Chocolate became popular for mass consumption in the United States in the late 1800s and early 1900s.
How Chocolate Gained Mass Popularity in the US
While chocolate had existed for centuries, its widespread popularity as an everyday treat for the general public in the United States is largely attributed to developments that occurred in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. This era saw the shift from chocolate being a beverage or a high-end luxury item to an accessible, mass-produced confectionery.
According to historical accounts, mass chocolate consumption hit the United States in the late 1800s when Milton S. Hershey played a pivotal role. His initial success came from selling chocolate-coated caramels, which began introducing chocolate to a wider audience in a new form.
Key Milestones Driving Popularity
Milton S. Hershey's innovations were central to making chocolate widely popular and accessible:
- Late 1800s: Hershey's foray into selling chocolate-coated caramels initiated the trend of mass chocolate consumption in the US.
- Development of Milk Chocolate: Following this success, Hershey developed his own formula for milk chocolate. This smoother, sweeter version was highly appealing to American tastes and easier to mass-produce.
- Mass Production (1900): He purchased chocolate factory equipment and introduced mass-produced chocolate bars and other shapes, like the now-iconic Hershey's Kisses, in 1900. This move drastically lowered costs and increased availability, transforming chocolate from a luxury into an affordable indulgence for millions.
These advancements in mass production and formula development made chocolate readily available and affordable across the country, solidifying its status as a popular treat by the turn of the 20th century.
