12 Interesting Facts About Chocolate

Ah, chocolate! The sweet, creamy delight that has captured our hearts and taste buds for centuries. But did you know that there are some interesting facts about chocolates that will blow your mind? Whether you're a chocoholic or just an occasional indulger, these fun facts will make you appreciate this delicious treat even more.

Source-The Spruce Eats

Chocolate Was Once Used as Currency

Yes, you heard that right! Back in ancient times, cacao beans were used as a form of currency. The Aztecs and Mayans valued them so much that they were often traded for goods and services. Imagine paying for your groceries with a handful of chocolate beans!

The Largest Chocolate Bar in the World Weighs More Than 12,000 Pounds

That's right, a chocolate bar weighing over 12,000 pounds was created in Italy in 2010. It took over a week to make and was over 21 feet long. Talk about a sweet tooth!

White Chocolate Isn’t Really Chocolate

While it may look and taste like chocolate, white chocolate is not actually chocolate at all. It's made from cocoa butter, sugar, and milk solids, but doesn't contain any cocoa solids as regular chocolate does.

Chocolate Can Actually Be Good for You

In moderation, of course! Dark chocolate is loaded with antioxidants and has been shown to have several health benefits, such as improving heart health and reducing inflammation. So, go ahead and indulge (just make sure it's dark chocolate with a high percentage of cocoa solids).

Chocolate Can Be Deadly to Pets

While we may love chocolate, it's important to remember that it can be deadly to our furry friends. Chocolate contains theobromine, which can be toxic to dogs and cats. So, next time you're tempted to share your chocolate bar with your pet, think twice!

The First Chocolate Chip Cookie Was Accidentally Created

Back in 1930, Ruth Wakefield, the owner of the Toll House Inn in Massachusetts, ran out of baker's chocolate and decided to use broken pieces of Nestle chocolate instead. The result? The first-ever chocolate chip cookie! And we are forever grateful.

Chocolate Can Be Used as a Beauty Product

Chocolate isn't just delicious, it can also be used as a beauty product! The antioxidants in dark chocolate can help protect your skin from damage, while the caffeine can help reduce puffiness and dark circles under your eyes. So next time you're in the mood for a spa day, consider adding some chocolate to your beauty routine.

Chocolate Has Been to Space

Believe it or not, chocolate has even been to space! In 1982, the first-ever space shuttle, Columbia, carried a stash of chocolate bars for the astronauts to enjoy. And in 1996, M&Ms became the first candy to be sent to space on a space shuttle mission.

The Word “Chocolate” Is Derived From Aztecs

In actuality, the name "chocolate" is derived from the Aztec word "xocolatl," which indicates "bitter water. This refers to the bitter taste of the cacao beans before they are processed into chocolate.

Switzerland Is the World’s Center of the Chocolate Industry

When it comes to chocolate, Switzerland is king. The country produces over 180,000 tons of chocolate each year and has some of the most famous chocolate brands in the world, such as Lindt, Toblerone, and Nestle.

Chocolate Was Once a Luxury Item for the Wealthy

Back in the 16th and 17th centuries, chocolate was considered a luxury item that only the wealthy could afford. It wasn't until the Industrial Revolution that chocolate became more widely available and affordable for the masses.

Chocolate Can Make You Happy!

Last but not least, chocolate can actually make you happy! It contains a compound called phenylethylamine, which can trigger the release of endorphins in the brain. Endorphins are the same chemicals that are released when we exercise or fall in love, which is why chocolate has been dubbed the "love drug".

There you have it, folks! Some fun and interesting facts about chocolate that will make you appreciate this sweet treat even more. So go ahead, indulge in a piece of chocolate (or two), and enjoy all of the deliciousness and benefits that it has to offer.

Written by- Samriddhi Gauniyal 

Edited By- Akshita Bist