Last updated September 1, 2026
Key finding
The incremental area under the curve (iAUC) was lower after the consumption of sugar-free dark chocolate (−65%, P = .04) compared to conventional dark chocolate.
A study evaluated the effects of a sugar-free dark chocolate bar on blood glucose levels in diabetes, finding a significant reduction in the incremental area under the curve compared to conventional dark chocolate.
Quick read
The essential study design details in one scan.
EvidenceScore™
Moderate
Study type
RCTs
Follow-up
Short-Term (≤3 mo)
Risk of bias
Some Concerns
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Plain-language summary
A plain-language read of the study’s main message and where it applies.
Study focus
A study evaluated the effects of a sugar-free dark chocolate bar on blood glucose levels in diabetes, finding a significant reduction in the incremental area under the curve compared to conventional dark chocolate.
These findings are significant for individuals with diabetes as they suggest that sugar-free alternatives may help manage blood glucose levels more effectively than traditional options. This could lead to better dietary choices for those looking to control their diabetes while still enjoying chocolate.
The study did not assess long-term effects of sugar-free chocolate on blood glucose. Sample size and demographic details were not specified, limiting generalizability. No assessment of participants' dietary habits outside the study was conducted.
Published in
Publication details and source links for this paper.
Barbara O, Kaja F, Jonathan PL. A sugar-free dark chocolate bar sweetened with stevia, erythritol, and inulin lowers blood glucose in diabetes. Nutrition and Metabolic Insights. 2022;15:11786388221076962. doi:10.1177/11786388221076962
The sugar-free dark chocolate reduced the incremental area under the curve (iAUC) by 65% (P = .04) compared to conventional dark chocolate.
No significant differences were found in peak glucose value above baseline between the two chocolate types.
No significant differences were observed in total area under the curve for either chocolate.
Peak glucose values did not differ significantly between the two types of chocolate.
Evidence network
Understand where this research contributes within the broader evidence network.
This study contributes evidence to Conventional dark chocolate, Sugar-free dark chocolate and Glucose iAUC (OGTT), Peak glucose value after consumption of conventional dark chocolate, Peak glucose values after consumption of conventional dark chocolate, and 1 more.
This study contributes evidence to
Primary intervention
Conventional dark chocolate
Primary outcomes
Intervention and outcome relationships this study adds to the evidence network.
Editorial context
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Evidence network role
This section describes how the study fits into the current evidence network. It does not determine whether an intervention works on its own.
3
Related topics
4
Evidence pairs
690
Related studies
Evidence topic
Contributes evidence
Evidence topic
Contributes evidence
Evidence topic
Contributes evidence
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Primary evidence
Evidence topic
matched_outcome
Related evidence
Evidence topic
Save evidence
Core evidence
The primary outcomes reported in this study.
Conventional dark chocolate → Glucose iAUC (OGTT)
Conventional dark chocolate → Glucose iAUC (OGTT)
Conventional dark chocolate → Peak glucose value after consumption of conventional dark chocolate
Conventional dark chocolate → Peak glucose value after consumption of conventional dark chocolate
Conventional dark chocolate → Peak glucose values after consumption of conventional dark chocolate
Conventional dark chocolate → Peak glucose values after consumption of conventional dark chocolate
Sugar-free dark chocolate → C-peptide incremental area under the curve (iAUC)
Sugar-free dark chocolate → C-peptide incremental area under the curve (iAUC)
Evidence Library
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Relationships organized using the Dediabetes Evidence Intelligence™ framework.
This study contributes to evidence on Conventional dark chocolate and Postprandial and OGTT Glucose, Conventional dark chocolate and Peak glucose value after consumption of conventional dark chocolate.
This study contributes to the evidence on the following intervention-outcome relationships.
Diet and Nutrition
Diet and Nutrition
Curated evidence collections and hubs this study is part of.
All studies on Conventional dark chocolate
Contributes to Conventional dark chocolate evidence base.
All studies measuring Peak glucose value after consumption of conventional dark chocolate
Measures Peak glucose value after consumption of conventional dark chocolate as a key outcome.
All studies measuring Postprandial and OGTT Glucose
Measures Postprandial and OGTT Glucose as a key outcome.
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1 results
1 results
1 results
1 results
1 results
Generated from the study's connected evidence using Evidence Intelligence™.
Sugar-free dark chocolate appears to improve c-peptide incremental area under the curve (IAUC).
ConsistencyScore™: Consistency cannot yet be determined from the available evidence.
Ranked evidence signals
C-peptide incremental area under the curve (iAUC)
EvidenceScore™ Emerging | EvidenceScore™ 59.0 | strong positive | ConsistencyScore™ Unclear | 1 study
Why this answer: This answer is based on a single supporting study.
Limitations
Current evidence does not show a clear benefit of Conventional dark chocolate for glucose iauc (OGTT).
ConsistencyScore™: Consistency cannot yet be determined from the available evidence.
Ranked evidence signals
Glucose iAUC (OGTT)
EvidenceScore™ Emerging | EvidenceScore™ 59.0 | neutral | ConsistencyScore™ Unclear | 1 study
Why this answer: This answer is based on a single supporting study.
Limitations
Current evidence does not show a clear benefit of Conventional dark chocolate for peak glucose value after consumption of conventional dark chocolate.
ConsistencyScore™: Consistency cannot yet be determined from the available evidence.
Ranked evidence signals
Peak glucose value after consumption of conventional dark chocolate
EvidenceScore™ Emerging | EvidenceScore™ 59.0 | neutral | ConsistencyScore™ Unclear | 1 study
Why this answer: This answer is based on a single supporting study.
Limitations
Current evidence does not show a clear benefit of Conventional dark chocolate for peak glucose values after consumption of conventional dark chocolate.
ConsistencyScore™: Consistency cannot yet be determined from the available evidence.
Ranked evidence signals
Peak glucose values after consumption of conventional dark chocolate
EvidenceScore™ Emerging | EvidenceScore™ 59.0 | neutral | ConsistencyScore™ Unclear | 1 study
Why this answer: This answer is based on a single supporting study.
Limitations
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