Fake chocolate is everywhere now:


Jan 5, 2026

6 Chocolate Brands Sold in Australia to AVOID (They're Not What You Think)

After extensive testing, this investigation exposes chocolate brands containing palm oil, vegetable fats, excessive sugar, and misleading marketing. Learn to identify genuine chocolate through ingredient labels and avoid compound chocolate products marketed as real chocolate.

Real chocolate contains simple ingredients: cocoa, cocoa butter, and sugar. Avoid products labeled with vegetable oils, compound chocolate, or cocoa flavoring. Support quality chocolate makers by choosing genuine chocolate products.



https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BJ5V7g-IJbI

Also, don't get the ones with nuts in it if you are allergic to nuts.

What is chocolate?


Google AI:

definition.

chocolate
/ˈtʃɒk(ə)lət/

Dark, Milk & White chocolate – a definition |Chocolate is a food produced from roasted, ground cacao seeds (

). It is typically a brown, sweet substance served as solid bars, candies, or drinks, and is often processed with sugar, cocoa butter, and milk. It is used in desserts, as confectionery, or as a dark brown color.

Key Usage Examples

Confectionery: Candy bars, truffles, bonbons, and chocolate-covered treats.
Baking & Cooking: Cakes, brownies, cookies, hot chocolate, and sauces.
Flavoring: Ice cream, milkshakes, and pastries.
Color/Descriptive: "Chocolate-brown" describes a deep brown color, often used in fashion or nature contexts.

Synonyms & Related Terms

Cocoa: Refers to the powder or beans (often when dried/processed).
Cacao: Refers to the raw beans or the tree.
Confectionery: Sweet treats made with chocolate.
Dark Chocolate / Milk Chocolate / White Chocolate: Types defined by cocoa solid/butter percentages.
Cocoa Liquor / Paste: The raw liquid paste from grinding roasted beans.


Key Aspects
Types: Dark (typically >35% cocoa solids), Milk (typically >25% cocoa solids), and White (cocoa butter based).
Origin: Produced from cacao trees native to South America, with history from Maya, Toltec, and Aztec cultures

freediver wrote on Apr 19^th, 2026 at 8:03pm:

Also, don't get the ones with nuts in it if you are allergic to nuts.

Well - people should know that -

what do all those oils and chemicals they put in your chocolate do to you?
Does it block your arteries with cholesterol?

Bobby. wrote on Apr 19^th, 2026 at 8:10pm:

what do all those oils and chemicals they put in your chocolate do to you?

Oils shouldn't block anything. It provides slippage.

lee wrote on Apr 19^th, 2026 at 8:38pm:

Bobby. wrote on Apr 19th, 2026 at 8:10pm: what do all those oils and chemicals they put in your chocolate do to you? Oils shouldn't block anything. It provides slippage.

nahh - it's poison.

Google AI:


Palm oil is considered unfavorable for cholesterol management because it is high in saturated fat (nearly 50%), which can increase LDL ("bad") cholesterol levels. While it may not be as harmful as trans fats, studies show it raises LDL cholesterol more than vegetable oils low in saturated fat, such as olive oil.


Key Details on Palm Oil and Cholesterol:

LDL Increase: Palm oil consumption is associated with significantly higher LDL (bad) cholesterol levels compared to unsaturated vegetable oils.

Saturated Fat Content: It contains high levels of palmitic acid, a saturated fat known to increase cholesterol, making it similar to butter in its effects, note and in this WebMD article.


Comparison to Other Fats: Palm oil is less heart-healthy than olive oil or avocado oil. However, it is generally considered better than trans fats.


Recommendation: Health guidelines recommend limiting palm oil intake to manage blood cholesterol and overall heart health.


While some studies indicate palm oil might increase HDL ("good") cholesterol, the overall consensus is that its high saturated fat content makes it less desirable than unsaturated oils.

