09.01.07
According to a recent survey conducted by Barry Callebaut, Zurich, Switzerland, nearly half of Americans (46%) eat chocolate at least a few times per week. The survey found that milk chocolate is the most popular chocolate variety among U.S. adults. Eighty-one percent of Americans say they eat milk chocolate, compared with just 58% of Europeans. Americans also eat the following types of chocolate: chocolate with nuts, raisins or nougat (70%), dark chocolate (64%), chocolate with a soft praline, fruit or crème filling (54%) and white chocolate (50%). While regular chocolate—milk, dark or white—remains the most popular among Americans (79%), the survey found that U.S. adults are exploring other chocolate varieties, including chocolate made from cocoa beans from a specific region. While the survey revealed only 12% of Americans eat functional chocolate, many Americans believe chocolate can have a positive impact on health and well-being. In fact, they believe chocolate boosts morale (52%); revitalizes (46%); is good for the heart and cardiovascular system (31%); contains anti-cancerous ingredients (31%); enhances memory (16%); enhances sexual performance (15%); and helps prevent hair loss (5%). The survey also found that approximately four out of 10 Americans (43%) would buy chocolate that promises health benefits, and almost half of those surveyed (45%) said they would be willing to pay more for “health enhancing” varieties.