Milk Chocolate
The Most Popular Chocolate
There are several varieties of chocolate on the market today, but milk chocolate remains the most popular among young and old alike. Once a treat for nobility, it is now a universal treat enjoyed around the world.
What makes it such a favorite choice? Its creamy flavor and texture is achieved by using ingredients such as condensed milk or milk powder, cocoa butter, flavorings, and sweeteners. In the United States, milk chocolate must have no less than 12 percent of whole milk and 10 percent of chocolate liquor. However, European milk chocolate must contain at least 25 percent of cocoa solids which imparts a super rich taste.
A variety of chocolate bars were introduced to the market in the early part of the 1900s. But, it was in 1879 that Swiss chocolate makers, Daniel Peter and Henri Nestlé, produced the first milk chocolate. At that time, it was the addition of powdered milk to various chocolate recipes that allowed them to come up with the invention.
After some time, Milton Hershey charmed the public by mass producing milk chocolate on a huge scale. Hershey’s chocolate gained further notoriety when it was distributed to U.S. troops stationed overseas during times of war.
Milk chocolate is used in a variety of ways. For example, it is most often used as a coating for candy or as a garnish. However, it is common to see it combined with fruits and nuts or filled with flavored creams and liqueurs. Milk chocolate is used in many baking recipes, desserts and beverages. For special dietary needs, milk chocolate is available in sugar free and kosher varieties.