Whether you pair it with a cup of coffee, have it alongside some strawberries, or enjoy it on its own, there’s one thing for certain: chocolate is one of the most delicious treats you can indulge in.
And, each year, the world comes together to celebrate this heavenly delight on July 7.
But what is World Chocolate Day about and what are the best ways to celebrate it?
Here is everything you need to know.
What is World Chocolate Day?
World Chocolate Day is an annual event that celebrates the introduction of chocolate to Europe in 1550. Before 1550, chocolate was only available in specific countries across South and Central America, such as Mexico. European invaders who explored the continent wanted the special treat to be brought back to their continent.
It is not known who exactly introduced chocolate to Europe. However, one theory is that in 1519, Spanish explorer Hernan Cortes was given a chocolate-based drink called xocolatl (pronounced ‘sho-ko-LAH-tl’), by the Aztec emperor Montezuma. Cortes decided to take the beverage back to Spain. This started exports of the product to the Spanish court.
The popularity of the drink spread throughout Spain and across Europe. However, the drink was too bitter for European tastes, and people began adding milk and sugar, vanilla and cinnamon to it to make it sweeter.
In the 1828, a Dutch chemist invented solid chocolate. However, chocolate as we know it didn’t arrive until the mid-19th century. In 1847, British chocolate company JS Fry & Sons created the first chocolate bar from cocoa butter, cocoa powder and sugar.
Rivals Cadbury then started making boxes of chocolates and Easter eggs. In the 1870s, Swiss chocolatier Henri Nestlé produced the first milk chocolate barwith his neighbour and set up a company. In the late 1870s, another Swiss, Rudolph Lindt, perfected the recipe and went into mass production.
Then, in 1900, in the US, Milton Hershey started mass production over the pond.
The global popularity of chocolate was born.
What are the best ways to celebrate World Chocolate Day?
The best way to celebrate World Chocolate Day is to eat copious amounts of chocolate.
Families can take the opportunity to make chocolate chip cookies or brownie bites with their little ones.
And workplaces can host a chocolate-focused potluck to bring the team closer, with members of staff bringing in their favourite chocolate treats to share over some tea or coffee.
But, don’t be mistaken, World Chocolate Day can be enjoyed alone, too! Why not treat yourself to a yummy dessert or watch a chocolate-themed movie like Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, Chocolat, or Forrest Gump?
Alternatively, you can head to Cadbury World to learn more about the history of chocolate in the UK while munching on some yummies.
If you’re looking for a gift for someone special on the day or looking to bake some chocolate-y goods, the Standard has recommendations on the best baking gift sets.
Or, if you fancy celebrating World Chocolate Day with a hot chocolate, the Standard has rounded up some great insulated flasks to keep your drink hot and enjoyable.
We even test out the best chocolatey treats for vegans or those with dairy allergies, so no-one is left out.
