This podcast episode explores the history of chocolate, tracing its origins from a bitter drink consumed in Mesoamerican rituals to its transformation into a mass-produced food in Victorian Britain. The hosts discuss the Olmecs, Mayans, and Aztecs' use of cocoa, the Spanish introduction of chocolate to Europe, and the pivotal role of Quakers like the Cadbury and Fry families in industrializing chocolate production. A key takeaway is the evolution of chocolate from a primarily ritualistic and medicinal beverage to a widely consumed food item, driven by industrial innovation and changing social norms. The episode concludes by highlighting the democratization of chocolate consumption in Britain, emphasizing its role in averting social unrest during the Great Depression.
