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All-British chocolate bar made by scientists using Reading-grown cocoa
United Kingdom🏛️ PoliticsCenter10 days ago

All-British chocolate bar made by scientists using Reading-grown cocoa

Scientists at the University of Reading have developed a chocolate bar made entirely from cocoa beans grown in Berkshire, marking the first time such a product has been created in Britain. This achievement follows the historical precedent set by Queen Elizabeth II, who consumed a similar all-British chocolate bar in 1932. The new bar was produced to commemorate the university's centenary and aims to showcase the potential for domestic cocoa cultivation amid global supply chain challenges. The project highlights concerns about the vulnerability of cocoa production to climate change, emphasizing the need for resilient plant varieties. The chocolate, described as 'delicious' and rich in flavor, is part of a limited release and underscores efforts to preserve diverse cocoa strains at the university's quarantine center.

A 100 per cent British chocolate bar has been created for the first time in nearly a century, using cocoa, sugar and milk all sourced within the United Kingdom. The achievement marks a milestone in food sustainability and agricultural innovation, achieved by Maha Khan, a food security master's student at the University of Reading. The chocolate bar, named the Reading 100 Chocolate Bar, was developed to coincide with the university’s 100th anniversary and aims to highlight both the complexities of chocolate production and the vulnerabilities of global food systems. The chocolate was made using cocoa grown at the University of Reading’s International Cocoa Quarantine Centre, a facility housing over 300 varieties of cocoa plants. These plants are essential for research and conservation efforts aimed at developing strains that can withstand the impacts of climate change. The cocoa pods were harvested from this controlled environment, then fermented, dried in the English sun, and roasted before being ground into a fine powder. This powder was then mixed with British-grown sugar and milk to form the base of the chocolate bar, which was subsequently heated, shaped, and cooled into a ready-to-eat product. The creation of this chocolate bar echoes a historical precedent from 1932, when Rowntrees, a confectionery company, produced a similar bar and gifted it to a six-year-old Princess Elizabeth, later Queen Elizabeth II. This earlier bar was made from a glasshouse-grown cocoa plant at Rowntree’s headquarters in York. Maha Khan’s version, however, represents a modern effort to showcase the potential for sustainable, locally-sourced chocolate production in the UK. Only six limited-edition bars have been made so far, though plans are in place to increase production if conditions allow. Maha Khan emphasized the significance of her work, noting that the chocolate-making process, from pod to bean to bar, was completed entirely within the University of Reading. She described the final product as "delicious" and highlighted the intricate flavor profiles resulting from the diverse range of cocoa varieties used. "It’s incredible to taste the complexity of the flavour profiles as the cocoa is made from plants originating from over 300 varieties grown here," she remarked. The UK’s chocolate market is valued at £10.4 billion, yet it relies entirely on imported cocoa, underscoring the nation’s dependence on global supply chains. This reliance raises concerns about food security, especially as climate change threatens cocoa-producing regions in Africa, South America, and Asia. Maha Khan pointed out that cocoa plants are highly sensitive to environmental changes, making them particularly vulnerable to extreme weather patterns and shifting rainfall cycles. "Climate change is already causing problems in countries that produce most of the world's cocoa," she noted. To address these challenges, the University of Reading’s International Cocoa Quarantine Centre plays a critical role. Managed in a climate-controlled setting, the center prevents the spread of pests and diseases between cocoa-growing regions while enabling scientists to study and preserve genetic diversity. Maha Khan explained that the center serves as a key hub for the global cocoa trade, handling 97 per cent of the world’s international movement of cocoa plants. By utilizing the center’s stock, she was able to create a chocolate bar that symbolizes both the potential and the fragility of domestic cocoa cultivation. Professor Carol Wagstaff, director of AgriFood Futures at the University of Reading, commented on the broader implications of the project. "The UK chocolate industry rests on a supply chain that starts thousands of miles away in the tropics of Africa, South America and Asia," she stated. "A resilient global market is crucial to the many smallholder farmers who underpin the industry and find themselves farming in some of the regions most exposed to risks from climate change." She also acknowledged the value of international trade, emphasizing that it provides economic stability for communities and supports sustainable resource use. Looking ahead, Maha Khan expressed hope that her project might inspire further exploration into sustainable chocolate production. While the current batch of bars is limited, she hinted at the possibility of expanding production if the necessary conditions are met. Additionally, she mentioned the idea of gifting the chocolate to the Princess of Wales, drawing a symbolic link between the past and present through their shared connection to Reading. The project thus stands as a testament to both the ingenuity of modern science and the enduring legacy of historical milestones in food production.

