The message comes after research by King’s College London, published in December 2025
Sophie Buchan Money and Lifestyle Writer
13:54, 13 Jan 2026
It could help you live longer(Image: Halfpoint Images via Getty Images)
As 2026 begins, many are setting their sights on healthier, longer lives – and surprisingly the answer might not lie in endless kale salads or green smoothies.
Consumer watchdog Which? has highlighted intriguing research suggesting chocolate could hold the key. But before you rush to the shops, there’s more to the story – and it’s actually good news for dark chocolate lovers.
Groundbreaking research from King’s College London, published in December 2025, identified theobromine as a key ingredient. The naturally occurring compound found in cocoa could potentially possess anti-ageing properties.
Eating dark chocolate could boost your health(Image: Getty)
The study revealed that participants with elevated levels of theobromine in their bloodstream displayed a biological age younger than their chronological years. Professor Jordana Bell, senior author of the paper and a Professor in Epigenomics at King’s College London, said: “Our study finds links between a key component of dark chocolate and staying younger for longer.
“While we’re not saying that people should eat more dark chocolate, this research can help us understand how everyday foods may hold clues to healthier, longer lives.”
According to Which? nutrition expert Shefalee Loth, whilst UK regulations stipulate that dark chocolate must contain at least 35% cocoa, most varieties on the market boast significantly higher levels, with 70% cocoa bars being amongst the most commonly available options.
Whilst this chocolate still contains fat and sugar, there are some benefits to it. Benefits include:
Source of antioxidantsSource of mineralsLower in sugar
You can easily swap milk chocolate for dark chocolate to make it a healthier snack(Image: DBenitostock via Getty Images)
Cocoa is packed with polyphenols, powerful antioxidants that benefit the heart, brain and digestive system. However, it’s worth noting that commercial dark chocolate often loses much of this antioxidant content during the manufacturing process.
Beyond polyphenols, dark chocolate provides essential minerals such as magnesium, iron and zinc, all of which contribute to immune function and bone health.
The experts caution: “However, as with antioxidants, chocolate shouldn’t be your main source of minerals. You’ll also find them in cereals, bread, meat, fish, milk, nuts, fruit and veg.”
For those looking to satisfy sweet cravings whilst moderating sugar consumption, high-percentage dark chocolate presents an appealing option. A standard 20g portion, approximately two squares, typically contains around 5 to 6g of sugar, considerably less than many conventional snacks.
However, it’s vital to scrutinise nutritional information, as some brands still surpass 22.5g of sugar per 100g, categorising them as “high sugar”. As highlighted on BBC’s Just One Thing, presented by the late Doctor Michael Mosley: “Studies have shown that just two squares of dark chocolate is all you need to see positive effects, and sticking to this is important.”
Will you be adding dark chocolate to your diet or replacing milk chocolate? Let us know in the comments.