How WWII Soldiers Relied on a Sweet Secret Weapon
When we think of chocolate, we often picture indulgent desserts or holiday treats. But during World War II, this sweet snack played a far more serious role. Did you know chocolate was part of military rations in WWII? U.S. soldiers were issued specially formulated chocolate bars designed to deliver quick energy, withstand harsh conditions, and boost morale in the field. Far from a luxury, chocolate became a strategic tool in the Allied war effort.
A Mission from the Top
The idea to include chocolate in military rations came from the U.S. Army Quartermaster Corps, which approached the Hershey Chocolate Corporation in 1937 with a unique request. The mission? Create a chocolate bar that weighed four ounces, was high in calories, could endure high temperatures, and, most surprisingly, didn’t taste too good.
Yes, you read that correctly. The bar had to be edible—but not enjoyable. Army officials worried that if the bar was too tasty, soldiers would eat it as a snack rather than saving it for emergencies.
Enter the D Ration Bar
The result was the “D Ration” bar. Hershey’s chemists developed a dense, high-energy chocolate bar that packed 600 calories into a small, pocket-sized form. Made with chocolate, sugar, oat flour, and a hint of artificial flavouring, the D Ration bar had a gritty texture and bitter taste. It could survive in the heat of the Pacific, the cold of Europe, and the bottom of a soldier’s rucksack.
While not exactly a gourmet treat, the D Ration bar delivered a quick source of energy, critical during gruelling marches or unexpected situations when food was scarce.
The Heat-Resistant Ration: Tropical Chocolate Bars
As the war moved into even hotter climates, especially in the Pacific theatre, the U.S. military requested an even more heat-resistant version of the chocolate bar. This led to the creation of the “Tropical Chocolate Bar,” another Hershey innovation.
This bar had an even higher melting point and was nearly indestructible in combat zones. Though still far from delicious, it was more palatable than the original D Ration. Millions of these bars were produced and distributed to U.S. troops throughout the war.
More Than Just Calories
Beyond its nutritional value, chocolate had an emotional and psychological impact on soldiers. It reminded them of home and brought comfort during moments of stress or fear. When included in care packages or Red Cross parcels, chocolate lifted spirits and helped soldiers feel connected to the world they were fighting to protect.
It also served as a diplomatic tool. Soldiers would often share chocolate with civilians and children in liberated areas, offering small gestures of kindness and humanity amidst the destruction of war.
The Legacy of Chocolate Rations
After the war, the story of chocolate in WWII military rations became a symbol of innovation, resilience, and support for troops. The success of these ration bars also helped grow the reputation of companies like Hershey’s, which had shown that industry could be mobilized to meet military needs with precision and creativity.
Today, military MREs (Meals Ready to Eat) still often include some form of chocolate, whether in bar form or as a component in desserts. Modern versions are much tastier, but they owe their existence to the unassuming—and often reluctantly eaten—chocolate rations of World War II.
Chocolate in WWII military rations was more than a quirky footnote in history—it was a calculated tool of survival and morale. While soldiers might not have loved the taste, they appreciated what it represented: energy in times of need and a taste of home in the harshest conditions.