History of chocolate
From the cocoa bean to the 1912 praline: how Belgium became a land of chocolate. 8 articles, updated every week.
Palm oil in chocolate: the 5% rule
EU law tolerates 5% of fats other than cocoa butter, palm included. Where it hides and what the label says, lists checked on 15 October.
8 min · by Margaux
History of chocolateOrganic chocolate: how far the EU label really goes
The EU organic label certifies a farming method, not a price paid to the grower. Its exact scope, its three Belgian inspectors, and what it really costs.
20 September 2026 · 8 min
History of chocolateBelgian chocolate ballotin: why it was never patented
The Belgian ballotin was born at Neuhaus in 1915 and never patented. The story of that refusal, and why the box still costs you nothing today.
7 September 2026 · 8 min
History of chocolateFair trade chocolate: which label actually delivers?
Fairtrade, Rainforest Alliance, Cacao-Trace: three logos, three very different amounts. The comparison in figures, converted into cents per bar.
30 August 2026 · 7 min
History of chocolateCocoa prices: why chocolate isn't getting cheaper
Cocoa has lost more than half its value since its 2024 record, yet Belgian chocolate is still expensive. We explain the lag, with the numbers behind it.
18 August 2026 · 9 min
History of chocolateIs Belgian chocolate really Belgian?
Turkish Godiva, American Côte d'Or, Japanese Marcolini: who still owns Belgian chocolate, where it's made, and what the label actually guarantees.
18 July 2026 · 9 min
History of chocolateThe oldest Belgian chocolate houses still open today
Neuhaus 1857, Côte d'Or 1883, Wittamer 1910, Leonidas 1913, Mary 1919: Belgium's historic chocolate houses, and what they're still worth today.
14 July 2026 · 8 min
History of chocolateWhy is Belgian chocolate so famous?
1894 law, ultra-fine grinding, the praline born in 1912: why Belgian chocolate keeps its world reputation, from great houses to artisans.
26 June 2026 · 7 min