Cadbury chocolate not really chocolate:



Bobby. wrote on Apr 19^th, 2026 at 7:55pm:

Fake chocolate is everywhere now: Jan 5, 2026 ........ Real chocolate contains simple ingredients: cocoa, cocoa butter, and sugar. Avoid products labeled with vegetable oils, compound chocolate, or cocoa flavoring. Support quality chocolate makers by choosing genuine chocolate products. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BJ5V7g-IJbI

bobby,

I have long suspected as much.

But i chose to still buy this brand....because it claimed to be.......a chocolate bar.



Maybe i should just quit chocolate.

I may be experiencing too much pleasure.....whenever i eat it bobby !!!!!

hehe

And i doubt that the 'common' chocolate bar today could be considered a 'health food'.   [smile]


p.s.
bobby.....thank you for this thread.

It is food for thought.

Yadda wrote on Apr 19^th, 2026 at 9:14pm:

bobby, I have long suspected as much. But i chose to still buy this brand....because it claimed to be.......a chocolate bar. Maybe i should just quit chocolate. I may be experiencing too much pleasure.....whenever i eat it bobby !!!!! hehe And i doubt that the 'common' chocolate bar today could be considered a 'health food'.   [smile] p.s. bobby.....thank you for this thread. It is food for thought.

Thanks - with the info above -   today I bought this instead -

https://www.coles.com.au/product/lindt-excellence-90percent-cocoa-dark-chocolate-block-100g-1735589


$9.75   -   tastes better too.


https://www.lindt.com.au/media/catalog/product/e/x/exc6-lindt_excellence_100g_90_cocoa_850x850_1.png


Product details

Tantalizingly dark in colour with deep, rich and complex aromas reveals the most pure and balanced cocoa flavour that is surprisingly smooth on the palate. This full bodied dark chocolate with its high percentage of cocoa will enliven your senses and delight the dark chocolate connoisseur.

Lindt EXCELLENCE 90% Cocoa Dark Chocolate 100g

Enliven your senses with the ultimate chocolate luxury, EXCELLENCE

Discover the expertise and craftsmanship of our Lindt Master Chocolatiers since 1845

Blends the most aromatic, cocoa beans with the finest ingredients

Rich and refined chocolate of intense flavour and elegant texture

freediver wrote on Apr 19^th, 2026 at 8:03pm:

Also........don't get the ones with nuts in it........if you are allergic to nuts.

;D

Dictionary;
erudite = = having or showing knowledge or learning.


/sarc off

freediver wrote on Apr 19^th, 2026 at 8:03pm:

Also, don't get the ones with nuts in it if you are allergic to nuts.

... the only nuts I'm allergic to are my family and they are at a safe distance .....

Bobby. wrote on Apr 19^th, 2026 at 9:07pm:

While some studies indicate palm oil might increase HDL ("good") cholesterol, the overall consensus is that its high saturated fat content makes it less desirable than unsaturated oils.

Another thing decided by poll. ::)

lee wrote on Apr 20^th, 2026 at 1:14pm:

Bobby. wrote on Apr 19th, 2026 at 9:07pm: While some studies indicate palm oil might increase HDL ("good") cholesterol, the overall consensus is that its high saturated fat content makes it less desirable than unsaturated oils. Another thing decided by poll. ::)

Come on -
you only found out about fake chocolate cause a me -
that's the only reason.    :-X

Yeah

Ultra processed carbs..

Cheap to make, taste fantastic and make the food companies rich whilst handing the burden of disease to the taxpayer.

aquascoot wrote on Apr 20^th, 2026 at 5:47pm:

Yeah Ultra processed carbs.. Cheap to make, taste fantastic and make the food companies rich whilst handing the burden of disease to the taxpayer.

It doesn't have enough cocoa or cocoa butter to be
classed as chocolate in many countries -
it's full of poisons that cause:
diabetes, blocked arteries, strokes, heart attacks & obesity -

there are people dying from it as I write this - in their hospital beds yet
it's quite legal to sell it in Australia and to call it chocolate when it's not -
it's about making money at any cost - even death.

