National Bittersweet Chocolate with Almonds Day

National Bittersweet Chocolate with Almonds Day timeline

1830

You can eat it

J.S. Fry and Sons, a British chocolate maker, devised a way to turn cocoa into a solid bar.

1853

Cocoa tarries lifted

This made chocolate accessible to more than just the upper class.

1920

Mounds bar born

Hershey's Mounds bar, made with coconut and dark chocolate, hits the shelves.

1925

Cocoa became big business

The U.S. Cocoa Exchange opened in New York City to facilitate cocoa transactions.

1938

Government endorsed chocolate

The federal government, recognizing the nutritional value of chocolate, added it to the meal rations for U.S. troops.

National Bittersweet Chocolate with Almonds Day FAQs

When is National Bittersweet Chocolate with Almonds Day?

National Bittersweet Chocolate with Almonds Day 2026 falls on Saturday, November 7, offering a perfect weekend opportunity to indulge in this delightful flavor combination.

How much of the world's almonds are used in chocolate?

According to industry estimates, nearly 40% of all the world’s almonds are incorporated into some form of chocolate product, most frequently candy bars. This highlights the immense popularity of the chocolate-almond pairing.

What is the market size for dark chocolate?

The global dark chocolate market was valued at over $20 billion in 2025 and is projected to continue growing, driven by consumer preferences for healthier indulgence and sophisticated flavors.

What is the difference between bittersweet and semi-sweet chocolate?

Bittersweet chocolate typically contains a higher percentage of cocoa solids (often 70% or more) and less sugar than semi-sweet chocolate, resulting in a more intense, less sweet flavor.

National Bittersweet Chocolate with Almonds Day Activities

Dip it at home

Buy a nice big bar of dark chocolate along with a jar of almonds to make your own dipped almonds at home. You might add a teaspoon or two of cornstarch to thicken the chocolate sauce. Sprinkle them with some sea salt to add extra flavor.

Buy a dark chocolate and almond candy bar

You have plenty to choose from! You've got Hershey's Special Dark with Almonds, or a Mounds bar, which includes shaved coconut (Mounds' sister bar, Almond Joy, features milk chocolate), or the Dove Silky Smooth Promises Dark Chocolate & Almond.

Tour a chocolate factory

The kids will love you for it! There's Hershey's in (the obviously named) Hershey, Pennsylvania. You can also hit the theme park next door. The Sanders and Morely Candy Makers chocolate factory in Clinton Township, Michigan offers a free tour, as does Hammond's Candies in Denver.

5 Reasons Why Chocolate's Healthier Than You Think

Better fat

Experiments on rats have shown that the fat in cocoa is actually less fattening than the fat in other fatty foods.

Anti-inflammatory

Research shows cocoa works as an anti-inflammatory agent in humans.

Improved eyesight

Consumption of cocoa thins the blood and improves circulation to the brain; it's thought to improve vision as a result.

Good for your skin

Dark chocolate, in particular, contains antioxidants that actually can improve the condition of your skin.

Get your fiber

Dark chocolate contains fiber and offers all of the health benefits that fiber brings, including satisfying your appetite.

Why We Love National Bittersweet Chocolate with Almonds Day

It's a tasty combo

The origins of combining dark chocolate and almonds are unknown, but whoever did it knew what they were doing. There's something about the taste and texture of almonds that just works alongside the bittersweet taste of dark chocolate.

Believe it or not, it's healthy!

While there's plenty of fat in dark chocolate-covered almonds, health benefits do exist when eaten in moderation. The antioxidants in dark chocolate, combined with the vitamins and proteins in almonds, offer a snack that can help reduce cardiovascular disease.

Made in the USA

The U.S. is the world's largest producer of almonds, and the majority of production happens in California. One Sacramento plant churns out more than two million pounds of almonds each day.