What does it mean when says that the dark chocolate is 72 percent chocolate?

The percentage on a dark chocolate bar indicates the percentage of cocoa solids in the chocolate. Cocoa solids are the non-fat solids that remain after the cocoa beans have been roasted, ground, and pressed to remove the cocoa butter. The higher the percentage of cocoa solids, the darker and more bitter the chocolate will be.

A 72% chocolate bar means that it contains 72% cocoa solids and 28% other ingredients, such as sugar, milk solids, and emulsifiers. The higher the percentage of cocoa solids, the less sweet the chocolate will be.

Dark chocolate is often considered to be healthier than other types of chocolate because it contains more cocoa solids and less sugar. Cocoa solids are a good source of antioxidants, which can help to protect the body against damage from free radicals. Free radicals are unstable molecules that can damage cells and DNA, and are thought to play a role in aging and cancer.

Dark chocolate is also a good source of iron, magnesium, and zinc. These minerals are essential for a number of bodily functions, such as energy production, muscle contraction, and immune function.

However, it is important to note that dark chocolate is still high in calories and fat, so it should be consumed in moderation. A serving of dark chocolate is typically considered to be one ounce.