The Real Difference Between British And American Chocolate
It's hard not to smile when you hear the word chocolate if you're a fan of the confection. Just the word alone recalls memories of childhood fudge pops, Hershey's bars, movie experiences, holiday treats, and more. And anyone who has tried a bite knows each variety has a distinct flavor and feel. But did you also know that each type of chocolate is produced in a different way depending on its country of creation? As Business Insider details, if you've tried chocolate in both the UK and the U.S., you've probably noticed that there is a definite difference in flavor and texture that's hard to overlook.
In fact, there is a Quora page dedicated to explaining why British folks are not fans of American chocolate. While some may try to blame it on the Brits' sophisticated nature, there's actually a scientific explanation for their disdain that has to do with chocolate production. And it may change your whole perspective on the rich, creamy treat. So what is this revelation?
Can you taste the difference?
As Business Insider recalls, Britons' reactions to American chocolate vary from calling it "powdery" to "too sweet" with many issues in between. The production and recipes actually vary between countries, giving each a unique profile, with the list of ingredients being dictated by regulations from various food administrations. According to Business Insider, "British chocolate tends to have a higher fat and cocoa content. American-made chocolate typically contains a larger dose of sugar." British rules dictate that for the snack to be considered milk chocolate, it must include 25 percent cocoa solids at the very least. In the U.S., the rules are not as strict, therefore manufacturers can (and do) tweak the recipe.
BBC also covered the topic, noting that Hershey's currently holds the rights to producing Cadbury chocolate in the U.S. and is seen by many Brits as inferior. As the site notes, not only is the recipe different, but the amount of time it is mixed and the milk flavor are both further contributing factors.
Surprisingly, in their test, some tasters actually did prefer the U.S, version, but this does definitively show why some prefer one over the other. And while there may not be a clear favorite, at least the next time you're out making a purchase and have the choice between chocolate from the UK and U.S., you're armed with the knowledge to pick out a treat your tastebuds will appreciate.