determine the prevalence of undeclared milk and peanut in 88 and 78 dark chocolate bars, respectively. Concentrations of milk (as nonfat dry milk) or peanut in three samples of each chocolate product were determined with two milk- or peanut-specific enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay kits. In 75% of the chocolate bar products with a milk advisory statement, milk concentrations were above the limit of quantitation (2.5 μg/g [ppm]), with the majority having concentrations >1,000 ppm. An additional 67% of chocolate bars with a "traces of milk" statement contained 3 to 6,700 ppm of milk. Fifteen percent of chocolates labeled dairy free or lactose free and 25% labeled vegan were positive for milk, all with concentrations >1,000 ppm. Even for chocolates with no reference to milk on the label, 33% of these products contained 60 to 3,400 ppm of milk. The survey of chocolate products for peanuts revealed that 8% of products with an advisory statement contained peanut, with the highest concentration of 550 ppm. All nine chocolates bearing the peanut-free or allergen-free statement were negative for peanut, but 17% of chocolates with no label statement for peanut were positive for peanut at concentrations of 9 to 170 ppm. Evaluation of multiple lots of four chocolate products revealed that milk was consistently present or absent for the products investigated, but mixed results were obtained when multiple lots were tested for peanut. This study indicates that a large proportion of dark chocolate bars contain undeclared milk. The type of advisory statement or the absence of a milk advisory statement on products did not predict the amount or absence of milk protein. In contrast, a lower proportion of chocolates containing undeclared peanut was found. Consumers with food allergies should be cautious when purchasing dark chocolate products, particularly those that have an advisory label statement.

Comparison of isothermal and cycling temperature storage of filled dark chocolate products for accelerated shelf life prediction

Beside a loss in texture, the main quality aspect of filled chocolate products during storage is the development of fat bloom. For these products isothermal or cycling temperature storage tests are used for accelerated shelf life prediction. However, the applicability of these tests compared to real storage conditions is complicated and shelf life estimation is vague. Com;1;paring storage tests of different authors is difficult because products and analysis methods vary. Additionally most of the storage tests are performed to identify the reasons for fat bloom and therefore the storage conditions are not separately investigated. However, all studies agree that temperature has a major impact due to its influence on migration and crystallization. While migration is accelerated at higher temperatures, crystallization shows an optimum at lower temperatures. Therefore, migration and crystal state have to be evaluated during storage, as well as fat bloom formation. In this study, cold stamped dark chocolate shells with nougat filling were chosen to compare isothermal and cycling temperature storage conditions. Cycling temperature storage at adequate levels includes optimum for fat bloom formation, but takes crystallization and migration influence in unequal account. In contrast, isothermal storage at optimum temperature leads to faster fat bloom formation.Practical applications: A precise shelf life prediction helps to reduce food waste. Shelf life estimation is relevant to almost all chocolate manufacturers. Increasing quality standards accompanied by shortened development time demand accelerated tests for shelf life prediction. Conventional storage tests are too expensive and time‐consuming, especially for small and medium‐sized enterprises, which often sell premium filled chocolate products. Additionally a short time to market is needed to be capable of competing. In the present study different accelerated storage tests were compared. The results can be used to choose the relevant test for new developed products and optimization of existing products and processes.In filled pralines storage is a complex interaction of migration and crystallization, which is highly depending on temperature and temperature fluctuation

Feasibility of a small-scale production system approach for palm sugar sweetened dark chocolate

Palm sugar is highly produced and patronised in the south-eastern part of Asia, e.g. Indonesia which is also the world’s third largest cocoa producer. Recently, interest in palm sugar sweetened chocolate and better approaches for production methods that can be easily applied in developing countries are rising. This work investigated the influence of palm sugar on the quality attributes of dark chocolate in terms of fineness, rheological behaviour and aroma profile compared to that of sucrose. Furthermore, a small-scale processing approach using the combination of Stephan mixer and ball mill compared to the conventional method was investigated. The results showed that palm sugar sweetened chocolate exhibited a higher viscosity, a higher particle volume fraction and a higher degree of particle agglomeration due to its relatively high moisture and presence of glucose and fructose. Furthermore, chocolates sweetened with palm sugar displayed a distinctive aroma profile with the abundant presence of 2,3-dihydro-3,5-dihydroxy-6-methyl-4H-pyran-4-one and pyrazine-based compounds. Applying the alternative processing method leaded to the production of chocolate with rather high degree of agglomeration and viscosity as compared to chocolate produced by means of conventional processing. Moreover, the alternative processing method resulted in the presence of myrcene, β-trans-ocimene and isoamyl acetate which were not observed in the conventionally produced chocolates. The alternative processing method, however, seems to have potential for small-scale production of dark chocolate sweetened with palm sugar.

Food Allergens Profiling with an Imaging Surface Plasmon Resonance-Based Biosensor

Food allergy is a growing health concern, which currently affects approximately 4% of adults and 8% of infants. For consumer protection purposes, food producers are required by law to disclose on the product label whether a major allergen is used during the production process. The commonly employed monitoring methods are highly laborious, time-consuming, and often expensive when screening for multiple allergens. Here, we utilize imaging surface plasmon resonance (iSPR) in combination with antibody array for rapid, quantitative, and multianalyte food allergens detection. We demonstrate how the use of this technology provides a complete allergen profile within short measurement time and with adequate sensitivity. The successful applicability of this approach is demonstrated by analyzing cookies and dark chocolate products from different manufacturers. Hazelnut content of the tested food products is also determined by enzyme linked immunosorbent assay and is found to correlate well with the hazelnut content determined by iSPR. This newly developed method opens the door to automated and high-throughput allergen analysis, ultimately aiming at providing the consumer with safer food.

Changes in the physical state of sucrose during dark chocolate processing.

Dark chocolate tablets were manufactured using 100% crystalline sucrose, 50% crystalline and 50% amorphous sucrose, and 100% amorphous sucrose. The physical state of sucrose was determined by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and X-ray diffraction. DSC scans of dark chocolate samples containing amorphous sucrose were characterized by a glass transition at 63 degrees C, a sucrose crystallization peak at 105 degrees C, and a melting endotherm at 188 degrees C. Independent of the amount of amorphous or crystalline sucrose used for the preparation of dark chocolate, all final chocolate products provided a single melting endotherm at 188 degrees C and a crystalline X-ray diffraction pattern. These results indicated that sucrose crystallized during production of dark chocolate and that no amorphous sucrose was present in the final chocolate products.