Easter can be a battle with the excesses of chocolate gifted from family, friends and the Easter Bunny. But don’t worry, chocolate is good for you, or at least, it used to be. Working with food historian Sam Bilton, we have released three recipes for a historic and supposedly health-boosting chocolate drink. And at our Easter events, from Stonehenge to Dover Castle to Belsay Hall, visitors can try it for themselves by adding historic ingredients to their own hot chocolate for a surprising taste of the past.

In an age of biohacking and supplements, we’re not unfamiliar with adding ingredients into our day-to-day routine in the name of healthy living. However, whilst we might be more accustomed to protein shakes and green juices, the Stuarts were supplementing their hot chocolate. Chocolate or cocoa itself was believed to be good for health, but even more so with the addition of antidotal ingredients. Among some of the concoctions: a sprinkling of vanilla for the health of the brain and the womb, allspice to prevent wind, and cinnamon to boost your mood.

And now, as we head into chocolate season, there might be a way for health enthusiasts to indulge. In partnership with food historian Sam Bilton, we have released three historic chocolate recipes, including a mood-boosting beverage and one to aid digestion. Visitors to English Heritage sites over Easter can also add ‘health boosting’ ingredients to their own drinks order.

The consumption of chocolate dates back thousands of years to the Mayans and Aztecs imbibing a bitter drink. It made its way to Spain in the 16th century, following the invasion of the Americas and began its promotion in Europe as a health drink. Based on the theory of balancing symptoms with ingredients possessing opposing qualities, chocolate (considered cool) was initially seen as an antidote for a fever. It soon spread across the continent with the help of Monks and Friars, who had spent time in the Americas, championing its health benefits and medicinal properties.

As chocolate increased in popularity, so did its health claims. Dr Henry Stubbes, who prepared chocolate for Charles II, stated that one ounce of chocolate could provide as much nourishment as a pound of beef. Spices were added to maximise its health boosting properties and address individual ailments. It wasn’t just physical health that was considered, but drinks were also concocted to enhance the consumer’s mood, with ingredients such as cinnamon and saffron. Of course, some of the ingredients added in the pursuit of health and happiness would raise eyebrows today: iron fillings, for instance, were sprinkled in to boost iron intake.

Food Historian Sam Bilton said 

“Long before the modern world of anti-ageing, supplements, and biohacking, chocolate was lauded as a health drink.

 As we are officially in chocolate season, I’ve worked with English Heritage to revisit these delicious chocolate beverages this Easter so that visitors to their properties can experience the flavours of the past.”

Head of Visitor Experience at English Heritage, Beth Stone said 

“Who doesn’t love a bit of chocolate over Easter (or indeed all year). Whilst visitors who complete our Easter Quest will be rewarded with a more modern chocolate treat, at English Heritage sites, we’re also offering those with an adventurous palate the opportunity to add some historic flavours to their hot chocolate or have a go at home with one of our recipes. I, for one, would have loved to have lived in a time when chocolate was considered good for your health!”

For those who would like a taste of history without attempting it at home, visitors will be able to add additional historic spices to their hot chocolate orders at English Heritage sites with an Easter Quest:

• Allspice – to aid digestion
• Cinnamon – to boost your mood
• Ginger – to soothe the stomach

Plan your visit to an English Heritage site with an Easter Quest

Try our historic hot chocolate recipes at home

The history of chocolate: listen to The English Heritage Podcast