Is dark chocolate dairy and gluten free?

That depends on the brand and how the chocolate is made! Here's a breakdown:

Dark chocolate can be dairy-free:

* Pure dark chocolate: This is usually made with just cocoa beans, cocoa butter, and sugar. No milk products are added.

* Look for "dairy-free" labeling: Many brands specifically label their chocolate as dairy-free.

Dark chocolate can contain dairy:

* Milk chocolate: Contains milk solids, so it's not dairy-free.

* Some dark chocolate brands: Some dark chocolate brands may add milk powder, whey, or other dairy products for flavor or texture.

Dark chocolate is usually gluten-free:

* Cocoa beans themselves are naturally gluten-free.

* Most dark chocolate is not made with gluten-containing ingredients.

But there are some exceptions:

* Cross-contamination: Some dark chocolate might be processed in facilities that also handle gluten-containing ingredients, leading to potential cross-contamination.

* Added ingredients: Some brands might add gluten-containing ingredients like barley malt extract.

To ensure your dark chocolate is dairy-free and gluten-free:

1. Check the label carefully. Look for "dairy-free" and "gluten-free" labels.

2. Read the ingredient list: Avoid any ingredients that contain milk or gluten.

3. Contact the manufacturer: If you have concerns, contact the manufacturer directly to inquire about their manufacturing processes and ingredients.

Remember, always double-check the ingredients and labeling before consuming any product, especially if you have dietary restrictions.