In September 2017 researchers from Australia published the results of their study to assess the effect of consuming dark, milk and white chocolate on energy intake, appetite and mood in postmenopausal women. Each serving of chocolate consumed contained the same number of calories. Over a period of three weeks 14 healthy women (average age 58 years) attended the laboratory, on the same day each week and at the same time, and consumed either a serving of dark chocolate (80% cocoa), milk chocolate (35% cocoa) or white chocolate (cocoa butter). Results showed that the resultant energy intake was significantly lower following dark chocolate consumption than following either the milk or white chocolate consumption. In addition, dark chocolate was seen to be more filling than either milk or white chocolate. There were similar alterations in mood following the consumption of all three types of chocolate.
Marsh CE et al. Consumption of dark chocolate attenuates subsequent food intake compared with milk and white chocolate in postmenopausal women. Appetite. 2017 Sep 1;116:544-551