Military chocolate

Military chocolate is a type of chocolate specifically formulated for military use. It is designed to be a high-energy food ration that is lightweight, easy to carry, and resistant to extreme conditions.

History

The use of military chocolate dates back to the Spanish-American War in the late 19th century. However, it was during World War II that military chocolate became a standard part of the U.S. military's ration kits. The Hershey Company was commissioned by the U.S. Army to produce a chocolate bar that met specific military requirements. This resulted in the creation of the D ration and Tropical chocolate bars.

Types of Military Chocolate

There are several types of military chocolate, each designed for different purposes and conditions.

D Ration

The D ration was a chocolate bar developed by the Hershey Company during World War II. It was designed to be high in energy, resistant to melting, and intentionally made to taste slightly bitter to discourage soldiers from eating it unless in an emergency.

Tropical Chocolate Bar

The Tropical chocolate bar was also developed by the Hershey Company for use in tropical climates. It was formulated to resist melting in high temperatures.

Modern Use

Today, military chocolate is still used in several countries as part of their military rations. In the United States, the Meal, Ready-to-Eat (MRE) often includes a chocolate component.

See Also

• United States military ration
• Hershey's chocolate
• Meal, Ready-to-Eat