The History of Chocolate Milk

Chocolate milk is one of the most popular beverages around the world, especially for children growing up. Surprisingly so, it also has a very fascinating history! Though many credit the British Hans Sloane for inventing the sweet drink, it was actually Jamaican natives who first created the drink. There is evidence of Jamaican people mixing cocoa shavings, cinnamon, and milk together in a drink as far back as 500 years ago. The myth that Sloane came up with the drink comes from tale that he went to Jamaica and tried the drink, found it way too bitter, and added milk and sugar. Though it can be argued he’s responsible for the version of chocolate milk that more closely resembles today’s, it is the Jamaican who deserve the credit. Chocolate milk was introduced to the Western world when Sloane brought it back with him to England in 1689, where it was originally used as medicine. Later on, the drink became popular for everyday drinking and became the staple that it is today!