The Rich History of Chocolate

Journey through 5,000 years of chocolate’s story, from sacred cacao drinks in ancient Mesoamerica to the craft chocolate revolution of today!

1500 BCE: Olmec Beginnings

The Olmecs in Mesoamerica domesticate the cacao tree, crafting early cacao drinks in what’s now southeast Ecuador.

Olmec Cacao Placeholder

600 BCE: Maya’s “Food of the Gods”

The Maya revere cacao, creating bitter, frothy drinks for rituals, believing it’s a divine gift.

Maya Cacao Drink Placeholder

1400 CE: Aztec Currency

Aztecs use cacao beans as money; a turkey costs 100 beans! Their xocolatl drink is for elites only.

Aztec Xocolatl Placeholder

1519 CE: Europe Meets Chocolate

Spanish conquistadors taste xocolatl in Mexico, bringing cacao to Spain as a medicinal drink.

Spanish Cacao Placeholder

1847 CE: First Chocolate Bar

J.S. Fry & Sons in Britain mold the first solid chocolate bar, sparking a sweet revolution.

Chocolate Bar Placeholder

1876 CE: Milk Chocolate Magic

Swiss chocolatier Daniel Peter adds milk powder, creating creamy milk chocolate with Nestlé.

Milk Chocolate Placeholder

2020s: Craft Chocolate Boom

Artisan chocolatiers focus on ethical sourcing, single-origin beans, and bold flavors.

Craft Chocolate Placeholder
Cacao Beans Placeholder

Aztecs valued cacao over gold; 100 beans bought a turkey!

Cacao Beans: Aztec Currency
Ancient Pottery Placeholder

Chocolate was a psychedelic heart remedy 2,600 years ago.

Pottery: Ancient Remedy
Swiss Chocolate Placeholder

Swiss eat 8.8 kg of chocolate per person yearly!

Swiss Chocolate: Top Eaters
Dark Chocolate Placeholder

Dark chocolate’s antioxidants may boost heart health.

Dark Chocolate: Heart Health
Roald Dahl Placeholder

Roald Dahl tested Cadbury chocolates, inspiring *Charlie*.

Roald Dahl: Chocolate Tester
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