All-British chocolate bar made by scientists using Reading-grown cocoa

In an effort to draw attention to the impact of climate change on cocoa plants, scientists at the University of Reading have created the first chocolate bar made with 100% British ingredients since 1932. The bar was produced using cocoa beans harvested, fermented, and processed at the university's food department from plants in the institute's collection. This achievement coincides with the university's 100th anniversary.

Maha Khan, a master's student at the university, was inspired by the late Queen Elizabeth II, who was the only person in history to have ever tasted a chocolate bar made with 100% British ingredients. In 1932, the young Queen was given one as a gift from the confectioner Rowntree's. Khan's creation aims to showcase the significance of protecting cocoa farmers and communities worldwide as well as the importance of preserving different varieties of cocoa plants to withstand changing weather patterns due to climate change.

The UK boasts some of the world's best chocolate, with a market worth £10.4bn, yet the industry relies heavily on imported cocoa. Despite this, the UK remains a leader in chocolate production due to its international cocoa quarantine centre, which houses over 300 types of cocoa plants. The university hopes that this limited edition bar, of which only six have been made so far, will raise awareness of the importance of preserving these diverse varieties.

Khan expressed her delight in the entire chocolate-making process, from the pod to the bean to the bar. She emphasized the intricate flavours of the bar, which originates from over 300 varieties grown in Reading. The bar is currently a rare treat, but Khan hopes to increase production based on the availability of the beans, as a single cocoa pod takes six months to mature. She also expressed her desire to gift the bar to the Princess of Wales, who, like the chocolate, was born in Reading.