EASTER

Happy Easter chocoholics!

The Australian economy hasn’t diminished our Easter passion for chocolate bunnies, eggs, bilbies, blocks, assorted boxes and chocolate hot-cross buns. A report on Australia’s chocolate consumption predicts we will spend more than $210m on chocolate this Easter, putting us among the top countries per capita.

Chocolate has been around since 1100 BC, evolving deliciously from its original “bitter water” meaning and is loved universally. Despite being a tasty treat for people, ingesting even the smallest amount can be extremely hazardous to a dog's health. They can die from eating chocolate, especially dark chocolate. Seek vet help immediately.

We have slipped below the top 10 of the world’s greatest chocolate eaters annually despite splurging an average of AU$644.73 a year as of February 2022 according to chocolate industry statistics. As in all other western countries our consumption rose considerably over the past five years with premium brands enjoying a huge increase in sales. Can we blame lockdowns, work from home, depression or bribing kids to do their home schooling quietly?

USA consumers increased their chocolate intake from 4.4kgs per person in 2015 to a whopping 9kgs in 2022 putting them second to the Swiss who consume 11.6kgs per capita. Portugal and Finland lead the world with drinking chocolate consumption.

Aussie women consume slightly more than men with Victorians being the biggest “chocoholics”. Those aged 18-24yo consume the least. Last year Australia listed 429 chocolate and confectionery manufacturers. Milk chocolate is preferred and the top chocolate bar in 2021 was the Turkish Delight!

Consumers will pay more for healthier and more sustainable confectionery but should heed warnings about excess consumption especially of very dark chocolate. The increased caffeine can cause diarrhoea, dehydration, increased heart rate, irritability, anxiety, a rise in blood pressure and difficulty focusing. It can also cause insomnia or increase the chances of kidney stones due to urinary oxalate excretion. Very dark chocolate contains tyramine, a chemical which can trigger migraines.

A Canadian study of 44,489 individuals found those who ate one serving of chocolate each week were 22% less likely to experience a stroke than those who did not. Those who had around two ounces (56 grams) of chocolate a week were 46% less likely to die from a stroke. Dietary studies tracking the long-term health of 25,000 men and women suggest up to 100gm of chocolate a day may be linked to lower risk of heart disease or stroke.