With a smooth texture, rich flavors, chocolate bars become one of the indispensable desserts in life. However, it is not that form of chocolate which most people are using today. So who invented the first chocolate bar? Let’s take a look at this delicious history together.
The Origin of Chocolate
The story of chocolate can revert to Central America. The Aztecs and the Mayans were the first among the many civilizations that drank cocoa beans. They pounded the beans and then mixed them with water and spices into a bitter drink called “xocolatl.” Chocolate was more worthy in those years, as it signified power and wealth. It was brought back to Europe by Spanish explorers until the 16th century. Chocolate would finally become popular amongst European nobles in a short time, it mainly came in drink form.
Transitions from Chocolate Drinks to Solid Chocolate
During the 17th and 18th centuries, as cocoa became popular, Europeans found ways to present chocolate as a sweet beverage in which sugar and spices had to be added to make it tastier. Still, the actual turning point was provided by the Industrial Revolution when newer machinery and production techniques gave a fillip to better ways of making chocolates that gradually laid the bed for solid chocolate to come into being.
Birth of the First Chocolate Bar
The breakthrough came in 1847 by Joseph Fry of England, who discovered that by mixing and heating three ingredients-cocoa powder, sugar, and cocoa butter-a solid block could be made. Thus, the world’s first chocolate bar was born. Fry & Sons marketed this chocolate bar, which turned out to be an overnight success in the market. This marked the beginning of transition for chocolate as a drink to chocolate turning into solid food. This invention altered the way in which chocolate would be consumed and provided the very foundation necessary for the birth of the modern chocolate bar.
The Invention of the Milk Chocolate Bar
Another great invention, following Joseph Fry’s, in 1875 was milk chocolate by Swiss chocolate maker Daniel Peter. With his friend Henri Nestlé, founder of Nestlé, Peter added condensed milk to the mixture to create a smooth, rich milk chocolate. This kind of chocolate is sweet, delicious, and not as bitter. It was an instant hit all over the world and led to milk chocolate in its present form.
Dark Chocolate vs. Milk Chocolate
Nowadays, there are dark chocolate and milk chocolate dominating the market. Dark chocolate has more cocoa inside, and because of this fact, it tastes rich and a bit bitter, preferred by some consumers who like the original flavor of chocolate. On the contrary, milk chocolate holds more sugar and dairy products inside, which makes it sweet, with a smooth feeling in one’s mouth to fit the taste preferences of the majority of customers.
Lucky Fruit’s Premium Wholesale Chocolate Bars
From the invention of Joseph Fry to today, chocolate bars have developed a rich variety and flavors to meet the needs of different consumers. Therefore, Lucky Fruit feels proud to continue that sweet tradition, and we offer our customers premium wholesale chocolate bar products. We select high-quality ingredients to produce classic milk chocolate bars, rich dark chocolate bars, and crispy cookie chocolate bars. All the demands for bulk buying, the various products meet and all customized package requirements are met for unique sweet enjoyment to your customer.
If you’re seeking a well-established, quality wholesale chocolate bar supplier, then please feel free to contact us! Lucky Fruit is dedicated to manufacturing first-class wholesale chocolate snacks and service to customers, and we look forward to establishing a long-term relationship with you.