Chocolate Candy
Chocolate candy is one of the preferred treats of children and adults alike. Over 97 percent of American households buy chocolate candy repeatedly during the year. Last year total sales were $7.5 billion. It seems we can’t get enough!
The use of chocolate itself began in 1200 BC as a spicy, frothy cocoa drink enjoyed by the Mayans, who even used it as currency. They buried chocolate in the tombs of their dead, perhaps sending it to the beyond to comfort the souls of the departed. However, the majority of chocolate products on the market today are chocolate candy, a confectionary based on sugar or other sweeteners and milk solids. Chocolate candies have a fairly low concentration, around 10 percent, of actual cacao in them. This is mainly due to the higher cost of cacao over vegetable oils, artificial flavors, milk solids, and other fillers. Often times chocolate candy bars owe more of their flavor to vanilla and other additives than to actual chocolate. However, high-end chocolatiers don’t use soy lecithin or preservatives and don’t let extra sugar or fat dilute the taste of their unique and upscale chocolate candy.
The variety of chocolate candies and chocolate covered candy is staggering. You can find just about any shape and size and composition to suit the cravings of a sweet tooth. From caramel chocolate candy to mint chocolate candy, there is something for everyone. Sugar free chocolate candy is available for those that need to be careful about sugar intake. A chocolate candy gift is an ideal present for anyone on your gift list, with dark chocolate candy often believed to be the most intense and tasty variety. And don’t forget, recent studies have shown that dark chocolate candy may provide healthy components such as antioxidants, mood-enhancing tryptophan, and stimulating theobromine.
If you are interested in chocolate candy making at home, you can find chocolate candy molds, ingredients, and recipes online to match your needs. Baking chocolate is excellent for melting and using to create imaginative chocolate candy treats. Children love to help decorate (and eat!) cookies and cupcakes with chocolate candy. Chocolate candy making is an easy and delicious process, with only the risk of consuming most of the chocolate before finishing your task.
A delectable treat for all ages, chocolate candy can be that added treat to bring a smile to your loved ones.