What is Mexican Chocolate & Is it Worth It?

Mexico shouldn’t be appreciated for just tacos, enchiladas, or burritos. Mexican chocolate is another wonder of this country. It’s everything your regular chocolate can never be. You may have seen it in your local grocery store, but have you ever tried it? Well, if you have, you know why it’s so rave-worthy. But if you have not, this blog is going to give you all the reasons why you should. We’re about to talk all things Mexican chocolate… So, get on and buckle up for this sweet and spicy ride.

What is Mexican Chocolate?

Mexican chocolate is a unique type of chocolate with unique flavors. It is made of cacao nibs, sugar, and spices like cinnamon. It has a rusty, grainier texture compared to regular chocolate. You can also find Mexican chocolate with vanilla, almonds, or even chilies in the market.

Mexican snacks are known for being flavorful and aromatic. And these qualities usually come from the spices in them. You should know that this is exactly the case with Mexican chocolate. It has chocolate and this is what makes it so yummm!!!

How is Mexican Chocolate Made?

Cacao beans undergo roasting and then coarse grinding. Afterward, sugar and spices are added to the ground cacao to make a bristly paste. Chocolatiers then shape it into tablets – ready to be packaged. Many brands make different versions of Mexican chocolate for different taste preferences.

Mexican Chocolate vs. Regular Chocolate

Milk, dark, or white chocolate are nothing like Mexican chocolate. They are creamy, sweet, or bitter. But did you ever think a chocolate could be spicy? Well, the Mexican variant is. Besides, the traditional ones are smoother and mostly creamy, but the Mexican chocolate feels a little rough in the mouth. But it is meant to be so.

● Flavor Profile

Mexican chocolate usually contains roasted cacao, sugar, and spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, or chili. Sometimes includes almonds or vanilla. The flavor is earthy, warm, and slightly bitter with a touch of spice. Regular chocolates are processed for smoothness. They also have cocoa butter, milk, and refined sugar. You should know that Mexican chocolate doesn’t have refined sugar. Instead, it has granulated one for that granulated mouthfeel.

● Texture

The Mexican version of chocolate is stone-ground. It makes chocolate a little granular, yes. But it also gives drinks and dishes a personality. On the other hand, regular chocolate has a totally different texture. It is highly refined, conched, and tempered. This results in a silky, melt-in-your-mouth – melt-in-your-heart – consistency.

● Popularity

Regular milk, dark, and white chocolates are evergreen. They have a massive fanbase. But that doesn’t mean Mexican chocolate is not popular. It has gained worldwide attention. People are loving its flavor and cultural richness. In fact, it has now become a part of gourmet kitchens, specialty cafés, and international markets. Chefs and bakers use it to add depth to desserts, hot drinks, and savory dishes.

Is Mexican Chocolate Real Chocolate?

Like the regular versions, Mexican chocolate also contains cocoa beans. So, it is definitely real chocolate. The difference is in the chocolate-making process. Mexican chocolate is stone-ground and mixed with sugar and spices. But because it has cocoa mass, it is authentic and also deeply traditional.

Is Mexican Chocolate Candy or a Snack?

While many think conventional chocolate is candy, Mexican chocolate is not. After all, it is used mostly as an ingredient and not as a snack. It comes in solid tablets but is mainly meant for melting into drinks or cooking. You can bite it directly, but a Mexican hot chocolate is a way better choice.

Is Mexican Chocolate Healthy?

Mexican chocolate can be healthy in moderation. It contains antioxidants and minerals from cacao, which support heart health. Since it’s less processed than regular chocolate, it retains more natural compounds. However, it also has sugar, so balance is key. Also, when added to milk, the calories increase. And so do fats.

When was Mexican Chocolate Invented?

Olmecs created Mexican chocolate in 1750 B.C. The first ever chocolate invention was in fact what we call Mexican chocolate today. The Olmecs in Mesoamerica mixed cacao with spices and made a bitter drink. Later, the Mayans and Aztecs refined it; they mixed cacao with spices and water. A few more centuries passed, and Europe added sugar to chocolate. And this is how we got the commercial chocolate that masses love.

Fun fact!
The Aztecs called the spicy cocoa drink “xocolatl”. This is where the word “chocolate” took its origin.

You should know the chocolate drink of Aztecs and Olmecs is still alive. Mexicans still prepare it and call it Mexican chocolate or Mexican hot chocolate – AND YOU CAN TOO! After all, it is available all around the world now. And you don’t need any witch-craft-level recipe for it. Just get it from your nearby grocery store, add to milk, and tada… you have your Mexican hot chocolate prepared.

Here’s a short trip down the history lane of Mexican chocolate:

The history of this Mexican treat is pretty much the same as the history of chocolate. The good thing is: Mexican preserved its identity and didn’t lose it to the sweet commercialization. Haven’t tried it yet? I think you are missing out. 

What are the uses of Mexican Chocolate?

This chocolate from Mexico has so many uses. It is used to make drinking chocolate. But this is not all. It is used as an ingredient in so many recipes. Chefs and other culinary professionals love it because of the depth it adds to dishes. Many people use it in mole sauces, baked goods, and traditional desserts.

➢ Hot Chocolate Drinks

Mexican hot chocolate is rich and spiced. It is also a tradition to whisk it with a molinillo for froth. One os the popular versions are Champurrado. This one blends chocolate with masa harina for thickness. There are atole variations too. They are made with flavors like vanilla or fruit. All these drinks are comforting. And people enjoy it during holidays, cold mornings, and cultural celebrations.

➢ Mole Sauce and Savory Dishes

Mexican chocolate is an ingredient in several savory recipes. One of the most popular ones is mole. With cocoa and spices, it refines the sauce flavor. Beyond mole, it enhances many other dishes that have it too. It’s added to gravies, salads, and other sauces as well. If you want to try something new in the kitchen, try adding chocolate to your food. When done right, it is a total win.

➢ Baking and Desserts

In baking, Mexican chocolate adds an interesting kick. It enriches cakes, cookies, and pan dulce like no other chocolate. Its grainy grind melts unevenly, leaving bursts of cacao and spice, here and there. These desserts taste really amazing. If you are a baker, you must try using this ingredient. Not just will it be fun, but tastily fun. 

Is Mexican hot chocolate vegan-friendly?

Mexican hot chocolate can be vegan-friendly if prepared with plant-based milk like almond, oat, or soy. Traditional tablets often contain only cacao, sugar, and spices, making them naturally dairy-free. Always check ingredient labels, as some commercial brands may include milk powder or added flavorings.

So, Is Mexican Chocolate Worth It?

Let’s go back to the main question: what is Mexican chocolate? Well, it is totally delightful. And there are many reasons for it. First, the taste is so amazing – spicy and sweet. And then its so culturally rich. It’s a living tradition that connects past and present. We are having it almost exactly similar to how the ancient people used to have it. Last but not least, it is so versatile. Mix it in milk or add it to your desserts; it will be a success. Because of all these reasons, Mexican chocolate’s popularity is going up, up, up – it is its moment (wink all Kpop Demon Hunter fans). So, exploring this chocolate is a must for all sweet lovers. It is one of its kind in all ways!