Bobby. wrote on Apr 20^th, 2026 at 6:11pm:

aquascoot wrote on Apr 20th, 2026 at 5:47pm: Yeah Ultra processed carbs.. Cheap to make, taste fantastic and make the food companies rich whilst handing the burden of disease to the taxpayer. It doesn't have enough cocoa or cocoa butter to be classed as chocolate in many countries - it's full of poisons that cause: diabetes, blocked arteries, strokes, heart attacks & obesity - there are people dying from it as I write this - in their hospital beds yet it's quite legal to sell it in Australia and to call it chocolate when it's not - it's about making money at any cost - even death.

?.

freediver wrote on Apr 19^th, 2026 at 8:03pm:

Also, don't get the ones with nuts in it if you are allergic to nuts.

I collect my full intake of nuts here.

I only eat Belgian chocolate.
And only dark chocolate, generally 70% or more.
I researched the Coles Belgian chocolate and it's a good deal overall as being cheaper than others.
But I prefer REAL Belgian chocolate which is quite expensive.

You get what you pay for.

Valkie wrote on Apr 20^th, 2026 at 7:27pm:

I only eat Belgian chocolate. And only dark chocolate, generally 70% or more. I researched the Coles Belgian chocolate and it's a good deal overall as being cheaper than others. But I prefer REAL Belgian chocolate which is quite expensive. You get what you pay for.

Yep -and people have to stop buying dangerous junk food.

Cadburys hasn't been decent chocolate since they went down the Halal Certification road in 2014.

I buy Lindt - and send Cadburys the wrappers in protest.

Dnarever wrote on Apr 20^th, 2026 at 6:48pm:

freediver wrote on Apr 19th, 2026 at 8:03pm: Also, don't get the ones with nuts in it if you are allergic to nuts. I collect my full intake of nuts here.

So you don't look out of place then ey?  ;)

Gnads wrote on Apr 21^st, 2026 at 12:06pm:

Cadburys hasn't been decent chocolate since they went down the Halal Certification road in 2014. I buy Lindt - and send Cadburys the wrappers in protest.

Cadbury didn't change their recipe because of Halal Certification.

Gnads wrote on Apr 21^st, 2026 at 12:06pm:

Cadburys hasn't been decent chocolate since they went down the Halal Certification road in 2014. I buy Lindt - and send Cadburys the wrappers in protest.

It's expensive but at least it's chocolate:


https://www.lindt.com.au/media/catalog/product/e/x/exc6-lindt_excellence_100g_90_cocoa_850x850_1.png

And most of the ‘’Raw Sugar’’ on sale is not raw sugar but is refined sugar with a few additives disguised as raw sugar.

lee wrote on Apr 20^th, 2026 at 1:14pm:

Bobby. wrote on Apr 19th, 2026 at 9:07pm: While some studies indicate palm oil might increase HDL ("good") cholesterol, the overall consensus is that its high saturated fat content makes it less desirable than unsaturated oils. Another thing decided by poll. ::)

Consensus is not a poll. All the "book learning" you have ever stumbled across was decided by consensus. Even the hard sciences.

It's time you faced reality.

Bobby. wrote on Apr 19^th, 2026 at 9:07pm:

lee wrote on Apr 19th, 2026 at 8:38pm: Bobby. wrote on Apr 19th, 2026 at 8:10pm: what do all those oils and chemicals they put in your chocolate do to you? Oils shouldn't block anything. It provides slippage. nahh - it's poison. Google AI: Palm oil is considered unfavorable for cholesterol management because it is high in saturated fat (nearly 50%), which can increase LDL ("bad") cholesterol levels. While it may not be as harmful as trans fats, studies show it raises LDL cholesterol more than vegetable oils low in saturated fat, such as olive oil. Key Details on Palm Oil and Cholesterol: LDL Increase: Palm oil consumption is associated with significantly higher LDL (bad) cholesterol levels compared to unsaturated vegetable oils. Saturated Fat Content: It contains high levels of palmitic acid, a saturated fat known to increase cholesterol, making it similar to butter in its effects, note and in this WebMD article. Comparison to Other Fats: Palm oil is less heart-healthy than olive oil or avocado oil. However, it is generally considered better than trans fats. Recommendation: Health guidelines recommend limiting palm oil intake to manage blood cholesterol and overall heart health. While some studies indicate palm oil might increase HDL ("good") cholesterol, the overall consensus is that its high saturated fat content makes it less desirable than unsaturated oils.

