Chocolate has long been a beloved treat all over the world. But what many people don’t know is that it is also rich in vitamin D.
Incorporating certain chocolate-centric foods into your diet can help you boost your vitamin D levels and reap the many benefits that come with it. Here are ten of the best chocolate-containing foods to start incorporating into your diet immediately.
1. Dark Chocolate
First on our list is dark chocolate. This type of chocolate contains the most vitamin D by far out of all chocolate varieties.
One ounce of dark chocolate, which contains at least 70% cocoa solids, can provide up to 50% of your daily recommended intake of vitamin D.
2. Chocolate Milk
If you’re looking for a sweet and creamy drink that can help you boost your vitamin D levels, chocolate milk is a great option. One cup of chocolate milk can provide around 25% of your daily recommended vitamin D intake.
Just be sure to look for a brand that is fortified with vitamin D for the best results.
3. Chocolate-Covered Nuts
If you love snacking on nuts, try incorporating chocolate-covered varieties into your diet. Not only will you get a tasty treat, but you’ll also be getting a boost of vitamin D. Almonds, hazelnuts, and walnuts are all great options to try.
4. Chocolate-Covered Pretzels
Pretzels are another great snack option that can be elevated with a bit of chocolate. Like nuts, pretzels that are coated in chocolate are a great source of vitamin D.
Plus, the added fiber from the pretzels can help keep you full and satisfied between meals.
5. Chocolate-Covered Strawberries
If you’re looking for a sweet and healthy dessert option, chocolate-covered strawberries are a perfect choice.
Strawberries are already a great source of vitamin C, and when paired with dark chocolate, they become an excellent source of vitamin D as well.
6. Hot Chocolate
On a cold winter day, there’s nothing quite like a warm cup of hot chocolate to warm you up. Not only is this drink delicious, but it can also help you boost your vitamin D levels.
To get the most vitamin D out of your hot chocolate, use dark chocolate and milk that is fortified with vitamin D.
7. Chocolate-Covered Raisins
Raisins are a popular snack option, but they can also be made even tastier with a bit of chocolate. Chocolate-covered raisins are a great source of vitamin D and make for a perfect snack to take on the go.
8. Chocolate Chip Cookies
Chocolate chip cookies are a classic dessert option that can be made even better with the addition of dark chocolate chips. Just be sure to look for a recipe that uses dark chocolate, so you can get the most vitamin D possible.
9. Chocolate-Covered Popcorn
If you’re a fan of snacking on popcorn, try switching things up by adding some chocolate into the mix. Chocolate-covered popcorn is a great source of vitamin D and can help satisfy your sweet tooth.
10. Chocolate Trail Mix
Trail mix is a popular snack option that can be made even tastier with the addition of chocolate.
Look for a trail mix that contains a mix of nuts, seeds, and raisins, and then add some dark chocolate chips or pieces to the mix for a boost of vitamin D.
The Bottom Line
Adding some chocolate-centric foods to your diet can help you boost your vitamin D levels and provide a host of other health benefits. Be sure to look for dark chocolate and foods that are fortified with vitamin D for the best results.
With a little bit of creativity, you can turn your favorite snacks and desserts into vitamin D powerhouses.