Children and chocolate - a bittersweet pleasure

Chocolate - the sweet classic that makes children's eyes light up. What exactly is behind this popular sweet treat and how much of it is good for our little ones? How do we strike a balance between indulgence and conscience? There is a lot to discover between childlike joy and health concerns.

From the Aztecs to the present day: how chocolate is made

The history of chocolate goes back a long way. The Maya and Aztecs were already making drinks from cocoa. With the conquest of Central America, cocoa arrived in Europe as an exclusive luxury good. Over the centuries, its processing was refined until the chocolate we know today was finally created.

Today, the production of chocolate begins with the cocoa beans. After harvesting, they are dried, fermented and processed into cocoa mass - the basis for all types of chocolate. The flavour is mainly determined by the cocoa content. Dark chocolate often has a high cocoa content and less sugar, while cheaper varieties often contain more sugar and additives.

An emotional attachment to sweets can encourage unhealthy eating habits.

Joy and responsibility in everyday life

It's hard to imagine childhood without chocolate. Were we not offered it as children in times of sadness or joy? This habit can lead to an emotional attachment to sweets and thus encourage unhealthy eating habits. But how do we create emotional anchors for our children that are not tied to sweets? Establish shared rituals such as a game, a hug or a read-aloud story as a positive substitute.

From a health perspective, children and adults should also enjoy chocolate with caution. Many varieties contain significant amounts of sugar and saturated fats. Sugar can jeopardise dental health and, in combination with fats, increase the risk of obesity and other health problems.

Chocolate consumption: the sweet consequences

The effects of chocolate consumption go far beyond body weight. Sugar-rich foods such as chocolate lead to rapid blood sugar spikes, followed by a rapid drop in blood sugar levels. The result: ravenous appetite and an unstable energy balance. Concentration problems and mood swings also frequently occur.

In the long term, this also increases the risk of health problems such as type 2 diabetes. The World Health Organisation therefore recommends that children should get a maximum of 10 percent of their daily calorie intake from sugar. A bar of milk chocolate contains an average of around 55 grams of sugar. With one row of chocolate, a six-year-old child is already consuming almost a third of the recommended amount per day.

Don't underestimate the high fat content of chocolate. Although cocoa provides important minerals such as magnesium, the many «empty calories» overshadow this benefit. Excessive consumption of chocolate can affect children's natural sense of hunger and lead to an unbalanced diet in the long term.

A conscious approach is crucial. Parents can use chocolate as a highlight - for example as a dessert on special occasions. In this way, you can regulate consumption and maintain enjoyment.

Dark chocolate: the healthier choice?

Dark chocolate is considered the «better» alternative. Chocolates with a cocoa content of 70 per cent or more often contain less sugar and more plant-based antioxidants. Flavonoids in particular can have positive effects on the cardiovascular system. But be careful: dark chocolate is not a free ticket. The higher cocoa content usually means more fat and calories, which can be problematic for children in particular. In addition, the bitter flavour tends to be rejected by many children.