Why are chocolate figures hollow inside?
For many, hollow chocolate figures were a serious disappointment in childhood. A solid-sized hare or Santa Claus turned out to contain much less chocolate than expected. Have you ever wondered why these figures are made hollow all over the world? No, not to deceive children and their parents. On the contrary, it is done for the benefit of consumers.
The tradition of giving chocolate figures at Christmas and Easter began in Germany in the early 19th century. German immigrants brought it to America, where it quickly caught on. But back then, rabbits, Santa Clauses, and other holiday characters weren't empty.
The first hollow chocolate products appeared in the USA in 1939 and really gained popularity in the post-war years. One of the oldest companies producing such figures is RM Palmer from the USA. Their products have long become a symbol of holidays for many families. It is logical to assume that its managers know the answers to all questions regarding their delicious products.
Mark Schlott, the company's vice president of production, happily revealed the secret of the hollow sweets to New York Times reporters. First of all, the chocolate figures are made hollow for our own good, or more precisely, for safety reasons:
A solid chocolate figurine would indeed be too hard and difficult to eat. The hollow inside makes it lighter and safer.
Besides, hollow figures are more profitable. No, not for the manufacturer, because their price is tied more to weight than to dimensions. You can buy more items for the same money. Agree, five hollow hares or Santa Clauses are more impressive than one massive one of the same size.
Agree, several large figures are much more impressive than one massive piece of chocolate. In addition, the price of chocolate products is calculated by weight, not by size. This means that buyers get more visual pleasure for the same money.
Hollow chocolate figures are not a scam, but a way to give us more joy. Light, fragile chocolate is pleasant to eat, and its impressive size creates a sense of celebration. So when you buy chocolate figures, leave behind childhood grievances and think about the good. You have not been deprived of chocolate magic, but, on the contrary, they have taken care to ensure that the sweetness brings as much joy as possible and is easy and pleasant to eat. And here are 25 more facts about chocolate that may be interesting to you
What is the most unusual chocolate figurine you've ever come across? Share it in the comments!