Chocolate has a bad reputation when it comes to healthy food choices, but that is slowly changing. New research about the health benefits of chocolate combined with growing consumer demand for innovative natural food products has turned an industry once demonized into a miracle cure. Studies have shown that chocolate can help fight tooth decay and prevent heart disease.

According to recent industry trends, chocolate is making a comeback. In 2010, chocolate lead overall snack sales, with multi-count and snack-sized packages growing 8% and on the go and individual chocolate sales up 10% from 2009. According to the National Confectioners Association, the top snack trends in 2011 are:

Surprising Flavor Combinations

Candy and snacks with dual-layers and multiple flavor profiles in one bite top the tasty trends for 2011, with new combinations including unique blends of fruits and the addition of ingredients like chili and mint.

Natural and Added Nutrients

Whether simple and all-natural or fortified with vitamins and a nutrition boost, “smart” snacks and sweets are here to stay, including chocolate, and products with added Vitamin C, fiber and other healthful ingredients.

Here are our top picks for chocolate snacks with enhanced flavors and health benefits:

1. Attune Probiotic Chocolate Bars

 


Yogurt beware. There is a new way to get gut friendly bacteria into your diet. Attune delivers 6.1 billion CFUs of clinically supported strains of probiotics in their four brands of gluten-free chocolate bars. For folks who want the health benefits of probiotics in a convenient snack, flavors like mint and almond are tasty.

2. Mast Brothers Chocolate

 


Brothers Rick and Michael Mast are bringing American craft chocolate to the masses from their small factory in Brooklyn, NY. Food & Wine Magazine has recently called Mast Brothers Chocolate the “Best New American Chocolate”. With varieties like Serrano Peppers, Stumptown Coffee, and Fleur de Sel, the brothers raise the bar on ingredient selection and sourcing.

3. Navitas Naturals Organic Cacao

 


Chocolate is going back to the source these days. You can find raw organic cacao (the bean from which chocolate originates) in many specialty food stores as it becomes more popular. Recipes like this raw cacao smoothie use cacao nibs as an ingredient. It makes having a chocolaty treat not only good for your taste buds, but good for your health too!

4. Larabar Chocolate Chip Brownie Bar

 


Sweetened with dates and packed with fiber, Larabars come in a variety of flavors what contain minimal ingredients (only whole foods and spices) so you can be sure that you are eating real food. The Chocolate Chip Brownie Bar is perfect to satisfy a chocolate bar craving.