Chocolate isn’t just a tasty treat—it’s a world of wonder all on its own! In 2023, U.S. consumers indulged in an impressive average of 19.8 pounds of chocolate per person,1 showing just how beloved this confection is.
But did you know that chocolate has a rich history and an array of surprising facts that most people don’t know?
1. Chocolate was Used as Currency
The Aztecs and Mayans used cocoa beans as a form of currency. They valued them so highly that they were used to trade for goods and services, much like money is used today.
2. Chocolate Melts at Body Temperature
Chocolate has a melting point of around 93°F (34°C), just below the human body temperature. This is why chocolate melts so smoothly in your mouth.
3. White Chocolate isn’t Technically Chocolate
White chocolate doesn’t contain cocoa solids, which are present in dark and milk chocolates. Instead, it’s made from cocoa butter, sugar, and milk solids, which is why it has a different taste and texture.
4. Chocolate Can Boost Your Mood
Eating chocolate triggers the release of endorphins, the body’s “feel-good” chemicals. It also contains serotonin and phenylethylamine, which can enhance mood and create feelings of happiness. (ref)
5. The World’s Largest Chocolate Bar
The largest chocolate bar ever made weighed over 12,000 pounds and was created by Thorntons in the UK in 2011. It was a milk chocolate bar measuring over 21 feet long.
6. Cacao Trees Produce Fruit Year-Round
Cacao trees can produce fruit all year long. Each tree can bear up to 30 pods annually, and each pod contains around 20 to 50 cacao beans.
7. Chocolate was Consumed as a Drink for Centuries
Before becoming a solid treat, chocolate was consumed as a drink. The Mayans and Aztecs prepared a frothy, spicy drink made from cacao beans, water, and spices, which was quite different from the sweetened chocolate drinks we enjoy today.
8. Dark Chocolate is Healthier Than Milk Chocolate
Dark chocolate contains higher amounts of cocoa solids and less sugar compared to milk chocolate. It’s rich in antioxidants and has been linked to various health benefits, including improved heart health and reduced inflammation.
9. The Smell of Chocolate Can Improve Your Mood
Research has shown that the smell of chocolate can have a calming effect and enhance your mood. This is because the scent of chocolate can trigger the release of serotonin, the “happy hormone.” (ref)
10. Chocolate was Once Believed to Have Medicinal Properties
In the 16th century, Europeans believed chocolate had medicinal properties and used it to treat various ailments. It was thought to be a cure for fatigue, poor digestion, and even depression. (ref)
11. The Aztec Emperor Montezuma Drank Chocolate Daily
Montezuma II, the Aztec emperor, consumed large quantities of a chocolate drink daily, believing it gave him strength and vitality. He reportedly drank up to 50 cups a day.
12. Chocolate Can Be Toxic to Pets
Theobromine, a compound found in chocolate, is toxic to pets like dogs and cats. Even small amounts of chocolate can cause symptoms like vomiting, diarrhea, and in severe cases, seizures or death. (ref)
13. The Largest Chocolate Sculpture Was Nearly 20 Feet Tall
In 2014, a team in Italy created the world’s tallest chocolate sculpture, which stood nearly 20 feet high. It was made to celebrate the 30th anniversary of the Salon du Chocolat in Milan.
14. The World’s Most Expensive Chocolate Bar is From Ecuador
The “To’ak” chocolate bar from Ecuador holds the record for the most expensive chocolate bar in the world. It’s priced at over $300 per bar and is made from rare and highly sought-after cacao beans. (ref)
15. Chocolate Has Been Linked to Better Brain Function
Some studies suggest that consuming dark chocolate can improve cognitive function and brain health. The flavonoids in chocolate are believed to enhance blood flow to the brain, potentially boosting memory and learning. (ref)
16. There are More Than 4,000 Varieties of Cacao Beans
Cacao beans come in a wide variety of types, each with its unique flavor profile. The main varieties are Forastero, Criollo, and Trinitario, but there are thousands of different types within these categories.
17. Chocolate Was First Introduced to Europe by Christopher Columbus
While Christopher Columbus did not directly introduce chocolate to Europe, his voyage to the Americas led to the eventual introduction of cacao beans to European explorers, who then brought it back to Europe.
