To fridge or not to fridge - that is the question - but the answer may be surprising for the chocolate connoisseurs among us.
In the lead up to World Chocolate Day (July 7th), Deliveroo Ireland has conducted research that reveals a huge reason why retailers could soon be rethinking where to stock chocolate in store...
Deliveroo Ireland asked 1,000 members of the Irish public about their chocolate preferences and surprisingly research revealed that a whopping eight in 10 (82 per cent) keep their chocolate in the fridge, with milk chocolate (28 per cent) more popular chilled than white (18 per cent) and dark (18 per cent).
It has also emerged that women are more likely to keep chocolate in the fridge than men (86 per cent vs 79 per cent).
Research also revealed that 41 per cent chose to refrigerate chocolate, so it doesn't melt, whilst others said chilling it made chocolate tasted better, and 21 per cent chill chocolate as they prefer the texture of chocolate when cold.
The controversial topic has been addressed by chocolatiers from around the world many times before, with experts suggesting that chocolate should always be stored in a slightly cool, dry, dark place such as cupboard or pantry at temperatures less than 21°C to ensure the quality isn’t compromised.
However, the Irish aren’t afraid to snub advice from the experts as Deliveroo’s research suggests that the demand for chilled chocolate is nationwide.
Aisha Jefferson at Deliveroo said: “Ahead of World Chocolate Day, we conducted research with Irish consumers on whether chocolate should be stored 𝐈𝐍 the fridge or 𝐎𝐔𝐓 of the fridge. The fridge came out on top, but it sparked a passionate debate that we just had to settle once and for all.
"Rightly or wrongly, our research reveals that Ireland is officially a nation of refrigerated chocolate eaters. Perhaps this will see chocolate making its way into the fridge section of all retailers after years of being placed in ambient aisles.”
Data shows that locals from Leinster love refrigerated chocolate the most, with 83.6 per cent preferring chocolate in the fridge rather than out, followed by Munster (82 per cent) and Connacht (79 per cent). Ulster ranked bottom with 78 per cent preferring refrigerated chocolate.
Top 5 counties in Ireland that keep chocolate in the fridge:
1. Longford (100%)
2. Carlow (91.7%)
3. Sligo (91%)
4. Kildare (90%)
5. Offaly (90%)
