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Does dark chocolate ward off dementia?
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A recent study published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition supports claims that dark chocolate could be considered a health food. The study found adults with low intake of foods and drinks containing flavonoids (including fruits and vegetables such as pears, apples, berries, onions, and even dark chocolate and wine) are more likely to develop dementia over the course of 20 years, compared to those who consume a higher intake of these foods.
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Should a classic Australian chocolate be updated to suit current times?
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You may have heard an Aussie classic is planning a return to your local supermarket. Eleven years after disappearing from our shelves in 2009, the Polly Waffle is set to make a comeback in 2021. The marshmallow and wafer-filled chocolate bar was created by Melbourne family business Hoadley's Chocolates in 1947, subsequently acquired by Rowntrees and then by Nestlé in 1988 who made changes to the original recipe in 2009. Adelaide confectioner Robert Menz has signed a deal with Nestle to bring back the original Polly Waffle recipe.
The animal rights group PETA is urging the Polly Waffle producers to follow other Aussie brands such as MILO and veganise their recipe. In recent years veganism–abstaining from using animal products particularly in diet–has exploded and Australia’s the third fastest growing vegan market globally. Veganism’s thought to be better for animals, environment and people’s health. For example, research has linked vegan diets with lower blood pressure and cholesterol, and lower rates of heart disease, type two diabetes and some cancers. Of course, all of Charley’s dark chocolate is vegan friendly!
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Which unusual chocolate recipe tickles your tastebuds?
Chocolate’s been around since the ancient Aztecs and Mayans who only drank chocolate. Crushed cocoa seeds were mixed with different type of seasonings, including chilies, to make a hot, spicy and frothy drink called ‘chocolatl’. Since then chocolate’s been used all over the world in many forms although mainly as a confection since the 1800s. The Spanish were the first to add cane sugar to chocolate to make a sweet chocolate drink in the 1500s. In England in the 1700s a chocolatey drink was used to prevent and cure stomach aches. Chocolate in solid form wasn’t eaten until the 1800s. You’re likely to have heard of chilli and chocolate; have you tried chicken and chocolate though?
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Poll
​Chocolate as an ingredient, changing flavours, chocolate sustainability, chocolate’s health benefits … Would you like to explore some burning questions about all things chocolate? You may be surprised by some of the research and options. Have your say in our latest poll.
How sustainable is your favourite chocolate?
Most of the world’s chocolate comes from West Africa, with 40 per cent from Cote d’Ivoire alone. Over the past 50 years an estimated 80 per cent of the Cote d’Ivoire’s forest has been lost due to global chocolate demand. Charley’s chocolate is sustainable and of premium quality due to our tree to bar process, bean to bar sourcing assurance and production quality practices.
The journey to the consumer opening a bar of chocolate is a long one. With Charley’s in control of the entire process, consumers can be assured that best practice is followed at every step. Buying Australian grown and produced chocolate ensures low food miles and supports local businesses and economies. When we’re not using beans from our Mission Beach Mt Edna plantation, Charley’s cocoa beans are sourced from selected trusted partners in Australia and Papua New Guinea. We’re proud to use only chocolate that’s sustainably produced and ethically sourced. And we’re constantly reviewing our processes and packaging to ensure we’re industry leaders when it comes to sustainability.
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