How is chocolate made?: Quick Facts

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The Information Architects of Encyclopaedia Britannica

Last updated

Nov. 3, 2026

Photos

A slice of devil's food chocolate cake with chocolate frosting sits on a white plate with a fork, with the remaining cake in the background.

A hand spreads organic cocoa beans as they sun dry on a mesh surface at a farm in the Solomon Islands.

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cocoa Cacao Cocoa bean chocolate food processing Cereal processing food preservation meat processing fat and oil processing fish processing vegetable processing fruit processing Poultry processing food additive cheese making