Is chocolate good? Most people would say, obviously, yes. But there are different views on chocolate depending on who you ask.  Some people are allergic to chocolate or simply dislike it. Others only enjoy certain kinds of chocolate and hate other types. Lastly, some may dislike chocolate for different, environmental reasons. Companies like Nestle are known for exploiting people and places to produce products such as chocolate/cocoa powder. So, is chocolate good?

People all over America enjoy chocolate. It comes in many different sizes, shapes, and colors, and everyone has their own preference as to what they like. We have plenty of kinds of chocolate that are pretty good. Hersheys is the main company that produces chocolate candy in America. Hersheys is so popular, it actually owns almost half of all the U.S’s market shares in chocolate.(Statista.com) According to Statista.com, Hersheys chocolate candy has outsold all other chocolate competitors, and close to 45-million Americans stated they preferred Hersheys chocolate chips over any other brand. Chocolate is a huge industry in America, so it is safe to say people like it and it’s good. But what about the people who just hate chocolate, or are allergic?

Allergies to chocolate are actually very rare, but that’s just for the cocoa itself. Plenty of people, such as myself, can’t have some chocolate due to being allergic to nuts, milk, gluten, etc. Some people may even react poorly to chocolate due to a caffeine intolerance. So, for some people, it’s impossible to eat some types of chocolate. But what about those who simply choose not to enjoy this treat? In a recent interview, someone said, “I just don’t like plain chocolate. It tastes nasty to me” and after having them elaborate on that, they explained, “I mean, Ferrero Rocher are the only ones I like. I just don’t like normal chocolate without peanuts”. So it seems some people, while hating chocolate, can enjoy it if paired with the right things. Others outright hate chocolate, but may eat white chocolate, which contains no cocoa. Another interviewee stated that they “Hate cocoa and anything made with it” but will “gladly have white chocolate if offered.” So opinions on chocolate vary, but many seem to be pro-chocolate.

Chocolate may be a big industry, and appears relatively harmless, but there are some people out there who outright protest against certain products due to the process to make them. Theguardian.com states,  “The world’s chocolate industry is driving deforestation on a devastating scale in West Africa”.  Forests in Africa, South America, and Central America are all being cut back to produce more cocoa plants. Specifically in Africa, Theguardian.com says, “As much as 40% of the world’s cocoa comes from Ivory Coast”. The Ivory Coast is an extremely damaged part of Africa which sells cocoa to brands such as Nestle, Mars, and Mondelez. 

 A Timberlane senior stated  “They need to do more than acknowledge the problem, ugh, I hate when companies do that.” They also said the deforestation is “Very much not epic” and that they would consider boycotting the companies. As you can see, people’s opinions can change after being given information, as our interviewee had no problems with chocolate before our interview. Nestle has stated “opposed to the deforestation of rainforests and peatlands around the world. Nestlé regards it as one of the most serious environmental challenges facing the world.” The problem has not been entirely fixed, however, and Nestle along with other companies certainly should make sure they fully stop this situation.

In the end, chocolate is a worldwide loved treat, and the industry certainly isn’t going anywhere. As with anything, people will love it or hate it, and chocolate is no exception. From being allergic, to trying to protect the environment, to just straight-up disliking it, people have their reasons not to consume chocolate. So, is chocolate good? From an environmental standpoint, I would argue no, it isn’t good. But from a standard consumer’s standpoint, and someone with an allergy, I would say chocolate is a good treat if you look for the right type. It’s all about preference, and it’s really up to you to decide whether you want it or not. Though I hope this article gave you some more insight into the chocolate industry and why some people may not like it.