The Queen's Chocoholic Reputation
Former royal chef Darren McGrady, who cooked for the Queen for 11 years, is the primary source behind the public knowledge of her chocolate-loving tendencies. He famously described her as a "chocoholic" and noted that she would always choose a dessert with chocolate from the menu book. Her preference was specifically for dark chocolate; the darker, the better. This reveals a refined palate, opting for the richer, less sweet varieties rather than a sugary milk chocolate.
The Daily Chocolate Biscuit Cake Ritual
While the Queen did not consume a full box of chocolates daily, her most famous and consistent chocolate habit centered around her beloved chocolate biscuit cake. This was an icebox-style cake made with rich tea biscuits and dark chocolate ganache. Chef McGrady detailed the cake's special status:
- It was the only cake that was repeatedly sent to the royal dining room until every last slice was consumed.
- Leftovers would be transported with her via train from Buckingham Palace to Windsor Castle to ensure she could finish it.
- This cake's prestige was so high that it was chosen as Prince William's groom's cake at his wedding.
This daily ritual wasn't an act of gluttony but a consistent, small indulgence she cherished. Her disciplined nature meant she ate moderate portions, but she was insistent on finishing the entire cake over several days.
A Comparison of Royal and Public Chocolate Habits
To put the Queen's chocolate intake into context, it's helpful to compare her habits to general public consumption.
| Aspect | Queen Elizabeth II's Chocolate Consumption | General Public's Chocolate Consumption |
|---|---|---|
| Type of Chocolate | Strictly dark chocolate (60%+ cocoa). Also enjoyed classic mint chocolates. | Widely varies, includes milk, dark, and white chocolate. Preference is often for sweeter, processed versions. |
| Portion Size | Small, measured daily slices of her favourite cakes or a limited number of mints. | Often large, sometimes uncontrolled portions, particularly when eating processed bars. |
| Daily Frequency | Highly consistent, especially with the chocolate biscuit cake until it was gone. | Irregular, often driven by craving or convenience, not necessarily daily. |
| Source | High-end chocolatiers with Royal Warrants (Charbonnel et Walker) and affordable supermarket mints (Bendicks Bittermints). | Supermarket and convenience store purchases are the most common source. |
| Health Implications | Moderation and choice of antioxidant-rich dark chocolate potentially offered health benefits. | High sugar and saturated fat in many public options linked to potential health risks if over-consumed. |
Beyond the Biscuit Cake: Other Royal Chocolate Favorites
While the chocolate biscuit cake was a daily staple, the Queen's love for chocolate extended to other confections as well. She held a Royal Warrant for several chocolatiers and enjoyed different types of chocolate depending on the occasion.
- Bendicks Bittermints: Chef McGrady revealed that a box of these classic British mint chocolates was often kept on a sideboard in her room.
- Charbonnel et Walker: This luxury chocolatier, which holds a Royal Warrant, was used for formal occasions and banquets. Her floral-infused chocolates from this brand were a particular treat.
- Chocolate Perfection Pie: This layered chocolate pie was another of her favorites that she would often select from the menu.
These different forms of chocolate highlight that her affection for the treat was versatile, spanning both the simple and the luxurious, but always with a focus on dark chocolate.
The Moderation of a Monarch
Despite her legendary sweet tooth, the Queen maintained a healthy and disciplined diet for her longevity. Her approach to chocolate was a microcosm of her overall eating habits: small portions of high-quality food, enjoyed consistently. This contrasts sharply with the popular image of a monarch indulging in excesses. She ate to live, not lived to eat, as Chef McGrady remarked, and her chocolate consumption was a testament to this philosophy. Her enjoyment of chocolate was a consistent pleasure, not a fleeting impulse, making the act of eating it a part of her daily, disciplined routine.
Conclusion
So, did the Queen eat chocolate every day? Yes, in a sense. Her daily ritual with the chocolate biscuit cake and other small, consistent indulgences confirms her well-documented status as a chocoholic. However, her habit was characterized by remarkable moderation and discipline, not reckless consumption. Her preference for rich, dark chocolate and a select few high-quality treats is a fascinating insight into the personal tastes of Britain's longest-reigning monarch. This daily indulgence was a cherished, measured part of her life, proving that even a Queen savors her favourite sweets consistently.
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