Chocolate bark gets to count as gut-friendly around here, no apologies. Dark chocolate at 70 percent or higher carries a genuine dose of flavanols, tart cherries bring anthocyanins and a bit of fiber, and almonds plus chia add crunch along with some plant fat and omega-3s. Melt, sprinkle, chill, snap into pieces. It's dessert that isn't pretending to be health food, it just happens to be one. Since this counts as dessert, see our piece on why when you eat dessert changes its impact on your gut. If you want another fruit-forward sweet, our fig compote with Greek yogurt and kombucha poached pears are worth trying too.
Ingredients
- 200g dark chocolate, 70 percent or higher
- 1/2 cup dried tart cherries
- 1/4 cup chopped almonds
- 1 tablespoon chia seeds
Instructions
- Melt chocolate gently in a double boiler or microwave in short bursts.
- Pour onto a parchment-lined tray and spread thin.
- Sprinkle cherries, almonds, and chia seeds evenly over the top.
- Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes until set, then break into pieces.
Nutrition Facts (per serving)
| Calories | 190 |
| Total fat | 13g |
| Total carbohydrates | 17g |
| Dietary fiber | 3g |
| Protein | 3g |
| Sodium | 5mg |
Why This Is Good for Your Gut
Dark chocolate at 70 percent cacao or higher contains flavanols, plant compounds that gut bacteria metabolize into anti-inflammatory byproducts that support the gut lining. Tart cherries provide anthocyanins along with a small amount of fiber, both of which have been linked to a healthier balance of gut microbes. Chia seeds add soluble fiber that forms a gel during digestion, slowing things down in a way that helps beneficial bacteria along.
Chocolate for dinner is questionable. Chocolate bark that's mostly good for you is not.
This recipe is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional dietary advice.
