Chocolate and Literature: Famous British Authors Who Loved Chocolate

The relationship between chocolate and literature is a sweet one, and for many British authors, chocolate was not only a treat but a source of inspiration. From whimsical children's tales to profound works of fiction, chocolate has often found its way into the hearts and homes of Britain’s literary greats.

Today, we explore the connection between some famous British authors and their love for chocolate, and how it inspired their lives and work.

Roald Dahl and "Memories with Food at Gipsy House"

When it comes to British authors with a sweet tooth, few are as famous as Roald Dahl. Known for his fantastical children’s books such as Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, Dahl’s love for chocolate went beyond the pages of his stories. In fact, he was an avid chocoholic in real life.

In Memories with Food at Gipsy House, a cookbook written with his wife, Felicity, Dahl shares his fondness for all things sweet, including chocolate. The book is a collection of personal stories, family recipes, and food memories from their home, Gipsy House. Among these stories, Dahl reflects on the joys of chocolate and, in particular, his love for truffles, famously writing: “I adore so-called truffles as Prestat makes them.” This phrase cemented Dahl’s passion for the luxurious chocolates crafted by Prestat, and it’s no wonder that Charlie and the Chocolate Factory became one of his most beloved works, blending his personal love for chocolate with a sense of wonder and imagination that has delighted generations of readers.

Virginia Woolf: A Literary Love for Chocolate

Though known for her modernist works such as Mrs. Dalloway and To the Lighthouse, Virginia Woolf had a quiet fondness for chocolate that often appeared in her life and letters. Woolf was known to indulge in chocolate during moments of introspection or while entertaining guests at her home. Afternoon teas, a staple of British life, were often accompanied by chocolate treats—an indulgence that Woolf appreciated during her creative process.

In fact, chocolate was sometimes mentioned in her personal writings and letters to friends. It may have been a comfort to her during moments of creative struggle or simply a pleasurable indulgence to enjoy between writing sessions. While Woolf’s works might not have been explicitly filled with chocolate rivers or fantastical candy lands, there’s no doubt that the simple pleasure of chocolate was a source of solace during her literary journey.

J.R.R. Tolkien and His Love for Sweet Treats

J.R.R. Tolkien, the mastermind behind The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings, was also partial to chocolate, among other sweet treats. Tolkien, who spent much of his childhood in Birmingham, would have been no stranger to the influence of the city’s famous Cadbury chocolate factory. His love of tea and cakes is well documented, and chocolate would certainly have been a common feature in the treats he enjoyed while working on his epic novels.

Tolkien’s works often feature feasts and indulgent meals, whether it’s Bilbo Baggins offering cakes and tea in The Hobbit or the Hobbits enjoying second breakfasts. One might imagine chocolate as a quiet indulgence during the late nights and long hours spent crafting Middle-earth.

C.S. Lewis and Chocolate as a Comfort

The beloved author of The Chronicles of Narnia, C.S. Lewis, also enjoyed chocolate, particularly as a comfort during difficult times. Lewis, who experienced the trauma of World War I and the subsequent hardships of the post-war years, found solace in simple pleasures like chocolate and tea. His love for these small comforts often made their way into his writing, where themes of comfort, home, and nourishment are ever-present.

In the world of Narnia, it’s easy to imagine that after the White Witch’s reign, when the eternal winter ended, there might have been an abundance of chocolate treats at the feasts that followed! For Lewis, chocolate represented warmth, comfort, and joy—things he valued deeply both in his personal life and in his literature.

The Timeless Pairing of Chocolate and Literature

For many British authors, chocolate was not just a sweet indulgence but a source of inspiration, comfort, and joy. From Roald Dahl’s whimsical creations to Virginia Woolf’s quiet moments of pleasure, chocolate has long been intertwined with the lives of some of the greatest literary minds. Whether it’s a truffle enjoyed during a creative session or a box of chocolates shared with loved ones, the connection between chocolate and literature remains strong.

Here at Prestat, we understand that chocolate is more than just a treat—it’s an experience. As you settle in with your favourite book, why not pair it with a piece of our exquisite chocolate? After all, you’ll be in good company, following in the footsteps of Britain’s finest authors.