This is the big problem with palm oil:

Palm oil production is a major driver of global deforestation, particularly in Southeast Asia, where vast areas of biodiverse rainforests and peatlands are cleared for plantations, leading to massive carbon emissions and loss of endangered species habitat.

greggerypeccary wrote on May 9^th, 2026 at 10:02am:

Bobby. wrote on Apr 19th, 2026 at 9:07pm: lee wrote on Apr 19th, 2026 at 8:38pm: Bobby. wrote on Apr 19th, 2026 at 8:10pm: what do all those oils and chemicals they put in your chocolate do to you? Oils shouldn't block anything. It provides slippage. nahh - it's poison. Google AI: Palm oil is considered unfavorable for cholesterol management because it is high in saturated fat (nearly 50%), which can increase LDL ("bad") cholesterol levels. While it may not be as harmful as trans fats, studies show it raises LDL cholesterol more than vegetable oils low in saturated fat, such as olive oil. Key Details on Palm Oil and Cholesterol: LDL Increase: Palm oil consumption is associated with significantly higher LDL (bad) cholesterol levels compared to unsaturated vegetable oils. Saturated Fat Content: It contains high levels of palmitic acid, a saturated fat known to increase cholesterol, making it similar to butter in its effects, note and in this WebMD article. Comparison to Other Fats: Palm oil is less heart-healthy than olive oil or avocado oil. However, it is generally considered better than trans fats. Recommendation: Health guidelines recommend limiting palm oil intake to manage blood cholesterol and overall heart health. While some studies indicate palm oil might increase HDL ("good") cholesterol, the overall consensus is that its high saturated fat content makes it less desirable than unsaturated oils. This is the big problem with palm oil: Palm oil production is a major driver of global deforestation, particularly in Southeast Asia, where vast areas of biodiverse rainforests and peatlands are cleared for plantations, leading to massive carbon emissions and loss of endangered species habitat.

If palm oil is the problem then just switch to planting olive trees.

Sir Eoin O Fada wrote on May 8^th, 2026 at 10:10pm:

And most of the ‘’Raw Sugar’’ on sale is not raw sugar but is refined sugar with a few additives disguised as raw sugar.

Google AI:

Brown sugar is essentially refined white sugar with added molasses, rather than being a naturally unrefined product.  While raw sugar (such as turbinado) retains its natural molasses coating through minimal processing, brown sugar is created by mixing white refined sugar crystals with black treacle (molasses) to achieve its color and softer texture.

Composition: Brown sugar contains 3.5% to 6.5% molasses depending on its darkness, whereas raw sugar retains the natural molasses present in the sugarcane juice.
Processing: Raw sugar is made by boiling cane juice and evaporating it with minimal chemical treatment, while brown sugar undergoes full refining to remove all molasses before having some added back in.

Leroy wrote on May 9^th, 2026 at 10:25am:

If palm oil is the problem then just switch to planting olive trees.

Google AI:


Olive oil can be used in chocolate instead of palm oil, but it is generally not a direct 1:1 substitute for creating a solid, temperable bar due to significant differences in fat structure and melting points.

Palm oil is often used in mass-produced chocolate as a cheap filler because it is solid at room temperature and has a higher melting point, which helps the chocolate resist melting in warm climates.  In contrast, olive oil is a liquid vegetable oil at room temperature.  If you substitute olive oil directly for the solid fats (like cocoa butter or palm oil) in a standard chocolate recipe, the resulting product will not solidify and will remain soft or liquid, failing to achieve the traditional "snap" and glossy finish of tempered chocolate.

However, olive oil can be used in specific contexts:

Chocolate Spreads: Olive oil is a common ingredient in artisanal chocolate spreads (like gianduja) because the product is intended to be spreadable and does not require tempering or solidification.


