The History of Chocolates

Chocolate is one of the world’s most loved treats and it continues to be a popular candy choice. Nothing compares to a box of chocolates and the potential it holds. One look and you know it’s going to be delicious and you can’t wait to dig in and discover the surprise fillings. Just about everyone loves chocolate!

Sugar Stand carries a huge selection to satisfy the most demanding chocolate lovers. Whether you’re in the mood for something smooth and creamy or you want something dark and rich, we have plenty to choose from.

Did you know that the first box of Whitman’s was introduced in 1854? Soon after in 1868, Richard Cadbury introduced the first box of Valentine’s Day chocolates. And the familiar, and delightful, Hershey’s kiss is celebrating 100 years of smiles. Clearly, chocolate has been popular for hundreds of years.

Over 2,000 years ago, the ancient Aztecs and Mayans used the seeds found in the pods from the cacao tree and ground them to make a spicy, chocolate brew. This concoction is unlike the chocolate we enjoy today because it was bitter and sugar was unknown to these people. The cacao tree’s fruit’s scientific name is Theobroma Cacao which translates into “Food of the Gods”. In fact, the Aztecs offered up cacao pods as a sacrifice to their gods and restrict drinking the sacred brew to high priests and rulers.

Today’s decadent treats are typically mass-produced but the rich, creamy flavors come shining through. Modernization that occurred during the Industrial Revolution helped bring chocolate to the masses and the world hasn’t been the same since. Now everyone, regardless of their godlike status, can enjoy the fruits from the cacao tree. Indulging in chocolate candy is a passion shared by many.

Chocolate literally melts in your mouth because the melting point of cocoa butter is just below the human’s body temperature! And you thought it was simply delicious. Surveys show that chocolate is America’s favorite candy flavor. Over half the population prefers chocolate with vanilla and berry flavors tied as the second flavors of choice.