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It's the time of year when we all start to get excited about the prospect of stocking up on our favorite treats - chocolates!
Chocolate is a delicious indulgence that most of us can't resist.
We all know that we resort to chocolate in times of need, but did you know that there's a scientific reason behind it?
Chocolate releases dopamine in the brain, the same hormone released when we experience pleasure.
That's why it's so hard to resist chocolate - because our brains are telling us that we want it! So next time you're feeling stressed out or down, go ahead and indulge in some chocolate - you'll be doing your body and mind a favor.
We all know that when we're feeling down, chocolate is the answer. It's the perfect comfort food, and it seems to make everything just a little bit better.
We all know that chocolates can be expensive, but there's no need to break the bank when you're craving chocolate.
In fact, there are plenty of places where you can find chocolate deals that will satisfy your sweet tooth without putting a dent in your wallet. Read on to find out more!
A brief history of chocolate
Chocolate is one of the oldest and most popular treats in the world.
The history of chocolate begins with the cocoa bean, which was first used by the Mayans and Aztecs in Mexico over two thousand years ago.
These cultures believed that cacao beans were a gift from the gods, and they used them to make a drink called xocoatl.
Spanish explorers discovered chocolate when they invaded Mexico in 1519, and they brought it back to Europe.
At first, people didn't like chocolate because it was bitter and thick. But over time, Europeans began to add sugar and milk to make it more palatable.
Chocolate was considered a drink until 1847 when Joseph Fry created the first solid chocolate bar.
In 1875, Daniel Peter invented milk chocolate by combining the cocoa powder with condensed milk.
Chocolate became more popular in America after Milton Hershey started selling his famous candy bars in 1900.
Today, Americans consume roughly over three billion pounds of chocolate annually! That's about 200 million Hershey's Kisses every day or one for each person living in our country today!
The average American eats 22 pounds of candy per year - but that number is much higher for children under 12 years old who gobble up 34 pounds on average annually!
How chocolate is made
So what is chocolate actually made from?
If you've ever seen or held cocoa beans before (it looks like coffee), you might wonder how it turns into lusciously smooth milk or dark chocolates that we love so much!
It starts with separating cocoa butter from the bean itself. The ground bits of cacao go through processing such as alkalization and then go through conching to make sure that the chocolate is nice and smooth.
Then cocoa butter may be added for more creaminess, along with sweeteners and other ingredients like milk powder or nuts.
The resulting liquid is poured into molds, where it's cooled down so that it becomes solid again!
Benefits of chocolate
Chocolate is a great treat, but the world would be a lot different without it! Here are some ways chocolate has changed our lives:
Chocolate makes us feel good because it releases endorphins (happy chemicals) into our bodies when we eat this treat.
It's used as an ingredient in many foods and drinks too – not only does it taste delicious by itself, but there are also countless recipes out which include chocolate like brownies or hot cocoa that make them even tastier than before!
And lastly, chocolates can work wonders for your health - studies have shown that regular consumption of dark types can help lower blood pressure levels due to their flavonoids content.
Different ways to enjoy chocolate
Many people love to enjoy chocolate in different ways. Eating straight from the wrapper is always a classic way to enjoy chocolate, but there are other ways to savor this sweet treat. Here are different ways to enjoy chocolate:
In ice cream form
Chocolate ice cream is a classic for a reason—it's delicious! Mixing in some chopped-up chocolate bars can take this dish to the next level.
Hot beverage
Adding heated milk or cocoa powder to your favorite bar of chocolate can make for a decadent and comforting drink. Plus, it's the perfect way to warm up on a cold winter day.
Frosting
Chocolate frosting is a must for any chocolate cake or brownie. It's also delicious on top of vanilla ice cream or waffles. Yum!
Dip for fruit
Chocolate fondue is the perfect way to enjoy your favorite chocolate with strawberries, pineapple chunks, and more. This dessert will be sure to please any crowd!
The Best Chocolate Brands
Ferrero Rocher
When it comes to chocolate, Ferrero Rocher reigns supreme. The company has been a leader in the industry since 1797, and their chocolates are wrapped with golden foil that makes them perfect for any occasion--especially as holiday gifts! This mouthwatering treat consists of hazelnut inside thin wafer shells made out of three different types: milk, dark & chopped nuts which will satisfy even your most die-hard fan's sweet tooth.
Cadbury
Whether it's during the Easter season or not, most of us are familiar with Cadbury chocolate eggs and bunnies. But there is so much more to this company than just those two products! For one thing, they make dozens of different types of delicious dark licorice treats that will have your taste buds jumping for joy!
Nestlé
Nestlé has been a recognizable brand in America for over 100 years. They produce chocolate chips and cookies that can be found on almost any grocery store shelf, including their famous Nestle Crunch candy bars, Kitkat, or Baby Ruths!
Toblerone
Toblerone is a Swiss chocolate brand that has been loved by many for its unique logo and packaging. The mountain-shaped pieces come in an open-faced triangle package, which resembles the Matterhorn-- Switzerland's most popular attraction!
Mars
When it comes to chocolate, there is no escaping Mars. This famous worldwide brand has been responsible for Snickers bars and M&M'S since World War II! They also make Milky Way sweets as well as 3 Musketeers candies - but you can't have them if your preference happens not to be among these choices because they offer combinations of ingredients that will make any sweet tooth happy (including ours!).
Hershey's
We all have our favorite chocolate brands, but when it comes down to the bestseller list? Hershey's will always be on top. From kisses and pieces, rods of pure indulgence in every bite-size form imaginable, they have you covered with their huge variety of tasty treats! And don't forget about Mounds™ bars - peanut butter cups that are round rather than flat like most others out there—perfect for those who love sharing their goodies around or just can't get enough of themselves.
Where to find the best deals
Tips on finding the best deals
When it comes to chocolate, there's no need to break the bank. In fact, with Valentine's Day coming up, you can find some great deals on chocolates right now. Here are a few tips for finding the best chocolate deals:
Check store flyers and online ads.
Many stores put their chocolates on sale in the days leading up to Valentine's Day.
Look for store brands.
Store brands are often cheaper than name-brand chocolates.
Compare prices online.
There are a few websites that compare the prices of different brands of chocolate, so you can find the best deal.
Try bulk stores or ethnic grocery stores.
These stores often have lower prices on chocolate than mainstream grocery stores.
Conclusion
So, what's the best way to get your chocolate fix without breaking the bank? By following our simple tips, of course! Keep an eye out for sales and use discount codes when you can. And don't forget to stock up when there are good deals. With a little bit of planning, you can indulge in your favorite treats without overspending. What are your favorite tips for finding cheap chocolate?
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