National Cocoa Day: History, Facts & Insights

This is an in-depth look at all the must-know facts about National Cocoa Day (2024) 🗓️ that no one tells you about. National Cocoa Day is celebrated on December 13th.

Among the information you’ll find below: the history of National Cocoa Day, activities to do on and how to observe this holiday, as well as amusing facts you may want to know about National Cocoa Day.

📅 What day is National Cocoa Day 2024?

In 2024, National Cocoa Day is on Wednesday, December 13th. It is the 2nd Wednesday in December; in 2024, it is Friday. There are until the next observance. You also can explore all the fun details and facts about December 13, 2023, that you might not be aware of.

Every year on December 13, we celebrate National Cocoa Day. This is a day dedicated to enjoying a delicious and comforting beverage called hot cocoa. Hot cocoa is typically made by mixing chocolate powder, warm milk or water, and sugar. However, some people may mistakenly refer to it as “hot chocolate,” which can cause confusion. Hot chocolate, on the other hand, is made using ground chocolate that contains cocoa butter. To make chocolate liquor, cocoa beans are fermented, dried, roasted, and ground. The cocoa butter is then separated from the cocoa powder. This cocoa powder is what we use to prepare hot cocoa. Depending on what ingredients you add, hot cocoa can be a nutritious drink with low levels of fat and calories.

📜 National Cocoa Day History

European explorers discovered chocolate in South America, where it had been enjoyed for centuries before the arrival of Europeans. Interestingly, it was the Spaniards who initially found the taste of chocolate disagreeable and bitter. Over time, however, chocolate became an acquired taste. It was not until it was imported to Europe and embraced by the elite as a luxury drink that it started to be sweetened. This eventually led to the creation of milk chocolate. It wasn’t until 1828 that powdered chocolate became widely available for consumption, and shortly after, the chocolate bar and instant hot cocoa were invented.

There are three main varieties of cocoa plants: Forastero, Trinitario, and Criollo. Forastero is the most common variety, accounting for up to 90% of global cocoa production. Trinitario is a hybrid cultivar originating from Trinidad, known for its higher yields and disease resistance compared to the other varieties. Criollo, on the other hand, is less common and more susceptible to diseases. It is primarily grown in Venezuela. Among the three, Trinitario is considered the highest grade variety.

✅ National Cocoa Day Facts

🔖 There are four different types of chocolates
You can find a variety of chocolates including dark, milk, white, and blond options.

🔖 White chocolate isn’t technically chocolate
White chocolate contains cocoa butter, which is extracted from cocoa beans, but it lacks cocoa powder or cocoa solids.

🔖 Packed with flavor
Chocolate has around 600 different taste components that combine to create its distinctive aroma.

👍 Why Is National Cocoa Day Important

There is some type of traditional chocolate recipe in every culture, and there are millions of cocoa aficionados worldwide.

National Cocoa Day encourages you to experiment with your hot cocoa. Experiment with different toppings to create unique chocolate concoctions.

Chocolate and cocoa have a long history. Cocoa beans have come a long way from being objects of reverence to mass-produced consumer treats. Celebrate by posting something on social media and gathering chocolate trivia to appear knowledgeable.

🙂 How To Observe National Cocoa Day

⚡ Try different toppings and spices

⚡ Drink cocoa
You can’t fully celebrate National Cocoa Day without indulging in a delicious cup of this delightful drink. Take the opportunity to prepare a cup of cocoa just the way you prefer it and savor it. Additionally, organize a cocoa recipe exchange with your colleagues and enjoy trying out various recipes during a tea break, adding a touch of enjoyment to your workday.

⚡ Try using hot cocoa bombs
Experiment with different toppings to take your hot chocolate game to the next level. Toppings such as marshmallows, candy canes, caramel, and toffees are just a few of the options for making your drink particularly tasty. If you don’t like sweets, try cinnamon, allspice, or nutmeg, or flavor the chocolate with almond extract.

📅 When is National Cocoa Day?

View all 🔗 December holidays, including 🔗 Food & Beverage and other 🔗 Beverage holidays.

We will continue to update this page with new information and interesting facts about National Cocoa Day. So be sure to check back soon.