Did you know that if you live in one of the 11 countries that consume the most chocolate in the world, you have a higher chance of winning a Nobel Prize? There’s even a study published in New England Journal of Medicine that proved a strong correlation between the amount of chocolate consumed per capita and the number of Nobel Prize winners. Correlation doesn’t imply causation of course, but there’s too much positive data to just dismiss this connection as coincidence. If causation does exist, there are two possibilities. Either consuming chocolate leads to such a drastic improvement in cognitive abilities that it can boost a nation’s overall scientific output, or higher levels of intelligence lead to an increased craving for chocolate. But even the author of the study, Franz Messerli, MD, from Columbia University, says that further research is needed to determine the true causes of this correlation.
Chocolate was introduced in Europe from Americas by Spaniards in the 17th century. Ironically, there isn’t a single country from either Central or South America. In fact, 4 of top 5 cocoa producers (Ivory Coast, Indonesia, Ghana, Nigeria and Cameron) are from Africa, where chocolate was brought in 19th century and quickly spread to form a backbone of these countries’ exports.
Similar to the list of 11 countries that consume the most milk, there aren’t any Asian countries on this list as well. What’s more, all 11 countries that consume the most chocolate in the world are from Europe, while Australia, Canada and the United States get an honorable mention. With chocolate being considered a luxury item and taxed as such, it makes sense that it is most consumed in countries with the high standard of living. Still, with the consumption on the rise, it is only matter of time before the rest of the world catches up with Europe and gain a spot on the list of 11 countries that consume the most chocolate in the world.
11. Russia
Annual chocolate consumption: 5.3 kilograms
Chocolate is the ultimate comfort food. Perhaps that is why Russians love it so much. It tastes much better than vodka.
10. Finland
Annual chocolate consumption: 5.3 kilograms
With just 54 sunny days in a year, Finns need a lot of chocolate to be able to survive under gloomy skies.
9. Slovakia
Annual chocolate consumption: 5.4 kilograms
Improved standard of living has led to a sharp increase in chocolate consumption for Slovakia. This just goes to show that everyone loves chocolate, unfortunately, not everyone can afford it as much as they would like to.
8. Sweden
Annual chocolate consumption: 5.4 kilograms
A part of Sweden’s consumption must be credited to Norwegians, who, in a desperate move to avoid paying their country’s high taxes on chocolate, smuggle it across the border. Still, Sweden would probably make it on the list even without the boost from their neighbors.
7. Estonia
Annual chocolate consumption: 6 kilograms
Estonians love chocolate so much that in 1970s, during the cocoa crisis, they invented fake chocolate, called Kama bars. Once the crisis was over and prices returned to the regular level, it was quickly forgotten. But in 2001, the production started again and many older Estonians are buying from purely sentimental reasons.
6. Norway
Annual chocolate consumption: 6.6 kilograms
Norway would be even higher on the list if it weren’t for high taxes on chocolate which forces some of them to buy it in Sweden. We feel it is a cruel thing to force people to seek comfort of chocolate in a foreign land, but Norwegian government loves their taxes.
5. UK
Annual chocolate consumption: 7.5 kilograms
With companies like Cadbury, Rowntree and Fry being some of the biggest chocolate manufacturers in the world in 19th century, the United Kingdom has a long tradition of enjoying chocolate. That is why they are number 5 on the list of 11 countries that consume the most chocolate in the world.
4.Ireland
Annual chocolate consumption: 7.5 kilograms
It is said that a trip to Ireland can’t be considered complete with a visit to one of Butlers Chocolate Cafés, owned by Butlers Chocolate company, one of the best chocolate manufacturers on the green island.
3. Austria
Annual chocolate consumption: 7.8 kilograms
Inventors of Mozartkugel (Mozart ball) have a long standing love relationship with chocolate.
2. Germany
Annual chocolate consumption: 7.9 kilograms
With domestic brands like Ritter Sport and Kinder Schokolade, it is no wonder Germans eat as much chocolate as they do.
1. Switzerland
Annual chocolate consumption: 9 kilograms
Annual per capita consumption of 9 kg has placed Switzerland in the first place of 11 countries that consume the most chocolate in the world. About half of all chocolate manufactured in Switzerland is consumed domestically, with other half going to the rest of the world. Seems a bit unfair.
