Scholastic News: Chocolate Crisis

What is the main ingredient in chocolate that is currently in short supply?

• Sugar

• Cocoa

• Milk

• Vanilla

Which two countries produce nearly two-thirds of the world's cocoa supply?

• Brazil and Colombia

• Indonesia and Malaysia

• Ghana and Côte d’Ivoire

• Mexico and Peru

How does extreme weather affect cocoa crops?

• It makes the cocoa beans grow faster.

• It causes the cocoa pods to become larger.

• It can lead to flooding and droughts, which damage the crops.

• It helps protect the trees from diseases.

What has happened to the price of cocoa since the start of 2024?

• It has decreased.

• It has stayed the same.

• It has more than doubled.

• It has slightly increased.

What is one way candy companies are dealing with the cocoa shortage besides raising prices?

• Using more cocoa in their products

• Making package sizes smaller

• Stopping production of chocolate

• Importing cocoa from new countries

What is the effect of high demand and low supply on the price of a product?

• The price may drop.

• The price may stay the same.

• The price may rise.

• The product may become unavailable.

What is one consequence for cocoa farmers when their trees are infected with diseases?

• They can sell the infected trees for a profit.

• They must cut down the infected trees.

• They can easily find other jobs.

• They receive government support.

What is one prediction experts have made about chocolate prices in U.S. stores?

• Prices will decrease by 10 percent.

• Prices will stay the same.

• Prices could increase by 10 percent or more.

• Prices will double.

What is one example of a new product that contains less cocoa?

• Dark chocolate Kit Kat

• Vanilla-flavored Kit Kat

• Milk chocolate M&M’s

• Peanut butter cups

What should chocolate lovers do according to Kristy Leissle?

• Stop buying chocolate altogether.

• Save a wrapper from their favorite candy bar and compare it in the future.

• Only buy chocolate from local stores.

• Write to candy companies to complain.