National Chocolate Milk Day 2023: Date, History, Facts, Activities

On September 27, we celebrate National Chocolate Milk Day, and our childhood sensibilities are tingling. This beverage can be found in lunchrooms across the United States, but its origins are in Jamaica. Indeed, Jamaica gave us both ginger beer and cocoa milk. Its history dates back to the 1400s, and its popularity continues to grow. In fact, it is anticipated that the global chocolate milk market will expand by 3.6% between 2019 and 2024.

The background of National Chocolate Milk Day

Would you believe us if we said that chocolate milk is a sacred and mystical beverage?

Around 1900 B.C., the Olmec drank chocolate, which was the earliest documented use of chocolate. It was consumed from round containers known as tecomates, which were status symbols.

Consequently, the Mayans worshipped a deity of cocoa. According to ancient Mayan writings, chocolate beverages were served at weddings and other significant occasions. Additionally, they prepared cacao beverages as offerings to their spirits.

Throughout history, chocolate beverages continued to be medicinal and mystical. Hans Sloane, an Irish botanist, was appointed physician to the Duke of Albemarle in Jamaica in 1687. Sloane was introduced to Jamaican cocoa water while in Jamaica. He added milk to the beverages because he believed they were too bitter. He realized that cocoa milk was not only delicious but also extremely nutritious due to its calcium and protein content.

Sloane was permitted to transport the drink mixture back to Europe due to his position. He began selling it to apothecaries and proselytizing about its healing properties.

In 1828, the Amsterdam corporation Van Houten invented a method for cocoa pressing. This produced a chocolate powder that was light, fluffy, and readily soluble in water or milk. This increased the popularity of cocoa milk because it was so simple to prepare.

With the 1904 introduction of Ovaltine, U.S. brands gained popularity in the early 1900s. The prevalence of chocolate milk continued to rise, and it is now one of the most popular beverages in the world.

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Activities on National Chocolate Milk Day

Make chocolate milk for adults

If you are at least 21 years old, you can elevate cocoa milk. Add some Kahlua or Baileys, and voilà! The ideal cocktail is awaiting.

Take a selfie with a milk mustache

Do you recall the Got Milk campaign? Gather some companions and relive your youth by taking photographs with milk mustaches.

Decorate a ceramic tumbler.

Want a cool mug to appreciate your preferred beverage? You can paint or decorate a ceramic tumbler yourself.

5 chocolate facts that will blow your mind

Cacao seeds were so valuable to the ancient Mesoamericans that they were used as currency.

Farmers must wait four to five years before a cacao tree yields its first crop of legumes.

Switzerland invented chocolate, so it is not surprising that their per capita chocolate consumption of 22.36 pounds is the highest in the globe.

In 1847, the English company Fry’s produced the first chocolate bar.

The cacao bean develops on the cacao tree (Theobroma cacao), an evergreen member of the Malvaceae family (in which okra and cotton also reside).

NATIONAL CHOCOLATE MILK DAY DATES