5 reports

Daily Mirror logoDaily MirrorIndependentCenterFactual 92Objective 8510 days ago
First chocolate bar made from entirely British-grown ingredients since 1932

A student from the University of Reading has created the first 100% British-grown chocolate bar in nearly 100 years. Using cocoa from Berkshire, along with British-sourced sugar and milk, the chocolate was produced entirely within the UK. The project aimed to highlight the vulnerability of global cocoa production due to climate change and emphasize the importance of preserving diverse cocoa plant varieties. The chocolate was made using cocoa plants from the university's International Cocoa Quarantine Centre, which houses over 300 varieties. The student hopes to raise awareness about the challenges faced by cocoa farmers and the significance of sustainable practices in food production.

Bias read (Center): The article presents a factual account of a student's achievement in creating a British-made chocolate bar, emphasizing environmental concerns related to cocoa farming and climate change. There is no overt ideological framing, and the content remains balanced, focusing on the scientific and economic

Why factuality (92): The article accurately describes the creation of the chocolate bar, its historical significance, and the involvement of the University of Reading. It clearly states the timeline (since 1932) and the location (Berkshire), matching the cross-source consensus. The mention of the International Cocoa Qua

Why objectivity (85): The tone is generally neutral, focusing on the facts and the implications of the chocolate's creation. While it includes quotes from Maha Khan expressing concerns about climate change, it does so in a way that reflects broader issues rather than personal opinion.

BBC News (UK) logoBBC News (UK)State / PublicCenterFactual 90Objective 8211 days ago
First 100% British chocolate bar made since 1932

A 100% British chocolate bar has been created for the first time in nearly a century, using cocoa grown at the University of Reading's International Cocoa Quarantine Centre in Berkshire. Developed by food security master's student Maha Khan, the chocolate bar marks the university's 100th anniversary and highlights the UK's reliance on imported cocoa despite a £10.4bn chocolate market. Khan emphasized the challenges posed by climate change, pests, and disease, noting potential losses of up to 40% in cocoa production. The cocoa was cultivated in a climate-controlled facility designed to prevent pest spread and support scientific research. The project underscores the importance of global cocoa supply chains and the vulnerabilities faced by smallholder farmers in tropical regions.

Bias read (Center): The article presents a factual report on a scientific achievement without overt ideological framing. While it discusses climate change and agricultural challenges, it does not take a partisan stance or promote specific political agendas. The focus remains on the technical and scientific aspects of a

Why factuality (90): The article provides accurate information about the chocolate bar, its origin at the University of Reading, and its historical context. It mentions the International Cocoa Quarantine Centre and the challenges faced by the cocoa industry, which are corroborated by other sources. The data on the UK's

Why objectivity (82): The article includes quotes from Maha Khan that reflect her personal views on climate change and food security, which introduces a slight subjective element. However, it frames these comments within the context of the research and its broader implications, maintaining an overall objective tone.

The Guardian (UK) logoThe Guardian (UK)IndependentCenterFactual 90Objective 8011 days ago
All-British chocolate bar made by scientists using Reading-grown cocoa

Scientists at the University of Reading have developed a chocolate bar made entirely from cocoa beans grown in Berkshire, marking the first time such a product has been created in Britain. This achievement follows the historical precedent set by Queen Elizabeth II, who consumed a similar all-British chocolate bar in 1932. The new bar was produced to commemorate the university's centenary and aims to showcase the potential for domestic cocoa cultivation amid global supply chain challenges. The project highlights concerns about the vulnerability of cocoa production to climate change, emphasizing the need for resilient plant varieties. The chocolate, described as 'delicious' and rich in flavor, is part of a limited release and underscores efforts to preserve diverse cocoa strains at the university's quarantine center.

