National Bittersweet Chocolate Day is celebrated on January 10 each year. Bittersweet chocolate is a dark chocolate with a deep, intense flavor and less sugar than milk chocolate. In the United States, it must contain at least 35% chocolate liquor, though many bars contain 60–80% cacao. It's a favorite of bakers and chocolate lovers who enjoy a rich, less sweet taste.
History of National Bittersweet Chocolate Day
Chocolate comes from the seeds of the cacao tree, which was cultivated in Mesoamerica thousands of years ago. The Olmec, Maya and Aztec peoples made bitter chocolate drinks, sometimes flavored with chili. After the Spanish brought cacao to Europe in the 1500s, Europeans added sugar and made sweetened hot chocolate.
Solid eating chocolate developed in the 1800s. In 1847, the British company J.S. Fry & Sons made one of the first chocolate bars, and in 1875, Swiss chocolatier Daniel Peter created milk chocolate using condensed milk developed by Henri Nestlé. Dark chocolate remained popular for baking and for people who preferred a stronger flavor.
In the United States, the FDA sets standards for chocolate. Bittersweet and semisweet chocolate must both contain at least 35% chocolate liquor, so the labels are often interchangeable, though bittersweet usually contains more cacao and less sugar. Who created National Bittersweet Chocolate Day is not documented.
Why National Bittersweet Chocolate Day Matters
Bittersweet chocolate has a complex flavor, with fruity, earthy or nutty notes depending on where the cacao was grown and how it was processed.
It's a staple in baking, giving brownies, cakes, sauces and ganache a deep chocolate taste.
Dark chocolate also contains flavanols, plant compounds that researchers are studying for possible heart benefits, although chocolate is still a treat that's best enjoyed in moderation.
How to Celebrate National Bittersweet Chocolate Day
- Taste test: compare bars with different cacao percentages.
- Bake: make brownies or a flourless chocolate cake.
- Make ganache: melt chocolate with hot cream for a glaze.
- Pair it: try dark chocolate with berries, nuts or coffee.
- Learn origins: compare chocolate from different countries.
Celebrating at Work, School and Home
At work, host a dark chocolate tasting with bars of different cacao percentages and have people guess which is which. In classrooms, students can learn about cacao farming, the history of chocolate in Mesoamerica or how chocolate is made from bean to bar. At home, families can bake brownies with bittersweet chocolate or make chocolate-dipped strawberries. Keep chocolate away from dogs, since it's toxic to them.
Fun Facts About National Bittersweet Chocolate Day
- U.S. bittersweet chocolate must contain at least 35% chocolate liquor.
- Daniel Peter created milk chocolate in 1875.
- Cacao was first cultivated in Mesoamerica.
National Bittersweet Chocolate Day FAQs
When is National Bittersweet Chocolate Day?
National Bittersweet Chocolate Day is celebrated on January 10 each year.
What is bittersweet chocolate?
A dark chocolate with at least 35% chocolate liquor and less sugar than milk chocolate.
What is the difference between bittersweet and semisweet chocolate?
Both have at least 35% chocolate liquor; bittersweet usually has more cacao and less sugar.
Can I substitute semisweet for bittersweet chocolate?
Yes, in most recipes, though the result will be slightly sweeter.
What does cacao percentage mean?
It's the share of the bar made from cacao beans, including cocoa solids and cocoa butter.
Is dark chocolate healthy?
It contains flavanols and minerals, but it also has sugar and fat, so enjoy it in moderation.