Is dark chocolate vegan?
Yes, dark chocolate can be vegan as long as it meets certain criteria. Firstly, dark chocolate should not contain milk solids or any other animal-derived ingredients in its list of ingredients. Secondly, the dark chocolate should not have been processed using bone char, which is sometimes used to filter and refine sugar. Bone char is derived from animal bones and can make the final product non-vegan.
However, it’s important to note that some dark chocolates may still contain traces of milk or other animal products due to cross-contamination during the manufacturing process. If you have a strict vegan diet, it’s best to check the label carefully or look for certifications such as the Vegan Society’s Vegan Trademark or the Certified Vegan logo. Additionally, many artisanal and small-batch dark chocolate makers now offer vegan options, so you may want to explore those brands as well.