“Chocolates have sometimes been described as being a ‘sinful’ indulgence, but Singapore-based Aalst has developed one that has health benefits as well.”

Chocolates have always been a sinful indulgence and deemed to have lots of ill effects on one’s health. However, Singapore’s chocolate manufacturer has concocted chocolates that are not only delicious, it is healthy too.

There have been scientific researches done in Scotland and Italy that looked at the body’s absorption of an antioxidant found in cocoa, called epicatechin, and a type of flavonoid. It found that dark chocolate contains about twice the amount of flavonoids as milk chocolate and has four times the concentration of catechins (antioxidant chemicals) as black tea.

According to nutritional expert Dr. Harold Schmitz, said that “although calorific, chocolate is high in antioxidants-natural chemicals that protect against disease. A 40g bar of dark chocolate contained double the amount in a glass of red wine. His studies also showed that chocolate were rich in a strong antioxidant, procyanidin.

Having that said, it is still worrying for consumers as in a single ounce of chocolate contains approximately one hundred and fifty calories and consist forty to fifty-three percent fat!

However, chocolate lovers would be glad to know that Aalst Chocolate has been introducing a sugar replacer to produce specific recipes for its industrial customers who want to produce confectionery and baked foods that are suitable for consumers who are conscious of their weight and glucose levels.

This unique ingredient-ISOMALT is made from real sugar is known for having half the mount of calories in real sugar, kind to teeth, low in glycemic value and is low insulinemic. With the use of this ingredient, the whole development of chocolate is revolutionized!

Consumers are becoming more conscious of what ingredients go into the chocolate products. Hence, this leads to a growing trend of manufacturers in the confectionery, bakeries and biscuit industries preparing their products using “Suage Free” and “No Added Sugar” couverture to theirline of products.

There is a rising demand for such products because consumers are getting more affluent and knows that their health is equally important when indulging in chocolate,” says the Chief Operation Officer, Aalst Chocolate Ptd Ltd, Ms Connie Kwan. Aalst Chocolate being the new kid on the block in the chocolate industry has been steadily supplying its couverture to more than over 30 countries globally understands the growing trend for “healthy” chocolates.

There have been inquires for sugar free or no added sugar couvertures” says Kwan and according to her, orders have been placed for their no sugar added products. With so much hype on being health conscious and starting a low glycemic lifestyle, it is no doubt that such couverture will gradually yield more attention in the global market.