Most of you have probably tasted chocolate in one form or another and most of you will agree that it was a great taste. Not only does it have a great taste but it also comes with a few healthy benefits. However, if we don’t do anything to help stop the over-consumption of cacao that bite of chocolate might be worth thousands in just a few decades. Many people cannot imagine the world without chocolate however this world inches closer to that reality every day. I’ll be telling you about the increasing problem that could impact the world on a much larger scale than you can think.
The Problem
There are a variety of factors leading to this impending problem, crop failures, diseases and aging plantations. 70% of the worlds cocoa is grown from parts of Africa called the Ivory Cost and Ghana, however, growing conditions worsen every year. Not to mention that cocoa beans aren’t exactly the primary crop so it doesn’t get much attention. The most prominent factor is most likely the human demand for the treat. In recent years, farmers of the bean cannot keep up with global demand of the sugary goods leading to a deficit of chocolate in the world. It is estimated by many big chocolate companies that in 2020 the demand for chocolate will outweigh the production by 1 million metric tons! Is there anything we can do?
The Solution?
Just you or your entire family not eating chocolate may not impact the problem a lot. Researchers are looking for ways to help farmers grow the beans. By teaching farmers how to properly grow the crop, how to maintain the crop and also how to properly extract the crop. Huge chocolate companies are investing a lot of money into programs like this to ensure the safety of the cacao bean. Researchers have also discovered that wild mangoes could be a great alternative for cocoa butter. The new mango butter is extracted from the kernel of the fruit and is lower in fat. This new butter could be used as a substitute as it has similar properties to cocoa butter.  Using the wild mango in this way could not only be a solution to our problem but could also protect the plant from deforestation.
Conclusion
In the end, the chocolate problem may be growing but not without people noticing. Companies and researchers alike are giving their time and money to find a permanent solution to our chocolate crisis.
