Comparative analysis of nutritional content in common chocolate brands in India

Rahul Hegde¹ image, Karibasappa GN2 image, Pritesh Gawali3 image, Riya Ramgade4 image, Neha Pitale5 image

Highlights

This study, the first of its kind in India, compared nutrient values of popular chocolate brands using data from product labels and official online sources.

A negative correlation was found between sugar and fat/energy, while a positive correlation was observed between fat and energy.

The study highlights the importance of reviewing chocolate ingredients to make informed choices based on individual nutritional needs.

Abstract

Aim: Chocolate is widely consumed, especially by children. While moderate intake may have benefits, excessive consumption is linked to dental caries. This study aimed to assess and compare total sugar, fat, and energy content in various chocolate confectioneries, evaluate correlations among these components, and examine consistency between product packaging and manufacturer-reported values. Methods: A cross-sectional analysis was conducted on a randomized sample of five chocolate types: dark, white, milk chocolate, toffees, and coated wafers. Products were selected from major retailers based on inclusion criteria requiring clear nutritional labeling and brand familiarity. In total, 56 products were analyzed. Nutritional values (per 100 g) for sugar, fat, and energy were collected from packaging and verified with data from official manufacturer websites. Descriptive statistics summarized nutrient content by category. Chisquare tests evaluated differences among chocolate types. Pearson correlation assessed relationships between sugar, fat, and energy content. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS (version X), with significance set at p < 0.05. Results: Mean sugar content was 47.94 ± 9.68 g, highest in toffees (58.98 g), lowest in coated wafers (37.10 g). Mean fat was 29.06 ± 8.39 g, highest in milk chocolate (31.24 g), lowest in toffees (18.60 g). Energy content was highest in milk chocolate (530.33 Kcal) and lowest in coated wafers (453.00 Kcal). Significant differences were found in sugar (p < 0.001), fat, and energy content (p = 0.027). Sugar was negatively correlated with fat (-0.603) and energy (-0.259), while fat and energy were positively correlated (0.865). Conclusions: Parents and children should be informed about the nutritional content of chocolates. Excessive intake may contribute to caries and systemic health issues. Reading labels and making informed choices is essential for healthier consumption.

Keywords: Chocolate; Energy; Fat; Sugars

Author Affiliations

  1. Professor, Department of Pedodontics and Preventive Dentistry, D Y Patil Dental School, India (Correspondence:drrahulhegde@gmail.com)
  2. Professor, Department of Public Health Dentistry, D Y Patil Dental School, India
  3. Assoc. Prof., Department of Pedodontics and Preventive Dentistry, D Y Patil Dental School, India 
  4. DDS, PhD, Department of  Pedodontics and Preventive Dentistry, D Y Patil Dental School, India
  5. DDS, PhD, Department of Pedodontics and Preventive Dentistry, D Y Patil Dental School, India

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Article Info

Contemp Pediatr Dent 2025:6(1):11-24

Received: 03 October 2024

Accepted: 24 February 2025

Online First: 25 April 2025

DOI: 10.51463/cpd.2024.51

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					Rahul Hegde, Karibasappa GN, Pritesh Gawali, Riya Ramgade, Neha Pitale. Comparative analysis of nutritional content in common chocolate brands in India. Contemp Pediatr Dent 2025:6(1):11-24.

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