Chocolate is one of the most beloved and popular treats in the world. From chocolate cakes and cookies to hot chocolate and truffles, there are endless ways to enjoy it. One of the most iconic forms of chocolate, however, is the chocolate bar. Let's take a closer look at the history of this delicious treat and why we choose to honour the delightful bar.
The origins of chocolate can be traced back to ancient Mesoamerican cultures like the Aztecs and Mayans. These civilizations believed that chocolate had divine properties and used it in religious ceremonies and as a form of currency. They also consumed chocolate as a beverage, typically made by grinding roasted cacao beans and mixing them with water and spices.
It wasn't until the 19th century that chocolate bars as we know them today started to appear. In 1828, Dutch chemist Coenraad Van Houten invented a process for separating cocoa solids from cocoa butter, which made it easier to produce chocolate on a large scale. This led to the creation of solid chocolate bars, which quickly gained popularity in Europe.
The first chocolate bars were very simple and plain, made with just a few ingredients like cocoa powder, sugar, and milk. Over time, however, manufacturers started to experiment with different flavors and textures. In 1847, British chocolatier Joseph Fry produced the first chocolate bar with added cocoa butter, which made the chocolate smoother and creamier. A few years later, Swiss chocolatier Daniel Peter developed a technique for adding milk to chocolate, which created the first milk chocolate bar.
As the popularity of chocolate bars grew, manufacturers began to create a wide variety of flavors and types. Some bars were filled with nuts, fruits, or other sweet treats, while others were made with dark chocolate, white chocolate, or other variations.
Today, chocolate bars continue to be a treat around the world. In addition to classic favorites like milk chocolate and dark chocolate, there are now endless varieties of bars with unique flavor combinations and exotic ingredients.
The history of chocolate bars is a fascinating one that spans centuries and cultures. From its ancient origins as a sacred drink to its modern-day status as a chocolate treat, enjoyed by all ages. Chocolate has captured the hearts and taste buds of people around the world. We like to think we’ve taken the chocolate bar back to where it started with a modern twist - maintaining the very minimal ingredients, whilst experimenting with natural, organic ingredient additions, but so you can taste the true flavours of the chocolate.