The History of Candy Bars

 Candy bars have been around for hundreds of years. Yes, hundreds. One of the first candy bars ever created was made in 1847. Joseph Fry figured out a way to mix cocoa powder, sugar, and cocoa so it could be made into a paste and placed in molds. It was a success. People enjoyed eating the chocolate as much as they did drinking it. However, this chocolate bar and the candy bars we are familiar with are completely different.

It was not until 1876 that milk chocolate was invented by Daniel Peter from Switzerland. It took him eight years to do this. It only took three more years for Daniel Peter to join with Henri Nestle to form the Nestle Company. This company introduced the famous Nestle Crunch in 1938.

We are getting ahead of ourselves. Let's go back to 1900. Milton S. Hershey decided it was time to let everyone taste the wonders of milk chocolate. Up until then it was only the wealthy who could really afford this wondrous confection. Locating his candy factory in dairy country, now known as Hershey, PA, Milton was able to start mass producing candy bars. The all time American favorite (Hershey) was introduced to the public. Eight years later, in 1908, Hershey started putting almonds in them and the Hershey with Almonds was born.

Once milk chocolate became so popular everyone started creating candy bars. The Mars candy company was formed by Frank and Ethel Mars in 1911. 1914 brought about the introduction of the Heath bar. Peter Paul Halijian invented Mounds in 1921. These candies were marketed under the name of Peter Paul Mounds. The Almond Joy was not introduced until 1947.

Chocolate candy bars were being created by the hundreds. The candies we are most familiar with such as the Butterfinger and Milky Way were introduced to the public in 1923. 1925 saw the invention of the Oh Henry, Baby Ruth, and Mr. Goodbar.

The 1930's brought about an even bigger demand for the chocolate. This is because the Hershey Company had created a chocolate bar for the boys who were fighting in the first and second world wars. When these soldiers came home, they wanted more chocolate. From 1930 to 1938 products like Snickers, 3 Musketeers, Kit Kat, and Nestle's Crunch gave the public what they wanted.

It has been reported that 2.8 billion pounds of chocolate is consumed each year by the American public. However, recent studies are hinting that chocolate can actually be good for you. According to a report in the Journal of the American Medical Association says that dark chocolate is good for you. This report was quick to point out that did not include milk or white chocolates. Dark chocolate contains antioxidants and it can also lower blood pressure. So the next time you are feeling a little under the weather or stressed out grab a couple dark chocolate candy bars and enjoy.

Having a baby? Graduating from high school? Celebrating an anniversary? One great way to remember the event is to purchase personalized candy bars. This article will explain the process involved, options available, and opportunities to start such a business for yourself. I currently own such a business, and I wish to share some insight gained from my own experiences.

When you hear the words "personalized candy bars", some people assume you are speaking of the candy bars themselves. Instead, personalized candy bars are really personalized labels, often printed on a special printer, using labels not available to the general public. Federal regulations prohibit the removing of the original candy bar wrapper because of nutritional information that is printed on them. However, dealers will often put the bars, with the original wrapping on them, into foil "pouches." These pouches can then be sealed, and the label can be put on over the pouch.

Most dealers will give the consumer the option of purchasing candy bars with the wrappers already on them, or they may just wish to purchase the wrappers by themselves. The second option is usually more popular in the summer months, when shipping chocolate through the mail is a tricky order (Note: UPS, DHL and other carriers DO NOT guarantee chocolate goods during the warmer months). Either way, you get to offer consumers an interesting and unique product. Many labels are "themed", which options such as pink ribbons (breast awareness), yellow ribbons (support the troops) and other themes (scouting, playground, school, etc.). These labels often allow for scanned pictures to be added, so say a graduate from college or a new baby can have their picture right on the label!

The great thing about personalized candy bars is they provide a unique gift and the market potential is virtually unlimited. Daycares, churches, schools, and hospitals all provide numerous opportunities to market your products. Perhaps a church would like some candy bars to give to visitors, or a school might put pictures of their graduates on them. The market is huge! You are only limited by your own imagination.

Are you interested in purchasing your own personalized candy bars? A Google or Yahoo! search will provide numerous results. Many websites will provide you with a wide variety of options. Some give discounts on larger orders, such as fundraisers--make sure you ask! Perhaps you are interested in starting your own personalized candy bar business. There are numerous programs, software, and companies out there that will be glad to help https://chocolatebarsav.com/. Just make sure you do an online search of the company in question. Check with the Better Business Bureau or consumer websites to see if there are any complaints about the company before you do business with them. Also, how well do they respond to emails and phone calls? Are they returned promptly? If not, that is a huge red flag that ongoing support will be limited. It is best to do business with a company that will provide ongoing support. Most companies require some sort of start-up costs, usually under $500. Then, any additional supplies that are offered will be at an affordable price. When you factor in the cost of candy bars (usually bought in bulk at Sam's Club or Costco), foil pouches, and printer labels, it becomes very cost effective for the business person. Listed below are some programs, companies, and software that are available. In terms of full disclosure, the Charmyn Group is the only company I have dealt directly with, and they have delivered on everything they promised me. Please keep in mind that I am not endorsing any one company, but providing these as a list of resources for your benefit. So, consider adding some personalized candy bars to your next precious occasion--you won't forget it!

A common misconception of many consumers is that energy bars are mislabeled candy bars. This cannot be farther from the truth, as there are numerous differences between energy bars and candy bars.

Energy Bars are Full of Protein and Fiber Protein and fiber are crucial to helping you feel full while eating less. In choosing healthier alternatives to candy bars, look for energy bars with higher amounts of protein and fiber. Energy Bars high in protein and fiber will help curb your appetite, rather than increasing your hunger after you consume a candy bar with empty calories. Sugar, found in every candy bar, is digested quickly by your body, increasing your blood sugar and insulin output, which can lead to diabetes, a disease at dangerous levels in our country. So, next time you're in the store, grab an energy bar with high levels of protein and fiber, and satisfy your hunger pangs until your next meal.

It's All in the Ingredients--Most Energy Bars are All Natural Read the ingredients in a candy bar, and you probably won't be able to pronounce some of the names you see listed because of the food additives. Most energy bars are different because they are all natural and contain no preservatives. Eating partially hydrogenated soybean oil (remember - if it says "hydrogenated", try not to eat it) doesn't sound anywhere as appealing as consuming apricots, yogurt, and honey. Energy bars are not only healthier for you, but their true color shines through, rather than red dye #40.

My Candy Bar is How Old? After placing your groceries on the conveyor belt at the grocery store, you turn to the carefully placed impulse items, picking up your favorite candy bar. But how long has it taken for that candy bar to travel from the factory to the store shelf? Preservatives in candy bars make them last indefinitely. Energy bars have shorter shelf lives because they contain no preservatives. The energy bar you purchase today will be freshly made, as some bars are placed on store shelves weekly.

This Tastes Incredible, and It's Healthy For Me! What it all boils down to is a product's taste. You grab a Snickers bar because you love peanuts and chocolate. Did you know you can find energy bars made with those same ingredients, but without the bad fats, empty calories, and "bad carbohydrates"? Energy Bars are made from ingredients most people have in their refrigerators or kitchen cabinets. You don't cook with chemicals or preservatives at home- why should you purchase them when you go out? Bite into a delicious energy bar and taste the immediate difference.

Remember these differences when you make your next trip to the grocery store. You will be thrilled with the taste, happy with the healthy results, and increasing the amount of protein and fiber in your diet. Eating energy bars can help you have the body you've been craving.