Where did it begin?
A long time ago, cocoa beans were used to produce varieties of Hot Chocolate and other chocolate beverages in Mexico, under the culinary ideas of the Aztecs. These drinks were drunk by the highest and mightiest, revered in their delicacy. In fact, the Conquistadors who visited the capital city of the Aztecs, Tenochtitlan, were treated as gods (Tueles) and given the special drink. Along with much gold. The original recipe has been lost, as has the capital city. The city was described by the Spaniards as a rival to Venice, such as the greatness of the canal system and architecture upon Lake Mexico, where Mexico City now stands.
In fact, there was a time were chocolate was once so popular, it was exchanged as currency.
The production of chocolate was revolutionized by Milton Hershey, who found a way to mass produce it and incorporate a variety of sweeteners. Thus, we ended up with milk chocolate.
Dark chocolate has made a resurgence as of late, being recognized as more than the healthier alternative to standard candied chocolates – but as a healthy snack in and of itself.