If the Easter bunny visits this year, make sure the eggs delivered are small, dark, and made from top-quality chocolate.

That’s the advice from Dietitians Australia’s Alan Barclay, who says more expensive chocolate generally contains better quality cocoa beans and more cocoa butter.

“If you are going to eat it, buy the best quality you can afford,” he told AAP.

Dark chocolate is healthier than white chocolate due to its antioxidants – especially if the cocoa content is above 70 per cent, giving very dark chocolate a bitter taste.

“People generally can’t eat too much because of that, so it’s self limiting,” Dr Barclay said.

He recommends buying small, individually-wrapped Easter eggs, rather than just one giant egg, and eating one or two small eggs a day.

When asked to compare six hot cross buns to 200g of regular milk chocolate, Dr Barclay said the hot cross buns contained twice as many carbohydrates, while the chocolate had three times as much fat.

“I honestly don’t recommend either option,” he said.

“One hot cross bun a day is plenty … otherwise you will put on weight.”

He also pointed out a tendency for people to eat chocolate for breakfast at Easter time, and said a traditional chicken egg would be a healthier way to start the day.

“Maybe have chicken eggs, grainy bread, beans and asparagus – and save the hot cross bun for dessert,” he suggested.

-AAP