4 blocks (33 g) Hazelnut Chocolate provides 200 calories. If you're a chocolate lover watching your calorie intake, this article is for you. Chocolate can be both indulgent and healthy, depending on how you enjoy it. So, don't feel guilty about treating yourself to some hazelnut chocolate. Here's everything you need to know about hazelnut chocolate's nutrition facts.

A serving of hazelnut chocolate (33g) contains 12 g of fat, 20 g of carbohydrates, and 2 g of protein. It also provides 2 g of fiber, 10% of your daily iron needs, and 4% of your daily calcium needs. Hazelnut chocolate is rich in antioxidants too, which boost immunity and fight inflammation.

In this article, we'll explore the calorie, macronutrient, sugar, and fat content of hazelnut chocolate. We'll also delve into how hazelnut chocolate affects weight management, heart and brain health, mood, and how you can enjoy it as a snack. So, let's get started on this delicious journey!

Calories in Hazelnut Chocolate

Hazelnut chocolate is a high-calorie food, so portion control is key. Four blocks of hazelnut chocolate (33g) contain 200 calories, which is 10% of your daily calorie intake. If you're trying to lose weight, you may want to limit your intake of hazelnut chocolate or swap it for a healthier snack. However, hazelnut chocolate is a more nutritious snack than other high-calorie foods, such as cookies or candy. It provides fiber and antioxidants, which support gut and immune health, respectively. So, if you're craving something sweet, a small serving of hazelnut chocolate may be a better choice than a sugary treat.

Serving Size of Hazelnut Chocolate

A serving of hazelnut chocolate is four blocks or 33g. This is a reasonable portion size, considering that hazelnut chocolate is a dense and flavorful food. You can enjoy it as a standalone snack or pair it with fruits or nuts to add extra crunch and nutrition.

Macronutrient Breakdown of Hazelnut Chocolate

A serving of hazelnut chocolate (33g) contains 12 g of fat, 20 g of carbohydrates, and 2 g of protein. The dominant macronutrient in hazelnut chocolate is fat, which gives it its rich and creamy texture. Hazelnut chocolate is also a good source of carbohydrates, which provide energy, and protein, which supports muscle repair and growth.

Fat Content in Hazelnut Chocolate

A serving of hazelnut chocolate (33g) contains 12 g of fat, which is nearly 20% of your daily fat intake. Most of the fat in hazelnut chocolate comes from cocoa butter, which is a healthy fat that supports heart and brain health. However, hazelnut chocolate also contains added fats, such as palm oil or vegetable oil, which may be less healthy. If you want to enjoy hazelnut chocolate while keeping your fat intake in check, you can choose dark chocolate instead. Dark chocolate contains less added fat and more cocoa solids, which give it a stronger chocolate flavor and more health benefits. Look for dark chocolate with at least 70% cocoa solids and no added sugars or fats.

Sugar Content in Hazelnut Chocolate

A serving of hazelnut chocolate (33g) contains 13 g of sugar, which is a little over 3 teaspoons of sugar. Most of the sugar in hazelnut chocolate comes from added sugars, such as high-fructose corn syrup or cane sugar, which can raise your blood sugar levels and add to your calorie intake. If you want to enjoy hazelnut chocolate without too much added sugar, you can choose dark chocolate instead. Dark chocolate is naturally less sweet than milk chocolate or white chocolate, and it contains less added sugars. You can also choose hazelnut chocolate with a lower sugar content or make your own hazelnut chocolate with cocoa powder and natural sweeteners, such as coconut sugar or honey.

Hazelnut Chocolate and Weight Management

If you're trying to lose or manage your weight, you may be concerned about the calorie and fat content of hazelnut chocolate. While hazelnut chocolate is a high-calorie and high-fat food, it can still fit into a healthy and balanced diet, as long as you enjoy it in moderation and pair it with nutritious foods. For example, you can pair hazelnut chocolate with fruits or nuts to add fiber and protein to your snack. You can also incorporate hazelnut chocolate into your meal plan by adding it to oatmeal, yogurt, or smoothies. Just make sure to watch your portion sizes and choose high-quality hazelnut chocolate with minimal added sugars and fats.

Hazelnut Chocolate and Heart Health

Hazelnut chocolate can be good for your heart health in moderation. Cocoa butter, which is the main source of fat in hazelnut chocolate, contains a type of fat called stearic acid, which has a neutral effect on blood cholesterol levels. In addition, hazelnut chocolate contains flavanols, which are a type of antioxidant that may lower blood pressure and improve blood flow to the heart and brain. However, most commercial chocolate products are processed and may contain less flavanols than unprocessed cocoa products. To get more flavanols from hazelnut chocolate, you can choose dark chocolate with at least 70% cocoa solids and no added milk or sugars.

Hazelnut Chocolate and Brain Health

Hazelnut chocolate may have some cognitive benefits due to its flavanol content. Flavanols can improve blood flow to the brain and promote the growth of new brain cells and connections, which may enhance memory and learning abilities. Some studies have also linked chocolate consumption with improved mood and stress relief. However, these effects may be dose-dependent, meaning that you need to consume a certain amount of flavanols to see the benefits. The exact amount of flavanols needed for cognitive benefits is still unclear, but researchers suggest that consuming 200-900 mg of cocoa flavanols per day may be beneficial.

Hazelnut Chocolate and Mood

Hazelnut chocolate may have some mood-boosting effects due to its sugar and fat content. Sugar can provide a quick burst of energy and dopamine, a neurotransmitter that regulates mood and pleasure. Fat can make chocolate more palatable and satisfying, which can improve mood and alleviate stress. However, the mood-boosting effects of hazelnut chocolate may be short-lived and may also depend on the individual's sensitivity to sugar and fat. Moreover, consuming too much hazelnut chocolate can lead to a sugar crash and guilt, which may worsen mood in the long run. So, enjoy hazelnut chocolate in moderation and pair it with other mood-boosting foods, such as berries, nuts, or green tea.

Hazelnut Chocolate as a Snack

Hazelnut chocolate can be a convenient and delicious snack for anytime and anywhere. It requires no preparation or cooking and can be easily taken on the go. However, to make hazelnut chocolate a more wholesome snack, you can pair it with fruits, nuts, or yogurt to add extra nutrition and flavor. You can also experiment with different types of hazelnut chocolate, such as dark chocolate, sugar-free chocolate, or artisanal chocolate, to find your favorite flavor and texture. Just remember to choose high-quality chocolate with minimal added sugars and fats and to watch your portion sizes to avoid overconsumption.