ABSTRACT
Chocolate, a delectable creation derived from cacao beans, holds a unique place in human gastronomy and culture. Chocolate is a blessing which contain almost all nutrients necessary for the growth of human health. In this study, Nutritional value and composition of selected local and imported chocolate products available in Benin City was investigated. Imported brands such as Dairy milk, Toblerone (black), Snack, Tadelle(milk), Snickers, and local products such as Parago chewy chocolate, Dune (70% Cocoa), Dune (Milk) were qualitatively analyzed in triplicate. The presence or absence of proteins, fats, sugar, alcohol, caffeine, calcium, magnesium, zinc, iron and nickel in different branded chocolates were ascertained. From the results it was observed that pH of all chocolate samples are within the range 6-9. All the chocolates contain moderate amount of fats except snack and Snickers. Protein is present is excess amount in Nigerian brand; Dune (milk) and in one of the imported brand chocolate products; Snickers. No protein content was discovered in Toblerone (Dark), Dune (70% Cocoa), and Parago, while the rest of the samples had protein in small amount. None of the chocolate sample contain traces of alcohol. All chocolate samples contain calcium except Toblerone (black), while Dune (milk), Parago and Tadelle have calcium in excess. Magnesium is only present in small amount in Snack, Tadelle and Dune (milk) and present in excess in Dune (70% Cocoa). All chocolates contain traces of nickel. Iron is present in small amount in diary milk, Toblerone (black), Tadelle and excess in Dune (70% Cocoa). Some samples like Dairy milk, Toblerone (black), Snickers, Dune (70% Cocoa), and Tadelle contain traces of caffeine which can act as stimulant and reduced liver damage. Conclusively, it was found that chocolates contain important nutrients which are helpful for proper body functioning.