Blended Formulations: For those seeking to reduce saturated fat or avoid palm oil while maintaining some texture, olive oil can be blended with cocoa butter (e.g., 60–70% high-oleic oil/olive oil blend with 30–40% cocoa butter) and emulsifiers like lecithin.  This creates a firmer bar than pure oil but will still likely lack the professional temper of 100% cocoa butter chocolate.


Flavor Profile: Olive oil imparts a distinct fruity or peppery flavor, which complements dark chocolate but may clash with milk or white chocolate, whereas palm oil is relatively neutral.
For a high-quality, palm-oil-free chocolate bar that mimics the texture of commercial chocolate, cocoa butter is the preferred alternative, as it is the natural fat of the cocoa bean, providing the necessary structure, melt-in-the-mouth sensation, and temperability.

Bobby. wrote on May 9^th, 2026 at 5:30pm:

Leroy wrote on May 9th, 2026 at 10:25am: If palm oil is the problem then just switch to planting olive trees. Google AI: Olive oil can be used in chocolate instead of palm oil, but it is generally not a direct 1:1 substitute for creating a solid, temperable bar due to significant differences in fat structure and melting points. Palm oil is often used in mass-produced chocolate as a cheap filler because it is solid at room temperature and has a higher melting point, which helps the chocolate resist melting in warm climates.  In contrast, olive oil is a liquid vegetable oil at room temperature.  If you substitute olive oil directly for the solid fats (like cocoa butter or palm oil) in a standard chocolate recipe, the resulting product will not solidify and will remain soft or liquid, failing to achieve the traditional "snap" and glossy finish of tempered chocolate. However, olive oil can be used in specific contexts: Chocolate Spreads: Olive oil is a common ingredient in artisanal chocolate spreads (like gianduja) because the product is intended to be spreadable and does not require tempering or solidification. Blended Formulations: For those seeking to reduce saturated fat or avoid palm oil while maintaining some texture, olive oil can be blended with cocoa butter (e.g., 60–70% high-oleic oil/olive oil blend with 30–40% cocoa butter) and emulsifiers like lecithin.  This creates a firmer bar than pure oil but will still likely lack the professional temper of 100% cocoa butter chocolate. Flavor Profile: Olive oil imparts a distinct fruity or peppery flavor, which complements dark chocolate but may clash with milk or white chocolate, whereas palm oil is relatively neutral. For a high-quality, palm-oil-free chocolate bar that mimics the texture of commercial chocolate, cocoa butter is the preferred alternative, as it is the natural fat of the cocoa bean, providing the necessary structure, melt-in-the-mouth sensation, and temperability.

Bobby when we start relying on AI we stop thinking.

My point was palm oil is not the problem, clearing forests is the problem. They plant palm oil trees when they clear the land but it is clearing the land that we should focus on and not on palm oil.

Leroy wrote on May 9^th, 2026 at 5:36pm:

Bobby when we start relying on AI we stop thinking. My point was palm oil is not the problem, clearing forests is the problem. They plant palm oil trees when they clear the land but it is clearing the land that we should focus on and not on palm oil.

No - the problem is fake chocolate made with Palm oil
which is not only very unhealthy to eat it's also
bad for our environment.

Bobby. wrote on May 9^th, 2026 at 5:44pm:

Leroy wrote on May 9th, 2026 at 5:36pm: Bobby when we start relying on AI we stop thinking. My point was palm oil is not the problem, clearing forests is the problem. They plant palm oil trees when they clear the land but it is clearing the land that we should focus on and not on palm oil. No - the problem is fake chocolate made with Palm oil which is not only very unhealthy to eat it's also bad for our environement.

How does palm oil hurt the environment Bobby?.

Leroy wrote on May 9^th, 2026 at 6:15pm:

Bobby. wrote on May 9th, 2026 at 5:44pm: Leroy wrote on May 9th, 2026 at 5:36pm: Bobby when we start relying on AI we stop thinking. My point was palm oil is not the problem, clearing forests is the problem. They plant palm oil trees when they clear the land but it is clearing the land that we should focus on and not on palm oil. No - the problem is fake chocolate made with Palm oil which is not only very unhealthy to eat it's also bad for our environment. How does palm oil hurt the environment Bobby?.

