The Great Chocolate Debate: Dark vs Milk, vs White

What’s the great chocolate debate? It depends on who you talk to. At MalibuGift we think the great chocolate debate is about which chocolate you prefer; dark chocolate vs milk chocolate vs white chocolate. This debate is solved through the palates of many however, it is subjective and largely depends on personal taste preferences and health considerations. Some of us may argue for the luxurious and intense flavors of dark chocolate, while others may favor the smoothness of milk or the sweetness of white chocolate. Ultimately, the choice is customized to each person’s tastes. We’ll give you a little information to help you come to your own decision. Then, order from MalibuGift.com and Give a Gift!

Origin Stories

Knowing the origin of gourmet chocolate helps everyone better understand the story behind this gourmet treat we love to enjoy and gift.

Dark Chocolate History

Dark chocolate dates back more than 3,000 years and back then was the only chocolate option. It was mainly served as a drink for ceremonial and medicinal purposes by the ancient civilizations of Mesoamerica, including the Olmec, Maya, and Aztec cultures. These civilizations cultivated cacao trees and consumed this bitter beverage made from fermented and roasted cacao beans. After the 16th century, cacao made its way to Spain, where it became popular among the aristocracy. Initially, Spanish chocolate was consumed as a beverage, sweetened with sugar and flavored with vanilla. 

Then, chocolate houses began to emerge in Europe in the 17th century, serving as social spaces where the elite could enjoy chocolate beverages. Advances in chocolate processing, including the invention of the cocoa press in the 19th century by Coenraad Van Houten, led to the production of cocoa powder, making it easier to get creative with solid chocolate. That’s when the real story about dark chocolate began to evolve into a story about milk chocolate.  

Milk Chocolate History

Milk Chocolate began its fame in 1875 when chocolatier Daniel Peter was trying to impress a young lady while making dark chocolate less bitter and adding powdered milk. It worked, he married her. We’re not sure, but we think it worked because Milk Chocolate became a balanced sweet flavor with a creamy texture, thanks to the added milk solids.  

The introduction of milk chocolate marked a significant shift in the chocolate industry. The combination of chocolate and milk made the treat more accessible and appealing to a wider audience. Other chocolatiers soon adopted the milk chocolate formula, and it became a popular choice for all chocolate consumers.  Then, in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, companies like Cadbury in the United Kingdom and Hershey’s in the United States played a large part in popularizing the newest chocolate idea by creating his iconic chocolate bars. Chocolate was once only a treat for the wealthy until Mr. Hershey created his iconic bars so everyone could enjoy a sweet treat. 

White Chocolate History

The great chocolate debate occurs every September 22nd on National White Chocolate Day which is a testament that the chocolate debate is beyond the preference for dark chocolate vs milk chocolate. White chocolate came into the picture and became part of the debate when the Swiss company Nestlé created this chocolate type as a way to use excess cocoa butter, a byproduct of the chocolate-making process.  The original version of white chocolate contained cocoa butter, sugar, and milk solids, but it lacked cocoa solids, which gave both milk and dark chocolate its brown color and characteristic flavor.  

Chocolate Health Benefits

In our chocolaterie shops, we often get asked about the health benefits of Dark Chocolate vs Milk Chocolate vs White Chocolate. Within the great chocolate debate, white chocolate is generally considered less healthy than dark chocolate as it lacks the antioxidants and potential health benefits associated with higher cocoa content. The opposite side of the chocolate health benefit debate includes dark chocolate often touted for its potential health benefits, including antioxidants, improved heart health, and mood enhancement. We could all use a mood enhancement so we always seem to list our cravings toward dark chocolate.  

Difference Between Dark Chocolate and Milk Chocolate

Within the great chocolate debate; dark chocolate vs milk chocolate vs white chocolate, there are 3 chocolate types we consider for confectionary or candy-making purposes. Differences range in flavor, nutritional value, and ingredients. White Chocolate is known for its sweet, creamy, and buttery flavor. It lacks the characteristic chocolate taste due to the absence of cocoa solids. Milk Chocolate offers a balanced and sweet flavor with a creamy texture, thanks to the added milk solids. Dark Chocolate exhibits a more complex flavor profile, ranging from mildly sweet to intensely bitter, depending on the cocoa content which always varies depending on quality. Dark chocolate enthusiasts often appreciate its depth and richness.

Whatever the flavor, nutritional value, or ingredients, all cocoa product costs are on the rise due to global warming. As of today, cocoa has inflated in price 138% over last year’s costs. So, enjoy your chocolate whichever type is your favorite, and don’t be afraid to pay the higher prices. To learn more about chocolate history check out our History of Chocolate-Covered Cherries or the Rich History of Chocolate Truffles.