Dark chocolate has long been associated with health benefits, and for good reason. Compared to milk chocolate, dark varieties contain more fibre, iron, magnesium, and polyphenols linked to heart health. While not a substitute for a balanced diet, choosing a bar with at least 70 per cent cocoa can be a more virtuous choice.
The rich, fruity, and earthy flavours of dark chocolate can be an acquired taste. However, what starts as a slightly bitter square at 70 per cent can become genuinely enjoyable over time. Many find themselves gradually increasing the cocoa percentage, satisfying that post-dinner treat. But this habit can be costly, with many branded bars exceeding the £3 mark, quietly inflating the weekly food shop. Premium options often promise superior sourcing and flavour, but are they always worth the price?
In the interest of both taste and price, we set out to find the best supermarket dark chocolate, testing options from 55 per cent to 85 per cent cocoa. Here are our top picks for 2026.
Best Overall: Asda 73% Madagascan Dark Chocolate
Asda's Madagascan dark chocolate is the best supermarket option because it is approachable, has a high cocoa percentage, and is very enjoyable. It is buttery and light, balancing high cocoa solids with gentle sweetness. The Rainforest Alliance-certified cocoa mass and cocoa butter are sourced from farms adhering to strict standards for environmental protection and human rights. At £2.28 for a 100g bar, it offers great value.
Best Premium: M&S Collection Peruvian Dark Chocolate
This single-origin 85 per cent cocoa chocolate is aromatic with a deep berry flavour and smooth palate. Hailing from a family-owned chocolatier near Milan, it costs £3 and supports Fairtrade practices.
Best Budget: Aldi Moser Roth Dark 85% Cocoa Chocolate
At less than £2.50 for 125g, this glossy, rich bar is a great value high-cocoa option. It is very enjoyable, though each two squares are individually wrapped, which adds unnecessary packaging.
Best Crowd-Pleasing 85%: Co-op Irresistible Fairtrade Dark Chocolate 85%
This moreish bar is made from single-origin cocoa and Fairtrade ingredients. It is milder than other 85 per cent bars, with bitterness balanced by added flavouring and sugar, and a smooth texture.
Best Low Cocoa Percentage: M&S Choc Marks Dark Chocolate Bar
At 55 per cent cocoa, this bar is ideal for dark chocolate newcomers. It is easy-eating, rich, and slightly sweeter than most, with a chunky design reminiscent of Tony's Chocolonely. Priced at £3.50, it offers good weight.
Best with Sea Salt: Asda Ecuadorian Dark Chocolate 60% with Sea Salt
This 60 per cent bar delivers instant sweetness rounded by sea salt. While the salty hit could be stronger, it is a light dark chocolate that is very easy to devour.
Best Orange Flavour: Co-op Irresistible Fairtrade Single Origin Dark 57% Orange
Infused with orange oil and candied orange peel, this bar offers a slightly soft chew. The dark chocolate is rich with a touch of sweetness, avoiding the sickly nature often associated with orange chocolate. At £2.95 for 100g, it is pricier.
Best for Baking: Sainsbury's Taste the Difference Belgian Dark 85% Cocoa Cooking Chocolate
This high cocoa chocolate works excellently in baking. It is quite sweet for an 85 per cent bar and creamy, but not as rich uncooked. Used in chocolate chip cookies, it provides a punch of richness and fares well under heat.
How We Tested
We evaluated chocolate on quality, flavour, sustainability, and value for money. Quality focused on high-quality ingredients and feel. Flavour considered well-rounded taste and texture, noting added flavourings. Sustainability and Fairtrade credentials scored extra points. Value for money weighed quality against cost, calculating price per 100g.
