October 28 is National Chocolate Day, a delightful tribute to one of the world’s most beloved flavors. This annual celebration recognizes chocolate’s long history, its cultural significance, a recipe for the original spicy chocolate drink, and some of my favorite fiction books and movies featuring this sweet creamy goodness. Whether you’re a chocolate passion-ate or a story lover, here’s your guide to savoring the day with chocolate lore and pop-culture treats.
The Origins of Chocolate: A Gift of the Gods
Chocolate’s journey began thousands of years ago. The tropical tree Theobroma cacao (literally “food of the gods”) grows in Central America and beyond. Ancient civilizations like the Olmecs, Maya and Aztecs revered cocoa-beans. The beans were used not only in beverages but even as currency. By the 16th century, Spanish explorers had introduced the bitter drink to Europe, where it eventually transformed into the sweet treat we know today.
The History of National Chocolate Day
In the United States, National Chocolate Day is celebrated on October 28 each year. The holiday is attributed to the National Confectioners Association (NCA) as a way to honor chocolate’s enduring appeal and the chocolate industry. On this day, chocolate lovers are encouraged to indulge, explore new varieties, and celebrate the sweet magic that cacao delivers.
A Spicy Drink & the Cadbury Connection
During a visit to England several years ago I was lucky enough to go on a tour of the Cadbury factory. At the start of the tour they talked about the history of chocolate and one of the first chocolate samplings we were offered was a sweet, spicy drink called “the original chocolate” made from roasted cocoa beans and flavorings. I’d never had anything like it and it quite literally knocked my socks off.
Historic hot-chocolate recipes include cacao beans, water, chilli pepper (or black pepper), vanilla, cinnamon and nuts. The first recipe for a chocolate drink was published in Spain in 1644 by Antonio Colmenero de Ledesma in his book, A Curious Treatise of the Nature and Quality of Chocolate. The spices included hot chiles.
Original Spicy Chocolate Drink Recipe
100 cacao beans, 2 chiles (black pepper may be substituted), a handful of anise“Ear flower”, 1 vanilla pod, 2 ounces cinnamon, 12 almonds or hazelnuts, 1 pound sugar, Achiote (annatto seeds) to taste. All of these ingredients were boiled together and then frothed with a molinillo, the traditional Aztec carved wooden tool. The achiote was used to redden the color of the drink. (*Also known as “xochinacaztli” (Nahuatl) or “orejuela” (Spanish).)
“Chiles and Chocolate” was another recipe published in France 50 years later. This one significantly reduced the amount of chili peppers. The recipe was published in 1692 by chocolatier M. St. Disdier of France.
2 pounds prepared cacao
1 pound fine sugar
1/3 ounce cinnamon
1/24 ounce powdered cloves
1/24 ounce Indian pepper (chile)
1 1/4 ounce vanilla
A paste was made of these dried ingredients on a heated stone and then it was boiled to make hot chocolate.
Top Five Books to Movies Adaptations Featuring Chocolate
Charlie and the Chocolate Factory(1964 novel / 1971 & 2005 films)
Roald Dahl’s beloved novel Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, also known for his classics Matilda, James and the Giant Peach, and The BFG, inspired both the whimsical 1971 film directed by Mel Stuart and the weird and creepy 2005 Tim Burton adaptation. The story follows kind-hearted Charlie Bucket, who wins a rare Golden Ticket and enters Willy Wonka’s mysterious chocolate factory filled with edible landscapes, Oompa-Loompas, and unforgettable candy inventions.
Gene Wilder’s version created one of cinema’s most iconic scenes with the eerie, poetic boat ride and his line, “We are the music makers, and we are the dreamers of dreams.” Meanwhile, Johnny Depp’s portrayal offered a quirky, eccentric twist on Wonka’s secrecy and genius. This movie lover thinks the original is perfection and should never have been remade.
Audiences still love the magical chocolate river, the Everlasting Gobstopper, and the lesson that humility and imagination beat greed and entitlement. As the ultimate chocolate movie, it remains a staple for National Chocolate Day, inspiring real chocolate makers, theme park attractions, and nostalgic fans worldwide.
Chocolat(1999 novel / 2000 film)
Joanne Harris’ acclaimed novel Chocolat, paired with director Lasse Hallström’s Academy Award-nominated film, remains one of the most romantic food-centric stories on screen. Hallström, who also directed The Cider House Rules and What’s Eating Gilbert Grape, brings warmth and magic to a small French village shaken by the arrival of Vianne Rocher, played by Juliette Binoche.
Opening a chocolate shop during Lent, Vianne tempts the strict townspeople with luxurious truffles and cocoa desserts while helping them rediscover joy, compassion, and love. Johnny Depp co-stars as the gentle river traveler Roux, adding quiet chemistry and emotional depth. Memorable scenes include sensuous chocolate-making sequences, and the moment villagers finally indulge in Vianne’s decadent feast, symbolizing liberation from judgment and guilt. With themes of acceptance, sweetness, and the healing power of community, Chocolat feels like a warm, velvety mug of cocoa for the soul.
