Chocolate is one of the world's most beloved treats, enjoyed in bars, baked goods, drinks and candies. National Chocolate Day, on October 28, celebrates chocolate just before Halloween's candy season. It's a great day to taste different chocolates, learn how chocolate is made or bake a chocolate dessert.
History of National Chocolate Day
Chocolate has played surprising roles in American history. During the Revolutionary War, chocolate was sometimes included in soldiers' rations. During World War II, the U.S. Army commissioned a special chocolate bar, called the Ration D bar, designed to provide energy and withstand heat.
Chocolate-making involves several steps: harvesting cacao pods, fermenting and drying the beans, roasting, grinding and refining them into chocolate.
Today, craft chocolate makers produce 'bean-to-bar' chocolate, highlighting flavors from different cacao-growing regions. Who created National Chocolate Day is not documented.
The U.S. chocolate industry grew rapidly in the 20th century, with factories in Pennsylvania, Illinois and California producing candy bars for a national market. Today, the United States is one of the largest consumers of chocolate in the world, and chocolate sales peak around holidays such as Halloween, Valentine's Day and Easter.
Why National Chocolate Day Matters
Chocolate brings joy to celebrations and everyday moments.
Learning how chocolate is made highlights the work of cacao farmers.
Tasting chocolate mindfully can deepen appreciation for its flavors.
Chocolate tasting can be a fun sensory experience. Experts suggest looking at the chocolate's shine, listening for a clean snap, smelling its aroma and letting a piece melt slowly on the tongue to notice flavors like fruit, nuts or spice. Comparing chocolates from different countries reveals surprising differences.
How to Celebrate National Chocolate Day
- Hold a tasting: compare chocolates from different regions.
- Bake: make brownies or chocolate cake.
- Try bean-to-bar chocolate: support craft makers.
- Learn about cacao: research where chocolate comes from.
- Choose fair trade: support ethical chocolate.
Celebrating at Work, School and Home
At work, host a chocolate tasting with different cacao percentages. In classrooms, students can learn about the chocolate-making process or cacao-growing regions. At home, families can bake chocolate treats or compare different chocolates. Keep chocolate away from pets.
Fun Facts About National Chocolate Day
- Chocolate was included in some Revolutionary War rations.
- The WWII Ration D bar was designed to withstand heat.
- Bean-to-bar makers highlight regional flavors.
National Chocolate Day FAQs
When is National Chocolate Day?
National Chocolate Day is October 28.
How is chocolate made?
Cacao beans are fermented, dried, roasted, ground and refined.
What is bean-to-bar chocolate?
Chocolate made from raw beans by a single maker.
Is World Chocolate Day different?
Yes; it's July 7.