It causes land clearing.



Google AI:

Palm oil production is a primary driver of tropical deforestation, with an area equivalent to 300 football fields cleared every hour in regions like Indonesia and Malaysia.  This land conversion destroys critical habitats for endangered species such as orangutans, Sumatran tigers, and elephants, threatening them with extinction.

The environmental damage is compounded by greenhouse gas emissions from draining and burning peatlands, which releases massive amounts of stored carbon and contributes significantly to global warming.  Additionally, intensive farming leads to soil erosion and water pollution, including toxic palm oil mill effluent that depletes oxygen in waterways and creates marine dead zones.

Bobby. wrote on May 9^th, 2026 at 6:17pm:

Leroy wrote on May 9th, 2026 at 6:15pm: Bobby. wrote on May 9th, 2026 at 5:44pm: Leroy wrote on May 9th, 2026 at 5:36pm: Bobby when we start relying on AI we stop thinking. My point was palm oil is not the problem, clearing forests is the problem. They plant palm oil trees when they clear the land but it is clearing the land that we should focus on and not on palm oil. No - the problem is fake chocolate made with Palm oil which is not only very unhealthy to eat it's also bad for our environment. How does palm oil hurt the environment Bobby?. It causes land clearing. Google AI: Palm oil production is a primary driver of tropical deforestation, with an area equivalent to 300 football fields cleared every hour in regions like Indonesia and Malaysia.  This land conversion destroys critical habitats for endangered species such as orangutans, Sumatran tigers, and elephants, threatening them with extinction. The environmental damage is compounded by greenhouse gas emissions from draining and burning peatlands, which releases massive amounts of stored carbon and contributes significantly to global warming.  Additionally, intensive farming leads to soil erosion and water pollution, including toxic palm oil mill effluent that depletes oxygen in waterways and creates marine dead zones.

So if they stopped planting palm oil trees and planted olives instead the problem would be solved Bobby.

Leroy wrote on May 9^th, 2026 at 6:48pm:

So if they stopped planting palm oil trees and planted olives instead the problem would be solved Bobby.

Are you trying to have a lend of me?

You only found about Cadbury chocolate because of me.

You'll now make healthier choices in your life and you can thank me for that.  :)

Bobby. wrote on May 9^th, 2026 at 6:51pm:

Leroy wrote on May 9th, 2026 at 6:48pm: So if they stopped planting palm oil trees and planted olives instead the problem would be solved Bobby. Are you trying to have a lend of me? You only found about Cadbury chocolate because of me. You'll now make healthier choices in your life and you can thank me for that.  :)

Thank you Bobby, can't wait for your next revelation.

Leroy wrote on May 9^th, 2026 at 7:00pm:

Bobby. wrote on May 9th, 2026 at 6:51pm: Leroy wrote on May 9th, 2026 at 6:48pm: So if they stopped planting palm oil trees and planted olives instead the problem would be solved Bobby. Are you trying to have a lend of me? You only found about Cadbury chocolate because of me. You'll now make healthier choices in your life and you can thank me for that.  :) Thank you Bobby, can't wait for your next revelation.

You don't have to look far -

my revelations on budget Chinese new cars:

https://www.ozpolitic.com/forum/YaBB.pl?num=1776664551/60


Reply #69 - Apr 28th, 2026 at 1:24pm

greggerypeccary wrote on Apr 21^st, 2026 at 12:13pm:

Gnads wrote on Apr 21st, 2026 at 12:06pm: Cadburys hasn't been decent chocolate since they went down the Halal Certification road in 2014. I buy Lindt - and send Cadburys the wrappers in protest. Cadbury didn't change their recipe because of Halal Certification.

Yes they did.  ::) E471 emulsifiers were animal based ie. from pork lard or beef tallow.

