International Chocolate Day
September 13
About International Chocolate Day
International Chocolate Day takes place every year on 13 September, a date chosen to mark the birthday of chocolate pioneer Milton S. Hershey, who was born on 13 September 1857. Recognised by the United States National Confectioners Association, the day invites chocolate lovers everywhere to celebrate one of the world’s most beloved treats, from a simple bar of milk chocolate to artisan truffles and rich, dark single-origin bars.
How to Celebrate International Chocolate Day
The best way to mark the day is simply to enjoy chocolate in whatever form you love most. Here are plenty of ways to get involved:
- Taste your way through different cocoa percentages – Line up white, milk, dark and extra-dark chocolate side by side and notice how the flavour shifts as the cocoa content climbs. It is a fun, low-effort tasting that works just as well solo as it does with friends.
- Bake something chocolatey – Brownies, a flourless torte, chocolate chip cookies or a classic sponge all make excellent excuses to switch the oven on. Homemade always feels more rewarding than shop-bought.
- Visit a local chocolatier – Independent chocolate makers often release special bars or run tasting sessions around this time of year. Buying from them supports small producers and usually means better-quality cocoa.
- Try making chocolate from scratch – Tempering your own chocolate and pouring it into moulds is easier than it looks and makes a memorable activity for a rainy afternoon.
- Host a chocolate-themed gathering – Invite friends round for a fondue, a hot chocolate bar with toppings, or a blind taste test to see who can identify their favourite brand.
- Pair chocolate with drinks – Dark chocolate works beautifully with red wine, coffee, port or even a good stout. Experiment to find combinations you enjoy.
- Learn where your chocolate comes from – Look for Fairtrade or Rainforest Alliance labels and read up on the cocoa farmers behind your favourite bar. Ethical sourcing matters more than ever in the cocoa trade.
- Share the love – Gift a bar to a colleague, neighbour or friend. Few things brighten a day quite like an unexpected square of chocolate.
What is International Chocolate Day?
International Chocolate Day is an annual celebration of chocolate in all its forms. It is a light-hearted food holiday rather than a formal observance, embraced by chocolate enthusiasts, confectioners, bakeries and brands around the world. The day honours both the treat itself and the people who shaped the modern chocolate industry, most notably Milton S. Hershey, whose mass-production methods helped turn chocolate from a luxury for the wealthy into an affordable everyday pleasure. Anyone with a sweet tooth can take part, and there are no rules beyond enjoying chocolate however you like it best.
When is International Chocolate Day?
International Chocolate Day falls on Sunday, 13 September 2026. It is celebrated on the same fixed date every year, chosen to coincide with Milton S. Hershey’s birthday on 13 September 1857. Because the date never moves, you can rely on it landing on 13 September each year. It should not be confused with World Chocolate Day, a separate celebration held on 7 July.
The History of International Chocolate Day
Chocolate itself has a history stretching back thousands of years. The cacao tree was first cultivated by ancient Mesoamerican civilisations, including the Maya and the Aztecs, who prized cacao so highly that the beans were used as currency. Chocolate was consumed as a bitter, spiced drink long before it became the sweet, solid bar we recognise today. It arrived in Europe in the sixteenth century, where sugar was added and the drink became a fashionable indulgence among the aristocracy.
The chocolate bar as we know it owes much to nineteenth-century innovation. The development of techniques to separate cocoa butter and later to add milk transformed chocolate into a smooth, solid confection. Milton S. Hershey, born in a Mennonite community in Derry Township, Pennsylvania, on 13 September 1857, played a defining role in this story. After selling his successful caramel business, Hershey turned his attention to milk chocolate, introducing the first Hershey’s Milk Chocolate bars in 1900 and opening his vast Pennsylvania factory by 1905. He went on to create the Hershey’s Kiss in 1907, with its now-iconic foil wrapper added in 1924.
International Chocolate Day is widely attributed to the National Confectioners Association, an American trade body founded in 1884, which lists 13 September as the date specifically to honour Hershey’s contribution to the industry. The precise year the observance began is not clearly documented, but the choice of date deliberately ties the celebration to the man who made chocolate accessible to millions. Today the day is marked far beyond the United States, with chocolate fans and businesses around the world joining in.
Fun Facts About International Chocolate Day
- The day shares its date with Milton S. Hershey’s birthday, 13 September 1857, making it a celebration of both chocolate and one of its greatest innovators.
- Milton Hershey not only built a chocolate empire but also founded the Milton Hershey School and gave much of his fortune to charity.
- The word “chocolate” derives from the Aztec term “xocolatl”, meaning bitter water, reflecting how chocolate was first consumed as a drink.
- Cacao beans were so valuable to the Aztecs that they were used as a form of money.
- The Hershey’s Kiss, invented in 1907, gained its distinctive foil wrapper in 1924 and remains one of the most recognisable chocolate products in the world.
- International Chocolate Day is one of several chocolate-themed dates on the calendar, alongside World Chocolate Day on 7 July and National Milk Chocolate Day on 28 July.
Why International Chocolate Day Matters
Beyond the simple joy of indulging in a favourite treat, the day is a reminder of chocolate’s remarkable journey from an ancient ceremonial drink to a global everyday pleasure. It supports chocolatiers and confectioners, encourages people to appreciate craftsmanship, and offers a moment to reflect on where cocoa comes from and the farmers who grow it. If you love marking culinary traditions, you might also enjoy National Milk Chocolate Day, another date dedicated to the sweet stuff.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is International Chocolate Day?
International Chocolate Day is an annual celebration of chocolate in all its forms, held on 13 September. It honours both the treat and the legacy of chocolate pioneer Milton S. Hershey, and is recognised by the National Confectioners Association.
When is International Chocolate Day in 2026?
International Chocolate Day falls on Sunday, 13 September 2026. It is celebrated on the same fixed date every year.
Is International Chocolate Day the same as World Chocolate Day?
No. World Chocolate Day is a separate celebration held on 7 July, while International Chocolate Day takes place on 13 September. Both honour chocolate, but they are distinct observances with different origins.
Spread the Word
Join the celebration and share your favourite chocolate moments on social media with #InternationalChocolateDay and #InternationalChocolateDay2026. Tag your friends and challenge them to take part!
Related Awareness Days
- World Chocolate Day – A separate global celebration of chocolate held on 7 July each year.
- National Milk Chocolate Day – Dedicated to the smooth, creamy milk chocolate Milton Hershey helped popularise, celebrated on 28 July.
- National Chocolate Pudding Day – A sweet celebration of one of chocolate’s most comforting desserts.
Links
- Visit the National Confectioners Association website
- Explore more awareness days at AwarenessDays.com
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