Dark chocolate bars that hit the mark

Sometimes restraint is called for. When I need to recalibrate both my taste buds and my insulin levels, I limit myself to very dark chocolate. Preferably 90% and above, but with more than 80% of them. I stop at almost all 100% because this, to me, is chocolate self-harm. Although: see later.

Stick to 80% and above suppresses calorie consumption - it's virtually impossible to binge on very dark chocolate - and makes me gives a new appreciation of the cocoa bean. There will be a healthy dose of over 80% mentions in the coming weeks. For now, if you ever need to taste how different two chocolates can be, try Original Beans Mexican Zoque 88%, £5.95, and Asda's Extra Special Ugandan 85%, for £1.40.

Original Beans makes one of the smoothest chocolates out there and the Zoque is described as 'chippy'. If it was a student, he would never wear the uniform properly, break all the rules, but miraculously pull it out of the bag on exam day. The taste is wild, strong, earthy, uncompromising. Ugandan Asda is nicer. There's a sweetness that belies its cocoa content and it's oddly creamy - definitely the kid saying yes Miss and handing in their homework. It seems weak next to OB, but if you're new to very dark chocolate, it's a great place to start.

A quick mention of a 100% bar: Willie's Pistachio and date, £2.99. Of course, dates contain natural sugars, but that still has 100% credentials. Perfect if you fancy something a little more exciting than just a 100% bar.

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