International Chocolate Day

International Chocolate Day is celebrated on September 13 each year. It’s a delicious opportunity to celebrate chocolate not just as a treat, but as a cultural icon—honoring its deep history and the visionary who brought it to millions.

History of International Chocolate Day

This day is observed on September 13 in honor of Milton S. Hershey, the founder of The Hershey Chocolate Company, who was born on this date in 1857. The U.S. National Confectioners Association officially commemorates this as International Chocolate Day, tying the celebration to Hershey’s impactful legacy and innovation in the chocolate industry.

Beyond honoring Hershey, the day also honors chocolate’s ancient origins—from the Olmec people refining cacao into ceremonial beverages over 4,000 years ago to its evolution through Mayan and Aztec civilizations. This blend of history and celebration makes it more than just a sweet indulgence—it’s a nod to both cultural heritage and modern innovation.

Why is International Chocolate Day important?

There’s something quietly profound in pausing to celebrate chocolate—not just as a flavor, but as a symbol of creativity and connection. From sacred rituals with cacao to the golden age of mass-produced chocolate bars, this day reminds us how deeply intertwined chocolate is with human history and emotion.

Moreover, by aligning the holiday with Milton Hershey, we acknowledge a figure who didn’t just make chocolate affordable and beloved—he created a community. His legacy still celebrates accessibility, joy, and the simple act of sharing something sweet.

Here are a few heartfelt reasons this day matters:

• it honors how an ancient treat evolved into a modern delight
• it celebrates Milton Hershey’s vision of chocolate for everyone
• it invites us to savor pleasure with intention and gratitude
• it connects us across cultures and centuries through a shared taste
• it brings awareness to chocolate’s rich heritage and production stories

Interesting facts about chocolate

• The earliest evidence of cacao use goes back to the Mayo-Chinchipe people in what is now Ecuador, around 3300 B.C. They used the plant of cacao for unknown purposes but left chemical traces in artifacts. ¹
• Cacao trees evolved around 10 million years ago, making them one of the oldest species in the genus Theobroma.

• A cacao tree can live for over 200 years, but it usually produces quality cocoa pods for only about 25 years.
• The scientific name Theobroma cacao means “food of the gods”.
• It takes 30-50 seeds from a single cacao pod to make enough chocolate for two dark chocolate bars (or more for milk chocolate) depending on recipe and sugar content.

• The Olmec civilization (in southern Mexico) was likely among the first to ferment, roast, and grind cacao beans into drinks or gruels by about 1500 B.C.
• The process of making what’s known as Dutch cocoa was invented in 1828 by a Dutch chemist, who removed about half the natural fat (cacao butter) from chocolate liquor and treated what remained with alkaline salts to reduce bitterness.
• Dark chocolate with a high cocoa flavanol content (for example ≥ 200 mg) has been shown to improve blood vessel elasticity, aiding circulation and lowering blood pressure. Even lower doses (≈ 80 mg daily) show some positive effects. ²
• The cacao tree is cauliflorous, meaning its flowers and pods grow directly on the trunk and large branches—not just on new growth.
• Regular consumption of dark chocolate has been associated with reduced risk of stroke and improved cognitive performance (especially in older adults), partly due to antioxidants (flavonoids) found in cocoa. ³
• Up to 20-40% of the world’s cacao beans are lost because of diseases and pests each year. ⁴

How to Observe International Chocolate Day

Marking this day can be both simple and meaningful. Perhaps indulge in your favorite chocolate, try a new flavor, or revisit a childhood treat—let each bite remind you of chocolate’s rich journey.

For a bit of fun, host a small chocolate tasting—dark, milk, artisanal, exotic—or pair chocolate with wine, fruit, or even cheese. You might also take a moment to learn about where your chocolate comes from, consider fair-trade options, or support chocolatiers who value ethics alongside flavor.

Here are some warm ways to enjoy the day:

• treat yourself to some high‑quality or nostalgic chocolate
• explore new flavors—maybe a spicy dark bar or fruity artisan bonbon
• host a cozy chocolate tasting with friends or family
• savor each piece slowly, letting taste and memory linger
• learn about cacao origins or make a conscious choice when buying

International Chocolate Day Dates Table

1. https://kids.nationalgeographic.com/history/article/the-secret-history-of-chocolate[↩]
2. https://www.hud.ac.uk/news/2020/august/liam-corr-history-and-benefits-of-chocolate/[↩]
3. https://www.livescience.com/61754-chocolate-facts.html[↩]
4. https://www.ars.usda.gov/news-events/news/research-news/2022/saving-the-future-of-chocolate-new-research-aims-to-stop-loss-of-cacao-plant/[↩]