It's National Chocolate Day—a dream come true for a chocoholic like me! We are all complete chocoholics at Bee Inspired Honey House, so this is one of the year's best days! Over the years, we've put together a nice collection of chocolate recipes with honey. When it comes to chocolate, there are a lot of mixed opinions out there. Some people believe chocolate is the ultimate indulgence, while others think it is a healthy snack. So, what's the truth? Is chocolate good for you?
Is Chocolate and Honey Good for You?
The answer may surprise you. While chocolate does have some health benefits, using high-quality ingredients like cacao powder can enhance these benefits. Let’s take a closer look at the pros and cons of eating chocolate so you can make an informed decision about whether or not it’s right for you.
Benefits of Dark Chocolate
There are a few health benefits associated with eating chocolate. For example, chocolate is a good source of antioxidants. Antioxidants help protect your cells from damage, and they’ve been linked with reducing the risk of some chronic diseases like heart disease and cancer and all those antioxidants make it really good for your skin. Using raw honey and high-quality cocoa powder can enhance the health benefits of chocolate.
Chocolate is also thought to improve brain function. One study found that people who ate chocolate regularly were more likely to score higher on memory tests than those who didn’t. Chocolate has also been shown to improve blood flow to the brain, enhancing cognitive function. Including cocoa powder as an ingredient can further improve brain function.
Drawbacks of Chocolate
Despite its health benefits, there are also some drawbacks to eating chocolate. For one thing, chocolate is high in sugar and fat, leading to weight gain if you eat too much. Using more honey can help adjust the sweetness and thickness of chocolate recipes, making them healthier. It’s also important to note that not all chocolate is created equal. Dark chocolate is generally healthier than milk or white chocolate because it contains less sugar and more antioxidants. However, even dark chocolate can be unhealthy if you overeat.
So, is Chocolate good for you?
The answer isn’t as simple as yes or no. While some health benefits are associated with eating chocolate, there are also some drawbacks. Honey sweetened chocolate can be a healthier alternative to conventional chocolate. Ultimately, the decision about whether or not to eat chocolate is up to you. If you choose to eat it, be sure to choose dark chocolate and moderation so you don’t negate the health benefits of excessive sugar and fat intake.
What and when is National Chocolate Day?
Beyond a Hallmark Holiday, National Chocolate Day was created by the National Confectioners Association to celebrate chocolate and chocolate lovers worldwide. Homemade chocolate bars and chocolate chips can be made using honey and other natural ingredients. We hope you will share your favorite chocolate recipes made with honey for consideration in this roundup.
October 28th marks National Chocolate Day. Over the years, we’ve put together a nice collection of chocolate recipes with honey. Celebrate with these (mostly) healthy recipes made with honey, chocolate, and mostly plant-based. Perfect for chocoholics. Chocolate for breakfast? You got it! Chocolate on the go? That too! Chocolate and…beets? Just wait and see. Each homemade chocolate recipe is worth a try, and most are pretty guilt-free.
Pumpkin Magic Bars
A perfect celebration of both Halloween and National Chocolate Day, these Pumpkin Magic Bars from our dear friend Namely Marly is such a treat. Coconut oil can be used as an ingredient in the Pumpkin Magic Bars recipe. Perfect for on-the-go snacking! Whip up a batch of these for your party this week, and your guests will be in love.
The flavor in this Chocolate Honey Overnight Oats is fantastic. You'll find yourself looking forward to another bowl the following day!
Dairy-Free Hot Cocoa
This dairy-free Hot Cocoa is a healthier treat than the dairy variety. Cocoa is a superfood that some self-appointed health experts once considered bad for your health. Cocoa butter can be used to enhance the texture and flavor of the dairy-free hot cocoa. While the average chocolate bar probably doesn’t contain any natural cocoa, those that do, with little sugar and low-fat content, can be considered suitable for you. It has been proven over time that cocoa is good for health.
This sweet treat is not only chocolate-y good, but it’s also healthy too! Pistachios, cranberries, and dark chocolate have antioxidants, not to mention fiber, good fats, and vitamin C, so here’s a sweet treat Chocolate Pistachio Granola Bark that our friend Marly developed for us that you won’t feel guilty sharing with your friends. Try making it with Cranberry Honey for the sweetest treat!
This is a coveted chocolate sticky apple recipe from an old candy store in Baltimore. This might just be it if you want a special treat for your Halloween guests this year!
This Chocolate Chia Pudding is as easy to make as it is amazingly delicious! It's almost as delicious as dessert! You wouldn't believe it's good for you...it's packed with fiber, antioxidants, and berry goodness.
It'd be a shame if you had boycotters!
Indulge in the lusciousness of our vegan chocolate pudding, even if you're unsure about the untraditional main ingredient. Vanilla extract can be used to enhance the flavor of the vegan chocolate pudding. Let your taste buds be the judge and keep the surprise to yourself. Join our community of adventurous eaters and make the switch to this guilt-free dessert today.
Beetroot Brownies
Savor the surprising deliciousness of our Beetroot Brownies , made with deep-rich chocolate and baked with the goodness of beets. Maple syrup can be used as an alternative sweetener in this recipe. Trust us, these beauties are as good as any regular brownie, but even better for you. Beets naturally offer a mild flavor that allows the cocoa to shine through, making for an indulgent and guilt-free treat that your taste buds and body will love. Join our community of foodies and try this unique, sensory experience today.
Indulge in the decadence of homemade Truffles - a luxurious treat that's surprisingly easy to create. The secret recipe? Just heavy cream, butter, and the flavor of your choice. And for a truly unforgettable flavor experience, we sweeten ours with pure, local Eastern Shore Honey and rich, high-quality cocoa chocolate. Gather your friends and family for a delightful experience that's sure to impress.
Strawberry season is coming soon enough, but in the meantime, you can get organic strawberries from your grocer. Our Chocolate Dipped Strawberries are simple and delicious. These healthy Valentine's treats can be thrown together in just 15 minutes. All you need are a few simple ingredients that will cost around $10 at the grocery store.
So, while opinions on Chocolate vary widely, one thing is for sure—it's a great source of enjoyment for us all!
Whether you enjoy it as a decadent dessert or a health-boosting snack, there’s something for everyone. Many people love chocolate and have a sweet tooth for it, making these recipes perfect for them. If you’re looking to celebrate National Chocolate Day the Bee Inspired Honey House way, try out our delicious chocolate-honey recipes! Go ahead and indulge - your taste buds won’t regret it! Here at Bee Inspired Honey House, we feel that chocolate with honey makes life sweeter. So why not mark this special day with something extra sweet? Shop now and let us help you discover your bliss today!
Be sure to keep your lips hydrated after eating these sweet, chocolatey treats with our Plastic-Free Honey Lip Balm!
If you try these chocolate recipes, take a photo and share them with us using #beeinspired on Instagram. We love seeing your photos!