18. Cacao Trees Can Live for Over 100 Years
While cacao trees are typically harvested for around 25 to 30 years, they can live for over a century. However, their productivity decreases as they age.
19. The Word “Chocolate” Comes from the Aztec Language
The word “chocolate” is derived from the Nahuatl (Aztec language) word “xocoatl,” which referred to a bitter drink made from cacao beans. The term evolved as it was adopted into Spanish and then into English.
20. Chocolate Can Enhance Physical Endurance
Some studies suggest that consuming dark chocolate before physical activity can enhance endurance. (ref) This is due to the presence of flavonoids, which can improve blood flow and oxygen delivery to muscles.
21. Chocolate is a Natural Antioxidant
Cocoa is rich in antioxidants, specifically flavonoids, which can help combat oxidative stress and inflammation. These antioxidants are believed to have various health benefits, including improved cardiovascular health. (ref)
22. The Process of Making Chocolate is Labor-Intensive
The journey from cacao bean to chocolate involves several complex steps: harvesting, fermenting, drying, roasting, and grinding. Each step requires significant skill and labor to ensure the final product is of high quality.
23. The First Chocolate Bar was Invented in 1847
Joseph Fry & Sons created the first solid chocolate bar in 1847. Before this, chocolate was primarily consumed as a drink, and Fry’s innovation marked the beginning of modern chocolate bars.
24. There are 50 to 100 Cocoa Beans in a Single Chocolate Bar
A typical chocolate bar requires between 50 and 100 cocoa beans. This high demand for beans highlights the importance of sustainable cacao farming practices to ensure a steady supply of quality cocoa.
25. Chocolate Can Improve Skin Health
The flavonoids in chocolate can positively affect the skin by improving hydration and increasing blood flow. (ref) However, consuming chocolate should be balanced with a healthy diet and lifestyle for optimal skin benefits.
26. Chocolate was Once Thought to Have Aphrodisiac Properties
Historical accounts suggest that chocolate was considered an aphrodisiac, believed to enhance libido and sexual pleasure. (ref) This belief dates back to ancient civilizations, including the Aztecs and Mayans.
27. The First Chocolate Chip Cookie was Invented in 1938
Ruth Wakefield invented the chocolate chip cookie at her Toll House Inn in Massachusetts. She accidentally created the now-famous cookie by adding chopped chocolate to her cookie dough, which became a popular treat.
28. Chocolate Can Affect Your Sleep
Chocolate contains small amounts of caffeine and theobromine, which can potentially interfere with sleep if consumed in large quantities or close to bedtime. (ref) Dark chocolate, with higher levels of these compounds, might be the type most likely to affect sleep.
29. Chocolate Has Been Used in Art
Chocolate has been utilized as a medium in art, with artists creating intricate sculptures and paintings using chocolate. These edible art pieces highlight the versatility and appeal of chocolate beyond just being a food item.
30. Chocolate Can Be a Natural Pain Reliever
Some studies suggest that the compounds in chocolate, such as theobromine and flavonoids, might have mild analgesic properties. These compounds can stimulate the production of endorphins, which may help alleviate pain and discomfort. (ref)
31. Chocolate Can Be Used as a Natural Dye
Cocoa powder has been used as a natural dye for textiles and crafts. Its rich brown color can be used to add a unique hue to materials, and it’s sometimes used in artisanal and eco-friendly dyeing practices.
32. The Flavor Profile of Chocolate Can Be Affected by its Terroir
Much like wine, the flavor of chocolate can be influenced by the “terroir”—the environmental conditions where the cacao trees are grown. Factors such as soil composition, climate, and altitude can impart unique flavors and aromas to the cacao beans, resulting in a wide range of chocolate tastes.
So the next time you bite into a piece of chocolate, remember that you’re not just enjoying a sweet snack—you’re indulging in a fascinating piece of history and science.
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Nancy Maffia
Nancy received a bachelor’s in biology from Elmira College and a master’s degree in horticulture and communications from the University of Kentucky. Worked in plant taxonomy at the University of Florida and the L. H. Bailey Hortorium at Cornell University, and wrote and edited gardening books at Rodale Press in Emmaus, PA. Her interests are plant identification, gardening, hiking, and reading.
