We test three Easter treats that are far more healthy than a traditional egg

EASTER is a time for chocolate, which isn’t always the healthiest thing for your diet.

But chocolate, which comes from the cacao plant, is full of minerals and antioxidants.

It is only when it is mixed with sugar, butter and milk that the health benefits decrease.

Try opting for dark over milk to get your fix.

Jane Atkinson looks at the Easter gifts that offer more health benefits than a traditional egg . . . 

PROTEIN BAR

FOR grown-ups this is a great idea and it’s a gift that I would love.

Myprotein has launched a limited-edition Easter egg, layered protein bar which isn’t as pretty as an egg but is just as tasty.

It is made up of six rich chocolatey layers that give you the same satisfaction, with a lot more benefits.

It has two layers of protein and a caramel layer.

Then there are soya nuggets wrapped in a milk chocolate-flavour coating and topped with sugar-coated milk chocolate crumbs.

It contains 20g of protein and 226 calories, with less than half a teaspoon of sugar.

It also has more than a third of an adult’s recommended amount of daily fibre.

Smooth, soft and rich. I have bought a box for when Easter is over, too.

On special offer from £1.40 a bar, myprotein.com.

OAT MILK CHOCOLATE

IF you have a dairy intolerance or are vegan you certainly pay for it at Easter.

Instead of getting yourself a supermarket budget buy for a couple of quid, the choice of dairy-free Easter eggs to pick from will hit you in the pocket.

But if you have to go for one, I would try the salted caramel egg from Hip Chocolate.

This isn’t one for the kids, as it is rich Colombian chocolate with a decent hint of saltiness.

It is smooth – you wouldn’t know that it is even oat.

And it comes with a packet of the company’s oat chocolate buttons, too.

It is 41 per cent sugar but as an Easter treat, if you need an alternative, it tastes great.

£10 an egg, hipchocolate.com.

CACAO TEA

YES, tea. Knoops cacao tea is made from pure roasted cacao husk, which is the outer shell of the cocoa bean – a by-product of the chocolate-making process.

This is a natural superfood, rich in antioxidants.

It is a strong source of magnesium, which is essential for heart health, and also aids in muscle and nerve function.

It also contains iron and zinc. There are no added preservatives, flavours or starches. This stuff is amazing.

You put a couple of teaspoons into a teapot, infuse and pour.

It tastes of rich chocolate with a slight toffee flavour. And the best bit – it has zero calories.

Because it is caffeine-free, it is the perfect alternative to an evening hot chocolate.

£7.95 for 100g, knoops.co.uk.