Are Chocolate Covered Raisins Healthy?

Chocolate covered raisins are made from two simple ingredients: raisins and chocolate.

Raisins are dried grapes, which provide fiber, iron, and potassium. They also contain natural sugars that give you quick energy. Dried fruit can be part of a balanced diet when eaten in small portions, but they contain a lot of sugar so they’re not a substitute for fresh, frozen, or canned fruit (in water or natural juice).

Chocolate, especially dark chocolate with a higher cocoa content, contains antioxidants called flavonoids. These antioxidants may help support heart health. However, chocolate also contains added sugar and fat.

When you combine raisins and chocolate, you get some beneficial nutrients, but you also get a concentrated source of sugar and calories. That’s why you need some restraint when it comes to how many you eat.

When eaten in small portions, chocolate covered raisins may offer some minor health benefits, including:

• A little fiber to support digestion
• Antioxidants from the dark chocolate
• Iron from the raisins

But those benefits can quickly be outdone by the amount of sugar and calories they contain, which can add up quickly.

If you enjoy this sweet treat, there are ways to make it a little healthier if you make it yourself:

• Use dark chocolate. Look for dark chocolate that’s at least 70% cocoa. It typically has less sugar and more antioxidants than milk chocolate.
• Use a light coating. Drizzle the raisins in chocolate instead of fully submersing them so they aren’t as heavily coated.
• Dip other fruits. Since raisins already have a high concentration of sugar because they’re dried, consider dipping fresh fruit in chocolate for a healthier snack, such as strawberries, blueberries, or apple or banana slices. Or drizzle for a lighter touch. These healthier recipes are great alternatives:

Are chocolate covered raisins good for weight loss?

While they offer some nutrients, chocolate covered raisins are calorie-dense and are easy to overeat. Large portions can make it harder to stay within your calorie limits so they should only be eaten in small portions on occasion if you’re trying to lose weight

Are dark chocolate covered raisins healthier than milk chocolate covered raisins?

Dark chocolate contains more antioxidants and usually less sugar than milk chocolate so they can be slightly healthier, but usually not by much.

Are chocolate covered raisins healthier than a chocolate bar?

Raisins provide fiber and minerals that plain chocolate doesn’t contain. But both are still treats that should be enjoyed in moderation, though.

Do chocolate covered raisins raise blood sugar?

Raisins are naturally high in sugar and so is chocolate so this treat can quickly spike blood sugar. Keeping portions small and eating chocolate covered raisins with protein, such as with a few nuts or after a protein-rich meal, can help keep blood sugar steadier.

Can chocolate covered raisins be part of a healthy diet?

It’s okay to have an occasional treat when you’re following a healthy diet. Just keep portions small and don’t make chocolate covered raisins an everyday indulgence.

So, are chocolate covered raisins healthier than other types of candy?

They may be a slightly better option than candy made mostly from refined sugar and artificial ingredients. At least you’re getting some fiber and minerals from the raisins and possibly some antioxidants if they’re covered in dark chocolate.

But they’re high in sugar. Raisins already contain natural sugar, and the chocolate coating adds even more. The American Heart Association recommends limiting added sugar to help protect heart health and support a healthy weight. Updated dietary guidelines for Americans also suggest limiting added sugar as much as possible.