Evaluating the Quality of Raw Chocolate as an Alternative to Commercial Products

Abstract

The aim of this presented study was the sensory evaluation, the analysis of the nutritional composition, and the analysis of the content of health-promoting ingredients, i.e., the total phenolic compounds and the total flavonoids, in raw chocolate (made exclusively from unroasted cocoa beans, cane sugar, and cocoa butter) in comparison to classic commercial chocolates available in the consumer market. The research showed that raw chocolate, compared to commercial chocolates, contained less carbohydrates (39.6% in raw chocolate and 42.7% and 53.7% in commercial chocolate, respectively), was characterized by a higher content of total phenolic compounds (22.08 mg GAE/g in raw chocolate and 9.25 and 7.87 mg GAE/g in commercial chocolates, respectively), had a a higher content of total flavonoids (8.75 mg ECE/g in raw chocolate and 4.43 mg/g and 3.83 mg ECE/g in commercial chocolates, respectively), and also had a higher total antioxidant activity (172.16 μM TE/g in raw chocolate and 132.60 and 63.76 μM TE/g in commercial chocolates, respectively). In the sensory assessment, raw chocolate received lower ranks than commercial chocolates, especially in the case of the most important discriminant in the entire evaluation, i.e., taste, which was unquestionably related to the lower content of carbohydrates. However, currently, it is necessary to reduce the consumption of sugar, which, when excessively present in the diet, is the cause of many diseases. However, in the sensory evaluation for the criteria “external appearance—shape” and “external appearance—surface condition,” the raw chocolate received the highest marks.