Chocolate News
How China and India Could Transform the Chocolate Business
FOREIGNPOLICY.COM A rise in worldwide consumption would test an industry built largely on exploitation. People around the world eat about 7 million metric tons of chocolate every year. But chocolate isn’t just a sweet way to end a meal or a potential present for a loved one. It’s also a $128 billion annual business that offers a window into international commodity trading, colonial history, and the consumption habits of emerging markets. Read more, HERE.Who knew about fiber in chocolate?
High-fiber chocolate won’t send your blood-sugar levels soaring the way the other stuff does. You may not have really thought of chocolate as having any fiber in it at all (though unprocessed cocoa beans are actually very high in it), and it’s not always easy to see the fiber content as it doesn’t need to be shown on the nutritional label (fiber is a carbohydrate, but only the whole amount of carbs need be shown, it’s not broken down). If you have a regular favorite chocolate, you can write to the makers and ask.
Why chocolate cravings strike a week or two before a menstrual period
Premenstrual cravings for sugary or salty food may be caused by inflammation. A study suggests that women who have high levels of inflammatory markers in their blood a week or two before they start their period are more likely to crave food like chocolate. However, another researcher says inflammation may not be driving these cravings, with unknown factors potentially being involved.
How to Avoid Lead and Cadmium in Chocolate
We all likely still remember the (bad) news from this past December: A Consumer Reports investigation found 23 of the 28 dark chocolates from different brands they tested contained harmful levels of lead and cadmium. The results of the investigation made the rounds over mainstream media and is still very much in the minds of those who love the sweet treat—especially with Valentine’s Day barely behind us and Easter looming ahead. It’s important to note that the Consumer Reports’ investigation was not peer-reviewed, nor did it contain large amounts of evidence. However, it does show eerily similar levels of heavy metals compared to a study published by the FDA in 2018 as well as other peer-reviewed studies dating back to 2005. These heavy metals are dangerous, but that doesn’t mean you have to give up dark chocolate entirely. Luckily, there are things you can do to reduce your risk of getting these dangerous heavy metals in your system (click HERE to learn more).
UK: Thief admits stealing thousands of chocolate Easter eggs
A man who prosecutors said broke into a U.K. industrial park to steal almost 200,000 chocolate Easter eggs has pleaded guilty to theft and criminal damage. Prosecutors said Tuesday that the thief used a metal grinder to break through a gate at an industrial park in Telford, central England, on Saturday, then used a stolen semi truck to tow away a trailer loaded with Cadbury Creme Eggs and other chocolate goods worth more than 31,000 pounds ($38,000).