The story follows Tita, forbidden by tradition to marry the man she loves, Pedro, and forced instead to care for her demanding mother. Because she cannot express her emotions openly, Tita pours them into her cooking — and the results enchant (and sometimes overwhelm) everyone who tastes her food.
Dishes like quail in rose petal sauce create waves of passion and heartbreak, including a scene where guests are overcome with desire and sorrow. This dramatic use of food, including chocolate elements tied to love and longing, helped the movie become a landmark in international cinema. Sensual, bittersweet, and deeply moving, it remains one of the most iconic culinary romance films ever made.
The Chocolate War(1974 novel / 1988 film)
Robert Cormier’s novel The Chocolate War, known for its dark themes and psychological tension, became a cult film in 1988 directed by Keith Gordon. Cormier, also known for I Am the Cheese and After the First Death, explores rebellion, conformity, and cruelty at a Catholic prep school where students are pressured to sell chocolates for a fundraiser. When protagonist Jerry Renault refuses to participate, he becomes the target of peer manipulation, secret societies, and vicious retaliation.
Gordon’s adaptation builds to an unforgettable climax featuring the disturbing boxing match scene, where violence replaces morality and the school’s darkest system takes control. The film’s chilling tone and Jerry’s haunting question, “Do I dare disturb the universe?” offer a powerful commentary on courage, corruption, and the price of individuality. It is a far darker “chocolate movie,” yet one that stays with viewers long after the credits roll.
Forrest Gump(Book 1986 / Film 1994)
Forrest Gump by Winston Groom and still from movie Tom Hanks, Nora Dunfee, and Bill Roberson
In Forrest Gump, based on the novel by Winston Groom (who also wrote Gump & Co. and Better Times Than These), director Robert Zemeckis brings the heartfelt, humorous, and inspiring story to life. Zemeckis, known for films like Back to the Future, Cast Away, and Who Framed Roger Rabbit, guides a powerful performance from Tom Hanks, who stars as Forrest, alongside Robin Wright as Jenny and Gary Sinise as Lieutenant Dan.
The film follows Forrest, a kind-hearted Alabama man with a unique way of seeing the world, as he unintentionally influences key moments in American history while chasing his love for Jenny and discovering his own path. The most memorable scenes include Forrest running across the country, the emotional moment on the Washington D.C. reflecting pool, and the iconic box-of-chocolates bench scene. That famous line — “Life is like a box of chocolates. You never know what you’re gonna get.” — ties perfectly into National Chocolate Day, reminding us that life’s surprises are often as sweet and unexpected as each bite. Through humor, heartache, and hope, Forrest Gump remains a timeless reminder that ordinary individuals can lead extraordinary lives.
⭐ Bonus Feature: Chocolate(2008)
While not adapted from a book, Chocolate deserves a place in any chocolate-themed film list for its heart and action. Directed by Prachya Pinkaew, known for the martial arts hit Ong-Bak, the film stars Yanin “JeeJa” Vismitananda as Zen, an autistic girl who learns Muay Thai by watching action films and practicing precision-based movements.
When her mother becomes ill, Zen starts collecting debts — leading to high-energy fights across markets, ice factories, and narrow steel structures. Although the chocolate connection is symbolic rather than culinary, the film uses sweetness as a metaphor for innocence, empathy, and surprising strength. Its breathtaking stunts, including real-danger action sequences without digital effects, make it a standout film for viewers who enjoy adrenaline with emotional depth. A powerful addition to National Chocolate Day viewing lists, it reminds us that “sweet” stories can carry fierce impact.
Why Celebrate National Chocolate Day
Chocolate isn’t just a treat—it’s culture, history, pleasure, and art. On National Chocolate Day, we honour that journey from cacao bean to bar, from ancient drink to modern indulgence. You can discover new bars, support ethical chocolate brands, or simply savor your favorite flavor.
Whether you prefer bitter dark chocolate, classic milk, or adventurous ruby and white forms, the day reminds us of chocolate’s global reach and personal comfort.
October 28 is National Chocolate Day, celebrating chocolate’s rich history and universal appeal.
Chocolate’s origins trace back over 3,000 years to Mayans and Aztecs who valued cacao beans as currency and sacred food.
The holiday was popularized by the NCA to honour chocolate culture and the chocolate industry.
Chocolate appears in many books and films—from Dahl’s Charlie and the Chocolate Factory to Hallström’s Chocolat, and even martial-arts film Chocolate (2008) by Pinkaew.
On National Chocolate Day, indulge, explore unique chocolates, revisit chocolate-rich stories, or host a tasting to honour this timeless treat.
