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T’was the night before Christmas, when all through the house, not a tummy was hungry, not even the mouse. The holiday season is a time of giving and people often like to express this mood through food. From free drinks at Starbucks to classroom parties, many sugary treats are readily available. Many question which treat they should reach for when deciding to splurge on their diet.   

When looking for a healthier alternative that still satisfies your sweet tooth, dark chocolate is a great option. According to chocolate expert, Louise Jarvis, dark chocolate has the ability to boost your energy and trigger more brain activity hormones that reduce pain. Not only does dark chocolate help you mentally, but it will not kill your diet. With less sugar, dairy and added preservatives than milk and white chocolate, dark chocolate is the healthiest option.

But not all dark chocolates are created equal — I am going to compare different dark chocolates that are available to most grocery stores to see which is superior. I journeyed to the local Festival Foods to find four different bars, each about 70 percent dark chocolate; Hershey’s, Ghiradelli, Lindt’s and Lily’s dark chocolate. 

First, I tried Hersey’s Special Dark Mildly Sweet Chocolate (the darkest chocolate sold by the Hersey’s brand). At Festival Foods, the bar is sold for $1.79 for 4.25 ounces and the most cost-efficient brand on my list. Unlike the other bars I reviewed, Hersey’s lists sugar before chocolate on the ingredient list. Because of this, it lacks the bitter taste traditionally expected from dark chocolate: making it perfect for those who do not typically like dark chocolate. 

Unfortunately, because of the low percentage of actual chocolate in the bar, you do not receive the same benefits. According to nutritionist, Matthew Kadey, dark chocolate must be at least 60 percent to receive the health benefits. 

Next, I tasted Lily’s Extra Dark Dark Chocolate. Unlike Hersey’s, Lily’s vegan chocolate contains no milk or sugar. Sweetened by stevia, Lily’s has the least amount of sugar (0g) and calories (170 for 40g). Because there is no added sugar, the bitter taste in Lily’s is prominent and most likely will leave your sweet tooth unsatisfied.

Then, I tried Lindt’s 70 percent Dark Chocolate. After numerous reviews from students and teachers, Lindt was the lowest-ranked chocolate of the bunch. 

“It lacks sweetness and bitterness; I’m waiting for the flavor to hit but it never does,” junior Syri Brandt proclaims while tasting Lindt’s dark chocolate. 

I had never tried Lindt’s chocolate, but my expectation of it was not met. Priced at $2.50 for 3.5 ounces, I essentially paid for the texture. The bar had an excellence initial crack and a smooth finish but lacked any taste at all. 

Finally, I reviewed Ghiradelli 72 percent dark chocolate: the favorite out of those it was compared with. Receiving over 70 percent of the votes, Ghiradelli took the crown of best dark chocolate. The flavor is complex, with neither an overbearing bitter or sweet taste. Priced at $3.19 for 3.5 oz, Ghiradelli falls in the middle for cost but in search of the best one must be willing to pay a little more. At 200 calories for 38 grams, all your classmates or coworkers will be impressed by your selection of this holiday treat.