Chocolate is a universal indulgence that uplifts mood and palate. Whether dark, milk, plain, or sugar-free, it remains a favorite treat. According to a report by The Hindu Businessline, Union Cooperation Minister Amit Shah stated on Sunday that Amul sells the highest number of sugar-free chocolates in India. The dairy cooperative's fast-growing chocolate business has quietly crossed annual sales of around ₹1,400 crore.
What Did Amit Shah Say?
Amit Shah was addressing a gathering at the inauguration of the newly-built plant of Madhur Dairy in Gandhinagar. He said, “The sugar-free version of Amul chocolate is the number one selling sugar-free chocolate in India. It is a big achievement.” While he did not disclose specific sales figures or market share data, Jayan Mehta, Managing Director of the Gujarat Cooperative Milk Marketing Federation (GCMMF), later told Businessline that Amul currently sells chocolates worth around ₹1,400 crore annually and registered nearly 50 percent growth in the category last year.
Additional Details
According to the report, Amul is the market leader in the dark chocolate category in India. Amul Sugar-Free Dark Chocolate contributes almost 10 percent of the company's total chocolate sales. “It is also the leading brand in this category nationally,” Mehta told Businessline. Amul has steadily expanded its chocolate portfolio over the years and currently sells nearly 35 varieties, including milk, dark, white, single-origin, and wafers chocolates and filled bars. Shah also mentioned that Madhur Dairy's new milk processing facility is built at a cost of ₹128 crore on 15 acres in Dashela village of Gandhinagar. It has the capacity to process 2.5 lakh litres of milk daily, which can be expanded to 5 lakh litres per day. Madhur Dairy currently has an annual sales turnover of ₹628 crore.
Health Benefits of Eating Chocolate
1. Good for Heart
Dark chocolate contains flavonoids, which are natural antioxidants that help improve blood circulation and reduce blood pressure. They also help relax blood vessels and lower the risk of heart diseases.
2. Boost Brain Health
Flavonoids present in cocoa increase blood flow to the brain, which may improve memory, concentration, and cognitive performance. Eating chocolate can help people stay mentally alert and may reduce the risk of age-related memory decline. The caffeine found in chocolate is said to increase focus and energy levels.
3. Improve Mood and Reduce Stress
Chocolate stimulates the production of endorphins, also known as “feel-good” hormones, in the brain. It also contains serotonin, a chemical that acts as a natural antidepressant. According to experts, even a small piece of chocolate can help improve emotional health.
4. Rich in Antioxidants
Chocolate contains antioxidants that protect the body from damage caused by free radicals. Dark chocolate contains powerful antioxidants such as polyphenols and flavanols, which help strengthen the immune system and protect cells from damage.
Easy Dishes Made with Sugar-Free Chocolate
While the easiest way is to take a bite of a chocolate bar, if you want to add more nutrition and make chocolate even more exotic, try these dishes.
- Sugar-Free Chocolate Mug Cake: A simple mug cake that can be made in just a few minutes. It is rich in flavor, easy to prepare, and perfect for satisfying chocolate cravings without added sugar. Ingredients include chocolate, almond flour, egg, milk, baking powder, and coconut oil.
- Sugar-Free Chocolate Banana Smoothie: A healthy and refreshing drink, perfect for breakfast. Ingredients include banana, cocoa powder, milk cube, and sugar-free chocolate.
- Sugar-Free Chocolate Energy Balls: For these energy balls, you need oats, cocoa powder, peanut butter, nuts, and vanilla essence.
Images courtesy: iStock
