Dark Version Health Comparison #2: Reese's

Back in June I looked at the Snickers dark and milk chocolate versions so today, Sisters and Brothers, your Chocolate Priestess is going to compare the milk and dark chocolate version of Reese's Peanut Butter Cups to see how they compare in terms of health and taste.

As you can see, there is a visible difference the coating's darkness enough in my simple photographs.  The amount of cocoa in each is not written on the label but neither are artificial colors so this difference must be a reflection of cocoa content.  One pack of two Reese's cups equals one serving for each, both totally 1.5oz or 0.75oz a cup.  Both have milk, soy and peanuts in terms of allergens as well as preservatives and artificial flavors but also a lot of natural ingredients.  In both cases chocolate is the first ingredient on the list and peanuts follow very quickly.

The Milk Chocolate version has 220 calories consisting of 4.5g saturated fat, <5g cholesterol, 150mg sodium, 1g fiber, 20g sugars, 5g protein, 2% calcium and 4% iron.  The Dark Chocolate version contains  210 calories made of 6g saturated fat, <5g cholesterol, 130mg sodium, 2g fiber, 19g sugars, 4g protein, and 6% iron.  Healthwise, the Dark version is no real improvement and there are pluses and minuses to changing to darker version depending on what you are looking for and trying to decrease in your daily consumption.

The Dark one smells more like chocolate, the Milk more like peanuts.  Both start to melt as soon as I pick them up in my fingers.  With the Milk Chocolate the peanut butter is the dominant flavor, the chocolate is actually a tad waxy and I notice because I haven’t had a Reese's cup in months.  While it is creamy, the inside peanut butter center is also a bit grainy adding an interesting texture which I never took the time before to notice let alone appreciate.  The Dark version has  semi-sweet bitterness as the primary taste but the peanut butter is certainly there, reminding me of this homemade treats my mother taught me to make.  Perhaps I’ll share that recipe later with all of you.  If you don’t like darker chocolate you will not like this because this is definitely darker not just a touch more cocoa as some dark versions of common mass produced treats turn out to be.  As I eat it though I can feel a buzz build and it is partly cocoa not just sugar, for that alone I think it’s worth switching to the variety for my own enjoyment.  I don't fool myself into thinking this is healthier however because that would really be a lie and the Path demands complete honesty with myself and each of you.

NOTE: The Saturday November 7, 2009, Sacrament now has a special offer for my readers: Asher's Chocolate is also offering all of you, Sisters and Brothers, 10% discount on your order if you enter this promo code: CULT09.  Go back and read that post to see if you want to take advantage of this.


Sisters and Brothers, may you too take the time to slowly appreciate what the Divine and human ingenuity have offered you in chocolate.

Comments

Anonymous said…
We gave out the dark chocolate ones for Halloween this year. They are so delicious!
Cacao-Me said…
do you know if the dark chocolate version is vegan?
Ah, we don't give out darker versions for Halloween because children often don't really like the bitterness and intensity.

Both varieties have milk in them as well as soy so for those who want vegan, these won't do it. Most mainstream, mass produced candies are going to have dairy if they are chocolate.

I have looked at vegan products in the past and just as I point out products that are Kosher or eco-friendly, I point out allergies and any social, political, or personal concern I know folks have. Try searching for "vegan" to find what I've done in the past. I will be doing one product soon that is vegan so look at future Sacraments.