Leroy wrote on May 9^th, 2026 at 10:25am:

greggerypeccary wrote on May 9th, 2026 at 10:02am: Bobby. wrote on Apr 19th, 2026 at 9:07pm: lee wrote on Apr 19th, 2026 at 8:38pm: Bobby. wrote on Apr 19th, 2026 at 8:10pm: what do all those oils and chemicals they put in your chocolate do to you? Oils shouldn't block anything. It provides slippage. nahh - it's poison. Google AI: Palm oil is considered unfavorable for cholesterol management because it is high in saturated fat (nearly 50%), which can increase LDL ("bad") cholesterol levels. While it may not be as harmful as trans fats, studies show it raises LDL cholesterol more than vegetable oils low in saturated fat, such as olive oil. Key Details on Palm Oil and Cholesterol: LDL Increase: Palm oil consumption is associated with significantly higher LDL (bad) cholesterol levels compared to unsaturated vegetable oils. Saturated Fat Content: It contains high levels of palmitic acid, a saturated fat known to increase cholesterol, making it similar to butter in its effects, note and in this WebMD article. Comparison to Other Fats: Palm oil is less heart-healthy than olive oil or avocado oil. However, it is generally considered better than trans fats. Recommendation: Health guidelines recommend limiting palm oil intake to manage blood cholesterol and overall heart health. While some studies indicate palm oil might increase HDL ("good") cholesterol, the overall consensus is that its high saturated fat content makes it less desirable than unsaturated oils. This is the big problem with palm oil: Palm oil production is a major driver of global deforestation, particularly in Southeast Asia, where vast areas of biodiverse rainforests and peatlands are cleared for plantations, leading to massive carbon emissions and loss of endangered species habitat. If palm oil is the problem then just switch to planting olive trees.

Olive trees don't like the wet tropics.  ::)

Leroy wrote on May 9^th, 2026 at 5:36pm:

Bobby. wrote on May 9th, 2026 at 5:30pm: Leroy wrote on May 9th, 2026 at 10:25am: If palm oil is the problem then just switch to planting olive trees. Google AI: Olive oil can be used in chocolate instead of palm oil, but it is generally not a direct 1:1 substitute for creating a solid, temperable bar due to significant differences in fat structure and melting points. Palm oil is often used in mass-produced chocolate as a cheap filler because it is solid at room temperature and has a higher melting point, which helps the chocolate resist melting in warm climates.  In contrast, olive oil is a liquid vegetable oil at room temperature.  If you substitute olive oil directly for the solid fats (like cocoa butter or palm oil) in a standard chocolate recipe, the resulting product will not solidify and will remain soft or liquid, failing to achieve the traditional "snap" and glossy finish of tempered chocolate. However, olive oil can be used in specific contexts: Chocolate Spreads: Olive oil is a common ingredient in artisanal chocolate spreads (like gianduja) because the product is intended to be spreadable and does not require tempering or solidification. Blended Formulations: For those seeking to reduce saturated fat or avoid palm oil while maintaining some texture, olive oil can be blended with cocoa butter (e.g., 60–70% high-oleic oil/olive oil blend with 30–40% cocoa butter) and emulsifiers like lecithin.  This creates a firmer bar than pure oil but will still likely lack the professional temper of 100% cocoa butter chocolate. Flavor Profile: Olive oil imparts a distinct fruity or peppery flavor, which complements dark chocolate but may clash with milk or white chocolate, whereas palm oil is relatively neutral. For a high-quality, palm-oil-free chocolate bar that mimics the texture of commercial chocolate, cocoa butter is the preferred alternative, as it is the natural fat of the cocoa bean, providing the necessary structure, melt-in-the-mouth sensation, and temperability. Bobby when we start relying on AI we stop thinking. My point was palm oil is not the problem, clearing forests is the problem. They plant palm oil trees when they clear the land but it is clearing the land that we should focus on and not on palm oil.

If it wasn't for Palm Oil they wouldn't be wholesale clearing the forests. They go hand in hand FFS.

Leroy wrote on May 9^th, 2026 at 6:15pm:

Bobby. wrote on May 9th, 2026 at 5:44pm: Leroy wrote on May 9th, 2026 at 5:36pm: Bobby when we start relying on AI we stop thinking. My point was palm oil is not the problem, clearing forests is the problem. They plant palm oil trees when they clear the land but it is clearing the land that we should focus on and not on palm oil. No - the problem is fake chocolate made with Palm oil which is not only very unhealthy to eat it's also bad for our environement. How does palm oil hurt the environment Bobby?.

