If you have food allergies, you can still enjoy chocolate. Chocolatiers offer top-quality dark chocolates free of many common allergens, including gluten, dairy, eggs, soy, peanuts and tree nuts. Not all dark chocolate is free of possible cross-contamination, however, even if the chocolate bar itself doesn't contain your specific allergens.
Ingredients
Top-quality dark chocolate really shouldn't contain many ingredients. A plain dark chocolate bar may contain only roasted and processed cocoa beans, cocoa butter from those beans and sugar. If produced in an environment free of potential contaminants, dark chocolate should not contain dairy products, gluten, soy or nuts. Bars with 70 percent or more cocoa will have a richer, more intense chocolate flavor. Lower quality dark chocolate may contain soy lecithin, making it inappropriate if you are allergic to soy.
Allergen-Free Choices
While plain good-quality dark chocolate is naturally free of allergens, the companies that make it may also produce milk chocolate, white chocolate or chocolate bars with nuts. If your allergies are severe, go beyond just checking the ingredient list. Opt for a dark chocolate produced in a dedicated, allergen-free facility to avoid cross-contamination. You'll find these at health food stores.
Flavor Variations
If you'd like more variety than plain dark chocolate, consider using an allergen-free dark chocolate to make your own chocolate treats. Add finely minced dried fruits, coarsely ground espresso beans, or candied ginger or chilies to melted chocolate. Pour the mixture onto a parchment paper-covered tray and allow to harden. If you're not a fan of dark chocolate, a few companies produce milk chocolate using rice milk in place of cow's milk on gluten-, nut- and dairy-free production lines.
Warnings and Considerations
Some chocolatiers produce products free of one allergen, but not another. Don't assume that nut-free chocolates are safe to eat if you're allergic to dairy or that gluten-free chocolate is appropriate if you're sensitive to peanuts. Check labels carefully and be aware that formulations change, as do production facilities. Double-check allergy labels each time you buy chocolate.
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