The present invention relates to a novel method for conching chocolate, whereby a chocolate mass is submitted to a conching method that comprises the following steps: - a dry conching step performed at a temperature of between 50°C and 70°C, - and subsequent a wet conching step performed at a temperature of between 60°C and 110°C. Most preferably the dry conching step is performed at about 60°C and the wet conching step at about 60°C or 90°C. Advantageously, this adapted conching process conserves and even increases the antioxidant activity of a chocolate. Consequently, the present invention further relates to a method of conserving and/or increasing the antioxidant activity of chocolate and to chocolates processed accordingly.
