The InvestorCentric blog just announced that chocolate is a better investment than gold.
They're talking about buying stock in chocolate companies, which have performed well regardless of economic ups and downs. Buying chocolate itself as an investment isn't such a great plan.
For one thing, the price of chocolate hasn't risen steadily. Until the beginning of the 20th century, chocolate was a luxury item beyond the reach of most people. During the world wars and the depression in between, chocolate was -- per calorie -- the cheapest of the filling and reasonably nutritious foods available. The rise of the chocolate bar made it a portable food as well, and working people often chose a chocolate bar for lunch as modern workers might grab a fast food burger.
After World War II, the price of chocolate dropped sharply. While it rose again to record highs in the first years of the 21st century, chocolate has not returned to its status as a luxury available only to the wealthy.
While the more affluent European consumer chooses chocolate praline (such as the filling of the Sweetique Egg) and upscale American consumers choose higher cocoa contents, chocolate of one kind or another is available at all price points, and people of all socioeconomic levels eat about the same amounts.
Nor does the value of the chocolate you've bought increase if it's hoarded. Fine chocolate like that available from Sweetique will maintain its high quality for about 6 months if stored properly. With the volatility of chocolate prices, the replacement cost might be either higher or lower at the end of that time.
The conclusion: eat that chocolate.
