But in recent years, prices have risen sharply.
For example, bars of the Cadbury Dairy Milk – a popular British brand of milk chocolate – have gotten smaller since 2010 but its price has doubled to almost £2 (US$2.50).
Some chocolate makers have been forced to think out of the box.
British firm Nukoko, for instance, is doing that by using domestic fava beans instead of imported cocoa. The company said its products are better for the planet, and proving to be a popular alternative.
“The increase in (cocoa) price is (at) unprecedented, historical highs. Every day, a couple of companies call us to explore cocoa-free chocolate because they’re struggling to see a positive outlook,” said its co-founder Ross Newton.
Still, for the purists and the traditional chocolate makers, the bitter taste from higher prices is likely to linger for at least the near-to-medium term, until cocoa supply recovers.
