They say that a block or two of dark chocolate keeps the doctor away. While there are definitely some health benefits to cocoa-enriched chocolate, we’re all about taste so let’s look at the yummiest and best dark chocolate in Australia.

We are just a little jealous that it was the CHOICE team’s job to taste test a bunch of blocks to discover the best dark chocolate in Australia.

“The great thing about dark chocolate is that it’s both naughty and nice. As the basis of a decadent dessert, it’s an indulgence. But nibble on a square of it for a mid-afternoon pick-me-up, or in a trail mix, and you can feel quite virtuous,” said CHOICE’s Senior Food Journalist Rachel Clemons.

The CHOICE panel put 37 supermarket dark chocolates, from brands including Lindt, Cadbury and Nestle, to the test. The chocolate is put through a rigorous tasting process and the team of expert taste-buds then rate the dark chocolate in terms of both taste, nutrition and other factors and then recommend those brands that score 70% or more.

“The chocolates were judged on flavour, texture, aroma, and appearance. The nutritional value of the chocolate was also included in the overall score,” says Clemons.

The Best Dark Chocolate in Australia

1. Lindt Excellence 90% Cocoa chocolate

The first prize of the ultimate best dark chocolate in Australia goes to….Lindt Excellence 90% Cocoa chocolate, “which scored first place for its pleasant taste, shiny appearance and smooth texture,” says Clemons.

“The Lindt Excellence 90% Cocoa was a favourite among our expert taste testers. They liked its pleasant, moderately bitter flavour, and commented on its smooth texture and shiny appearance,” she said.

CHOICE Expert Rating: 79%

Price per 100g: $4.50

Runner Up Winners of the Best Dark Chocolate in Australia

2. Aldi Just Organic 70% Dark Chocolate

“The Aldi Just Organic 70% was commended by our experts for its unique nature. The aroma of this chocolate has some floral and roasted notes, and it’s got a good cocoa flavour,” says Clemons.

CHOICE Expert Rating: 78%

Price per 100g: $2.79

3. Pico Super Dark 85% Cocoa Single Origin

“Our experts described the Pico Super Dark 85% Cocoa Single Origin as a pleasant eating chocolate, with a good cocoa flavour,” says Clemons.

CHOICE Expert Rating: 74%

Price per 100g: $7.50

These are the 11 dark chocolates that scored the highest in the CHOICE best dark chocolate in Australia testing:

1. Lindt Excellence 90% Cocoa – 79%

2. Aldi Just Organic 70% Dark Chocolate – 78%

3. Pico Super Dark 85% Cocoa Single Origin – 74%

4. Lindt Excellence Smooth Blend 70% Cocoa – 73%

5. Lindt Excellence 95% Cocoa – 73%

6. Aldi Moser Roth Finest Dark 70% Cocoa – 73%

7. Green & Black’s Organic Dark Chocolate 70% Cocoa – 72%

8. Lindt Excellence 85% Cocoa – 72%

9. Lindt Excellence 70% Cocoa – 72%

10.Green & Black’s Smooth Dark Chocolate 70% Cocoa – 71%

11. Whittaker’s 92% Cocoa Ghana Intense Dark Chocolate – 70%

Cheapest dark chocolate

Cheap doesn’t have to be nasty. But in this case, it was. The CHOICE team discovered that the most inexpensive of all the dark chocolates tested was also one of the most inferior ones.

Woolworths Essentials Dark Choc Cooking Block costs only $2.50 ($0.67 per 100g) for a massive 375g block – which “is a fraction of the cost of the most expensive blocks on test (Loving Earth chocolates, $8.63 per 100g),” said Clemons.

However, the chocolate “scored poorly for taste and is only 15% cocoa, the lowest by a sizable margin. It’s also the only product in (the CHOICE test) with vegetable fats (palm and shea) added,” Clemons said.

Instead, Clemons recommended a few other options that are delicious as well as low-cost. These are:

Aldi Moser Roth Finest Dark 70% Cocoa ($2.39 per 100g)
Aldi Moser Roth Finest Dark 85% Cocoa ($2.39 per 100g)
Coles Finest Belgian Dark Chocolate 70% Cocoa ($2.50 per 100g)
Coles Belgian 85% Cocoa Dark Chocolate ($2.50 per 100g)
Frey (Woolworths) Supreme Dark Satin 69% ($2.50 per 100g)

Read more about the Best Dark Chocolate in Australia at CHOICE.

What do you think is the best dark chocolate in Australia? Tell us in the comments below.