The late Queen Elizabeth II may have been known for her disciplined lifestyle and careful eating habits, but the late monarch also harboured a sweet secret that endeared her to chocolate lovers worldwide; she was an unabashed 'chocoholic'. But as is befitting her legacy, her chocolate preferences were as distinguished and particular as her royal tastes. Former Buckingham Palace chef Darren McGrady, who served the royal household from 1982 to 1993, revealed fascinating insights about the Queen's chocolate preferences during a 2018 CNN interview.
"She likes chocolate, but only dark chocolate, the darker the better," McGrady shared, noting that Her Majesty showed little interest in milk or white chocolate varieties. There was one favourite among her most chocolate indulgences which was Bendicks Bittermints, which earned the coveted Royal Warrant in 1962. These after-dinner dark chocolate-covered mint fondants are readily available in British supermarkets for around £5 a box and were frequently spotted in the Queen's private quarters.
Despite their relatively modest price point, these mints held a special place in the Queen's heart, with McGrady confirming they were her "favourite for snacking." The monarch's chocolate consumption was seamlessly integrated into her daily routine, which consisted of four small meals: breakfast, lunch, afternoon tea, and dinner. While she started her day on a simpler note with Earl Grey tea and biscuits, chocolate often made appearances throughout.