Bias read (Center): The article presents a scientific achievement related to food security and climate resilience without overtly favoring any political stance. It focuses on the technical aspects of creating a domestically sourced chocolate bar and discusses broader implications for agriculture and climate change, but

Why factuality (90): The article provides detailed information about the chocolate bar, including its connection to the University of Reading and the historical reference to Queen Elizabeth II. It aligns closely with other sources and presents facts without contradiction. The mention of the UK's reliance on imported coc

Why objectivity (80): While the article includes quotes from Maha Khan that express concern about climate change and food security, it frames these as part of the story rather than overt editorializing. The overall tone remains balanced and informative.

Daily Mail logoDaily MailIndependentCenterFactual 88Objective 7810 days ago
First 100 per cent British chocolate bar in 94 years is made using UK-grown cocoa, milk and sugar

A food security master's student at the University of Reading, Maha Khan, has created the first 100% British chocolate bar in nearly 94 years using UK-grown cocoa, milk, and sugar. This achievement marks only the second time such a bar has been produced, with the previous instance being a gift to young Princess Elizabeth, who later became Queen Elizabeth II. The chocolate was made through a process involving growing cocoa pods in a controlled environment, drying them in England, and combining them with local ingredients. Khan highlighted the significance of this project in demonstrating the effort behind chocolate production and the impact of climate change on cocoa cultivation. She emphasized the need to protect diverse cocoa varieties to ensure resilience against environmental challenges.

Bias read (Center): The article presents the development of a British chocolate bar as a scientific and agricultural achievement, focusing on the technical process and environmental implications. While the topic relates to food security and agriculture, which can have political dimensions, the framing remains neutral,

Why factuality (88): The article confirms the chocolate bar is the first 100% British since 1932 and details the process of creating it. It references the historical gift to Princess Elizabeth II and the role of the University of Reading. Minor inconsistencies in phrasing do not affect overall accuracy.

Why objectivity (78): The article uses emotionally charged language like 'incredible' and 'delicious' when describing the chocolate, which may suggest a positive bias. While not overtly opinionated, the language leans towards admiration of the achievement.

Daily Mail logoDaily MailIndependentCenterFactual 85Objective 7512 days ago
Tastes like home! First 100% British chocolate bar made since 1932 - using cocoa from Berkshire

Scientists at the University of Reading have successfully produced the first 100% British chocolate bar since 1932, using locally grown cocoa. The cocoa was cultivated in a controlled environment at the university, processed through drying, fermenting, and grinding, and then combined with British-grown sugar and milk to make the final product. This achievement marks a significant milestone in food production within the UK, highlighting concerns over the vulnerability of global cocoa supplies due to climate change. The project underscores the complexity of chocolate production and emphasizes the need for sustainable practices to support both farmers and consumers. The last known instance of UK-produced chocolate was in 1932, when a bar was gifted to young Princess Elizabeth.

Bias read (Center): The article presents a scientific achievement with minimal political commentary. It focuses on agricultural innovation and sustainability rather than partisan issues. While it mentions the UK’s reliance on imported cocoa, it does not take a stance on policy or politics, maintaining a balanced tone.

Why factuality (85): The article accurately reports that the chocolate bar is the first 100% British since 1932, citing the University of Reading and Maha Khan. It mentions the process of growing, drying, and making the chocolate, aligning with the cross-source consensus. However, it slightly emphasizes the 'Britishness

Why objectivity (75): The tone leans toward celebrating the achievement, using phrases like 'as British as they come' and 'forget Belgian truffles and Swiss chocolate.' This suggests a slight promotional angle rather than purely informative reporting.

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