Chocolate News
Chocolate chemistry – a food scientist explains how the beloved treat gets its flavor, texture and tricky reputation as an ingredient
THECONVERSATION.COM Whether it is enjoyed as creamy milk chocolate truffles, baked in a devilishly dark chocolate cake or even poured as hot cocoa, Americans on average consume almost 20 pounds (9 kilograms) of chocolate in a year. People have been enjoying chocolate for at least 4,000 years, starting with Mesoamericans who brewed a drink from the seeds of cacao trees. In the 16th and 17th centuries, both the trees and the beverage spread across the world, and chocolate today is a trillion-dollar global industry. Here are the answers to some of the most frequent questions about this unique and complex food. (Click, HERE)Congresswoman Proposes Forcing Schools to Provide Chocolate Milk to Children
New York Republican representative Elise Stefanik has introduced a bill that would make it federal law for schools to provide chocolate milk, in a broadside against supposed plans by New York City Mayor Eric Adams to ban it over health concerns. On February 3, Stefanik introduced the Protecting School Milk Choices Act of 2023, which would force schools that participate in the National School Lunch Program to offer at least one flavored milk option. The amendment to the National School Lunch Act would also provisions for schools to offer lactose-free milk. The legislation follows a row over the drink in 2022 after Adams said in January that there was a “conversation” about a possible ban. The Democratic mayor has touted his credentials as a vegan in the past and supported his predecessor, Bill de Blasio, in his efforts to ban chocolate milk in 2019 while Brooklyn borough president.
Happy Chocolate Lover’s Month! February, 2023
Hershey’s Chocolate World Celebrates 50 Years of Fun
In 2023, Hershey’s Chocolate World Attraction is celebrating its milestone 50th anniversary with a full roster of exciting experiences, events, and a brand-new attraction, plus an official 50th birthday celebration on June 30, 2023. Over 117 million visitors have passed through Hershey’s Chocolate World’s doors since its official opening in 1973. For 50 years, families have delighted in the destination’s educational and entertaining attractions such as The Hershey’s Chocolate Tour, Create Your Own Candy Bar, Hershey Trolley Works, and Hershey’s Unwrapped.
Happy National Hot Chocolate Day! January 31, 2023