We couldn’t be more excited to begin today’s celebration of National Chocolate Covered Raisin Day! Every year on March 24 this delicious little morsel hits center stage. As one of America’s favorite candies it is no stranger to the spotlight. Both chocolate and raisins (dried grapes) have existed for centuries but it is the combination of the two that sparks festivity. Chocolate covered raisins are a “vintage” candy. Let’s learn about their sweet history today.
History of National Chocolate Covered Raisin Day
Raisinets, the most widely known name for chocolate covered raisins, were born in 1927 at the Blumenthal Brothers Chocolate Company in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. They and other candies produced by the Blumenthal Brothers grew in popularity as a snack of choice in movie theaters across America during this time. Nestle Corporation acquired the Raisinets, Goobers and SnoCaps brands in 1984 but have since sold those and other brands to Ferraro Group where Raisinets are still made in the USA under the Ferrara Candy Group. Of course, Raisinets is not the only brand of chocolate covered raisins in the world. Many other labels sell chocolate covered raisins with their own twists and flavors. Social media encourages creativity around any and every food known to man. Chocolate covered raisins are no exception. There are endless recipes for desserts, trail mixes, and granolas with amazing ideas for charcuterie boards. One simple but irresistible idea – raspberries stuffed with chocolate covered raisins. Brilliant! Read on for more fun facts and entertaining ideas using chocolate covered raisins.
National Chocolate Covered Raisin Day timeline
With the introduction of Pinterest, you can create a board dedicated to your favorite obsessions. There are some pretty cool ideas for chocolate covered raisins out there.
Legend has it that trail mix was first created in California by two surfers looking for an energizing snack in 1968; since then, trail mix mojo has definitely skyrocketed with the addition of chocolate covered raisins.
The delicious chocolate-covered treats are invented and first introduced.
The first indications of chocolate were found in Mexico from a vessel used for cacao drinks.
National Chocolate Covered Raisin Day FAQs
What type of grape is typically used?
The sultana grape, a green, oval seedless grape, is most often used to make chocolate covered raisins.
What are the healthy attributes of chocolate covered raisins?
Raisins add fiber, potassium, iron, calcium and certain B vitamins to your diet. Soak them in a little dark chocolate and you add in antioxidants! Plus, they are gluten-free.
What are other popular brands of chocolate covered raisins?
There are other well-known brands of chocolate covered raisins such as Sun-Maid and Brachs. Trader Joe’s also makes their own chocolate covered raisins that give bigger name brands a run for their money.
National Chocolate Covered Raisin Day Activities
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Make your own
A fun activity for kids and adults alike is to make chocolate covered raisins in a crockpot. Heat 12 ounces of milk chocolate and 2 ounces of white chocolate on low in a small crock pot for 30 minutes. Stir the melted chocolates well before adding 8 ounces of raisins. Using a teaspoon, remove the chocolate covered raisins onto a baking sheet lined with wax paper. Allow to cool. Enjoy!!
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Visit a candy museum near you
Did you know there are candy museums throughout America? Check out Candytopia for three locations open year-round and traveling pop up museums visiting new cities every year. If you happen to be near Orlando, Florida, you could also stop by the Chocolate Museum & Café. Sure, you can consider this educational!
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Surprise a friend
Oatmeal raisin cookies often get a bad rap but what if you used chocolate covered raisins instead of plain ones in your next batch? O yeah!! Take a batch to your friend or bring them to a party and watch the pleasantly surprised looks on their faces
5 Fun Facts About Raisinets
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Good ROI
When Raisinets were first sold in movie theaters, theaters bought them for $01.25 (yes, 1.25 cents) per box and sold them for a nickel. That’s a pretty good return on investment!
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It takes a special grape
There is only one type of grape used to make Raisinets: Thompson Seedless grapes grown in California.
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Millions made every day
With the efficiency of today’s mass production, one batch makes almost one million Raisinets. That’s over 21 million made each day!
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Polished in production
Perhaps you’ve noticed how shiny those little Raisinets are as you are reaching in and out of that yellow box; the shine comes from the polishing during the production process.
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They are gluten-free
Not only are Raisinets healthier than many other candy options, they can also be found on the gluten-free menu!
Why We Love National Chocolate Covered Raisin Day
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They make a great gift
For people who only splurge on chocolate covered raisins at the movie theater, this delightful snack can be a great hostess gift, Valentine’s Day gift, office party addition or thoughtful gift for any other occasion that calls for something simple but universally loved.
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Raisinets are made in the USA
It’s always nice to find a produce 100% made in the USA. Raisinets it that bill so not only can you feel good about eating a healthier snack option, you are basically a good patriot to boot!
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They’re a perfect movie partner
The love affair between movies and Raisinets has stood the test of time with no indication of it waning. Even with movie nights at home, there are fewer things better than a box of chocolate covered raisins; unless, of course, you mix them with your freshly popped popcorn!
National Chocolate Covered Raisin Day dates
| Year | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2023 | March 24 | Friday |
| 2024 | March 24 | Sunday |
| 2025 | March 24 | Monday |
| 2026 | March 24 | Tuesday |
| 2027 | March 24 | Wednesday |