Are you genuine in your question or just thick?


Quote:

Palm oil production is a major driver of global deforestation, particularly in Southeast Asia, where vast areas of biodiverse rainforests and peatlands are cleared for plantations, leading to massive carbon emissions and loss of endangered species habitat.

Palm oil & corn syrup - 2 of the biggest dietary concerns globally because it is used in so so many processed foods.

Gnads wrote on May 10^th, 2026 at 1:43pm:

Leroy wrote on May 9th, 2026 at 5:36pm: Bobby. wrote on May 9th, 2026 at 5:30pm: Leroy wrote on May 9th, 2026 at 10:25am: If palm oil is the problem then just switch to planting olive trees. Google AI: Olive oil can be used in chocolate instead of palm oil, but it is generally not a direct 1:1 substitute for creating a solid, temperable bar due to significant differences in fat structure and melting points. Palm oil is often used in mass-produced chocolate as a cheap filler because it is solid at room temperature and has a higher melting point, which helps the chocolate resist melting in warm climates.  In contrast, olive oil is a liquid vegetable oil at room temperature.  If you substitute olive oil directly for the solid fats (like cocoa butter or palm oil) in a standard chocolate recipe, the resulting product will not solidify and will remain soft or liquid, failing to achieve the traditional "snap" and glossy finish of tempered chocolate. However, olive oil can be used in specific contexts: Chocolate Spreads: Olive oil is a common ingredient in artisanal chocolate spreads (like gianduja) because the product is intended to be spreadable and does not require tempering or solidification. Blended Formulations: For those seeking to reduce saturated fat or avoid palm oil while maintaining some texture, olive oil can be blended with cocoa butter (e.g., 60–70% high-oleic oil/olive oil blend with 30–40% cocoa butter) and emulsifiers like lecithin.  This creates a firmer bar than pure oil but will still likely lack the professional temper of 100% cocoa butter chocolate. Flavor Profile: Olive oil imparts a distinct fruity or peppery flavor, which complements dark chocolate but may clash with milk or white chocolate, whereas palm oil is relatively neutral. For a high-quality, palm-oil-free chocolate bar that mimics the texture of commercial chocolate, cocoa butter is the preferred alternative, as it is the natural fat of the cocoa bean, providing the necessary structure, melt-in-the-mouth sensation, and temperability. Bobby when we start relying on AI we stop thinking. My point was palm oil is not the problem, clearing forests is the problem. They plant palm oil trees when they clear the land but it is clearing the land that we should focus on and not on palm oil. If it wasn't for Palm Oil they wouldn't be wholesale clearing the forests. They go hand in hand FFS.

Palm oil is not the problem, palm oil is a healthy food source. Its the clearing of forests that is the problem.

Leroy wrote on May 10^th, 2026 at 2:07pm:

Palm oil is not the problem, palm oil is a healthy food source. Its the clearing of forests that is the problem.

Google AI:

Palm oil is a balanced source of fats and antioxidants, but it is not universally considered the healthiest cooking oil due to its high saturated fat content.  It contains a mix of 50% saturated fats and 50% unsaturated fats, along with beneficial phytonutrients like vitamin E tocotrienols and carotenoids (in red palm oil), which offer antioxidant and potential neuroprotective benefits.

While palm oil is free of trans fats and can help raise beneficial HDL cholesterol, health experts like those at Harvard Health advise that it is better than trans-fat shortenings or butter but inferior to oils liquid at room temperature like olive or canola oil.  Consequently, it should be consumed in moderation as part of a balanced diet, rather than being relied upon as a primary healthy fat source.

I have not been able to enjoy chocolate for a long time. My diabetes prevents me from enjoying the taste of the chocolate. I have to go weeks on a low sugar diet before I can treat myself to eating chocolate. And then it is a matter of having cravings for more chocolate, until I am back to having the rejection of enjoying the chocolate.