Why Do British People Indulge in So Much Chocolate?

We don’t. I eat none, but if we eat more than US citizens, it is mainly because our chocolate does not contain the ghastly shelf life preservative butyric acid. According to Charlie, the character from The Chocolate Factory, although most Americans are now somewhat conditioned to it and fail to notice it unless given a direct comparison with European chocolates, US chocolate often tastes like vomit to a more discerning palate.

Is 9.5 Kilograms of Chocolate per Person per Year a Lot?

Is 9.5 kilograms of chocolate per person per year a lot for you? I eat only half a bar daily, barely enough to fill my sweet tooth needs. And because it tastes great unlike the American stuff.

Chocolate Consumption by Country

The figures show that the Swiss are the biggest consumers of chocolate, and understandably so, as theirs is delicious. The nine biggest consumers of chocolate per capita are: Switzerland, Austria, Germany, the UK, Sweden, Belgium, Russia, the US, and France. After this, there is a massive step down in chocolate consumption. A common thread for many of these countries is that they are cool, rich, and make high-quality chocolate. The locals clearly enjoy it, but I cannot confirm the quality of chocolate in Sweden, Russia, or the US.

It is important to note that these figures are purely for chocolate and not for general confectionery. When it comes to confectionery figures, the US takes the top spot in pure volume, not per capita, where it doesn’t make the top ten. For confectionery per head, Germany and then Ireland lead the way. In all these tables, the UK consistently ranks around fourth.

Why Such High Chocolate Consumption in the UK?

The UK’s high chocolate consumption can be attributed to a few factors. Firstly, there’s a long history of chocolate giving and eating, especially during Easter and Christmas holidays, which last for days. These events see extensive chocolate giving and eating. Secondly, British TV advertising around chocolate has been particularly effective and memorable, racking up slogans like “Milk Tray Cadburys” that stick with consumers.

In addition, gift packs and hamper sets, which are a significant part of British holiday giving, often feature some form of chocolate. This tradition of gifting chocolate has been a consistent cultural norm for years, contributing to the high chocolate consumption rates.

British Chocolate Quality

Subjectively, personally, I have always found British chocolate to be better than American chocolate. The flavors and textures are more refined, with a richer taste that stands out.

Conclusion

While the UK may consume more chocolate per capita than many other countries, we do so with a discerning palate. Whether it’s the rich, high-quality chocolate produced in the UK or the cultural traditions that revolve around chocolate, there are several reasons for our high consumption rates. If you’re a chocolate lover, you might just find the UK a perfect place to indulge.