The start of a new year often prompts people to rethink their lifestyle choices, particularly when it comes to improving health and longevity. While many assume this means cutting out treats entirely, experts suggest that small, informed choices can make a real difference.
According to consumer watchdog Which?, one choice could include chocolate – though it may not be the kind you might expect. Before reaching for your favourite bar, it’s important to know that only certain types offer potential health benefits. According to research published by King’s College London, it suggests the chemical theobromine, a natural cocoa compound, could potentially have anti-ageing properties.
Published in December 2025, researchers found that participants with higher levels of theobromine in their bloodstream had a biological age that was lower than their chronological age. 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.”
Speaking to Which?, nutrition expert Shefalee Loth explained that in the UK, dark chocolate must contain at least 35% cocoa to be labelled as such. However, most dark chocolate contains a much higher cocoa content, with 70% bars among the most commonly available.
Whilst this chocolate still contains fat and sugar, there are some benefits to it. This includes it being a source of antioxidants, a source of minerals, as well as being lower in sugar.
Cocoa is rich in polyphenols, antioxidants known to support heart, brain and digestive health. However, many commercially produced chocolates lose a large proportion of these beneficial compounds during manufacturing.
Dark chocolate also contains important minerals such as magnesium, iron and zinc, which help support the immune system and maintain strong bones. Experts stress that chocolate should not be relied upon as a main source of these nutrients though, as these are also found in foods such as cereals, bread, meat, fish, dairy products, nuts, fruit and vegetables.
High-cocoa dark chocolate is often chosen as a way to satisfy sweet cravings while keeping sugar intake relatively low. A typical 20g portion (around two squares) generally contains between 5 and 6g of sugar, making it a lighter option than many conventional snacks.
That said, it’s essential to check nutritional labels, as some brands still contain more than 22.5g of sugar per 100g, placing them in the “high sugar” category. Speaking on BBC’s Just One Thing, hosted 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.