National Chocolate Milk Day

A joyful child with a wide smile, holding a glass of chocolate milk, surrounded by colorful balloons in a sunny park.. — National chocolate milk day illustration

Can you even recall a time when chocolate milk wasn't a thing? Us neither! With a fantastic balance of sweet and refreshing, you won't find a day that isn't made better by this delightful drink. Interestingly, this joyous occasion has quite a presence on the internet, particularly on September 27th, 2019. So, buckle up for an exploration of National Chocolate Milk Day, a holiday that's as sweet as it sounds.

When is Chocolate Milk Day?

It's national chocolate milk day on the 27th September.

The History of Chocolate Milk Day

The internet history of National Chocolate Milk Day is a frothy blend of viral tweets, heart warming Instagram photos and 'pouring' love from all over the world. It achieved its biggest peak of popularity on September 27th, 2019 with a whopping 6680 mentions on various platforms. Not bad for a beverage, right?

Why Chocolate Milk?

Chocolate milk isn't just delicious, it's heartwarming! Reminiscent of childhood days spent slurping those chocolaty drops with a crazy straw. It also serves as the perfect pretext to inaugurate our baked goods dunking championship. Yes, it's a thing!

How to Celebrate?

Celebrating National Chocolate Milk Day can be as simple as pouring yourself a frosty glass of the good stuff, or as elaborate as hosting a 'milk mustache' themed party! Pro tip: add marshmallows and whipped cream for extra cheer.

Spreading The Love

This National Day serves as the perfect occasion to share some sweet memories with loved ones and remind ourselves of the simple joys in life. Why not spread the love even further and donate some chocolate milk cartons to your local food bank? After all, everyone deserves a sweet treat every now and then.

History behind the term 'Chocolate Milk'

1692

Discovery of chocolate in milk

In 1692, chocolate was first discovered in milk by Irish botanist Sir Hans Sloane. He encountered cocoa beans during his travels in Jamaica and observed the locals mixing the ground beans with water. However, Sloane found the mixture bitter and experimented with adding milk to create a more palatable beverage, thus giving birth to the concept of chocolate milk.

1828

Development of cocoa powder

In 1828, the Dutch chemist Coenraad Johannes Van Houten invented a hydraulic press that allowed for the extraction of cocoa butter from cocoa beans. This process led to the production of cocoa powder, a key ingredient in the creation of chocolate milk. Cocoa powder made it easier to mix chocolate flavor into milk and created a smoother texture.

1865

Introduction of chocolate syrup

In 1865, chocolate milk took another leap forward with the introduction of chocolate syrup. The Swiss chocolatier Daniel Peter developed a method to combine condensed milk and chocolate, creating a creamy and sweet syrup. This invention made it even more convenient for people to enjoy chocolate milk by simply adding the syrup to regular milk.

1950

Commercialization and popularization

During the 1950s, commercialization of chocolate milk began to take off. Companies like Nestlé and Hershey's introduced ready-to-drink chocolate milk in cartons and bottles, making it easily accessible to consumers. Chocolate milk gained popularity, especially among children, due to its delicious taste and nutritional benefits.

1973

Chocolate milk in schools

In 1973, the National School Lunch Program in the United States added chocolate milk as a beverage option in schools. This decision aimed to encourage children to consume more milk, as the flavoring made it more appealing. Chocolate milk became a staple in school cafeterias and a beloved choice among students for decades to come.

Did you know?

Did you know, chocolate milk is often regarded as an excellent recovery drink for athletes due to its perfect carbohydrate and protein mix? Next time you think about downing that sports drink after a workout, consider the humble chocolate milk instead!