Is Chocolate Going Extinct?

Say it isn't so!

By: Casey Austin

OK, everyone. Brace yourselves for this one. According to scientists at the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), cacao plants will most likely be extinct by 2050. *gasp* How does this affect chocolate? Cacao (Theobroma cacao) trees grow large cacao pods with cacao beans inside. The beans are ground into a paste and are then used to make chocolate, so the short answer is that yes, this seriously affects your future chocolate intake. So, why are these plants going extinct?        

Location, location, location.

The NOAA explains that cacao can only grow in regions with intense heat year-round and rainforest-like conditions.  Only areas that are 20 degrees north and south of the equator share all of these necessary conditions. The world’s leading chocolate producers — Cote d’Ivoire, Ghana and Indonesia — collectively produce half of the world’s chocolate, but that could all change due to climate change. Research done by the IPCC (Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change) found that the average temperature increase for those countries will be 3.8°F by 2050. The higher the temperature, the more liquid escapes the soil and plants, therefore producing poorer quality crops.

Because of the rising temperature, the optimal locations will move uphill… 1,500ft uphill to be exact. Unfortunately, the areas of Ivory Coast and Ghana that are located that high above sea level do not permit cultivation. The IPCC predicts only 10.5% of current cacao-growing locations will be suitable for production in 2050. 

The good news: There’s hope!

The Independent reports that scientists at the University of California Berkeley are using CRISPR technology (a gene altering tool)  to try and modify the DNA of cacao plants.  If they can modify the plants to withstand a higher-temperature and lower humidity, future generations will enjoy the chocolate we all love.

Until then, consider this as an excuse to eat more dark chocolate; it’s good for you, too! 

Photo: iStock

Related Links:

Next Up

White Claw Is Going Dry

The new non-alcoholic hard seltzer is aiming to be more than just ... plain old seltzer.

Subway’s New Merch Is Going Fast

The collection includes a fanny pack filled with garlic-flavored mints...and we really don’t know what to think about that.

Is Milk Chocolate or Dark Chocolate Healthier?

Dark chocolate is often touted as a superfood, but milk chocolate can have nutritional value, too.

Egg Prices Are Going Up – Here’s How You Can Make the Most of Them

Supply chain issues, worker shortages and the bird flu are behind the soaring costs.

Panda Express Burritos Are Going Viral on TikTok – Here’s Where to Get Them

The good news: They’re heavenly. The bad news: They’re available only at select locations.

How to Temper Chocolate

Learn how to temper white, milk and dark chocolate on the stove and in the microwave.

This TikToker Is Going Viral for Ripping an Apple In Half with His Bare Hands

The adorable teacher breaks it down step by step, so we can all learn this act of sorcery.

This Retro Recipe for 'Surprise Burgers' Is Going Viral on Reddit: Here’s How to Make Them

A Food Network recipe developer offers tips on how to make the burgers tastier.

5 No-Cheat Chocolate Treats

Chocolate lovers, rejoice!

Is Dark Chocolate Safe to Eat?

A recent Consumer Reports article found heavy metals, cadmium and lead, in some dark chocolates.

What's New