Since arriving in Britain in the 16th century, chocolate has become a staple in our everyday lives. Despite our increasing awareness surrounding health and wellness, it seems we just can’t give up the sweet stuff, and it seems we’re not alone – although we do still retain our title as the country that eats the most chocolate. But it seems our chocolate preferences are changing and chocolatiers are desperate to keep up. Discovered in South America by the Aztecs, they believed cacao came from paradise – and let’s be honest, when you’ve had a bad day, that first bite of a chocolate bar tastes like heaven! But it wasn’t until the 1800s when we discovered how to turn this sweet brown nectar into a solid chocolate bar that chocolate was enjoyed by the masses.
*This is a collaborative post.
Why Do We Love Chocolate?
Simply put, we like it because it tastes nice! But there’s something else that makes it so irresistible. We all know that too much sugar is bad for you, yet as soon as the box of Christmas chocolates get passed around or the first Easter eggs start appearing, all sense of our daily guidelines go out the window.
It’s more than how it tastes and smells that help make our mouths water; it has the ability to transport us to happier times. Tim Richardson, authors of Sweets: a History of Temptation points out “more emotion is invested in sweets than any other food stuff…people associate them with childhood because they are the first things we own, consume or trade independently. All of us, from a very young age, are sweet connoisseurs.” And who doesn’t like to think of themselves as a chocolate connoisseur?
How Have Health And Fitness Trends Changed Our Attitudes?
While it’s reported that Gwyneth Paltrow, Matthew McConaughey, and Jessica Biel all gave up sugar in a bid to live healthier lives, it seems that we just can’t beat those cravings. Although, there is some hope. It seems that our love of dark chocolate is increasing, whilst our once beloved milk chocolate is slipping by the wayside. One of the reasons for the upturn in our new found delight in dark chocolate is because of the purported health benefits. And who am I to argue with the science that says dark chocolate helps reduce the risk of stroke, not to mention it’s packed with minerals such as potassium, zinc, and selenium?
What About Vegans?
It’s no secret that veganism is on the rise, and it looks like it’s here to stay – but that doesn’t mean vegans have to give up the good stuff. Chocolatiers have come up with various recipes that allow vegans to enjoy the same chocolatey taste we’ve all come to love, without the animal products.
If you’re looking at vegan chocolate to try, the fewer ingredients it contains, the purer it will be. A typical vegan bar should contain chocolate liquor, sugar, cocoa butter, and vanilla. Whilst it’s unlikely that vegans will make up a large proportion of society, chocolate makers are definitely branching out to accommodate for these new tastes.
Like all good things, chocolate should be enjoyed in moderation, and shouldn’t become the villain in our quest to get healthy – although maybe eating a whole share packet of chocolates alone – in one sitting, may be a bit much.
*Disclaimer – This is a collaborative post. This post has been pre-written.
