Scientists create mesmerizing color-changing chocolate without additives

[Shawn Knight]

What just happened? Researchers at ETH Zurich and FHNW University of Applied Sciences and Arts Northwestern Switzerland have figured out a way to make chocolate shimmer with a rainbow-like glow without the use of artificial additives.

It all started with a group of researchers discussing chocolate during their coffee break. Specifically, they wondered if it might be possible to create colored chocolate and set about researching the topic. They stumbled upon - but ultimately rejected - a method that involved applying an edible coating to chocolate as it would be too complex and time consuming for mass production.

Next, they decided to try to make an impression at the surface level and after a few attempts, it worked.

Further refining the process, they were able to go from a slight shimmer to a full-on glow. The technique is similar to how a chameleon’s skin modifies light to exhibit different colors.

The team is wasting little time in monetizing the process. They are working to create a mold that will allow them to imprint multiple pieces of chocolate at once. Furthermore, they are actively holding discussions with major chocolate producers and even hope to launch a spin-off company soon. That means that you may soon be able to purchase chocolate sporting this very technique from your local grocery store.

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https://www.techspot.com/news/83268-scientists-create-mesmerizing-color-changing-chocolate-without-additives.html

 

[VitalyT]

Scientists create mesmerizing color-changing chocolate without additives

Those "scientists" used to be called witches...

 

[MilwaukeeMike]

They stumbled upon - but ultimately rejected - a method that involved applying an edible coating to chocolate as it would be too complex and time consuming for mass production.

They must not have M&Ms in Switzerland

 

[Holyscrap]

There is a major drawback to this method. Heat. The surface imprint would be destroyed even if slightly heated during transfer. Someone touches the wrapper and the imprint is gone. Also if it contracts or expands due to heat the surface could also be ruined.

 

[PurpleYoda]

Interesting it is my understanding that say in US all patents belong to the University that employs scientists and anything they come up with basically while employed belongs to their employer the said University. Am I to understand that in Switzerland that’s not the case? I mean they already talk about creating a spin off company which would suggest that all their research and its results are their property...

 

[imdarkbreeze]

They are overlooking an enormously important factor here. Nobody cares about shimmering chocolate. People care about chocolate that tastes great. Now, if they took this technology and figured out a way to make it work on people, for camouflage or costume/body modification purposes, then people might be interested in actually paying for it.

I don't think anybody REALLY cares, or is willing to pay more, for shimmering chocolate. Seriously, who cares. Invent something worthwhile.

 

[cliffordcooley]

So far away galaxies could actually be chocolate. After all our own is called Milky Way.

 

[pcnthuziast]

I understand the sentiments of novelty, but with food in particular, I've personally never found it compelling in any meaningful way. If they wanna apply this facade tech to whatever random candy without it affecting the price, more power to em. Otherwise they might get an initial burst of impulse buying out of curiosity, but if the candy isn't tasty enough to compete on taste alone or is priced too high, it'll flop.

 

[red1776]

They are overlooking an enormously important factor here. Nobody cares about shimmering chocolate. People care about chocolate that tastes great. Now, if they took this technology and figured out a way to make it work on people, for camouflage or costume/body modification purposes, then people might be interested in actually paying for it.

I don't think anybody REALLY cares, or is willing to pay more, for shimmering chocolate. Seriously, who cares. Invent something worthwhile.

Are you kidding?
Over the past years we have had people having fist fights over Furbys and tickle me Elmo.
Millions of Snuggies, and socks that make sure you don't suffer the inconvenience of having to turn your tv off....
Then there is the Pet Rock in a box, and a fake singing fish mounted to a wood plank that rednecks find hilarious.
And somehow in the last few years they convinced even the big spenders into buying diamonds that are so dirty even the makers of industrial cutters were turning them down by calling them 'Chocolate Diamonds'

Oh yes...they will buy color changing chocolate.

 

[CharmsD]

I don't think anybody REALLY cares, or is willing to pay more, for shimmering chocolate. Seriously, who cares. Invent something worthwhile.

Careful. Some people expected the Iphone to be a colossal failure.

 

[captaincranky]

This is "exciting". Chocolate used to be so boring. I went in brown, and came out brown. Now it goes in iridescent.......and well.....still more than likely, comes out brown.

Maybe they can figure out a way for it to come out iridescent, but I expect that this time, it won't be something they'll be discussing over coffee break or lunch.

 

[Ravey]

They are overlooking an enormously important factor here. Nobody cares about shimmering chocolate. People care about chocolate that tastes great. Now, if they took this technology and figured out a way to make it work on people, for camouflage or costume/body modification purposes, then people might be interested in actually paying for it.

I don't think anybody REALLY cares, or is willing to pay more, for shimmering chocolate. Seriously, who cares. Invent something worthwhile.

I care... I want flashy choccys!

 

[Arris]

Are these scientists employed by Willy Wonka? Sounds like something he'd be into.

 

[Underdog]

This is "exciting". Chocolate used to be so boring. I went in brown, and came out brown. Now it goes in iridescent.......and well.....still more than likely, comes out brown.

Maybe they can figure out a way for it to come out iridescent, but I expect that this time, it won't be something they'll be discussing over coffee break or lunch.

It is well-known that although you can't polish a turd there is nothing stopping you from rolling it in glitter. Its probably on Instructables by now.

 

[Yynxs]

Apparently there are a certain lack of people with girlfriends or prospective wives, not to mention wedding cakes, coming out parties, anniversaries, birth announcements, death announcements!, quinceanera, Mayan basketball, etc. etc. etc. in their personal circles.

It will sell and it will sell very well.