Yes, milk chocolate does contain cacao. While the percentage of cacao is lower than in dark chocolate, it is a necessary ingredient.
Milk chocolate's characteristic sweetness and creamy texture come from a blend of ingredients, but the fundamental component is cacao (often referred to as cocoa solids). The addition of milk solids and sugar differentiates it from darker varieties.
Cacao Content in Milk Chocolate
Generally, milk chocolate contains:
- 10-20% cocoa solids: This includes cocoa mass (cocoa liquor) and cocoa butter.
- Milk solids: These contribute to the creamy texture.
- Sugar: This adds sweetness.
Why Cacao is Essential
Cacao provides the fundamental chocolate flavor. Without it, the product would not be considered chocolate. The cocoa solids deliver the distinctive taste that defines chocolate, even in its milder, milk chocolate form.
