National Chocolate Caramel Day

The story

Caramel, with its origins tracing back to the late 17th century, was initially made by settlers using water and beetroot sugar. Over time, the recipe evolved with the addition of fat and milk, resulting in the smooth, buttery treat we know today.

Meanwhile, chocolate has a history steeped in ancient Mesoamerica, where the cacao bean was prized and prepared as a drink as early as 1750 BCE. Through European explorers, chocolate spread across the globe, eventually becoming the sweet delight loved by all.

The magic of combining chocolate and caramel is largely credited to Milton Hershey, the founder of the Hershey’s empire. Before chocolate bars made him a household name, Hershey’s Lancaster Caramel Company was crafting chocolate-covered caramels in the 1800s.

By 1893, inspired by German chocolate-making machines, Hershey transformed his caramel creations into mass-produced chocolate-covered delights, making the combination a national sensation.

This decadent pairing has stood the test of time, becoming a cornerstone of the candy world.