‘How sweet it is!’ U.S. troops have savored the taste of chocolates in their rations since World War II (2024)

FAQs

Did soldiers eat chocolate in ww2? ›

The World War II K ration issued in temperate climates sometimes included a bar of Hershey's commercial-formula sweet chocolate.

During World War II the bulk of Hershey's chocolate was exclusively produced for the U.S. military and distributed to troops around the world. Hershey's created the Tropical Bar in 1943 to be distributed to troops in the Pacific Theater. It weighed 4 ounces and was crafted to withstand extreme heat.

Sweet rationing began during the dark days of World War Two on 26 July 1942 when people had a weekly ration of just 2 ounces of sweets or chocolate. A month later the ration was doubled for eight weeks and then cut back to 3 ounces a week.

A mixture of chocolate, sugar, powdered milk, oat flour, and vitamins provided 600 calories per serving and made a very effective survival food. The Ration D chocolate bar was designed to withstand extreme temperatures and provide substantial energy for troops. 1977.0865. 01.

It was called the U.S. Army Field Ration D and it tasted about as appetizing as the name suggests — a little bit better than a boiled potato. Still better than the Veggie MRE. The Field Ration D, or “D-Bar,” was the brain child of Col. Paul Logan and the Hershey Chocolate Corporation.

The plants were set up as close as possible to combat areas in Europe and the Pacific. More than 5 billion bottles of co*ke were consumed by military service personnel during the war, in addition to countless servings through dispensers and mobile, self-contained units in battle areas.

Supplies such as gasoline, butter, sugar and canned milk were rationed because they needed to be diverted to the war effort. War also disrupted trade, limiting the availability of some goods.

Buying and eating sweets is a popular childhood memory in our Oral History Collection. Favourite wartime sweets mentioned by our interviewees include Billiard Balls, Fry's Peppermint Creams, Dolly Mixtures, Conversation Lozenges, Aniseed Balls, Liquorice Allsorts, Ceilí Suckers and Brandy Balls.

Soldiers in both world wars, the Korean War and Vietnam War were issued a one-and-a-half ounce can of creamy peanut butter in their rations. Most of the cans were issued in B-ration kits along with crackers and the dessert entrée.

What country eats the most chocolate and why? ›

The chart compares per capita chocolate consumption among the top ten countries. Switzerland leads the chart with an annual consumption of 8.8 kg per person, closely followed by Germany at 8.4 kg. Ireland and the United Kingdom are also significant consumers, with figures around 8.3 kg and 8.2 kg, respectively.

The original milk chocolate M&M's, the brainchild of Forrest Mars, were created in 1941 exclusively for U.S. service members deployed overseas during World War II. Chocolate bars were already part of military rations, but the M&M's candy shell made them a standout.

Second World War

However, soldiers at the front still relied on preserved foods. These largely consisted of tinned items, but also dehydrated meats and oatmeal that were designed to be mixed with water. Morale-boosting items, such as chocolate and sweets, were also provided. And powdered milk was issued for use in tea.

The government began rationing certain foods in May 1942, starting with sugar. Coffee was added to the list that November, followed by meats, fats, canned fish, cheese, and canned milk the following March.

The chocolate bar bomb was made of steel with a thin covering of real chocolate. When the piece of chocolate at the end was broken off, the canvas detonator was pulled, and, after a delay of seven seconds, the bomb would explode.