The history of candy bars

Chocolate bars have been around for hundreds of years. Yes, hundreds. One of the first chocolate bars ever created was made in 1847. Joseph Fry discovered a way to mix cocoa powder, sugar, and cocoa so it could be made into a paste and placed in molds. It was a success. People enjoyed eating chocolate as much as drinking it. However, this chocolate bar and the chocolate bars we are familiar with are completely different.

It wasn’t until 1876 that milk chocolate was invented by Daniel Peter of Switzerland. He took eight years to do this. It only took three more years for Daniel Peter to join Henri Nestlé to form the Nestlé Company. This company introduced the famous Nestlé Crunch in 1938.

We are getting ahead of ourselves. Let’s go back to 1900. Milton S. Hershey decided it was time everyone tasted the wonders of milk chocolate. Until then, only the rich could afford this wonderful sweet. By locating his candy factory in dairy country, now known as Hershey, PA, Milton was able to begin mass-producing chocolate bars. The all-time American favorite (Hershey) was introduced to the public. Eight years later, in 1908, Hershey began adding almonds and Hershey with Almonds was born.

Once milk chocolate became so popular, everyone started creating chocolate bars. The Mars candy company was formed by Frank and Ethel Mars in 1911. 1914 brought the introduction of the Heath bar. Peter Paul Halijian invented Mounds in 1921. These candies were marketed under the name Peter Paul Mounds. The Almond Joy was not introduced until 1947.

Hundreds of chocolate bars were being created. The candies we are most familiar with, such as Butterfinger and Milky Way, were introduced to the public in 1923. 1925 saw the invention of Oh Henry, Baby Ruth, and Mr. Goodbar.

The 1930s brought about an even greater demand for chocolate. This is because the Hershey Company had created a candy bar for children fighting in the first and second world wars. When these soldiers got home, they wanted more chocolate. From 1930 to 1938, products like Snickers, 3 Musketeers, Kit Kat, and Nestlé’s Crunch gave the public what they wanted.

It has been reported that the American public consumes 2.8 billion pounds of chocolate each year. However, recent studies suggest that chocolate may actually be good for you. According to a report in the Journal of the American Medical Association, dark chocolate is good for you. This report was quick to point out that it did not include milk or white chocolates. Dark chocolate contains antioxidants and can also lower blood pressure. So the next time you’re feeling a little under the weather or stressed, grab a couple of dark chocolate bars and enjoy.