National White Chocolate Day is a delicious celebration dedicated to the creamy, ivory-colored confection made from cocoa butter, milk solids, and sugar. Unlike traditional chocolate, white chocolate doesn’t contain cocoa solids, giving it its distinctive pale color and sweet, velvety taste.
Quick Facts
- When is it?: September 22nd
- Tagged as: Food holiday, Chocolate celebration
- What’s the hashtag?: #NationalWhiteChocolateDay
- When was it founded?: Unclear, but white chocolate itself was commercially introduced in the 1930s
- Who founded it?: Unknown, though it’s likely part of the many food holidays created to celebrate specific treats
History of National White Chocolate Day
White chocolate has a relatively short history compared to its darker counterparts. It was first commercially produced by Nestlé in Switzerland in 1936 with the introduction of the Galak bar (known as Milkybar in English-speaking countries). The creation of white chocolate was originally a way to use excess cocoa butter and milk powder.
In the United States, white chocolate didn’t gain significant popularity until the 1980s. For many years, white chocolate wasn’t officially classified as “chocolate” at all because it lacks cocoa solids. After a decade of petitioning by chocolate manufacturers, the FDA finally expanded its definition of chocolate in 2004 to include white chocolate, stipulating that true white chocolate must contain at least 20% cocoa butter, 14% total milk solids, 3.5% milk fat, and less than 63% sugar.
Timeline
- 1930s: Nestlé introduces the first commercial white chocolate bar, Galak/Milkybar
- 1946: White chocolate is introduced to the United States by Frederick E. Herbert of Herbert Candies
- 1970s: White chocolate begins to gain wider popularity
- 2004: FDA officially recognizes white chocolate as part of the chocolate family
Dates by Next Year (2025 to 2030)
| Year | Month and Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | September 22 | Monday |
| 2026 | September 22 | Tuesday |
| 2027 | September 22 | Wednesday |
| 2028 | September 22 | Friday |
| 2029 | September 22 | Saturday |
| 2030 | September 22 | Sunday |
How National White Chocolate Day is Observed
People celebrate National White Chocolate Day by indulging in various white chocolate treats. Many enjoy white chocolate bars, truffles, cookies, or white chocolate-covered pretzels. Some host white chocolate tasting parties to explore different brands and flavor combinations. Bakeries and coffee shops often offer special white chocolate items or beverages like white chocolate mochas to mark the occasion.
Fun Facts About White Chocolate
White chocolate was originally created as a way to use excess cocoa butter from the chocolate-making process. Despite its name, some chocolate purists argue it isn’t “real” chocolate due to the absence of cocoa solids. The creamy confection pairs wonderfully with fruits like raspberries and strawberries, as well as nuts such as macadamia. White chocolate contains less caffeine than milk or dark chocolate, making it a milder option for those sensitive to caffeine.
Quiz
- When is National White Chocolate Day celebrated?
- What year did the FDA officially recognize white chocolate as chocolate?
- What are the main ingredients in white chocolate?
- Which company first commercially produced white chocolate?
(Answers: 1. September 22nd, 2. 2004, 3. Cocoa butter, milk solids, and sugar, 4. Nestlé)
FAQs
Is white chocolate really chocolate?
Yes, officially it is. While it lacks cocoa solids found in dark and milk chocolate, it contains cocoa butter, which is a component of the cacao bean. The FDA recognized it as chocolate in 2004.
Why is white chocolate white?
White chocolate gets its ivory color because it doesn’t contain the cocoa solids that give dark and milk chocolate their brown color. It’s made primarily from cocoa butter, which is naturally pale.
Is white chocolate healthier than dark chocolate?
No, white chocolate generally contains more sugar and fat than dark chocolate and lacks the antioxidants found in cocoa solids. Dark chocolate is typically considered the healthier option.
Importance of National White Chocolate Day
National White Chocolate Day gives recognition to this unique confection that has sometimes been overlooked in favor of its more popular milk and dark chocolate cousins. It provides an opportunity for white chocolate enthusiasts to celebrate their favorite treat and for others to explore different ways to enjoy this creamy delicacy. The day also highlights the history and craftsmanship behind white chocolate production.
Related Celebrations
- National Chocolate Day (October 28th)
- International Chocolate Day (September 13th)
- National Milk Chocolate Day (July 28th)
- World Chocolate Day (July 7th)
- National White Chocolate Cheesecake Day (March 6th)