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

Scientists at the University of Reading have created the first chocolate bar made entirely from UK-grown cocoa ingredients since 1932. This bar was crafted to mark the university's centenary anniversary and highlights the impact of climate crisis on cocoa plants. Maha Khan, a master's student, harvested, fermented, and processed the cocoa beans at the university's food department.

The last British chocolate bar containing 100% British ingredients was eaten by the late queen as a six-year-old in 1932 by the confectioner Rowntree's. Scientists at Reading have now replicated this feat by using cocoa beans grown in Berkshire. The bar was made to celebrate the university's 100th anniversary and showcases the precarious nature of our food supplies.

Cocoa plants are particularly sensitive to changes in temperature and rainfall, and climate change is already affecting the production of cocoa in countries that supply most of the world's cocoa. Protecting different varieties of cocoa is crucial for developing hardier plants that can withstand the changing climate.

The chocolate bar, currently a limited edition of six, demonstrates the complexity of flavor profiles resulting from cocoa grown from over 300 varieties in Reading. Khan, who led the project, hopes the bar will raise awareness about the importance of preserving cocoa farmers and communities worldwide. She even hopes to present the bar to the Princess of Wales, considering her connection to Reading, just like the last British chocolate bar consumed by the future queen in 1932.