Chocolate-lover (and chocolate chip cookie lovers) will want to take note of the fact that the FDA is considering redefining chocolate as we know it. Currently, chocolate is defined as something that is made of cocoa butter and cocoa solids, with flavorings, sugars and dairy being approved additions. The new definition would allow – to use the phrasing of Cybele from Candyblog – “any concoction containing cocoa solids and a fat into Chocolate. Like magic!”
Mockolate is not chocolate. And all this rule change would do, in addition to saving some penny-pinching candy-makers some money (which they probably need to save since no one is buying their “chocolate flavored confections” when there is real chocolate available), is further lower the bar for chocolate in the US. Consumers will be the ones to pay the real price here, ending up with “chocolate” made with hydrogenated oils, palm oil and who knows what else instead of melt-in-your-mouth, natural cocoa butter.
You can let the FDA know how you feel about this possible change by visiting the public comment portion of their website.
———-
And while you’re at Candyblog, check out Cybele’s fabulous Peep Mashup post, where she pairs Peeps with all kinds of candies.
What do you think?