Chocolate's Ancient Roots

The interesting history of chocolate, one of the most beloved treats in the world, is believed to be traced back to ancient Mesoamerica around 1200 B.C.The Olmecs, one of the earliest civilizations in Latin America, first discovered the potential of the cacao bean.¹ But unlike the sweet treat we know today, chocolate during this time was a bitter drink that was highly valued and often associated with only royalty and deities.

The knowledge of this chocolate tradition was passed to cultures in Central America, including the Maya and the Aztecs, who further refined the use of chocolate and made it an essential part of their social and ceremonial life.¹

Who First Started Eating Chocolate?

The Mayans, after having received the Olmecs' knowledge of the cacao, celebrated and refined the use of chocolate. Not only was it present in celebrations and ceremonies, but it was also utilized as a form of currency for all kinds of transactions.

The biggest difference between chocolate's importance in Mayan culture compared to the Olmecs' was that it was readily available to everyone –– not just for the rich and powerful. Most Mayan households enjoyed thick and frothy hot chocolate with every meal, often combining it with chili peppers, honey, or water for an added kick.¹

What Was Chocolate Called Before It Was Known as Chocolate?

Long before it was known by its now universal name, chocolate was referred to as "xocolatl" by the Aztecs, a term meaning "bitter water." This ancient treat was a far cry from the kind of chocolate we enjoy today. Like the Olmecs, they considered it as a drink made for royalty and even as a gift from the gods. The Aztecs also considered cacao beans more valuable than gold, using it as currency for the buying of goods.¹

Their love and admiration for chocolate was so great that even the Aztec ruler Montezuma II was said to have drank gallons of the chocolate drink each day to replenish his energy and as an aphrodisiac!¹

1500s –The Journey of Chocolate from Mesoamerica to Europe

Who Invented Chocolate?

There is no single inventor who can be credited for the creation of chocolate as we know it today, but most historians would agree that it arrived first in Spain before it became popular anywhere else. One account says that Christopher Columbus was among the first Europeans to encounter cacao beans, bringing them back to Spain from his fourth voyage to the New World.²

Another story says that Hernan Cortes introduced chocolate to Spain after the Aztecs at Montezuma's court introduced the chocolate drink to him. It was said that he brought back the cacao beans and the knowledge about chocolate to Europe.¹

The Introduction of Chocolate to Spain

Whether it was Christopher Columbus or Hernan Cortes, one thing is for sure – the chocolate liquor or beverage became beloved by the Spanish Court in the late 1500s. Chocolate production increased and slowly began to establish its place in high society.

Initially served as a bitter drink similar to that enjoyed by the Aztecs, the Spanish friars innovated and added sugar and honey to sweeten the naturally bitter flavor, making it a hit among the wealthy Spanish population. This transformation was the first big step towards the chocolate we recognize today.

Why Was Chocolate Kept a Secret for 100 Years?

For nearly a century, chocolate remained a well-guarded secret among Spain’s elite. During the competitive times of the Age of Exploration, the chocolate recipe was kept secret by Spain so they could maintain an edge in European politics and trade. Spanish monks, who were entrusted with making the chocolate drink, played a crucial role in its recipe a secret. While this was the case, the word still managed to get out later on and became a hit across Europe – and later, to the world!

1800s – Evolution of Chocolate: From Beverage to Bar

The Creation of Cacao Powder

Coenraad Van Houten, a Dutch chemist, revolutionized chocolate by inventing a process to make cacao powder, making chocolate more accessible and versatile. This innovation, known as “Dutch processing,” involved removing about half the natural fat (cocoa butter) from chocolate liquor, crushing what remained, and treating the mixture with alkaline salts to minimize the bitter taste.¹

This process led to the creation of smoother, more dissolvable cocoa and laid the foundation for how solid chocolate was made.

The First Chocolate Bar

The transformation of chocolate liquor or xocolatl into solid chocolate bars was a peak moment in the chocolate industry, paving the way for modern types of chocolate like milk chocolate, white chocolate, and dark chocolate, among others.

In 1847, the transformation of chocolate into solid form was achieved by Joseph Fry, who discovered that he could make a moldable chocolate paste by adding melted cacao butter back into Dutch cocoa.² Then by 1875, Daniel Peter collaborated with Henri Nestlé to add milk, creating the first commercial milk chocolate bar. This featured a creamy texture and a sweeter, more palatable flavor to the chocolate, setting the stage for modern chocolate.²

20th Century to Present: Chocolate in the Modern Era

The Explosion of Chocolate Varieties

Fast forward to the 20th century, the chocolate industry witnessed an explosion of creativity and diversity. Today, the chocolate market boasts an astonishing array of products, from artisan dark chocolate with high cacao content to exotic infusions featuring global spices, fruits, and flavors. Ethel M Chocolates, with its commitment to premium, small-batch production, stands out by offering gourmet chocolates that engage the senses and enhance any celebration.

The Legacy of Chocolate Continues at Ethel M Chocolates

At Ethel M Chocolates, the rich history of chocolate is not just preserved, it is celebrated and reimagined with every small-batch creation. More than four decades ago, Forrest Mars Sr., the creator of iconic treats like M&M'S® and the Milky Way® Bar, chose the natural beauty of the Mojave Desert and founded Ethel M Chocolates—a tribute to his mother, Ethel Mars. Here, he crafted a chocolate company committed to premium, small-batch chocolate production that today continues to delight chocolate lovers around the world.

Even now, our chocolatiers continuously explore new techniques and flavors, ensuring that each chocolate not only meets the highest standards of quality but also pushes boundaries! Whether you're looking for fruit chocolates, liqueur-filled chocolates, or chocolate gift boxes, Ethel M Chocolates will only give you the best.

In celebrating the existence of this wonderful treat, we invite you to learn more about us and to participate in this luxurious journey by experiencing our collection of specialty premium chocolates for yourself and discover why every piece is proof of the art of fine chocolate-making, a perfect blend of history, tradition, and innovation.

Sources:

1. History.com. (2017). History of Chocolate: Cocoa Beans & Xocolatl. https://www.history.com/topics/ancient-americas/history-of-chocolate
2. Smithsonian Magazine. (2024). A Brief History of Chocolate. https://www.smithsonianmag.com/arts-culture/a-brief-history-of-chocolate-21860917/