Not all chocolate is created equal. From improving cholesterol to protecting skin from sun damage, chocolate—especially the dark variety—has been linked to many health benefits. But if you truly want to impress the object of your affection with the popular confection this Valentine’s Day (or any day—chocolate is always an acceptable gift), steer clear of those mainstream, heart-shaped gift boxes and opt for a chocolate treat that offers even greater nutritional value.
Following are eight healthful (and original!) chocolate choices to bestow upon your Valentine:
1. Sunbiotics Probiotic Chocolate Bar with Organic Yacon Prebiotics
Your sweetheart is sure to appreciate the fabulous flavor and health benefits of this probiotic chocolate bar. Each organic, dairy-free stone-ground bar contains Yacon prebiotics and “10 billion active probiotics” to aid digestion, and real vanilla bean for enhanced flavor.
2. The Cookie Department Awaken Baked Double Chocolate, Fair Trade Coffee Caffeine Cookie
Who can resist a gourmet cookie that’s packed with nutrients? This soft-baked double chocolate treat provides “a fully functional and gourmet twist to the traditional cookies we know and love.” It contains 40mg of caffeine, 5 grams of beneficial protein and no artificial ingredients. Plus, it’s environmentally friendly!
3. Green Foods True Vitality Chocolate Plant Protein Shake
Show your Valentine how much you care with a delicious, nutritious chocolate protein shake that contains probiotics and DHA. The ingredients of this meal-replacement shake “were scientifically formulated to work synergistically to enhance protein digestion, promote healthy digestive flora, as well as support brain, eye, heart, and nervous system functioning.” Plus, it’s vegan and free of gluten and soy!
4. Sacred Chocolate Immuno Mushroom Heart Bar
Say “I love you” with this organic, heart-shaped chocolate bar that boasts a bevy of medicinal mushrooms. With a 68 percent cacao content, it has a bittersweet, earthy flavor he or she is sure to love. Did we mention it contains no gluten, dairy, soy or cane sugar?
5. SunFood Organic Chocolate Superfood Smoothie Mix
Schedule a smoothie date with your sig-o and be sure to include this organic, vegan, nutrient-rich superfood blend! Packed with 13 nutritious superfoods, including cocoa, which contains phytonutrients that “are known to enhance energy, mood and sense of wellbeing,” it’s a must for health-conscious chocolate lovers!
6. Chocolate Ancient Nutrition Bone Broth Protein™
What could be more romantic than demonstrating you care about your sweetheart’s digestive, bone and immune health? With 20 grams of nourishing and easily digestible protein per serving, this all-natural bone broth powder is as delicious as it is healthful.
7. Vital Proteins Dark Chocolate & Blackberry Collagen Peptides
Surprise your special someone with this chocolatey collagen supplement. It may be a bit out of the (chocolate) box, but collagen is a “vital building block” contributing to the health of cartilage, tendons, joints, bones, skin, hair and nails. And the flavorful formula also contains hyaluronic acid and probiotics.
8. Viactiv Calcium Plus D Milk Chocolate Soft Chews
Bone health is important. So, help potentially reduce your soulmate’s likelihood of developing osteoporosis by offering up these chocolatey chews. Just two a day will supply “100 percent of the daily value of calcium plus vitamins D3 and K.” Best of all—they taste great!
