Short Wave Climate Change Is Coming For Your Chocolate
9 snips
May 15, 2024 
Yasmin Tayag, a food, health, and science writer at The Atlantic, dives into the climate crisis affecting chocolate production. She discusses how erratic weather is disrupting cocoa supply from just two countries. Tayag highlights the impact of extreme weather events on farmers and the need for sustainable practices. She also reflects on the rise of alternative chocolate products and shares her insights through an entertaining taste test. Get ready to rethink your chocolate choices!
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Alternative Chocolate Taste Test
- Emily Kwong and Yasmin Tayag conducted a taste test of alternative chocolates.
- They particularly enjoyed the peanut butter cups made by Planet A Foods, which use oats instead of cocoa.
FDA Chocolate Definition
- The FDA has standards for what constitutes real chocolate.
- Products must contain a minimum of 10% cocoa to be labeled as "chocolate."
Cocoa Tree Characteristics
- Cocoa trees are finicky plants that only grow within 20 degrees of the equator.
- These trees require specific conditions, including consistent heat and moisture, and produce pods containing cocoa beans.