When you bite into any white chocolate, you will quickly realize that it does not taste like chocolate. It also does not seem to be chocolate, which begs the question, why is white chocolate called chocolate?

Hello, everyone! I’m Shea, and I’ve spent the past 10 years or so in my kitchen learning to bake. I’ve mastered a plethora of recipes, ranging from lemon breads to Snickerdoodles and everything in between. I like white chocolate and was curious about the name of this delectable treat.

What I discovered is that white chocolate is called chocolate because of its principal constituent, cocoa butter. The fat extracted from the cocoa bean is known as cocoa butter. Hence, although it doesn’t taste or look like chocolate, it is made from the same base as other chocolate sweets.

Continue reading to find out more!

Why is White Chocolate Called Chocolate?

White chocolate is named by its components, which include cocoa butter, milk powder, and white powdered sugar. White chocolate’s key component is cocoa butter, therefore it’s simple to understand how this post-confectionary gained its new moniker.

This was not always the case, though. Prior to 2002, there was much controversy about referring to white chocolate as genuine chocolate. Since white chocolate has no cocoa solids, it is classified as a confection rather than chocolate.

Things changed when Hershey and the Chocolate Producers Association of the United States collaborated to create new standards for white chocolate to be classified as chocolate.

The new standards were first implemented in the United States and were later adopted in other nations such as Europe. According to the revised regulations, white chocolate must possess the following percentages to be termed chocolate:

• 14% milk solids or higher
• containing 20% cocoa butter
• 3.5% fat milk
• Maximum carbohydrate sweetener content of 55%

White chocolate (or desserts prepared with it) may be regarded to be chocolate as long as certain quantities are present.

Is White Chocolate Real Chocolate?

Others say that white chocolate is not true chocolate. This is due to the outdated criteria. But, there are new criteria for what constitutes authentic chocolate in this day and age.

• Chocolate, dark Two cocoa bean-derived components + sugar
• Chocolate milk Two cocoa bean-derived components, plus sugar and milk
• The white chocolate Contains at least 20% cocoa butter, as well as milk powder and sugar.

As you can see, the genuine chocolate standards have been changed to cover all three varieties of chocolate in a single category.

Is white chocolate, however, true chocolate? Certainly, it is genuine; nevertheless, it lacks the taste of milk or dark chocolate, which are made from two components derived from the cocoa bean.

FAQs

If, like me, you favor white chocolate above other forms of chocolate, you’ll be glad to hear that it’s considered true chocolate. Isn’t it cool? Hence, if you want to understand more about this subject, have a look at the frequently asked questions below.

How much chocolate is in white chocolate?

Since white chocolate must include 20% cocoa butter to be classified as chocolate, it is fair to assume that an authentic white chocolate product has this percentage. Most white chocolates include up to 50% cocoa butter, which enhances the sweetness and velvety texture.

How is white chocolate different from chocolate?

White chocolate differs from ordinary chocolate in that it has no cocoa solids. As a result, it has a lighter appearance and tastes nothing like other forms of chocolate, such as milk or dark chocolate. But, because of the cocoa butter, it has the same ideal consistency.

Why is white chocolate not technically chocolate?

Because of the lack of cocoa solids, many people do not believe white chocolate to be true chocolate. Nevertheless, as previously stated, the qualifications have been changed to include white chocolate in a sub-category within the umbrella of chocolates.

Final Words

The principal component, cocoa butter, is what gives white chocolate its name. The cocoa butter in this chocolate is responsible for its wonderful, silky texture that melts in your tongue. It is authentic if it includes at least 20% cocoa butter.

Do you like eating white chocolate? Do you believe white chocolate to be genuine chocolate? Please share with us!