Soldiers have been given chocolate as part of their rations for over 100 years. Chocolate was valued by militaries around the world for its high calorie content, portability, and ability to boost morale. But why exactly was chocolate chosen as an important part of a soldier’s kit? Here are some quick answers to key questions about the history of chocolate rations:
– When did soldiers start receiving chocolate? – As early as the 1860s, but more widely distributed from the early 1900s.
– Which countries issued chocolate to their troops? – The UK, USA, Germany, Russia and others.
– Why was chocolate chosen as a ration? – High calorie content in small serving, easy to carry, resistant to hot/cold climates, tasty morale boost.
– What types of chocolate were given? – Often high cocoa dark chocolate or chocolate mixed with other ingredients for nutrition.
– How much chocolate did soldiers receive? – Daily rations ranged from 2-4 ounces typically.
– When did chocolate fall out of use as a ration? – By the late 20th century as lightweight dried foods were developed.
Now let’s dive deeper into the history to understand why militaries valued chocolate so highly for so long.
The Origin of Chocolate Rations
The earliest accounts of soldiers receiving chocolate rations date back to the 1860s during the Austro-Prussian war, when cocoa powder was included in Austrian troop rations. However, the more widespread adoption of chocolate as a military ration originated in the early 20th century.
The UK Royal Army Medical Corp recommended adding chocolate to soldier’s field rations as early as 1898. Their suggestions were put into practice during the Second Boer War (1899-1902) in South Africa, when British troops received a 4oz daily ration of dark chocolate made by Cadbury Brothers Limited.
The success of chocolate rations during the Boer War convinced the British Army to adopt chocolate as a standard part of field rations in 1910. Troops were issued square chocolate bars that could be broken up and shared among squad mates. These early chocolate rations sustained British soldiers through the trenches of World War 1.
Other nations were quick to follow the UK’s example. The U.S. military first provided chocolate bars to its soldiers during World War 1. Field rations in the First World War typically included a chocolate bar or chocolate cubes mixed with biscuits or granola. Germany, France, and Russia all issued military chocolate rations around this same period.
Thus, chocolate became cemented as an important morale-boosting supplement to field rations across many major armies leading up to and during World War 1. But why was chocolate chosen for this purpose?
Why Chocolate Was Valued as a Ration
Chocolate possessed a unique combination of nutritional, practical, and psychological properties that made it very attractive as a military ration. Here are some of the key reasons chocolate was considered so useful:
High Calorie Content
– Chocolate is loaded with calories (100-200 calories per ounce), making it an excellent compact energy source. An ounce of chocolate could provide a quick boost of calories and energy.
Ease of Transport
– Chocolate bars are easily portioned and require no special storage or preparation. Compact chocolate rations could be easily carried by soldiers on long marches and campaigns.
Resistance to Climate
– Chocolate holds up well and retains its taste and calories across hot and cold field conditions, unlike many foods. Tropical climates in particular could quickly spoil other rations.
Morale Booster
– The treat of chocolate was welcomed by soldiers enduring the tough field conditions of battle. Chocolate provided comfort and a connection to home.
Nutritional Value
– In addition to calories for energy, chocolate contains some protein, vitamins, and minerals. Early fortified military chocolate bars added extra calories and nutrients.
In summary, chocolate blended calories, portability, climate resistance, morale boosting properties, and nutritional value into a tasty ration ideal for life in the field. These inherent advantages help explain chocolate’s popularity and persistence as a military ration for over 100 years.
Types of Military Chocolate Rations
While plain dark chocolate bars were often provided, there were many types and formulas of military chocolate rations tested and issued over the years. Here is an overview of some of the major types of chocolate rations used:
Sweet Dark Chocolate
– Bars of sweetened dark bitter chocolate around 40-80% cocoa. Provided quick energy and comfort.
Fortified Chocolate
– Chocolate bars enriched with added vitamins/minerals, powdered milk, or shredded beef protein. For extra nutrition.
Chocolate Caramels
– Bars made of chocolate-coated caramel or nougat. Similar to candy bars today. Melted less than pure chocolate.
Fruit and Nut Chocolate
– Chocolate with dried fruit, nuts, granola to provide variation in taste and texture.
Chocolate Liqueur
– Chocolate mixed with a small amount of rum or brandy liqueur. Thought to further lift spirits.
Chocolate Cubes
– Concentrated chocolate cubes to mix into water as an improvised hot drink.
| Type | Description | Countries |
|---|---|---|
| Sweet Dark Chocolate | Bars of sweetened dark bitter chocolate around 40-80% cocoa. | UK, US |
| Fortified chocolate | Chocolate enriched with added vitamins/minerals, powdered milk, or shredded beef protein. | US |
| Chocolate Caramels | Candy bar-like chocolate with caramel or nougat fillings. | Germany |
| Fruit and Nut | Chocolate with dried fruit, nuts, granola for taste and texture. | UK, Russia |
| Chocolate Liqueur | Chocolate bars with a small amount of rum or brandy. | Russia |
| Chocolate Cubes | Concentrated chocolate cubes to improvise hot drink. | Switzerland |
This table summarizes some of the major chocolate ration formulations and key countries that issued them to their troops.
Daily Ration Amounts
The recommended daily quantities of chocolate rations varied between countries and time periods. But here are some typical examples of daily chocolate rations:
– UK – 2 to 4 ounces (60-125g)
– US – 2 to 4 ounces (60-125g)
– Russia – 2 to 3 ounces (50-75g)
– Germany – 3.5 to 4 ounces (100-125g)
So the daily chocolate ration amount per soldier was often in the range of 2-4 ounces or around 100 grams.
This provided an important infusion of calories – estimates range from 250 – 1,000 extra calories per day from chocolate rations depending on serving size and chocolate style. Chocolate was an effective way to increase daily energy intake, supplementing main field rations. Those extra chocolate calories could keep soldiers energized and functional in high-demand field combat.
When Did Chocolate Fall Out of Favor?
Chocolate remained an integral part of combat rations up through World War 2 and was still in use during the Korean War. But the importance of chocolate as a military ration gradually declined in the late 20th century. By the 1990s, chocolate was treated more as an occasional supplemental snack rather than an expected daily ration.
There were a few key reasons chocolate became less favored as a combat ration:
– Improved preservation – New lightweight dried, freeze dried, and retort pouch foods retained flavor and texture without chocolate’s bulk.
– Wider food options – Ration choices expanded beyond chocolate as storage and shipping became easier. More variety improved morale.
– Heat sensitivity – Chocolate melting became more of an issue as troops operated in hot climates. Other ration options held up better.
– Reduced need for concentrated calories – With access to a wider variety of calorie sources, chocolate became less necessary for its high energy density.
While chocolate still retains its popularity among soldiers today as an occasional treat, it is no longer the daily nutritional and morale essential it was for much of the early 20th century. Advances in food technology ultimately made chocolate rationing obsolete.
Conclusion
For over 100 years, chocolate played a vital role as a standard component of field rations for militaries around the world. Chocolate’s unique combination of portability, nutritional value, taste, and ability to comfort and motivate troops made it almost universally relied upon to support soldiers through the demands of combat. While chocolate rationing has faded away, its lengthy prominence testifies to chocolate’s enduring appeal and morale-boosting qualities. Chocolate truly earned its place in history as one of a soldier’s most reliable companions.