Chocolate in the 2000s and Beyond


In the 2000s, the world of chocolate embraced innovation and change. From the rise of ethical sourcing and sustainable farming to the creation of bold new flavors and unique varieties like ruby chocolate, this era redefined what chocolate could be. With growing consumer interest in health, transparency, and plant-based options, chocolate continued to evolve.

Chocolate Brownies

2000

Chocolate companies started using Fair Trade practices to help farmers and protect the environment.

2005

Mars, Inc. introduced CocoaVia, showing how chocolate can have health benefits.

2006

Dark chocolate became popular as people learned it might be good for their health.

2007

Special chocolate brands began making unique flavors, like sea salt and chili.

2009

Chocolatiers started the "bean-to-bar" trend, making chocolate from scratch.

2010

Big companies promised to buy chocolate only from sustainable sources by 2025.

2012

Lindt made a chocolate bar with 99% cocoa for chocolate lovers.

2015

People wanted to know more about where their chocolate came from and how it was made.

2018

Ruby chocolate, naturally pink with a fruity taste, hit the market and amazed chocolate fans.

2019

Dairy-free chocolate became popular, made with almond milk or oat milk.

2020

During COVID-19, people bought chocolate for comfort and used it for home baking.

Explore more parts of the timeline.

600 BCE - 1700s 1800s 1900s 2000s

Use this free scavenger hunt to make exploring the timeline fun and educational for your students. This activity invites them to create their own mini-timelines by identifying specific dates and details from these pages. Download the free printable here to get started.



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Gay Miller

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