Every year, occurring globally on July 7th, chocolate lovers around the globe unite to celebrate one of life’s greatest pleasures: World Chocolate Day.
Whether you're a fan of silky milk chocolate, white chocolate, or rich dark chocolate varieties, it’s the perfect excuse to indulge, treat your taste buds, gift a sweet treat, or get creative with cocoa.
World Chocolate Day dates back to 2009, and we hope it's around for a long time coming, too.
What is World Chocolate Day?
World Chocolate Day is celebrated on July 7th, marking the date when chocolate is believed to have been introduced to Europe in 1550.
While cocoa was enjoyed centuries earlier by ancient Mesoamerican civilizations like the Aztecs and Mayans, its arrival in Europe sparked a sweet revolution.
Over time, chocolate evolved from a bitter drink into the beloved bars, truffles, and treats we enjoy today. It’s about appreciating chocolate's cultural, historical, and emotional impact. (But the eating is a bonus!)
Why Do We Celebrate World Chocolate Day?
Chocolate day celebrations exist to remember that it has a fascinating journey that dates back over 3,000 years. The ancient Mayans and Aztecs considered cacao sacred, using it in ceremonial drinks and even as currency.
When cacao beans made their way to Europe in the 16th century, they sparked a chocolate revolution, transforming the once-bitter drink into the creamy bars and truffles we adore today.
Behind every high-quality chocolate bar or handcrafted bouquet is a talented team of chocolatiers, designers, and small business owners who pour heart and creativity into their work.
Celebrating World Chocolate Day helps spotlight these artisans, encourages ethical sourcing, and inspires consumers to shop mindfully, and it's not to be confused with International Chocolate Day that is celebrated in September.
Let’s be honest, chocolate is joy. Whether it’s a square of silky milk chocolate, chocolate milk, or a hot chocolate, a decadent truffle, or a cheeky chunk of caramel-filled goodness, there’s something comforting about cocoa that lifts the spirit and that should be celebrated!
Ways to Celebrate World Chocolate Day
Host a Chocolate Bar Tasting at Home
Turn your living room into a luxury tasting room by curating a spread of chocolates from around the world. Include different types, like creamy milk chocolate, bold dark, silky white, and even unusual flavours like chilli-infused, sea salt, or orange zest.
You can even add a scoring sheet for fun, so that everyone can rank them.
Enjoy a Chocolate Bouquet full of Chocolate Treats
Forget flowers, this year, gift (or treat yourself to) something truly unforgettable: a Chocolate Bouquet. Combining beauty and indulgence, it’s a fresh take on gifting that’s as delightful to look at as it is to devour.
At The Chocolate Bouquet Shop, each bouquet is handmade with care and creativity, turning chocolate into a showstopping centerpiece.
Watch a Chocolate-Themed Movie
The first chocolate-themed movie that comes to your head has to be Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, and what better way to celebrate the anniversary of the introduction of chocolate to the world than immersing yourself in the wonderful world of Willy Wonka? You'll see a chocolate river, alongside some other unique creations!
Don’t forget the snacks: grab a hot chocolate, light a few candles, and snuggle up with your favourite chocolate bar!
Bake a Chocolate Treat
It’s time to turn your kitchen into a mini patisserie! Baking is a fun and rewarding way to celebrate World Chocolate Day, whether you’re going all-out with a layered cake or keeping it simple with gooey brownies, we bet they'll taste amazing!
Fun Facts about Chocolate
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Cacao beans were once used as currency by the Aztecs and Mayans, who traded them for goods and even paid taxes with them.
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Chocolate comes from the cacao tree, Theobroma cacao, which means “food of the gods” in Greek.
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Chocolate has been taken into space by astronauts on NASA missions as a high-energy, morale-boosting treat.
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Chocolate contains phenylethylamine (PEA), a chemical that triggers feelings of happiness and mimics the sensation of being in love.
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The world’s largest chocolate bar weighed 12,770 pounds and was created in the UK in 2011 to celebrate a company’s 100th anniversary.
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The first ever chocolate bar was created in 1847 by Fry’s Chocolate in the UK, combining cocoa powder, sugar, and cocoa butter into a molded bar.