Chocolate in Culture ; Books, Films, Comics and Music

In culture, chocolate is enjoyed without moderation and without guilt.

Chocolate ; An Icon of Popular Culture

Chocolate is much more than a treat. It holds an essential place in popular culture. In books and films, it symbolises pleasure, temptation or comfort. Cooking shows make it the star of desserts. Magazines and documentaries reveal its secrets, from production to major trends. More than a simple food, this treat stands out as a true cultural icon. Here is a non-exhaustive selection of works found along the way. To enjoy it for real, the chocolate shops of Lausanne (in French) offer the ideal follow-up.

Books to Devour

Les Grands Cahiers 180°C Chocolat ; Hachette Cuisine

A favourite ingredient of many food lovers, chocolate embodies both the essential and the vital superfluous. These Grands Cahiers explore its world closely, from Easter eggs to Patrick Roger’s sculptures. The journey begins in Ecuadorian cocoa plantations and ends with bean-to-bar production. From raw chocolate to nostalgic cake, each page dives into this fascinating world. An ingredient that charms far more palates than salsify!

Hachette Pratique

Chocolaté ; The Bitter Taste of Cocoa Farming

Samy Manga brilliantly describes the journey of cocoa, from plantation to chocolate bar. At ten, Abéna works with his grandfather on Cameroonian plantations. This young “general of the forests” quickly becomes aware of the damage caused by cocoa monoculture. This devastation affects people and the environment alike. As a reminder, Africa supplies about two thirds of the world’s cocoa production.

Amazon

Chocolat ; Stéphane Bonnat

Chocolat is a comprehensive, illustrated book that combines science, history and gastronomy. Written by experts, it is enriched with family recipes and recipes from renowned chefs. The book explores the work of an exceptional chocolatier and reveals the behind-the-scenes of a world far from idyllic. Often simplified by advertising, this ingredient deserves the same seriousness as wine or cheese. With his innovative method, Stéphane Bonnat offers a true introduction to this fascinating world.

Eyrolles

Charlie and the Chocolate Factory ; Roald Dahl

Charlie and the Chocolate Factory tells the story of Charlie, a poor boy who wins a golden ticket. This precious pass opens the doors of Willy Wonka’s chocolate factory. There he discovers a magical world, while the other badly behaved children suffer the consequences of their whims. Humble and generous, Charlie ends up inheriting the factory. The novel has two film adaptations, in 1971 and 2005. The sequel, Charlie and the Great Glass Elevator, continues his adventures.

Babelio

Gourmet Comics and Manga

Les Secrets du Chocolat ; Franckie Alarcon

Franckie Alarcon follows Jacques Genin for a year, alongside one of the biggest names in chocolate. A former chef and pastry chef for prestigious houses, this gifted self-taught man shares his passion and know-how. The album recounts the chocolate-making process and reveals several recipes. The journey leads from the chef’s Paris workshop to Peruvian cocoa plantations.

Delcourt

Heartbroken Chocolatier ; Setona Mizushiro

Sohta is in love with Saeko, a young woman hooked on chocolate. After four years of waiting, he finally goes out with her. Yet she suddenly leaves him before Valentine’s Day, despite the chocolates made for her. Determined to win her back, Sohta goes to Paris to become an apprentice chocolatier. His dream: to win her over by becoming a great chocolatier. There, he befriends Olivier, a French otaku who helps him in this adventure. A gourmet saga in nine volumes.

Nautiljon

La Voleuse de Chocolat ; Géo BD by BeKa and Marko

This fourth volume of Géo BD offers an expedition to discover the mysteries of cocoa. The adventure crosses the Andes to the Amazon rainforest. Estéban, a young Ecuadorian boy, sets off with his uncle in search of a rare cocoa bean. Their journey takes them into the heart of the territory of the Shuar, once called “Jivaros”. This people is known for its fearsome head-shrinkers. There, Estéban meets Selva, a young apprentice shaman. Together, they try to stop the Chocolate Thief, ready to do anything to get the precious cocoa. For other links between pop culture and food, the world of Gastronogeek (in French) is worth a look.

Dargaud

On the Big and Small Screen

Chocolat ; Lasse Hallström

The film Chocolat follows Vianne Rocher, who opens a chocolate shop in a conservative French village. Juliette Binoche and Johnny Depp carry this gentle story. Her unique chocolates defy local traditions and transform the lives of many villagers. Among them are a lonely old man, a couple in crisis and a battered woman. The village mayor, guardian of order and authority, opposes her. Little by little, however, Vianne wins hearts and changes minds. The film explores freedom, acceptance and the power of sweetness.

Allociné

School of Chocolate ; Netflix

Eight dessert professionals compete under the eye of famous chef Amaury Guichon. The prize: a unique opportunity to teach a class at his school. Guided by this chocolate master, the contestants push their limits with spectacular creations. Over eight episodes, the pressure rises and the challenges follow one another. Only one contestant finally wins the title of “top of the class”. A thrilling competition, carried by breathtaking chocolate showpieces.

Netflix

La Grande Aventure du Chocolat ; Radio France

This Radio France podcast series dives into the history and economics of cocoa. Weakened by climate hazards, harvests in Côte d’Ivoire and Ghana are sending prices soaring. Chocolate thus risks becoming a true luxury product. Amateurs and industry professionals are worried. Will cocoa remain an affordable treat or become a treasure reserved for a privileged few? These questions are covered over the episodes.

La Grande Aventure du Chocolat

Bonus ; Chocolate in Music

La Femme Chocolat ; Olivia Ruiz

La Femme Chocolat is Olivia Ruiz’s second album, released on 14 November 2005 on Polydor. Selling more than a million copies in France, it reached number one in the album charts. Its title track remains one of the singer’s biggest hits.

Olivia Ruiz

Chocolate