Founded in 1824, the legendary candy maker Cadbury has been crafting confections that transcend generations. At its iconic Bournville factory in England, Cadbury produces roughly one million chocolate crème eggs a day, year-round—a staggering feat of sweet engineering.
But beneath the foil lies a tale richer than the fondant inside. Delve into the yummy-in-your-tummy historic beautiful story that is Cadbury.
From Drinking Chocolate to Egg Royalty
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It all began with John Cadbury, a Birmingham shopkeeper selling tea, coffee, and drinking chocolate. By 1831, he and his brother launched a cocoa factory, setting the stage for a revolution in chocolate-making. In 1875, Cadbury introduced its first chocolate egg. By 1923, the company had perfected the filled egg concept, and in 1963, the now-famous Cadbury Creme Egg was born—originally under the Fry’s label, later rebranded in 1971.
The Great Egg Divide: UK vs. US
Not all Cadbury eggs are created equal. In the United Kingdom, the eggs are crafted with rich milk chocolate and creamy fondant, offering a velvety texture and balanced sweetness. In the United States, however, Cadbury eggs are manufactured under license by The Hershey Company, which uses a different recipe—corn syrup-based caramel filling, cocoa butter, and a firmer shell.
The result? A transatlantic taste test reveals that 75% of participants preferred the UK version, citing its smoother texture and more “adult” flavor profile. Meanwhile, the US version leans sweeter, with a candy-bar-like punch.
Why the Difference?
It’s not just taste—it’s trademark. In 2015, Hershey successfully blocked the import of British-made Cadbury products into the US, citing brand confusion. Since then, American consumers have been limited to the domestic version, sparking debates and hashtags like #CremeEggGate.
Cadbury’s Legacy Lives On
Despite recipe tweaks and corporate reshuffles (Cadbury is now owned by Mondelez International), the crème egg remains a seasonal icon. Whether you bite, lick, or savor, it’s a tradition that continues to evolve while staying rooted in its delicious past.
We’re always unwrapping the stories behind the sweets. If you’ve tasted both versions or have a fond Cadbury memory, drop us a comment. Let’s talk chocolate, let’s talk legacy, let’s talk what’s next.
