The latest lifestyle, fashion and travel trends
This Easter might not be like any Easter weekend we’ve experienced before, but the chances are that one way or another, chocolate will still be involved in celebrations.
Here, nutritionist Kim Pearson rounds up some of the healthiest Easter eggs on the market for you to enjoy.
Of course, it’s unlikely that you’re tucking into your chocolate egg believing it’s a health food, but are you aware of just how much sugar is found in your favourite Easter treat? Most Easter eggs list sugar as their highest ingredient and contain more sugar than cocoa.
One 40g Cadbury’s Crème Egg is over half sugar containing a whopping 26.5g (equivalent to 6.6 teaspoons). Meanwhile, an 80g bag of Mini Eggs will see you put away 55g (14 teaspoons) sugar. To put this in perspective, the World Health Organisation recommends we ideally consume no more than 25g (six teaspoons), per day.
But all is not lost. The good news is that you don’t have to make the choice between indulging in some chocolatey goodness and keeping your healthy diet on track. I’ve scoured the shelves (virtually, of course) for the healthiest Easter eggs, to save you the leg work.
All of these eggs are free from dairy and contain significantly less sugar than standard offerings. And don’t forget, chocolate has health benefits, too. Provided it is high quality chocolate with a high percentage of cocoa, chocolate can be a great source of antioxidants, which help to protect the body against free radical damage, linked to premature ageing and increased disease risk.
It also provides iron, magnesium, manganese as well as zinc and selenium. Sold? Thought so. These are the healthiest Easter eggs to enjoy this year…
Hotel Chocolat 100% Dark Chocolate Hard-Boiled Easter Egg
Sugar per 100g = 4.8g
One of the healthiest chocolate eggs out there – if you can handle the rich intensity of 100% cocoa. Providing antioxidants and health-boosting nutrients, this is definitely one to savour this Easter. Hotel Chocolat offer a wide range of vegan eggs with a high cacao percentage.
£15; shop one here.
Montezuma’s Peanut Butter Mini Eggs
Sugar per 100g = 4g
These 100% chocolate eggs are filled with peanut butter, made purely from peanuts. A fantastic alternative to classic mini eggs, these ones have a little nut-buttery goodness at their centre to add a creamy treat to a healthy chocolate Easter egg.
£4, buy one here.
Montezuma’s Organic Dark Chocolate with Cocoa Nibs Eco Easter Egg
Sugar per 100g = 3g
No nasties, just 100% dark organic chocolate with almost no sugar and some antioxidant-rich crunchy cacoa nibs. It should last you a while, too…
Plamil’s No Added Sugar Finest Dark Easter Egg
Sugar per 100g = 1g
This dark chocolate egg contains 72% cocoa dark chocolate and is gluten-free. The egg contains xylitol as a natural sweetener so if you like dark chocolate but prefer a sweeter taste, this one could be the one for you.
£4, buy one here.
Booja Booja, Hazelnut Crunch Truffles Easter egg
Sugar per 100g = 27g
Struggle with keeping your portion sizes in check? While high in sugar if eaten in large quantities, these three indulgent truffles are the perfect portion size. Made with high quality ingredients including 55% cocoa chocolate, almond paste and coconut oil and presented in a beautiful, hand-painted box.
Gorge Solid Raw Chocolate Easter Eggs
Sugar per 100g = 18g
With no added sugar or sweeteners, this egg trio is sweetened with dates and raisins and flavoured with strawberries and vanilla powder. The three eggs are chocolate truffle, raw cacao and strawberry and brazil nut: yum!
Top tip: If you’re on the look-out for healthier Easter eggs, opt for products containing a high percentage of cocoa. Check the nutrition information on the back of the packaging which will give you the sugar content per 100g and remember that the NHS classes anything over 22.5g a high sugar food. Eat mindfully and enjoy each mouthful.
Kim Pearson is a qualified nutritionist and weight loss expert based on London’s Harley Street. She consults clients in London and internationally via her virtual consulting room. For more information about Kim and the services she offers, visit her website kim-pearson.com.
