Valentine’s day is around the corner. When love is in the air, lovers fill their local chocolatiers looking for chocolates. In fact, chocolate has been the Valentine’s Day heavyweight for decades and enjoys an insurmountable popularity.

It’s true, a piece of good chocolate is like a piece of heaven. Indeed, eating chocolate is healthy too, especially dark chocolate. The secret? Dark chocolate contains more cacao. The USDA points out that when it comes to chocolate, the more cacao a chocoalate has, the more antioxidant capacity it possesses. Therefore, dark chocolate is a good source of antioxidants and  therefore it is healthier than milk or white chocolates. WebMD also reports that dark chocolate is found to lower blood pressure. As long as you enjoy it in moderation, a piece of dark chocolate can be a healthy addition to your lunch, and this is obviously true on Valentine’s day.

But do you judge chocolate by its box, (no more than a book by its cover) or do you actually judge it by its taste? Like wine, chocolate has multiple personalities. For this Valentine’s day, we have tasted three dark chocolates to examine their individual characters. The three contestants are Seattle based Theo Organic Dark Chocolate, Equal Exchange Organic Very Dark Chocolate (from where else other than Switzerland), and Green & Black’s Organic Dark Chocolate from Canada.

Theo Organic Dark Chocolate 70%

Based in Seattle, Theo Chocolate still produces chocolate from its historic factory site. Better Housekeeping describes this chocolate as “not only good for you – it’s also good for the environment”. Its production ensures that no harmful pesticides are used, adds Better Housekeeping. It is both organic and fair trade certified. Theo chocolate starts on a high bitter note with a strong smokey edge. As it melts, the cocoa flavor remains strong, bold, with a high sweetness. Its rich chocolate taste dissipates quickly, leaving a lingering arid bittersweet aftertaste. This chocolate obviously speaks to a thrill seeker. If that’s who your lover is, you must give this. Where do you get it? Amazon and Whole Foods.

Equal Exchange Organic & Fairly Traded Very Dark Chocolate 71%

Produced in Switzerland, Equal Exchange’s mission is to promote an equitable trade model and sustainable farming. This chocolate is also organic and fair trade certified. It also claims that it contains 100% fair trade content. Equal Exchange opens with a clear, bitter, but waxier taste. It then melts into a rich, rounded, velvety sensation, which is followed by a satisfying, luxurious aftertaste that certainly has a zip to it. This Swiss chocolate is attractive to one who seeks a bold, playful, and yet comforting lover. Give it if that describes your beloved. Where do you get it? Whole Foods. In Amazon, although you cannot find this bar for now, you can still find other flavors from this company.

Green & Black’s Organic Dark Chocolate 70%

Although the company is London based, this chocolate is from Canada. It is both organic and fair trade certified. Green & Black’s opens smoothly compared to the other two. As it melts, it maintains its smoothness, yet with an acidic touch. It dissipates quickly and closes with a smokey coffee aftertaste. Clearly, this chocolate seeks the attention of a gentle lover who has a more traditional taste. If that’s your beloved, satisfy him/her with this sensational yet traditional tasting chocolate. Where can you get it? Amazon and Whole Foods.

In moderation, having a piece of dark chocolate for lunch can definitely boost your antioxidants. When it comes to choosing dark chocolate, especially for your Valentine, why not choose the one that actually speaks to the person. So next time when you visit your chocolatier, don’t just buy any heart-shaped box. Get to know your chocolate. Happy Valentines!

Lunch on.