Chocolate is without a doubt one of the most popular treats in the world. People like it not because they know it’s healthy but because it tastes sweet. Those who are health conscious are forced to plunk down some big buck for what is termed as ‘organic chocolate.’ However, experts have shown that just because a bar of chocolate is label organic doesn’t mean it is.
So this begs the question; is the amount you pay when buying one really worth it?
A few years ago, a study by Stanford University made quite some headlines in almost all over the news platform across the world. The study declared that organic products are no more nutritious than conventional foods, thus claimed that Americans are just wasting their money on useless products. Other studies have had opposing views claiming that every bit or organic product has more nutrients than the conventional product with heavy metal and pesticide residue. Most people do not care about this debate, all they need to know is whether what they are paying is worth it.
What does ‘organic’ chocolate mean?
Typically, organic chocolate is manufactured using cocoa beans, that has not been treated with herbicides, pesticides or fertilizers. Many chocolate creators do not go beyond this. Thus, their organic chocolate is not really organic because other ingredients are involved in making chocolate such as sugar, milk, fruits, spices, nuts and so forth, and all these should be organic for a finished product to be considered organic.
Is the price of organic Chocolate really worth it?
The certification of the main ingredients is expensive, which typically explain the high cost of organic chocolate. So, if the chocolate maker can use cacao and other ingredients that have not been produced using harmful chemicals, then a 2 ounce of dark chocolate at a price of $40 or $50 is totally worth it. However, if not, then there is no reason you should buy one at a higher price than the conventional alternative.
Is it really organic?
According to the Organic Trade Association date, the U.S sale of organic chocolate was 16.5 % in 2013. That’s four-time growth rate for the entire chocolate market. However, organic chocolate only represents 1% of the $20 billion overall chocolate market. So, what does this tell you? That, just because a product is labeled organic does not mean that it is actually organic. Perhaps this is because purchasing something that’s organic to American is not about the product, rather it’s about principles. In other words, not every ‘organic chocolate’ is actually organic some are just labeled to entice the customers that the product is sourced through sustainable means and this is typically acceptable to many people.
The simplest way to know that a chocolate brand product is organic is to make sure its reads: USDA certified organic. However, that may not be enough; the USDA program forbids the use of preservatives, artificial colors, and GMO, so if you find these items listed on the packaging then your chocolate brand is not organic.
Is it better for you?
Many manufacturers have realized the importance of organic products, so they have dedicated their manufacturing process to adhere to deliver completely organic products. There are tons of toxin that we are exposed to everyday, most of which we may not be able to control, but at least we can manage that we put in our body, even when this comes at a slight cost. You may not think chocolate as an agricultural product like vegetable and fruits, but you may extract some important health benefits you get by choosing one rather than focusing on the taste. You will still enjoy the chocolate made from organic cacao and sugar all grown with care from small farmers somewhere out there.
Is it good for the environment?
The other primary motivation for purchase organic chocolate is for social and environmental preservation. Knowing that you are taking part in environmental protection is enough of a motivation to purchase organic chocolate at a higher price.
Make an informed decision before you purchase any product; think not just about what you buy but also the system you support. Choosing organic chocolate means that you are giving your purchasing power to a system that values the environment, your health, the health of the farmer out there and everyone. If you can afford it, then buy it, you are not alone, many other people across the globe have begun to realize the value of organic chocolate.
