10 Facts About Chocolate | Chocolate Myths Busted

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Check out our top 10 chocolate facts you probably never even knew you needed to know and learn why at eve, we're all a little enthused about World Chocolate Day.

10 *facts about chocolate* that will make you lol

Chocolate: the sweet delight that brings joy to our hearts and inches to our waistlines. Let’s face it, there are few things that make us happier than an unopened bar of chocolate, except for the moment when it is torn open, obviously. It’s a real rollercoaster of emotions though; the abject disappointment felt when it’s all gone, is a real grown-up level of grief, akin to saying goodbye to a close friend... Rest in Pieces.

Everything began in Latin America, and I mean everything, as I struggle to imagine a time before chocolate, it’s what BC stands for in my book. Our chocolatey friend’s 4,000-year history began back in ancient Mesoamerica, or Mexico as it’s now known, which makes sense, as Mexico is the home of so many muy delicioso things, i.e. Guacamole. Here, the first cacao plants were found, and the Olmec, an early civilisation in Latin America, were the first to turn the cacao plant into chocolate. We owe them so much… Actually feeling a bit teary (1).

Anyway, whether you’re a die-hard chocoholic, or one of those untrustworthy people who just occasionally indulges, here are ten hilarious facts about chocolate that will tickle your taste buds and your funny bone.

1. chocolate was once money

Imagine paying your rent in chocolate, although parting would be such sweet sorrow, literally. The ancient Aztecs did just that! They used cocoa beans as currency (2). If that were still the case, Willy Wonka would be richer than Jeff Bezos, and we'd all have Swiss bank accounts made entirely of Lindt. I’ve just spent way too much time daydreaming about that… MOVING ON!

2. white chocolate isn’t chocolate

White chocolate is like the imposter of the chocolate world. It doesn’t contain cocoa solids, which means it’s about as much chocolate as a potato is a tomato (3). Yet, we still love it, kind of like how we love watching trashy reality TV, even though we know it’s not "real", and if consumed in large quantities, makes us physically sick. We blame the Milkybar Kid, he is the Pablo Escobar of the white chocolate world as far as I’m concerned. Bit strong, but prove me wrong.

3. chocolate has an anti-aging enzyme

Chocolate contains antioxidants that supposedly slow down aging. Now these are quite scientific sounding and are pretty impossible to pronounce, so I’m not writing them here, maybe just Google it. Anyway, the next time someone questions your life choices, just tell them you're not indulging; you're investing in your future youthful glow (4). Take that, expensive skincare products! Maybe she’s born with it, maybe it’s Toblerone…

4. a chocolate river actually exists

Yes, there’s a real-life chocolate river. It’s in Germany and is part of the Imhoff Chocolate Museum in Cologne (5). Imagine floating down a river of chocolate like Augustus Gloop, remember his mother’s advice though, and save some room for later! Also, don’t fall in – it's not as magical as it sounds, and it’s likely to ruin the product for everyone else…

5. chocolate increases your brain power

As if we needed any other excuse to eat chocolate?! Here’s one anyway, the Dark variety can improve brain function due to its high flavanol content. You can actually flex your thinking muscles as you snack, this is nothing but a green light for choc fans (6)!

That means the next time you forget something, just blame it on a lack of chocolate. "I forgot your birthday? Must be low on chocolate."

6. chocolate is a vegetable...sort of

Technically, chocolate comes from a plant (the cacao tree), making it a vegetable, a nut, a seed, or a fruit (7). If anyone tries to judge your dietary choices, remind them you’re just sticking to a balanced diet, one bar of Galaxy at a time. You could even make it a salad by pouring a bag of Revels into a bowl, et voila! (Not really though!)

7. chocolate can make dogs sick

OK, less funny… But chocolate is toxic to dogs. This is because it contains theobromine, which they can’t metabolise. So, while you’re enjoying your chocolate bar, your dog is giving you the death stare, silently plotting to steal your snack (8). Best to keep it out of paw’s reach. Doggy chocolate is available though, not sure how much like the real deal it is, but it’s likely cheaper than a trip to the vet.

8. there’s a chocolate-scented flower

The Chocolate Cosmos is a flower that smells like – you guessed it – chocolate. It’s the perfect flower for anyone who wants to give a bouquet but thinks roses are too mainstream. Plus, it won’t melt in your pocket. Still wouldn’t recommend putting flowers in your pocket though, probably not the best way to keep them looking their best (9).

9. americans eat over 45 kilograms of chocolate every second!

Ok, that’s a bit exaggerated! But Americans do consume almost 1.3 million kg of chocolate annually, which breaks down to around just shy of 5 kgs per person. That’s a lot of cocoa-induced happiness – and perhaps a few too many trips to the dentist (10).

10. chocolate might mend a broken heart

Studies suggest that chocolate can trigger the release of serotonin, the happy hormone, helping to mend a broken heart. So next time someone breaks up with you, remember: Ben & Jerry's Chocolate Fudge Brownie is the best therapist money can buy (11).

final thoughts...

Whether you’re indulging in a decadent truffle or sneaking a piece of your hidden stash, remember these facts and have a laugh. Chocolate isn’t just a treat; it’s a life enhancer, a mood booster, and, let’s be honest, one of the best things that ever happened to humanity. So go ahead, have another piece – it’s practically medicinal!

And in the meantime, if you're hankering after a hot chocolate or want to learn more about how chocolate can impact sleep, we've got blog posts dedicated to both topics! Until next time, eve sleep.