Every year on October 28th, chocolate enthusiasts from all over the globe come together to celebrate National Chocolate Day - a day devoted to relishing in the scrumptious luxury of chocolate in all its forms. Whether it’s chocolate bars, candies, beverages, or delicious mouthwatering desserts, the complex and opulent taste of chocolate has always won hearts.
National Chocolate Day isn’t just about indulging in your favorite sweet treat - it’s about paying tribute to the pure joy that this beloved confection brings us. So, why not seize the day and spoil yourself or your dear ones with some luscious chocolate?
History of National Chocolate Day
Humanity’s connection with chocolate begins with the ancient civilizations of the Mayans and Aztecs, who enjoyed it as a bitter drink. When Spanish explorers introduced chocolate to Europe in the 1500s, it gradually transformed into the sweet delight we relish today.
Joseph Fry is often credited with crafting the first widely consumed chocolate bar in 1847. He mixed cocoa powder, sugar, and cocoa butter to produce a paste that could be molded, paving the way for current chocolate consumption and the rise of eminent chocolate companies such as Cadbury, Nestle, and Hershey’s.
For chocolate businesses and aficionados alike, National Chocolate Day is a crucial event. It provides a platform to celebrate the varied forms of chocolate and to highlight the significance of ethical trading practices and organic farming in chocolate manufacturing.
Recently, the health benefits associated with chocolate - especially dark chocolate, which is rich in antioxidants and promotes heart health - have also been celebrated alongside its delicious taste.
National Chocolate Day Timeline
Origins of Chocolate
The Mesoamerican people, including the Mayans and Aztecs, began to consume chocolate as a bitter beverage.
Chocolate Arrives in Spain
Spanish explorers bring chocolate to Europe, where it quickly becomes a favoured luxury item amongst the aristocracy.
First Chocolate House
The first 'chocolate house' was opened in London by a Frenchman. Chocolate houses were seen as an alternative to coffee houses.
First Chocolate Bar
Fry and Sons in Bristol, England, created the first solid eatable chocolate bar from cocoa butter, cocoa powder and sugar.
Milk Chocolate Invented
Daniel Peter invented milk chocolate by mixing a powdered milk developed by Henri Nestlé with the liquor.
Invention of the Chocolate Chip
Ruth Graves Wakefield accidentally invents the chocolate chip cookie while trying to make chocolate cookies by adding chunks of chocolate to a cookie recipe.
Craft Chocolate Movement
The craft chocolate movement gains momentum as consumers become more aware and appreciative of fine chocolate made with high-quality beans and ethical sourcing.
Ideas to Celebrate National Chocolate Day
Chocolate Tasting Party
Invite your friends over for a chocolate tasting party. Include different types of chocolates from around the world and let everyone rate their favorites.
Cooking with Chocolate
Prepare a meal incorporating chocolate into every dish. Start with appetizers like chocolate covered strawberries, then a mole sauce with chocolate for the main course, and of course, a chocolate dessert. This could be a fun challenge for a passionate cook.
Chocolate Spa Day
Celebrate National Chocolate Day with a relaxing chocolate spa day at home. You can make chocolate face masks, take a chocolate bath, and even paint your nails a chocolate color. Enjoy a pure moment of relaxation!
Chocolate Crafts
Create fun crafts and decorations at home using chocolate. Be it chocolate candle making, painting with chocolate, or even creating chocolate jewellery, unleash your creativity!
Chocolate Trip
Visit a local chocolate factory, chocolate museum, or a chocolate shop that allows behind the scene tours. Discover and learn about chocolate making processes.
Homemade Chocolates
Spend the day making homemade chocolates. These can be as simple or as complicated as you'd like. You could also experiment with unique flavors or coatings for your chocolates like sea salt, chilli, or dried fruits.
6 Interesting Facts About Chocolate
White Chocolate
Interestingly, white chocolate isn't technically chocolate! This is because it contains no cocoa solids or cocoa liquor.
Chocolate and Nobel Prizes
A 2012 study found a correlation between the number of Nobel laureates a country had and the country's chocolate consumption. The correlation is 0.79
Chocolate and The Heart
Contrary to popular belief, moderate consumption of chocolate, especially dark chocolate, can actually be good for your heart as it contains heart-healthy flavonoids.
Solid Chocolate
Solid chocolate, as we know it today, was not invented until the mid-1800s. Before then, it was primarily consumed as a liquid.
World's Top Producer
The largest producer of chocolate in the world is actually Ivory Coast, supplying about 40% of the world's cocoa.
Swiss Chocolate Consumption
According to data, Swiss people consume the most chocolate. On average, each person eats about 8.8 kg of chocolate every year, which is approximately 22 lb.
National Chocolate Day FAQs
Next National Chocolate Day Dates
| Year | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2023 | October 28th | Saturday |
| 2024 | October 28th | Monday |
| 2025 | October 28th | Tuesday |
| 2026 | October 28th | Wednesday |
| 2027 | October 28th | Thursday |
| What is the pattern? | Every October 28th | |
National Chocolate Day Word Search
- Chocolate
- Cocoa
- Truffle
- Dessert
- Brownie
- Fondue